Best places for Engagement Photos near Charlottesville

Are you on the hunt for the best places for Engagement Photos near Charlottesville? Central Virginia is such a beautiful area and the options are endless. However, there are many hidden gems in the area, so let me give you an extensive list of some of the best locations, all within 1.5 hours of Charlottesville Virginia.

University of Virginia

The UVA campus in Downtown Charlottesville boasts beautiful historic architecture, and an unlimited amount of locations to shoot. However, keep in mind that during school hours and graduation season it can be especially crowded. Because of this, summer is my favorite time of the year to shoot here!

Waterperry Farm

Waterperry Farm features stunning, European style gardens, gorgeous arches, decorative pools, and even a view of the mountains. Although there is a fee to photograph here, it is well worth it!

Castle Hill Cider

Located in Keswick Virginia, Castle Hill Cider has elegant sprawling grounds, a white barn, and a lane lined with trees. Basically the perfect place for engagement photos in any season!

Pharsalia

A beautiful flower farm in the mountains, with an Italian vibe, Pharsalia is an absolutely stunning spot for a romantic engagement session! While an hourly fee is required to shoot here, the beauty of it is hard to beat.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is luxurious and extensive, located in downtown Richmond. However, a small fee is required to shoot there, and they have some limitations on the hours and days that sessions can be booked.

Maymont

Maymont is another beautiful garden location in Richmond Virginia. Although no reservation or payment is required to shoot here, the park closes at 5 pm daily.

Bryd Park

Bryd Park is quiet, natural location just a few blocks from Maymont. Since they are so close, it would be easy to shoot at both in one evening!

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The VMFA features beautiful, classic architecture and manicured landscaping right in Downtown Richmond. Also, there is no charge to shoot here. A perfect engagement session spot because the options are endless!

Virginia State Capitol

If you want a high end, city vibe for your session, the Virginia State Capitol is the place to go! Because the classic architecture is primarily white, it is the perfect way to showcase your style.

Raven’s Roost Overlook

An incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains just a short walk from the main road. Although the beauty of Raven’s Roost can’t be improved upon, it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

My Home

I live on a farm 1.5 hours south of Charlottesville, and it is a location exclusive to my clients. If you want a natural location with rolling hills and beautiful sunsets, than a session here is for you!

Swannanoa

While it requires a reservation fee to shoot here, Swannanoa will make your jaw drop with its beauty! It’s basically a grand and luxurious historical estate vibe. What is not to love?

Sweet Briar College

Locations at Sweet Briar College are endless and secluded, and one of my favorites is a wildflower field with a few of the mountains. Sweet Briar is located near Amherst Virginia.

Atelier Studio

A studio session for your engagement photos? Yes please. Atelier Studio is a gorgeous indoor space in Downtown Lynchburg. Utilize their backdrops and some really fun props to make your session unique and different! Also, rather than just doing indoor or outdoor photos, try starting at Atelier and ending at Sweet Briar for two different looks!

Barboursville Vineyards

Shoot photos at the historic ruins, vineyards, secluded lanes, and more at the beautiful grounds at Barboursville Vineyards. Not only is this location stunning, there is no charge to shoot here.

Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall

A unique and fun location in the center of Charlottesville, the Downtown Mall has beautiful architecture and some hidden-away spots perfect for photos. After shooting there, consider going to the top floor of the Water Street Parking garage to finish the evening with sunset photos!

The Market at Grelen

The Market at Grelen is a stunning and unique 100 acre tree nursery North East of Charlottesville. It features a greenhouse and beautiful natural gardens, located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, a fee is required to shoot here after hours.

King Family Vineyards

And lastly, beautiful in every season, King Family Vineyards is one of my favorite locations in Charlottesville. It is spacious, which makes it easy to have a private, relaxed photo session. Also, it has an incredible view of the mountains!

As you begin to plan your engagement session, I hope these locations give you some ideas! Another post you might love: Tips for your Engagement Session!

Finally, Learn more about the full Wedding Experience here!

Thanks for reading!

Jessica Lapp is an engagement and wedding photographer serving Charlottesville Virginia and surrounding areas including DC, Northern Virginia, and Richmond. Elegant wedding photography on film and digital, for couples who want to remember the most beautiful day of their lives in a classic, documentary style.

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