Why choose Atlanta?

Atlanta is one of the most ideal locations for some of the best engagement shoot locations. It is full of unique places, beautiful natural backdrops, an amazing skyline, and elegant historic settings. It’s so hard trying to narrow down the PERFECT location for your engagement photos, so I have put together a list of my favorite spots we’ve photographed at in and around the Atlanta area (in no particular order) to help your search and added some inside knowledge. Although we are more people-centered photographers and can make any location work, a great backdrop always helps!

Our Top 12 Locations

1. Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park has over 200 acres of land, and therefore offers a wide variety of backdrops for your engagement photos. The park has stunning gardens, architectural structures, and a dock overlooking a lake. No matter what your preference is, there is ample natural light to take beautiful light photos. I recommend parking at the SAGE Parking Facility. You can access it through the Botanical Gardens entrance. It is only a few minutes walk from the locations that are pictured below! I also recommend checking in advance the park’s website for upcoming events to ensure that you don’t schedule your session during a time where there will be a major crowd!

TIP: If you can be a trooper and wake up early, we recommend sunrise sessions to avoid big crowds!

2. Arabia Mountain

If you prefer raw nature, Arabia Mountain is the perfect spot. It is a natural granite site that sprawls over 2,000 acres! If you want more adventurous photos, there are hiking trails with breathtaking scenic views. However, if you prefer more enclosed wooded spaces, there are plenty to choose from. I do recommend bringing bug spray with you!

3. Barrington Hall | Roswell

If you want a historical setting with a wide versatility of styles, this is the place. Barrington hall was built in 1839 in a Greek revival architectural style. It boasts wide columns, and beautiful green lawns to offset the white exterior. But if that still doesn’t convince you, the outdoors also contains a gazebo, fountains, and rose gardens. They require a fee to photograph here, but we cover that fee when you book with us!

4. Swan House

If you are going for a more elegant backdrop, the facade of this mansion can’t be rivaled. This mansion offers a look of grandeur, combined with history. The grand staircase offers countless opportunities for beautiful pictures. Swan house also features a rose garden, boxwood garden, and a Japanese garden which offer even more chances to set up great photos. The best part, Swan House was brought into the spotlight when The Hunger Games featured the property as a backdrop for one of their scenes. THAT explains the hefty photo permit fee of $500 to shoot there.

5. Millenium Gate Museum

Located in the heart of Atlanta, the museum offers a unique blend of classical and modern design elements, making it an ideal backdrop for any engagement shoot. The museum’s grand entrance is modeled after the ancient Roman Arch of Titus and offers a dramatic backdrop for your photos. Inside the museum there are a variety of settings, including gardens, a replica of the oval office, and a stunning rotunda with a painted ceiling. Since each area has a different aesthetic, you can portray a whole range of emotions and moods. There is a photo permit fee of $200 minimum for up to 2 hours.

6. Berry College | Rome

This is one of the most beautiful spots in the state! It’s not IN Atlanta, but just over an hour drive north, and WELL WORTH IT! whether you want a natural, rustic vibe or a more elegant, formal one, Berry College absolutely has it all. It has breathtaking scenery, including rolling hills, open fields, lakes and gardens. Also, the campus is home to several historic buildings, including the iconic ford buildings and the beautiful frost chapel. There are countless opportunities for unique photos. Due to its size, you will definitely need to drive around campus if you want to utilize some of the best spots.

Upon arrival at the entrance to the campus, you will just need to present your driver’s license to enter. The campus currently does not charge a photo permit fee (thank goodness, because our couple’s love this location!). As long as we can all continue to respect the grounds and avoid any littering with glitter, confetti, etc., the campus will continue to keep their gates open to those who wish to have their portraits here!

7. Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is a fantastic place with a diverse range of backdrops that can add depth and character to your photos with an upscale city vibe. One of the main reasons is the vibrant arts district full of street murals, graffiti, sculptures, and historic buildings. Some of my favorite spots are the Federal Reserve Bank and the surrounding area. Parking in one of the nearby parking decks can cost anywhere from $10-$20 from our experience. But here’s a secret: One of the local shops can validate your parking in their parking garage if you buy something like, say, a bottle of water!

Bonus: rooftop parking deck shots towards the end of your session are perfect for the glowy light and skyline!

8. Cator Woolford Gardens

One of the main reasons why the Cator Woolford Gardens is such a popular location for engagement photoshoots is its stunning natural beauty. With its towering trees, blooming flowers, and charming water features, the garden offers a diverse range of backdrops that are sure to make your photos stand out. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, woodland feel or a more elegant, garden-style setting, the Cator Woolford Gardens has something to offer. No matter what backdrop you are looking for, all your pictures will have an extremely romantic feel!

FYI: This location does require a photo permit fee of $100 per hour, and you can only utilize the garden at specific times of the day.

9. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

This location is perfect because of its versatility. The center has a variety of locations that can be used for photos, including the formal gardens, the grand staircase, and the historic mansion. This allows for a diverse range of photos that capture your unique personalities and styles. The gardens are well-maintained and offer a variety of colors and textures that make for stunning photos!! Just recently, they implemented a mandatory photo permit fee of $100 per hour. Photography on the grounds are also limited to Monday through Thursday during their normal business hours from 9AM to 4PM.

10. Montaluce Winery | Dahlonega

This winery is located in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains and offers incredibly beautiful scenic areas. The breathtaking views of the vineyard and surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop for your photos. That’s not all! You can also choose from the lake, garden, or even the winery itself. No matter which backdrop you choose, your photos will absolutely stand out. You don’t need a permit, but you do just have to sign a waiver at the main front desk. I recommend calling ahead of time to ensure no event/wedding is taking place because you would be restricted to certain locations on the property. BONUS: You can relax and enjoy wine afterwards, overlooking the vineyard!

11. Driftwood Beach | Jekyll Island

This is a great destination engagement shoot location due to its natural beauty. The driftwood trees and the surrounding nature create a serene and peaceful environment, making it a perfect place to capture romantic moments. The beach also provides a tranquil and intimate atmosphere that will help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your photo shoot. The contrast between the driftwood, ocean, and sunset makes for perfect versatility. There are no fees; However, afternoons during peak seasons can attract a big crowd and other photographers.

12. Turnipseed Nursery Farms | Fayetteville

The natural beauty of the farm provides a stunning backdrop for photos. The expansive fields of gardens, rows of fruit trees, and vibrant flowers offer a variety of textures and colors that will make your photos pop. The farm also features charming rustic buildings and vintage farm equipment that can add an extra touch of character to your photos. You can walk hand-in-hand through the orchards or explore the fields together, creating romantic moments that will be captured in your photos. Best of all, the owner is SO nice and accommodating. This location does require an hourly fee of $75. Also, Bring bug spray!!!! I can’t tell you how many times I got bit while we were shooting this engagement session!

Comment below if you have any other location recommendations or tips!

Ready to book your engagement session?