Most Romantic Locations in Georgia For an Engagement Session!
There are tons of beautiful locations for your engagement photos but here are some of my favs!
Cloudland Canyon - Rising Fawn
Cloudland is such a versatile location for engagement sessions! The untamed and stunning location host multiple backdrops for the adventurous couple. You can choose between a no hike, short stroll to a gorgeous overlook of the canyon or a short hike that is under a mile round trip to a magnificent waterfall that roars. If you don’t mind a little bit of a hike and by little I mean about a 100 steps or so to get to the actual waterfall then you will love it here. Me personally, I love it but I don’t love the steps climbing lol. It’s so worth all the effort. Going down is not bad at all, it’s coming back up is what takes the most out of you.
Pro Tip: Be sure to take most of your photos before you head back up because the hike back up will definitely make you sweaty. There is a hidden rock “lookout point” on the trail before you get to the stairs. I highly recommend you get to it and take some pictures over looking the stunning mountains. Also, be on the lookout on where you step because of the snakes.
Piedmont Park - Atlanta
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 photos. I recommend parking at the SAGE Parking Facility. 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!
Pro Tip: If you can be a trooper and wake up early, I recommend sunrise sessions to avoid crowds! Also, there is a farmer’s market that comes there once a month. If you’re a farmers market kind of couple, be sure to grab a few pics here or eat at one of the awesome food trucks!
Green Meadows Preserve - Marietta
This is a park with running trails all around but also has a patch of tall grass that’s rarely ever mowed. The tall grass at sunset makes for some amazing photos. The sunset here is absolutely stunning. If you want to, you can even bring a picnic and make a super cute themed session.
Pro Tip: Watch out for the poison ivy in some spots as well as bugs and spiders in summer!
Also bring a blanket if you plan on sitting so the grass doesn’t poke you.
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 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!
The Beach
If you don’t want to drive to Florida or North Carolina for beach engagement photos, we still have Savannah but you can also go to one of the local ones like:
- Lake Lanier
- Acworth Beach.
You can have gorgeous sunset photos at the beach and then afterwards change into your swimsuit to jump in the water for some super fun photos if that’s your personality. If you are looking for a little getaway alongside your engagement session and want a beach vibe you are in luck! Let's talk about:
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.
Pro Tip: Wear a super flowy dress so that you can have some gorgeous movement photos with your dress flowing against the ocean breeze.
Toccoa Falls - Toccoa
Who doesn’t love waterfalls right? I absolutely love the haze that falling water particles provide in my pictures and I especially love Toccoa Falls because there is NEVER any sun there to get in my photos. It is located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College and is a very short like 3 minutes flat surface hike to the actual falls. The water is a about 6 ish feet deep towards the falls and so if you plan on getting in the water for some photos, you totally can!! This Toccoa Fall Engagement Session is one of my absolute favs.
Pro Tip: The falls now close at 5 PM so plan to go before that. You would go all the way to the back to the white building and enter through the store. Also watch out for snakes during summer.
Arabia Mountain - Lithonia
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.
If you want a mountain feel with not too terrible of a hike then Arabia Mountain is the place to be. It’s a very easy few minutes hike to the mountain part. You can see various plants and colorful vegetation here in the fall and if you go early morning in winter, there is a gorgeous fog that surrounds the place and it even has a beautiful sunrise and sunset!
I do recommend bringing bug spray with you!
Pro tip: Park at the wildlife center and go from there. The GPS will take you to another parking lot if you put Arabia Mountain in it. From that parking lot and the white barn is on your right, the wildlife center is to the left if you keep driving about a mile or two. There is no cell phone network there until you get to the top of the mountain so communicate with whoever you need to before you turn on Klondike road.
Tip 2: If you plan to shoot at the barn, you need to take permission of the owner prior to the shoot since it’s private property and now closed off to outsiders.
Sawnee Mountain - Cumming
I love this place, the view from the top at the look out point is stunning. What I don’t like is the hike you have to take JUST to get to the look out point and there also isn’t a ton of variety up there. The place to hang out is also not very big and covered with rocks but if you don’t mind all that and really want that gorgeous view, then definitely make your way up there. In either case, I assure you, you won’t regret it.
Other adventurous places that you can also wander to are Providence Canyon, Amicoala Falls, Stone Mountain.
Marietta Square - Marietta
Downtown Marietta has seriously some of the cutest nooks and beautiful murals everywhere you turn. You can start at one street and walk two blocks and I guarantee you, you will find 10 places to take pictures. And if afterwards you still want some nature shots, head over to Kennesaw Mountain and frolic a little bit in the field.
Pro Tip: If you want to take full advantage of most of the cute spots, aim to take your photos at sunrise or close to sunset so that there won’t be sun everywhere in your photos or too many people.
Millennium Gate Museum - Atlanta
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.
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!
Cator Woolford Gardens - Atlanta
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.
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!
Swan House - Atlanta
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.
Prospect Farms - Lawrenceville
Prospect Farms is one of Northeast Atlanta’s most sought-after session locations. Its diverse natural backdrops create timeless photos that you’ll cherish forever. From my experience, the best times to visit are early in the morning (8-10 AM) or during sunset (5-7 PM), though these times may vary depending on the season. If you’re looking to create timeless couple portraits, Prospect Farms is the place to go. The beautiful backdrop, unique farm elements, and ample space to pose for fun and adorable photos make it a memorable experience for everyone.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center - Atlanta
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.
OUT OF THE BOX IDEAS
Looking for something non-traditional and super fun that’s unique to you guys, how about do your photos at one of these places below or a lifestyle session doing something you both enjoy doing together such a baking, painting etc. Other fun places you can also use are arcades, mini golf, or our very own Oakland Cemetery if you are into that kind of stuff!
Atlanta Rooftops
If you don’t like the hustle and bustle but yet want the urban look, you may opt for one of the roof tops of the many parking decks in Atlanta that can provide a view of the amazing skyline as well as the ferris wheel. Another one of the amazing locations that provides a great view of the skyline even at night is the rooftop of Ventanas. Do keep in mind that Ventanas charge a fee to utilize their place for photo sessions but the view from their helipad is truly one of the BEST! Me personally, I love me some Atlanta rooftop engagement photo sessions because you can see all the skyscrapers and the skyline.
The Fair
Head on over to the county fair and grab some cotton candy and get cute. You can take pictures riding rides, sharing an ice cream or playing games.
Pro Tip: Go on a weekday and early as soon as it open to avoid the crowd.
Varsity or any other Local Fast Food Place
Love food and have a favorite fast food place that you go to regularly? Why not incorporate that in your engagement photos? One of the restaurants that an iconic Atlanta place is The Varsity. Share a hot dog and take a pic! Other similar places you can go to are Starbucks, a Coffee shop Chick-fil-a, KFC or even head to Target!
