Where Should We Do Our Engagement Photos?

This is always one of the first questions I get from couples after they book their wedding with me. All of my full day wedding packages come with a complimentary engagement session, so usually, after booking, we begin planning! I absolutely love engagement sessions because there is no timeline, I get to know my couples a bit more before their wedding day, and I feel like they are more laid back than a wedding day photo shoot. I have several locations that I find myself visiting again & again for engagement photos, depending on what the couple envisions for their shoot. Here are some of my very favorites!

Knoxville Botanical Gardens

The Knoxville Botanical Gardens are located in East Knoxville, just a few minutes outside of downtown. This is always a go-to location for me year round. The light is always great, there is wonderful shade for the super sunny days, and the stone architecture is so pretty. The gardens span many, many acres, so there is always somewhere new to go to change up the vibe of the shoot depending on what the couple likes.

Downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville is another choice that works no matter the season! I love the architecture & variety that you can get shooting downtown. There are also so many great spots-from Market Square to Gay Street, Old City to Jackon Avenue, a parking garage rooftop, or even your favorite bar or coffee shop. You can really make downtown Knoxville yours for your engagement photo session!

Seven Islands State Birding Park

This location is technically in Kodak, TN-in between Sevierville & Knoxville. Seven Islands is especially beautiful in the spring, summer, & fall when flowers are blooming & the grass is green. There is a little more walking involved to get to my favorite photo spots, but it is all paved and gives us time to talk along the way. There is a little mountain view at the end of the half mile trail as well as tall grass and great, golden light! I usually see deer & wildlife every time I am there! This is a great choice if you like nature & serenity.

The Bleak House

The Bleak House is a beautiful, historic home located off of Kingston Pike in Knoxville-super close to downtown & the UT campus. They rent the house by the hour for photography, so sessions here have to be arranged in advance (and I am happy to do that for you!). The iconic “white room” at the back of the house has wonderful lighting year round & gives a great option for “iffy” weather days. The rest of the house is very “vintage” looking. Think old money, southern vibes. There is also a private garden in the back of the home that overlooks the Tennessee River. Absolutely stunning! And you’ll have the place to yourselves!

Melton Hill Park

Melton Hill Park is located in the Hardin Valley area of West Knoxville. The things I love about this park are the views of the water & rocky cliffs, the tall grass, and the fishing dock. You can get alot of different looks in a fairly small area! And the sun sets in a wonderful spot for those dreamy golden hour vibes. I’ve even had couples get into the water which is super fun & playful in the summer time!

Your Wedding Venue!

I often have couples ask if we can do engagement photos at their wedding venue, and I love this option! I love being able to wander the property & find out which spots are their favorites and hearing more about the plans for their big day! There is just a special vibe visiting the place where you will be saying your “I-do’s” in a few short months. This is also a great idea if you want to capture your venue in a different season. For instance, maybe you’re getting married in October during the peak of leaf season but want spring photos with the spring greens & bright flowers-the best of both worlds! If you’re not sure if your venue allows this, just ask! Most do-especially on weekdays when they aren’t hosting other weddings or events.

What if I Want Something Else?

Well, let’s do it! I am literally open to whatever you have in mind-within reason. Haha! I’ve had couples do shoots on their family farm, in a private flower field, in a studio, and depending on the season-there might be something super special I can tell you about (like Christmas lights downtown or my favorite yellow flower field in the spring). Most importantly, these are YOUR photos & they should look and feel like you. My goal is to give you a gallery of images that you can use for invites, your wedding website, hang around your home, and give as Christmas presents. I want you to cherish your photos forever, and choosing the right location is the first part of making that happen!