Table of Contents:

• FAQ’s About Virginia Engagement Sessions
• Best Outdoor & Nature Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos
• Best Urban Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos
• Best Indoor Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos
• Virginia Engagement & Couples Photographer

As a Virginia local, I’ve got all the best locations up my sleeve for your engagement session, whether you’re envisioning photos in front of mountain views, along the waterfront, or inside of a historic English manor. I know just how challenging it can be to pick the perfect place, so I’ve curated this list of the 16 most beautiful locations for engagement photos in Virginia! 

If you’re wondering…

• Whether or not you need a permit for your photoshoot
• How to choose outfits you’ll feel confident in
• What type of setting is best for the session you’re envisioning
• Which locations offer the most versatile backdrops

Then you’re in the right place, friend: I’ve covered it all in this guide! Make sure to bookmark this page to come back to as you consider your options—or reach out to me directly for help choosing the right place for you 🙂

FAQ’s About Virginia Engagement Sessions

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of my favorite locations, I wanted to answer a couple of common questions I get from my couples!

Do you need a permit for engagement sessions in Virginia?

It depends. Certain locations, like state parks, private residences, and publicly-owned land, may require a permit and/or reservation for your session, but most of the locations on this list don’t. If getting a permit isn’t a task you’re looking to add to your to-do list, I totally get it. We’ll be sure to find a spot where we can just show up and start shooting, no documents needed!

How do we prepare outfits for our Virginia engagement photos?

Ahh, great question! Choosing a location for your engagement session is only half the work—the rest comes with picking your outfits and accessories. It’s so easy to overthink this part of it: what color do I wear? Patterns or no patterns? Which shoes? How much jewelry is too much?!

Fortunately for you, you won’t need to figure this out on your own: all of my engagement sessions include a Curated Session & Outfit Guide to help you feel like your most fashionable, confident self in front of the camera. Inquire now to start planning—I’m in this with you!

Need a little inspo? Go admire Anna & Ryan’s engagement session outfits real quick and just tell me you’re not OBSESSED with Anna’s long-sleeve maxi dress. 

Best Outdoor & Nature Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos

I’m so excited to share this list of the best places to take engagement photos in Virginia! 

Let’s start off with outdoor & nature-focused locations for couples who crave stunning scenery, fresh air, and opportunities to explore.

1. Back Creek Valley Overlook | Roanoke, VA

Mountain backdrops? Check.

Gorgeous green trees? Check.

Wide-open fields just begging to be strolled through by an adorable couple in love? Triple check.

Back Creek Valley Overlook is the perfect spot for engagement photos near Roanoke with the dreamiestttt mountain views. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, along Bent Mountain Road, this is a total hidden gem that should honestly be way more popular than it is! Especially because, get this: there’s no hiking required. 

Yep, you can access these open fields, mountain scenery, and shaded areas of trees with minimal effort—making this a great location for couples who need/want something easy to access! They recently added a walking path nearby, too, making this spot extra versatile, accessible, and ready to be explored.

Honestly, you could just drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and pull over anywhere that it’s safe to do so, and be met with incredible views. Anyone down for a little engagement session roadtrip through the mountains? 🙋

2. Carvins Cove | Roanoke, VA

Carvins Cove is one of my personal favorite spots in the area, located about seven miles from the north side of Roanoke and spanning over 12,000 acres of gorgeous landscapes. You’ll find pine forests, 60+ miles of hiking trails, and a huge reservoir that offers the perfect mountain & lakeside vibe. 

Don’t be intimidated by the large trail system, though—there are plenty of short trails you can take if you’d like to add some greenery into your photos; otherwise, enjoy the wide-open views of the mountain reflections in the water! In the fall, the tide moves out and there’s even a little “beach” area that we can walk around & take photos on. It’s truly beautiful in every season!

3. Maymont | Richmond, VA

Nestled in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, lies a breathtaking 100-acre oasis filled with lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, charming stone walkways, and to top it all off—an elegant mansion. This versatile setting offers the perfect backdrop for engagement photos, seamlessly blending natural beauty with historic charm. The expansive grounds provide a sense of privacy and tranquility, while the diverse gardens inspired by different cultures transport you to another world altogether. The Maymont Mansion adds a touch of vintage luxury, elevating your session with timeless elegance. If you’re seeking a romantic escape to slow down and soak in the scenery along with a picture-perfect location to celebrate your love, Maymont Park is an ideal choice!

4. Ravens Roost | Lyndhurst, VA 

Ravens Roost is a very popular photo spot for a reason, with gorgeous 180-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and winding valleys. No need to hike to get to these stunning views—simply park in the lot, hop out of your car, and explore. The overlook is fairly small, so it’s best to visit during the week when it’s much less busy and the lot isn’t as likely to be full! There are a few little walking trails to explore, as well as a flat rocky area that was practically made for photoshoots.

It’s important to note that the Ravens Roost overlook can be closed in the winter months or anytime there’s bad weather, as it’s on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can always follow along with Blue Ridge Parkway road status and closures here for live alerts. Don’t worry if it’s cloudy up at the top, though—the backdrop is just as breathtaking with cloudy, overcast skies and adds a little romance & mood to every photo!

5. Devil’s Knob Overlook | Lyndhurst, VA

Another spot that’s super close to Ravens Roost is Devil’s Knob, an overlook accessible via Devil’s Knob Trail (which starts at the Blue Ridge Overlook), or the parking lot directly across from the overlook. The views are very similar to those at Ravens Roost, except it’s grassy instead of rocky, so you can kinda choose the setting that fits what you’re looking for. Ravens Roost will always be my favorite, but Devil’s Knob is a great secondary option in case the Parkway Road to Ravens Roost is closed! Plus, it’s typically less crowded, as long as there’s not a wedding happening at Wintergreen Resort—in which case the trail and overlook may not be open to the public.

6. Cahas Mountain Overlook | Callaway, VA 

Also located on the Blue Ridge Parkway is Cahas Mountain Overlook, offering iconic views of Cahas Mountain. Since this overlook is essentially an open field with a mountain in the background, it’s not a super versatile location—but it is pretty and easy to access without hiking. So it’s a great option to pair with another location nearby to add variety to your gallery! One thing to note is that the sun sets opposite of the overlook, so you won’t get those sunny golden hour photos here unless we do a sunrise session; in which case, say hello to gorgeous, glowy golden lighting if the skies are clear.

7. Bald Knob | Pembroke, VA

If you’re down to take on a small hike for your engagement photos, Bald Knob is a great option. Bald Knob Trail is just under a mile round trip, with 400 feet of elevation gain as you head up the path to Bald Knob. The views of the New River Valley at the top are absolutely gorgeous, and made even better at sunset! The overlook has plenty of space to roam around, and offers a pretty private place to cozy up together and enjoy the views. 

Be aware that although this trail is short, it gets steep and very rocky in certain sections. Sturdy shoes and hiking poles will be your best friends!

8. Turtle Island Trail | Smith Mountain Lake, VA

This may be a quick and easy trail, but it’s absolutely gorgeous! Starting at the parking lot off SR 888, Turtle Island Trail takes you 1.3 miles along a low-effort trail, through wooded areas and waterways to Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The greenery along this trail is so vibrant in the spring and summer, and the little rocky shores along the water are a dream come true for romantic lakefront engagement photos!

Want to see this breathtaking lake in action? Take a peek at Elizabeth and Griffin’s Smith Mountain Lake Engagement Session on their family’s property, where we not only took photos on and around the lake but… in the lake itself. 

9. Heritage Community Park and Natural Area | Blacksburg, VA

If you’ve loved all the spacious, open fields and mountain-view locations on this list so far (let’s be honest, who wouldn’t?), then you’re going to love this next one, too. Heritage Community Park is part of a beautiful 169-acre natural area in Blacksburg with open meadows, wildlife, and floodplains. The Community Park Loop offers a great ~2-mile walk with minimal elevation gain, taking you around the park, requiring a little bit of light uphill walking to get to the large overlook. I recently photographed a proposal here, and the evening sunshine & mountain views were such a lovely backdrop for the surprise engagement!

Best Urban Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos

Interested in taking your Virginia engagement photos at a more urban location? I’ve got a few favorites that offer just the charming, fun city vibes you’re looking for!

10. Downtown Roanoke, VA

Roanoke is one of the most beautiful cities in Virginia (though I may be biased), and downtown Roanoke truly has it all! From rooftop overlooks to marble buildings, and bustling farmers markets to delicious local breweries, it’s got all the downtown vibes you’re craving for your urban engagement photos. There are all kinds of restaurants, shops, museums, and markets to explore, so you could have a really fun session with an activity or two included to add to your experience!

You also have the option to add on a visit to the bar at Hotel Roanoke when you book my Deluxe Engagement Session, which includes an additional location within 15 minutes, one additional outfit, and 30 extra minutes of session time. More photos, pre-prohibition cocktails in a historic pub, and a whole outfit change? Wins all around 🥂

I absolutely loved taking Makayla & Kevin’s engagement photos in downtown Roanoke! We ran around the city to find panoramic rooftop views, gorgeous brick buildings, and the coolest spiral staircase that I’m still obsessed with.

11. Downtown Lynchburg, VA

While I obviously love downtown Roanoke, downtown Lynchburg is personally my favorite local location! Stone stairways, historic buildings, picturesque outdoor spaces, and an elevator that I love for fun, sexy photos. This city is so vibrant, charming, and cozy all at the same time, and has plenty of hidden gems for every couple & every type of engagement session.

And guess what? You’ve got that same option to upgrade to my Deluxe Engagement Session for an additional location & outfit—this time adding a nearby park location to your session for some greenery and extra versatility. The park even grows cherry blossoms in the spring, which you won’t want to miss! 🌸

12. Downtown Charlottesville, VA

I also adore downtown Charlottesville for Virginia engagement sessions, especially if they take place at the Charlottesville Historic Mall—like Jessie and Sam’s did 😉 With an abundance of local restaurants, breweries, cafes, and markets to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city during your session! I personally recommend turning your shoot into a date night, maybe popping by my favorite sushi spot, Ten Sushi for dinner, or Zocalo at the downtown mall.

13. Old Town Alexandria, VA

Old Town Alexandria is a beloved destination in Virginia for both locals and tourists alike. It’s a super quaint, charming historic district on the Potomac River waterfront, not too far from DC. With over 200 restaurants, boutiques, and shops along the waterfront, Old Town Alexandria is super walkable—making it amazing for your engagement session if you want to walk around, enjoy the sights, and admire the gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century architecture! You really can’t go wrong with engagement photos here, whether you take a sightseeing cruise on a water taxi, find a speakeasy for a romantic date night, visit the Old Town Farmer’s Market (the oldest in the country!), or simply meander through the cobblestone streets and enjoy each other’s company.

Best Indoor Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos

Finally, I’ve got a few indoor locations in Virginia for engagement sessions, all of which offer a bit more of a unique atmosphere than the rest of the outdoor/urban spots on this list! I love all three of these for couples who are craving something a little different, and are down to play around & get creative.

14. Taubman Museum of Art | Roanoke, VA

If you’re taking your engagement photos in downtown Roanoke, consider popping into the Taubman Museum of Art. Just pretend like you’re on an afternoon date at the museum, wandering through the beautiful halls as you explore exhibitions, admire the award-winning architecture, and eventually head back out into the streets for portraits in front of the dramatically-shaped building. The Taubman Museum does require a photography permit to photograph on site, you can find more information about permits on this page.

15. The Virginia House | Richmond, VA

Or maybe you’d prefer the atmosphere of a historic manor house over roaming the hallways of an art museum—we can make that happen! The Virginia House is a former English manor house located in Richmond, operated by the Virginia Historical Society. It’s an incredible home with all kinds of different rooms filled with antiques, gorgeous carpets, and the most lavish decor; plus, the 8 acres of lush gardens and grounds make it such a spectacular place to explore. The greenery and landscapes surrounding the home are to die for, full of texture, color, and design that’ll make every photo a masterpiece! Virginia House does require a photography permit and rental to photograph on their grounds, you can find more information about permits on this page.

16. Swannanoa | Afton, VA

Last but not least is the most one-of-a-kind location on this list, Swannanoa—a historical Italian Renaissance Revival villa in Afton, VA. Built in 1912, this historical venue is open seasonally from May through November, offering a wildly beautiful 23,000-square-foot mansion on Afton Mountain, as well as amazing grounds and restored gardens. Stained glass windows, imported Italian marble interiors, grand staircases… it’s all magical. Keep in mind that Swannanoa does have fees for photoshoots that you’ll need to budget for, which you can find listed on this page.

Virginia Engagement & Couples Photographer

Are any of these Virginia engagement session locations calling to you yet? 

I hope so, because you’ve got a local Virginia engagement photographer right here who is dying to see which one(s) you pick. Check out my portfolio to see if my joyful, timeless, and elegant style is what you’re looking for. And if you’re hoping to save some money and are also looking for a wedding photographer, all of my wedding packages 8 hours and up include a complimentary 1 hour engagement session! Perfect for save the dates, engagement announcements, or just hanging on the wall.

Inquire here so we can start making your engagement photo dreams a reality! Can’t wait to hear from you.