If you’re here, I’m guessing that your special someone popped the question and you’re officially engaged! How exciting! Now it’s time to take some engagement photos to tell everyone the big news! Louisville is a beautiful city but if you don’t take photos often, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best places in the city to capture this special moment. Well, you came to the right place! Engagement photos are my favorite kind of photos to take and I have found some amazing spots to take them over the years! Keep scrolling to see my Top 10 Louisville Engagement Photo Locations.
Beckley Creek Park
By far my most frequented location for engagement photos is Beckley Creek Park! Part of the Parklands system in East Louisville, Beckley Creek is a beautiful spot for classic outdoor engagement photos in spring, summer, or fall. This park is SO versatile, giving you a variety of different backgrounds all in one spot. Woodsy trails, access to water, paved pathways, seasonal wildflowers, and more! Plus, I purchase an annual photography permit so for my clients it is completely free to shoot here! If you’re looking for outdoor photos that capture the beauty of Kentucky foliage, Beckley Creek may be the spot for you!
Spring at Beckley Creek
Summer at Beckley Creek
Fall at Beckley Creek
St. James Court
St. James Court in downtown Louisville is a beautiful spot for couples looking for engagement photos with a bit more architecture than a classic park. Stroll down the street surrounded by the historic homes of the Belgravia district, pose in front of the iconic fountain, and climb the steps of the Conrad-Caldwell Museum. Adjacent to St. James Court is Central Park. The park includes several winding paths that make for beautiful photos in any season. This is a free location to take engagement photos with no permit required.
Spring at St. James Court
Summer at St. James Court
Fall at St. James Court
Winter at St. James Court
A Favorite Local Bar
This is not a precise location recommendation but some of my favorite engagement sessions have been at the couple’s favorite local bar, brewery, or distillery! Here in the heart bourbon country, it just makes sense. If going out for a drink is something you and your partner do regularly, this may be a fun option to discuss! We will definitely need to call ahead and make sure the establishment allows photography. I do recommend doing these kind of sessions on weekdays and if possible, during mid/late afternoon to avoid lunch or dinner crowds.
Falls of the Ohio State Park
The Falls of the Ohio is a hidden gem right across the state line into Indiana. The first time I shot an engagement session here I could not believe that I was still in the midwest. The photos felt very coastal to me! There is a park with more classic trees and walkways nearby before we take the trek down to the actual falls. We can even capture the Louisville skyline from across the river. In summertime, this spot makes for the most gorgeous golden hour! This location does have a bit of a caveat attached as the beauty of it is very much dependent on the water level in the falls. If it’s a dry season, we may need to make another selection!
Cherokee Park
Cherokee Park is another Louisville classic! The 2.3 mile scenic loop offers a wide variety of photos spots for couples looking for a more natural setting. Winding trails, water features, and bridges add different photo opportunities around the park. Dog hill offers beautiful golden hours in the summer months. And the park turns all kinds of gorgeous autumnal colors in the fall. While I haven’t done many engagement sessions here, Cherokee Park is an excellent option!
Downtown Louisville
One of my other most frequent locations for engagement photos in Louisville is downtown! There are SO many options for couples looking for a more urban setting for their session. Whether we enjoy golden hour atop a downtown parking garage, take a stroll across Big Four Bridge, explore Waterfront Park, or utilize the gorgeous black marble columns of the Humana building, Downtown Louisville has so much to offer. Our small but mighty city makes a pretty amazing backdrop for engagement photos. Downtown is truly one of my favorite Louisville engagement photo locations.
A Go-To Date Spot
Another customizable recommendation! Engagement photos should reflect you as a couple so consider choosing your favorite date spot for your session. Whether you love grabbing ice cream on summer nights, have a tradition of going to a local coffee shop every Saturday morning, or met in a bowling league, all of these can be great ideas for engagement photos that express something unique about your relationship! Again, there are some stipulations about these kinds of locations – we will want to check to make sure the establishment permits photography and we may want to schedule to avoid busy times but otherwise, the world is our oyster!
In-Studio
In-studio sessions are a fun option for couples who are looking for photos where weather is not a concern! I highly recommend studio sessions for couples with a tight timeline who need engagement photos done in the winter months. Even in the warmer months, studio sessions allow for tons of creativity and create a super intimate photography experience! If you don’t like the idea of doing PDA at a public park or if you just love the look of a bright studio set, ask about an in-studio location for your engagement photos! Studio prices vary across the Louisville area but my clients have free access to my studio if this is the route they choose!
Louisville Public Library
The main branch of the Louisville Public Library downtown is a sneaky little hidden gem with indoor and outdoor options. Gorgeous marble columns, grand staircases, stained glass ceilings, and classic murals make for elegant and romantic portraits. This is a great location for winter months as the whole session can be done indoors. But if the weather is nice, the exterior of the library also offers unique architecture elements, beautiful spring and fall foliage, and gets great golden hour light! This location is completely free to shoot in as long as you are there during the library’s open hours!
Papa Johns Park
Last but not least, Papa Johns park is a beautiful park located on the east side of Louisville. I always seem to end up here in the fall but it is gorgeous in spring and summer too! If you’re looking for a water element in your engagement photos, Papa Johns Park has a beautiful waterfall that is a perfect backdrop to capture your engagement. Along with a variety of walkways and bridges, this park gives you tons of options that will add a lot of interesting elements to your engagement gallery. Papa Johns park is free with no photography permit required.
There you have it folks! My Top 10 Louisville Engagement Photo Locations! I hope you got a little inspiration for your upcoming engagement photos in Louisville. This is such an exciting time and I hope you soak it all up! If you’re still looking for a photographer to take these special photos, I’d love to chat about your vision! Head on over to my Contact Page to reach out to me! I’d love to capture your love!
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