Raleigh Engagement Photo Locations
Our Favorite Raleigh Engagement Photo Locations
We love living in the City of Oaks, and we also love doing engagement photos in Raleigh. This list includes some of our favorite Raleigh engagement photo locations, but we’ve also got a list of engagement photo locations we like in the greater Triangle area, PLUS this list of offbeat engagement session ideas.
One extra note, several of these locations require permits and/or reservations, so make sure to check with us about that as we finalize your engagement photo session!
And while you’re planning your Raleigh engagement photos, make sure to check out our wedding guide:
Raleigh Warehouse District
The warehouse district downtown is probably my favorite spot for Raleigh engagement photos. So many backdrops: modern & weathered industrial, the train station, Nash Square Park, a quick hop over to Boylan Bridge and the Raleigh skyline, etc.
For inspiration, check out Chris & Summer
Raleigh skyline
Speaking of the skyline… Raleigh has a couple of buildings that give it personality and having a skyline backdrop is a great way to incorporate the city vibes. There are a few great spots for the skyline, and we’ll definitely want to talk timing to grab this shot if it’s a must-have for you!
For inspiration, check out Rosie & Chris
Downtown Raleigh, Capitol
For color and energy (we love both!) it’s hard to beat downtown areas. Downtown Raleigh has some great spots for engagement photos, starting with the area around the Capitol building. The Capitol grounds themselves, great murals, museums and more.
For inspiration, check out Lisa & Josh
Downtown, City Market
Another great spot in downtown Raleigh is the City Market district. In addition to the cobblestones and market lights in City Market proper, Moore Square Park is right there too. There’s usually time for a couple different locations if you’re happy to walk around downtown.
For inspiration, check out Jessica & Matt
JC Raulston Arboretum
So far, everything has had a distinctly urban feel. But Raleigh has natural areas too!! The JC Raulston Arboretum is pretty big, so there are plenty of great photo spots. From a Japanese garden to water features to roses, there’s something for everyone.
For inspiration, check out Samantha & Anthony
NC State Campus
You don’t have to be part of the Pack to appreciate the photogenic spots on NC State’s campus. If you do have an emotional connection to the campus, it’s even more awesome. If you two met at State, boom – engagement photos on campus are the perfect way to celebrate.
For location inspiration, check out a grad session
Yates Mill Park
A little bit out of town is an old mill that’s the central feature at Yates Mill Park. There’s a lake, trails, the Mill “waterfall”, and a boardwalk style bridge across the lake. This and Lake Crabtree (next) are perfect if you want an outdoors vibe.
For inspiration, check out Lisa & Josh
Lake Crabtree Park
In addition to the lake it’s named for, Lake Crabtree Park has fantastic tree cover that turns beautifully in the fall. It’s also just off 40 on the Raleigh side of RTP.
Other good parks in the area: Umstead, Pullen, Duke Gardens.
For inspiration, check out Liz & Rikki’s elopement
Your wedding venue
Some venues include time for a portrait session as part of their wedding bookings, but even if your venue doesn’t, if you love the grounds or the look, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
We believe that love is bright and colorful. And love is FUN.
Your wedding photographs should be fun, bright, and colorful too. Kivus & Camera are Raleigh wedding photographers who create unforgettable, breath-taking photographs. Your photos will stand out from the crowd. Your wedding story will be cemented by beautiful, artistic portraits AND enthusiastic, genuine moments. Want to know more? Click below. Can’t wait to hear from you!
