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Great Falls Park Engagement Photos

There’s no doubt about it.

Great Falls National Park is one of the best places to take Engagement photos in Virginia.

A bold statement, I know, but let me show you why.

What Makes Great Falls National Park a Great Location for Engagement Photos?

1. Variety of Scenery

Whether you’re looking for those epic waterfall engagement photos, a whimsical forest vibe, or just a casual picnic and a stroll with your sweetheart, Great Falls National Park has exactly what you’re looking for.

At my last Adventure Session at Great Falls, I was joking with the couple about how it’s almost a shame that the beautiful forests and boulders in the park have to compete with the mind-blowing waterfall views because, in other parts of the state, forests that pretty would be a destination of their own, but at Great Falls, the trails through the forests are usually relatively empty — which makes them a great spot to hang out away from the crowds.

2. Epic Sunsets

From the Virginia side of the park, (Great Falls National Park spans the Potomac River, and so there is a “Virginia side” and a “Maryland side”) depending on the time of year, as the sun sets you get a bit of golden “alpenglow” on the north bank of the river, which looks absolutely magical.

Not to mention the sunset colors reflecting off the falls!

3. Fun for Different Activity Levels

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a casual afternoon in a park, Great Falls Park has exactly what you’re looking for.

For the adventurer, here are some of the awesome hiking trails in the area. You’ll find everything from easy wooded walks to scrambles up rock faces!

4. Dog-Friendly

Not all State and National parks allow dogs, but Great Falls does! This means it’s a great location to consider if you want to include your dog in some of your engagement photos.

Pro-tip for taking engagement photos with your dog: have a friend or family member come along who can either walk around with your dog for the rest of the session or take them home.

You might not think about how distracting it will be to have your dog with you for the whole session, but it can make it very difficult to focus on your partner and just having a great time together.

I mean, come on, there’s nothing romantic about crouching to pick up poop with a baggie and then carrying that baggie around with you.

5. Great Spot for a Picnic

Picnics are a fun activity to include as part of your engagement session, and Great Falls has several sprawling lawns that are perfect for picnics! If you’re feeling unconventional, there are also large boulders in the park that could make a fun picnic spot!

6. Ample Parking

Easy parking can be a hot commodity at National Parks. Couple that with the fact that this park is in Northern Virginia and the fact that there’s easy parking is almost miraculous!

Entry to the park includes parking and is $20 per car or $10 per person if you park outside the park and walk in. However, I recommend that you get the yearly pass! You can either buy a park-specific pass, or a pass that grants you access to any national park.

7. Convenient Location for DC and Northern Va

You don’t have to travel all the way out to Sky Meadows State Park or Shenandoah National Park to find great wild spaces near Washington DC and Northern Virginia!

“City Vibes” or cherry blossoms aren’t your only options for Engagement photos in the DC area! You can have an adventurous, natural, green engagement session within just a short drive.

Have you been to Great Falls National Park? Did you love it? Tell me about it in the comments!

Meet The Author

Leah was born and raised in Virginia and has made it her mission to hike to see all of the waterfalls in the state! She loves introducing folks to new and exciting places in Virginia they’ve never explored before.

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10 Comments

  1. I love the index you include in the top along with the back-linking to all trails. Well done!

  2. Well, guess I need to visit Great Falls now! Love it. Awesome post and very well put together. This would be an incredible place for a session or wedding. Thanks for putting this together!

  3. I love how you have laid this out – so helpful and you clearly are an expert in the area. Great post!

  4. If I ever come to DC, I’m going to have to check this place out! Super informative post I know your couples will find so helpful!

  5. Jacqueline G says:

    So much useful information! Its wonderful to find spots that are pet friendly since they are few and far between!

  6. I have not been to Great Falls but feel I have to visit now! This is such a great post, thank you

  7. Wow! I’ve never even heard of this park until now and it’s immediately getting put on my bucket list! Such great info here. Definitely book marking it for later! 🙂

  8. I love this location for an engagement session! I was there last year and you nailed all the reasons why it is epic

  9. I love how there’s so many different types of landscape available all in one location! Plus showing that you don’t have to be a professional adventurer to enjoy such a beautiful park is great! I think sometimes adventure sessions can be intimidating that way.

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