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The 5 Best Engagement Photo Locations in Richmond, VA


Are you looking for the perfect place to do your engagement session in nature?

In a city like Richmond, Virginia, there are so many options for great, creative engagement photo locations, it can be hard to narrow it down! Plus, there are other considerations like not wanting your engagement photos to look the same as everyone else’s, and finding a spot that really reflects who you and your partner are.

There are some super popular engagement photo spots in Richmond like Shockoe Slip, The State Capitol, and Libby Hill which can be super beautiful, but I have found that those spots aren’t necessarily the best for those couples looking for something unique and organic. 

The Top 5 Best Engagement Photo Locations in Richmond, Virginia

1) Belle Isle

If I had to choose only one place in Richmond where I was allowed to photograph in Richmond for the rest of my career, it would be Belle Isle simply for the diversity of looks and landscapes available on one little island.

There are city views, grassy fields, riverfront beaches, a lush, rocky quarry, industrial ruins, forests, and huge, epic river rocks. There are beautiful locations to be found in every season and at any time of day. 

While an engagement session on Belle Isle may look like you’re in the middle of nowhere in a forest, it’s actually conveniently located in the heart of Richmond! With convenient parking and access points on both sides of the James River, it’s probably the most convenient engagement session location on this list!

2) The Floodwall

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Belle Isle is my second favorite engagement photo session location in Richmond: The Floodwall!

This is the perfect location for those looking for a truly “Richmond” feel to their engagement photos because the skyline is there on full display! In addition to the skyline, there are also lush greenery and river views!

3) The Pipeline

The Pipeline is one of those Richmond spots that is somehow both classic and secret. True story, for the first few years I lived in Richmond, I had no idea where Pipeline was! (Turns out, it was about a mile from my apartment. Oops!)

Aside from the fact that Pipeline is an iconic Richmond image, it’s also one of the prettiest spots along the James River. 

4) The Canal Walk

One of the most colorful locations in Richmond is the site of the 2012 Richmond Street Art Festival

This incredible, rich pop of color makes the canal walk a great location for engagement photos at any time of year! In addition to its versatility, The Canal Walk is super conveniently located to The Pipeline, The T. Potterfield Memorial Bridge, and Belle Isle!

5) Byrd Park

Byrd Park is the sister park to Maymont, with a slightly more casual, relaxed feel. Whether you’re into picnics, feeding flocks of swans and geese, or pedal boating in Fountain Lake, Byrd Park is a great place for engagement photos when you want to do something more than walk around and look happy. 😉


Honorable Mentions:

1) Pony Pasture

A little farther west along the James River than my top 5 picks lies Pony Pasture, a gorgeous section of the James River Park System. Pony Pasture is a great location for couples who love the idea of playing in the river!

2) The Wetlands

Right next to Pony Pasture are The Wetlands, a beautiful web of trails through a marsh. The Wetlands are ripe with wildlife and are a great spot to find lush greenery!

3) Bryan Park

Bryan Park has a little bit of everything! Ponds, fields, forests, and even picnic pavilions and grills! Bryan Park is a great spot if having a BBQ and playing a little frisbee or croquet sounds like an awesome way for the two of you to spend your afternoon together for your engagement session!

Day Trips from Richmond

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is one of my absolute favorite places in the state. With its incredible overlooks, numerous hiking trails, and breathtaking mountaintop views, Shenandoah National Park simply can’t be beat if you’re looking to make nature a part of your engagement photos!

Check out this adventure engagement session on Stony Man Mountain!

Meet The Author

Leah has called Richmond home for over a decade and has loved exploring all of the great outdoor spaces Richmond has to offer, both on and off the beaten path! One of her favorite things about being an elopement photographer in Richmond is introducing couples to local places they’ve never explored before.

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8 Comments

  1. Oooo! There are some really cool locations in Richmond for photos! I love the floodwall and the pipeline! So unique!

  2. This was so helpful! These are great spots!!!

  3. I really love the variety in locations you have presented here. It’s great to see so many options so you can pick one that seems the most "you".

  4. This is such a great resource for couples! It’s so helpful to have all of the locations listed in one spot and I love that you’ve also talked about what you like about each one and some photos from sessions too! So good!

  5. this is a great resource for engaged couples in VA

  6. Love the flow of this Leah! Next time I’m in Richmond, I’ll definitely scope these spots out 🙂

  7. I love this! Location scouting & making a decision for where to get your photos done is one of the hardest decisions! You’ve made it so easy for your couples here!

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