Many of my clients ask for recommendations on the best engagement session locations in Virginia. Luckily, Virginia is a visually versatile location. There are so many options and backdrops to choose from. Plus, it’s central to so many other gorgeous places if you did want to do a bit of traveling for your engagement session– I’m here for it. Choosing your engagement session location is such a personal, big decision. You want it to compliment your personality and the clothes that you want to wear. Also, click the link at the end to receive a COMPLIMENTARY engagement session!
What To Wear
A quick rundown of what to wear for your engagement session. I ALWAYS recommend to my couples that you wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. If you aren’t comfortable in what you are wearing, it will be very noticeable in the photos. Now, for colors , I tend to stick to more neutral colors– think light pinks, blues, slate blue, deep greens, and soft floral prints (nothing too busy and nothing neon). You also want a bit of variety in your engagement photos, so I recommend bringing at least 2 outfits. You are also more than welcome to send your outfit ideas in to me (or your photographer) to see if it will photograph well!
Here is a rundown of some of the best locations for engagement sessions in Virginia!
EAST BEACH, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
East Beach is such a great engagement session location because not only do you get the beach, but you also get a stunning, luxury neighborhood as a backdrop. This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods in the Hampton Roads area. It works great for casual attire OR formal.
HISTORIC YORKTOWN/WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia
Historic Williamsburg and Yorktown may be one of my favorite locations in Southern Virginia. The brick buildings, florals, walkways, old town shops– I love it all. You really can’t go wrong here for a classic, beautiful location– especially in the spring!
WASHINGTON D.C. : Union Market
There are SO MANY locations in D.C. for beautiful photos. There’s the classic mall photos and downtown city vibe photos. There are so many unique, cool, edgy locations and also some classic locations. The Union Market area is such a fun, spunky, upbeat place to do an engagement session. There really is something for everyone. You can totally go casual or formal.
JAMES RIVER, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
If you enjoy a little bit of a hike, going over the walking bride and then ending down by the James River is a perfect location for an engagement session. It’s seriously such a pretty walk and if you have a super awesome photographer, it will be a ton of fun hiking around.
UNION STATION, WASHINGTON D.C.
It’s no secret that I absolutely love to go up to D.C. whenever I get a chance. Union station and the surrounding neighborhoods are the perfect, classic D.C. backdrop. If you want that classic, timeless downtown city feel, Union Station is for you. I’d shoot here ALL the time.
FORT MONROE, HAMPTON, VIRGINIA
There are so many things I can say about Fort Monroe– from it’s beach to the historical homes and buildings. It’s such a unique, beautiful place to have an engagement session. It’s classic, timeless, and has lots of variety! You can easily dress up or dress down.
FREEMASON DISTRICT, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
Want a historic city vibe? Look no further than the Freemason district in Norfolk. The old brick, city homes photograph beautifully and give a stunning, classic look. The pagoda garden is also in the freemason district and is unique and beautiful!
NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDENS, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
This is one of my absolute favorite engagement session locations (it is also a wedding venue and so beautiful). Fresh blooms, the bridge, butterfly house, grassy areas, fountains, and stone patios are just so stunning in photos. You really can’t go wrong here!
CARLYLE HOUSE GARDEN, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
This little garden in the heart of Alexandria is such a gem. There’s a gazebo, brick paths, gorgeous trees, and the front is absolutely gorgeous. You can also venture out into the cute town of Alexandria. This one gives me vibes like Williamsburg, but is closer to my couples up in Northern Virginia!
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
The mountains and trails up in Charlottesville, Virginia are the most beautiful. You can go formal or casual, just make sure to wear walking shoes!
Check out examples engagement session locations in Virginia here!
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