As an elopement and wedding photographer based in Baltimore, one of the most common questions I hear from my couples is, "Where should we go for engagement photos?" While I provide all my booked clients with a customized guide to help them choose the perfect location, I also want to share tips to help couples plan their engagement sessions in and around Baltimore.
Whether you’re drawn to the city’s urban charm or its serene nature, Baltimore offers an incredible range of photo-worthy spots.
Why is Baltimore a great area for engagement photos? It has a unique blend of urban charm, waterfront views, and historic neighborhoods, with touches of nature, so you can get any vibe you want.
Patterson Park
Patterson Park is fantastic for a lot of reasons! It is expansive, and it has a variety of areas within the park. You can get rolling hills, cobblestone walkways, the iconic pagoda, and a lake with an elegant walking path where you can truly feel immersed in nature. Some wonderful ideas for activities that you could do during your session is riding bikes, having a picnic, and even flying a kite. Options are endless.
Fells Point
Fells Point is great all year long! It's a pretty big neighborhood with so much to do in the area. This area is great if you are looking for waterfront sunrises and sunsets, cobblestone roads, cute little shops to hop into, and city vibes. Since there are many shops in the area, I always recommend including that in the session: get a coffee at Sacré Sucré, grab a slice of pizza from Pie in the Sky, or browse some records at The Sound Garden-Baltimore. Also, always check their event calendar, they have some huge events that happen every year that you might either want to make part of your session or avoid because of crowds.
Waverly
If you’re looking for a vibrant, unique location for your Baltimore engagement session, don’t overlook Waverly! This charming neighborhood is bursting with personality, offering colorful backdrops and a lively community vibe that makes it perfect for couples seeking something a little different. Waverly is so much more than a neighborhood—it’s a destination packed with character and charm. Here’s why it’s worth considering for your engagement photos: beautifully painted homes to the eclectic storefronts, on weekends, the 32nd street Farmers Market is the perfect spot to explore for candid, playful shots, and Think independent bookstores, charming cafes, and even a brewery.
Mt Vernon
Mt Vernon is the perfect location if you are looking for backdrops that could be mistaken for being in Europe, with gothic churches, marble stairs, and fields of flowers in the spring. You should consider Mt. Vernon if you are looking for a European aesthetic, historic backdrops, and seasonal beauty! The area truly blooms in the spring and looks beautiful in the fall.
Canton + Canton Waterfront Park
Canton offers a unique blend of charm, color, and versatility if you’re looking for a quaint yet vibrant neighborhood for your Baltimore engagement session. With its compact streets, waterfront park, and colorful walls, Canton is perfect for couples seeking a lively yet intimate backdrop for their engagement photos.
Downtown Baltimore
When most couples think of engagement photo locations in Baltimore, Downtown Baltimore might not be the first place that comes to mind. But if you’re a city person at heart and ready to embrace a little adventure, Downtown offers an incredible array of urban backdrops for unique and memorable photos. From urban cityscapes, skyline views from nearby parking garages, and the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar, held every Sunday, you can incorporatee into your session.
Little Italy
Little Italy is this small area of the city filled with cozy alleyways and charming nooks that offer an intimate feeling for your photos. You also can't talk about Little Italy without mentioning the delicious Vaccaros. They often have festivals where they decorate the streets and outdoor movie nights. It is conveniently located near the inner harbor, Harbor East, and Fells, which makes it easy to include as a second location to give your session more variety.
Rawlings Conservatory
Rawlings Conservatory has so many looks, depending on the season you go. The inside is beautiful, and you can check out the elopement I photographed HERE. But if you don't want to pay the portrait session fee, the exterior is just as unique and an excellent backdrop for your photos.
Loch Raven Reservoir
Loch Raven Reservoir is one of the most beautiful and versatile locations for engagement photos near Baltimore, offering stunning views and atmosphere throughout the year. Whether you're dreaming of a winter engagement session or a vibrant fall engagement session amidst the changing foliage, Loch Raven has it all. The reflective waters, wooded trails, and open fields create a variety of backdrops all in one area. If you're looking for a nature-filled engagement session, Loch Raven Reservoir is the ideal spot to capture your love story.
North Point State Park
North Point Park is an excellent location for those who love nature. There is a fee to get in. There is a $4 per vehicle service charge ($6 per vehicle for non-Maryland residents), and they ONLY take cash. so make sure you have that on hand. There are multiple parking lots, so when meeting, ensure you know which part of the park you will meet at. Another thing to note is that they close at sundown and take it very seriously, so it isn't the best place to go if you are looking for sunset photos. But you might be lucky enough to get some golden hour shots before the Rangers ask you to leave.
When you book your Baltimore engagement session with me, I’ll guide you in choosing the perfect spots that reflect your unique love story. Whether you envision playful, candid moments on the hills or intimate, romantic portraits walking through city streets, my goal is to create a session that feels effortless and authentically you. Contact me to start planning your session today!
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