Top 20 best locations for engagement photos in Charlotte NC


Charlotte has a lot of great locations for engagement photos. Below is a list I share with my clients for the top 20 best places for engagement photos in Charlotte NC. However, if you are a Forever Southern bride I have a lot more on locations and ideas I can share with you!

If you don’t yet have your wedding photographer I would love to tell you about my wedding packages and why I would love to be your photographer. All of my packages include a complimentary engagement session as my gift to you. With every session, I can offer lots of tips on what to wear, how to prepare, and of course all about locations!

1. Uptown Charlotte

There is a gazillion places uptown for great photo opts. Some are included below but honestly, the list is so long I would need to write 50 blog posts.

2. Freedom Park

Freedom Park is a super popular location for engagement photos. No wonder though as it is a lovely park with a large pond, several bridges, lots of pretty paths, and many places for great photo opts.

3. Duke Mansion

This southern estate is so romantic inside and out. From the black and white tile floors to the crystal chandeliers, to the lovely gardens, it is simply stunning for engagement photos. They do charge a fee so keep that in mind.

4. Marshall Park

Even though this sweet little park is right there for everyone to see it is more of a hidden gem. Not as many people go here so you will more than likely have it all to yourselves. Bonus: This park has a great skyline view.

5. Independence Park

Lots of lovely trees and it is usually not too busy so it is great for photo shoots.

6. McGill Rose Garden

If you love roses this is the place to be! It is such a lovely little garden in the heart of the city. It is free to do your session here during open hours and they charge a fee if you want to have the garden all to yourselves after hours.

7. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

DSBG is actually located in Belmont NC but it is only a hop and skip away from Charlotte so I had to include it in my list. The garden is manicured all year round and has an Orchid conservatory that is just breathtaking. This beautiful garden has so many photo location options you could spend the whole week shooting here.

8. Wing Haven

Wing haven charges a small fee but it is so worth it.

Another hidden gem that not many people know about.

9. Southend

This heart wall is a popular SouthEnd photo opt but there is so much more in this area that can create the most stunning photos. Take a little walkabout and maybe even stop at Jeni’s Icecream for a break and a little photo sesh.

10. NoDa

Noda is great if you want your session to have an artsy urban vibe.

11. First Ward Park

A quaint park that is not too busy and sweet for photos.

12. The Green Uptown

The green is a popular choice for photos and has lots of walkable photos opts.

13. Lake Norman

Lake Norman is huge and has so many great locations for engagement shoots.

14. Ramsey CreekPark

Another pretty park for engagement photos.

15. Charlotte Convention Center

This location is right across from the Green uptown and has many photos opts all on its own.

16. Romare Bearden Park

Another crowd favorite for engagement photos. This park has it all, pretty flowers and benches, greenery, and the perfect skyline view.


17. Little Sugar Creek Greenway (Midtown Park)

The greenway is really long and is a great location for engagement photos. I always recommend bringing your bike or renting bikes so you can tour more of the greenway to get the most variety in shots. Midtown Park on the greenway has a great view of uptown Charlotte.

18. French Quarter

This little ally has a big punch and all the little nooks make for some sweet photo opts.

19. Morehead Inn

Morehead Inn charges a small fee but is so worth it to shoot inside the lovely estate and the outside garden and carriage house.

20. Charlotte Uptown Skyline

One of my favorites is the skyline view of Charlotte. It is also a crowd favorite for engagement photo sessions.

Other places to consider:

  • Your wedding venue
  • A destination such as Charleston or Asheville or if you are big adventurers – another country!
  • A farm or country landscape.
  • someplace special to the two of you. i.e. your family home, where you met, where you had your first date, where you love to hang out.

Close to Charlotte locations that are popular locations for engagement photos:

  • Raffaldini Vineyards, Rhonda NC
  • Glencairn Park, Rock Hill SC
  • Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC
  • Separk Mansion, Gastonia NC
  • Providence Cotton Mill, Maiden NC
  • James K Polk House, Pineville NC
  • Craggy Gardens, Buncombe County NC
  • Laboratory Mill, Lincolnton, NC
  • The Peach Orchids, Fortmill NC
  • The Dairy Barn at Anne Springs, Fort Mill, NC
  • Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius, NC
  • Downtown Concord NC
  • Crowders Mountain, Gastonia NC
  • Looking Glass Falls, Brevard NC
  • Black Balsam Knob, East Fork NC
  • Blowing Rock NC