Engagement Sessions

We love having time with our couples before the wedding. It’s fun and relaxed. A perfect way for us to get to know each other a bit as well a time for you to get accustomed to being photographed together.

in home engagement shoot charlottesville

Charlottesville Engagement Session Locations

When deciding on the location of your engagement shoot, think about what kind of pictures you’d like. Do you like an city environment? Something more in nature? Or maybe a view is really important to you. We’ve listed some locations around Charlottesville that we love. We’re always open to suggestions. If you have a private property that you really like, or a location that’s meaningful to you, let us know!

A couple walking on a crosswalk in a suburban neighborhood, holding hands and smiling at each other.

Downtown Charlottesville

A really fun environment with shops and a pedestrian mall. We love ending the session with some pictures catching the sunset on top of the parking garage.

A young couple standing close together outdoors among blooming magnolia trees, smiling at each other in sunlight.

UVA Lawn and Gardens

A great option if you are alumni and it’s important to you. You’ll get shots that show off the campus, as well as some that are not necessarily recognizable as UVA, for variety.

A couple walking on a forest trail with their dog during daytime.

Monticello Trail

No matter what time of the year it is, this is always a beautiful location. Lots of tall trees, open spaces, and trails.

A couple holding hands standing under a large tree on a grassy hill during sunset or sunrise.

Darden Towe Park

Not far from downtown, this park is beautiful with rolling hills, a trail near the river, and a big gorgeous tree.

A couple dancing in front of a glass greenhouse with potted plants, outdoor furniture, and trees in the background.

Waterperry Gardens

A stunning property with well kept gardens, a sweet little greenhouse and large open fields. If it’s the right time of the year, this is a beautiful option. $200 venue fee to shoot here.

A man and woman sitting on rocks, embracing and gazing at a sunset over mountain ranges with trees in autumn colors.

Blackrock Summit

A short 1-mile loop to a rocky summit overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. This is great if you don’t mind an easy walk and want incredible views. One hour from Charlottesville. $50 fee to cover travel.

A couple standing by a lake, holding hands, with trees and water in the background, and the man kissing the woman on the forehead.

Sugar Hollow

About 30 minutes west of town, Sugar Hollow is a beautiful location with rocks jutting out over the reservoir, a scenic river, and impressive overlook at the dam.

A smiling couple walking arm in arm in a garden outside a house.

Belmont

Belmont is a sweet little neighborhood near downtown with shops and restaurants. I’d recommend pairing this with a nearby park like Darden Town, Monticello Trail, or McIntire.

A young woman and man holding hands walking outdoors on a gravel path, smiling, during late afternoon with sunlight filtering through trees in a garden or park.

The Clifton

The Clifton is an inn and a gorgeous wedding venue with a secret garden, picturesque walkways, big trees and a lake with a dock.

A couple holding hands on a rocky hilltop with a large tree, mountainous landscape, and sunset in the background.

Ravens Roost Overlook

An iconic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This spot is very popular so we only recommend weekday sessions. It’s about an hour from Charlottesville and there is a $75 to cover travel.

A couple standing close together beneath a large tree with sunlight shining through the branches in a natural outdoor setting.

McIntire Park

McIntire Park is the place to go if you like beautiful big trees and wide open spaces. Because of the location of the sunrise, this is an ideal for a morning shoot, but is also great in the afternoon.

A young couple sitting on a window seat inside a cozy home, looking at each other affectionately, with snow visible outside through the window.

Your Home

Having part of your engagement session in your home is a really nice way to document this time in your life. It might be your first home together and that’s something you want to remember. We can also pair this with a walk around your neighborhood, or another location around town.