Indianapolis Engagement Photos Guide - All the Best Locations for Your 2023 Session
I’m so glad you’re here + it seems congrats may be in order! I’m going to take a guess that if you’ve found yourself on this page you are newly engaged and have stepped foot towards the adventure that is wedding planning. As an Indianapolis based photographer I usually am the one that serves as my couple’s go to person when it comes to photo location suggestions. That being said, this blog entry is long overdue but I’m so happy to finally lay it all on the table. I hope you find it to be so helpful when finding your dream spots for your upcoming engagement photo session.
Indianapolis and its surrounding areas are rich in options whether you’re searching for a nature filled atmosphere or find yourself falling in love with the beauty of historical architecture. I’ve highlighted some of my favorite photo locations below!
The Best Locations for Your Engagement Session
Holcomb Gardens
The Holcomb Gardens have been around since the 50’s and I definitely feel like I’ve transported to another time when documenting stories here. The hedges that line the wide grass lawn area always screams instant royalty. Furthermore all this open space is nuzzled in the midst of acres of woods.
Butler University
An extension of the gardens mentioned above is the surrounding area of this Indianapolis Campus. It’s a great area to venture around during your engagement session. You are sure to fall upon new charm with every visit.
The Indiana Statehouse
One of my favorite indoor options has to be our Indiana State Capitol. Every time I have the opportunity to create work here I am just smitten all over again about the beautiful architecture that is over a century old.
Fort Harrison State Park
This 1700-acre state park is a place full of photo ops and definitely could be perfect for your engagement session. They are best known for their giant hill dedicated to sledding come winter time, but you’ll also find a fullness of wildflowers and wooded areas. Bonus Tip: It won’t hurt ya to dig into some Fort Harrison State Park maps before heading that way, so much to explore!
Fort Harrison Inn + Surrounding Area
The state park was covered just above, but maybe you’re looking to avoid the entrance fee but still achieve a similar feel. You should check out the Inn that is located just before the park entrance. There is a nice historical aesthetic as well as plenty of green filled nooks to capture intimate moments within.
Garfield Park
Indianapolis’ Garfield Park is known for their conservatory and lovely sunken gardens. However, that is not where the beauty of this park stops. I often find myself shooting more work outside of the better-known areas of this central location.
Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek is the largest park in Indianapolis so it likely goes without saying that you will find a plethora of choices for photographing. Every time I visit I find myself discovering new nooks + crannies that are even better than my last trip.
Monument Circle + Surrounding Areas of Downtown Indianapolis
If downtown Indianapolis were known for one thing it’s probably safe to say it would be our circle. The Monument Circle is the heart of our city and is a great option to serve as a background to your love story.
If you’re liking the downtown appeal but are looking to switch it up a bit then maybe this rooftop nighttime look we’ve captured might be just up your alley!
Glenns Valley Nature Park
Just south of Indianapolis you can find this official Indy Park. I adore the historic white home that sits on top of a hill beautifully surrounded by woods + trails.
Southeastway Park
The magic of this location is that I’ve shot here hundreds of times, yet every visit feels incredibly unique. There are countless trails, hidden grasses, and wide open spaces.
Paul Ruster Park
Okay, this park hands down has the best hilltop. There’s something magical about capturing photos so high above the normal Indiana horizon. You’ll also find a large lake setting and tons of wooded areas.
Holliday Park
This is a park that has worked so hard towards conserving + preserving its beauty. Here you’ll find such a variety of elements made from nature, design, and architecture. Even if you don’t land on this as your location for photos, it’s a must visit!
West Park
This is a place that comes complete with a lake covered in docks, hilltops with winding trails, and fields are far as the eye can see. It is a favorite location when it comes time for photos.
More Engagement Photo Locations for Indiana
If you’re willing to travel outside of Central Indiana then you might find one of these locations to be a perfect fit.
The Apple Works
Indiana has some great options for orchards and other fall based activities! But let’s not just think of these spots for autumn festivities because they make great spots for photos. This orchard Is located in Trafalgar but it might just be the easiest drive so I say go for it if you vibe with the idea of an orchard hangout.
Indiana University
Sometimes your story started on a campus + bonus, that campus might be breathtaking. That’s the case with Bloomington’s IU campus, which makes it another favorite place to document your engagement.
Also if you weren’t aware, Bloomington’s IU campus is home to one of the most lovely greenhouses.
Washington Township Park
Avon is full of great parks and this one is no exception – here you’ll find a beautiful bridge underpass, woods upon woods, along with lots of fielded areas.
Beasley’s Orchard
Another orchard that creates a perfect surrounding if you’re the apple picking type. Bonus is they have an amazing storefront complete with a Cider Bar so be sure to check that out!
Downtown Columbus Indiana
Columbus has a wild amount of beautiful spots in their downtown surrounding areas. This is a favorite location of mine to take advantage of during warmer weather.
Top Secret and Possibly the Most Special Locations
Sometimes it’s less about the location and more about the meaning…
Your Favorite Coffee Shop or Restaurant
Let’s visit your first date spot or where you two find yourselves indulging in your favorite milkshakes! These are the locations that can be more meaningful no matter their “look”.
Your Nearby Childhood Park
From looking at these images you probably wouldn’t guess rusty swing sets and old wooden park shelters surrounded us. There is beauty in just about any place we might find ourselves.
Your Local Theatre or Hidden Gem
Sometimes the best places with the most charm can be found right under our nose. Take a walk around your neighborhood, you might be surprised what treasures you discover when forcing yourself to go slower.
Embracing What You Love Together
What does passion + adventure look like to you two as a couple? Maybe it’s hiking, camping, or kayaking? Or perhaps you’re more the at home brewing type? Let’s find out what your hearts have connected on + incorporate that!
Your Soon-to-Be Wedding Venue
You have hand picked a spot to promise forever to one another, so chances are you really love this spot for a location, why not document your engagement where you’ll soon be tying the knot?
Recreate or Revisit Your First Date
It’s always a good time taking things back to the beginning – so let’s start there when it comes to location ideas for your upcoming engagement session. Was your first meeting a picnic? Maybe you met on opening night for the local baseball team? I can’t wait to hear all the beautiful details of your origin.
Home Sweet Home
They say home is where the heart is and I’d say you could sometimes reverse that and see that there is so much heart in your home! Let’s document this sacred space in the most special way.
Options are limitless and here’s a secret, location isn’t the most important element to your engagement photos. You are the key to these photos. I promise that as long as the love + intimacy between the two of you exists, your photos will be gorgeous. Sometimes the best approach is stripping away all the distractions and instead focusing in on the connection that flows between you both. So let’s chat today about how to get you placed in the correct environment that best represents who you are on the inside + who you are with one another!
Oh and before I officially go, let’s talk the “p” word. Ahhhhh yes, one last little thing to remember while deciding on your engagement photo location is to know that some places are subject to permit fees. This is something to review before scheduling your session. Some parks that weren’t previously charging these fees have updated their policies in 2021 so please get in contact if you need assistance in determining how to make shooting in these locations possible.
Additional Indianapolis Locations to Consider
Indianapolis Art Center
Here you’ll find the opportunity for a walk filled with art pieces of all shapes + sizes. The Art Center is definitely a one of a kind location with its mix of nature, sculptures, + unique layout.
Coxhall Gardens
This location is honestly so breathtaking. There’s a gorgeous amphitheater that oozes elegance, a historic brick home that is hauntingly beautiful, and speciality gardens lining the walkways. The grounds are rich in history and visual appeal.
Indianapolis Canal Walk
The canal walk is full of all sorts of areas that you may not have even realized existed. The canal leads all the way up to the back of the Indianapolis zoo. I tend to like that area most as it has walls of stacked stones which gives it a secluded feeling from the rest of the faster paced areas of the canal.
The Indianapolis War Memorial Park
The war memorial is a large structure with loads of character. My personal favorite are the towering golden doors. Those along with the massive sets of stairs make for an interesting backdrop.
Lockerbie Square
The cobblestone streets of this historic area make you feel like you’re nearing a European countryside, and it’s just so good! This is a great spot if you’re one to enjoy the little things of life, like a good walk around a beautiful neighborhood.
Newfields (Previously the IMA)
The Newfields property is known for the housing one of the nations largest art museums, the historic Lilly House, and acres of gorgeous landscapes.
Fountain Square
Fountain Square is one of my favorite locations to meet when it comes to downtown. It sits just on the outskirts which makes parking and navigation so easy! Check out these recent shots from the area.