We here at George Street Photo & Video have been photographing engagement shoots for over a decade. From abandoned churches to unspoiled nature, world-famous museums to completely unknown landmarks, we’ve scouted locations in just about every city, and we’re excited to release our list of the 10 Most Photogenic Engagement Shoot Locations Across the U.S.
1. St. Agnes Church, Detroit
Originally built in 1922, the St. Agnes Church has been abandoned since 2006. Over the years, it has been robbed and tagged, creating the crumbling church we see today. Yet, the decaying structure has a haunting beauty to it, making it a perfect choice for an urban engagement shoot and our number one location!
2. Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Located in Griffith Park on Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory is iconic to Los Angeles and a top destination for southern California. Sitting 1,134 feet above sea level, the observatory boasts sweeping views of the city and sky, making it a great location for Los Angeles engagement photography. Not only are the views spectacular, but the surrounding park and architecture of the observatory are gorgeous backdrops for engagement photos!
3. Kirby Cove, San Francisco
Located just eight miles north of downtown San Francisco, Kirby Cove is a scenic and somewhat hidden enclave found at historic Battery Kirby. With a beach as your vantage point, you’ll take in spectacular panoramic views of the Bay Area’s most iconic natural and architectural highlights. On a clear day, breathtaking glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge, the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California and San Francisco’s historic Presidio will serve as your backdrop.
4. Old Westbury Gardens, New York
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is a beautiful 200-acre estate featuring formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes; perfect for New York engagement photography! Throughout the grounds are beautiful gazebos, archways, and stone architectural details that create beautiful romantic settings.
5. Seahurst Park, Seattle
It’s easy to see why Seahurst Park in Seattle is the jewel of the area’s park system. You’ve got the best of both worlds to explore during your Seattle engagement photography session - a sandy beach and a lush forest. That’s the beauty of Seattle, after all. Spanning 182 acres of spectacular beauty, Seahurst Park shores up a saltwater beach on Puget Sound, offering panoramic views of this postcard-worthy Seattle locale.
6. Boston Public Gardens, Boston
Part of the Boston Commons, the Public Gardens is the very first public botanic garden in the United States. The Victorian gardens are a beautiful setting for Boston engagement photography. Couples can walk along the bridge, catching the reflection of the landscaping and the passing swan boats. Or, pose among the many exotic flowers and plants with glimpses of the city behind you.
7. Neon Museum, Las Vegas
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is dedicated to preserving neon lights and signs of the iconic city and has become home to more than 200 historic signs. One of the standout features of this one-of-a-kind location is the Neon Boneyard. Like a graveyard for signs, this is where neon lights go when they reach the end of their electrical cord.
8. Cherokee Ranch & Castle, Denver
Cherokee Ranch & Castle feels like a little piece of Europe just a mere 30 minutes south of Denver. Rising high above more than 3,400 acres of unspoiled land, a 1450s-style Scottish castle built in the 1920s commands this picturesque setting. From here, you can literally see for miles - up to 200 miles to be exact! Pike’s Peak to Long’s Peak and beyond are well within view high up in the clear blue sky. Denver engagement photography is nothing short of magical at this dreamy location full of natural beauty and wildlife.
9. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami
Originally a private residence, Vizcaya Museum & Garden is now a National Historic Landmark. This Miami icon boasts beautiful renaissance architecture and 43 acres of gardens and preservation land. After nearly 100 years on the coast, this estate has taken on a weathered patina, which only adds to its old-world beauty and charm. From formal gardens to beautiful stone features and gazebos, this location is a gorgeous option for Miami engagement photography!
10. Magnolia Plantation, Charleston
Located on a bend of the Ashley River on the western side of Charleston is the Magnolia Plantation, a historic house and grounds that is a fantastic spot for your engagement shoot. Open to the public since the late 19th century, the Plantation is the oldest public garden in the United States and has been selected as one of the most beautiful gardens in America.
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