A common question I receive as a Raleigh based wedding photographer, is where should we take our engagement photos?! There are countless gorgeous locations across the Triangle, but one of my all time favorite locations for engagement photos is at Duke Gardens in Chapel Hill. Duke Gardens offers a wide variety diverse of picturesque backdrops, tranquil ambiance of the Japanese Garden, botanical gardens, serene ponds, elegant bridges, historic gardens, heirloom flower paths, over 5 miles of walkways , and timeless terraces and walls. Every section of the 55+ acre property offers a unique layer of charm for every newly engaged couple.
Duke Garden History
Being a North Carolina wild flower lover myself, Duke Gardens is a haven of botanical wonders for anyone who enjoys colorful scenery, foliage, and being outdoors. The original garden design dated in the 1930’s was inspired by irises, daffodils, assorted annual flowers, and a large array of greenery. As the years passed, the garden grew into distinct areas with centralized focuses. Some of the highlighted areas of Duke Gardens include the original Terraces and surrounding areas are within the Historic Gardens, H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants includes flora across the southeastern U.S., Asiatic Arboretum that is devoted to plants in east Asia, and Doris Duke Center Gardens. Today, over 600,000 visitors around the world visit Duke Garden each year, the garden hosts countless weddings each year for a remarkable picturesque background, and one of the best places around the Triangle for engagement photos.
Duke Gardens Engagement Photos – H.L. Blomquist Gardens
The H.L. Blomquist Gardens offers walkways, serene ponds, and gentle bridges that provides shaded greenery in the midday summer sun and a beautiful glow for engagement photos. Fun fact about this area of the garden; it houses carnivorous plants that will keep kids intrigued.
Duke Gardens Engagement Photos – Asiatic Arboretum
One of my all time favorite locations around Duke Gardens is the Asiatic Arboretum. The iconic red bridge overlooking a large pond creates a stunning backdrop to honor Asian cultures. But my all time favorite location within the Asiatic Arboretum, are the bamboo fields. It allows couples to have fun in a unique setting compared to the rest of the garden.
Duke Gardens Engagement Photos – Doris Duke Center Gardens
Inspired by white flower cottages of England, the Doris Duke Center Garden is also a common location for weddings in Duke Gardens. It dubs as a stunning location for engagement photos, at a fraction of the cost of a wedding in the same location. Simple white flowers, classic foliage, and water lilies that line the Virtue Pond creates a classic timeless look for any engagement session.
Iconic Architecture and Sophistication
Each section of Duke Gardens is lined with stunning areas, but what really makes the Duke Gardens a fantastic place for engagement photos, are the architectural elements of grandeur, iconic sophistication, and timeless backdrops that has stood the test of time since the 1930’s. The stone walls, cascading water features, and carefully manicured terraces provide captivating backdrops that exude regal charm. These elements not only complement you during your engagement session, but also elevates the overall aesthetic of the photos, creating a sense of elegance and timelessness. Duke Gardens’ iconic structures of Roney Fountain or the grand entrance, offer visually striking focal points that can enhance the visual narrative of any engagement session.
Press & Praise
