Raleigh Engagement Photos | The Best Outdoor Locations

A common question I get as a wedding photographer, is where should we take our engagement photos in Raleigh? There are so many outdoor locations to choose from around the Raleigh area, so I thought it’d be helpful to share my favorite outdoor Raleigh engagement locations, and why.

Raleigh Engagement Photos | Duke Gardens

One of my all time favorite locations for Raleigh engagement photos is at the historic 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, bamboo botanical wanders, over 5 miles of walkways , tons of greenery, and timeless terraces and walls. Every section of the 55+ acre property offers a unique layer of charm for every newly engaged couple.

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.

Duke Gardens does requirement a permit for any photography session that must be obtained 30 days in advance for any session. Due to the need of a permit in advance, planning must be considered before planning any engagement session. Duke Gardens also requires visitors to pay for parking for a small nominal fee, but admission into the park is free to visitors. Dogs are also allowed in the garden after 5pm, which is a really nice perk if you are looking to add your fur babies in your engagement photos.

Want to see more Raleigh engagement photos at Duke Gardens? Click here.

Raleigh Engagement Photos | JC Raulston Arboretum

As a part of NC State‘s campus, The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants adapted for landscape use in the Southeast. The Arboretum is ten and a half contiguous acres of imaginative resources & stunning plant collections, and why it it is one of the best spots for Raleigh engagement photos.

The Arboretum does not require a permit for photography sessions, however parking can be limited during busy days at the park. Another item to keep in mind when scheduling engagement sessions at the Arboretum are the seasonal park hours which can cause the park to close earlier during the colder months of the year, and may require an earlier start time. Also, due to being a part of NC State’s campus, the Arboretum is also closed on major holidays. Pets are not allowed at The Arboretum except for service animals. The Arboretum also routinely plants seasonal flowers along with their staple foliage to ensure the perfect place year round for outdoor Raleigh engagement photos.

Want to see more Raleigh engagement photos at The Arboretum? Click here.

Raleigh Engagement Photos | WRAL Azalea Gardens

Situated conveniently behind the WRAL television studios and between the Main and Centennial campuses of NC University, the Gardens offer tranquility and beauty in the heart of the city. The WRAL Gardens contains over 60+ varieties of azaleas and countless other flowering plants, fountains, pathways, wildlife, and foliage across 5+ acres in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The garden is a perfect place to visit year round, but late March to early April is one of the best times of have the fullest azalea blooms for the perfect Raleigh engagement photo.

The WRAL Garden is free to the public, plenty of free parking, open 24/7, and does not require a permit for photography sessions. However, pets are not allowed in the garden.