Choosing a location for your engagement photos can be a challenging task, especially in a state like Virginia where rich history and stunning landscapes provide ideal photographic destinations for every kind of couple. As a Virginia wedding photographer, I get asked for recommendations for engagement session locations all the time! I created this guide to help ease the task of how to choose the best location for engagement photos in the Shenandoah Valley. Read on to find the location that best showcases your personality as a couple, your wedding theme, and somewhere that feels like you.
Some locations here may require a permit or fee for sessions. Please contact the venues directly. I’ve provided their websites here for your convenience. Where I could, I tried to include some recent, original images for you. My inbox is always open if you have questions! This is not a complete list. If you are thinking of a unique location, please reach out and let’s chat about your plans.
Virginia Engagement Photo Locations with Mountain Views
Most couples getting married near the Shenandoah Valley want to feature those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in their photos. People drive here from all over the coast to see them! Here are 12 engagement session locations in Virginia that will make you and your partner feel on top of the world.
Raven’s Roost Overlook – Blue Ridge Parkway, Lyndhurst, Virginia
Raven’s Roost is one of the most popular locations for mountain top engagement photos in Virginia, and there’s a reason why photographers love it. The overlook is easy to access from the Blue Ridge Parkway and boasts clear views of the entire Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountain range. The layout of the small park allows for a surprising variety of backdrops, and there’s no better place to catch a Virginia sunset with your sweetheart.
Swannanoa Palace – Afton, Virginia
If you’re looking for mountain views with an ethereal vibe, Swannanoa Palace has hauntingly beautiful grounds, ornate architecture, and will make you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale, or maybe a scene from The Great Gatsby. The castle-like palace sits isolated on top of Afton Mountain and includes a colonnade, lavishly overgrown gardens, and a perfect vista of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As the site is currently unoccupied and closed to the public, we also have the added benefit of complete privacy.
Sky Meadows State Park – Delaplane, Virginia
Couples planning their engagement session in Northern Virginia can take advantage of this 1900-acre park outside of Winchester that features walking trails, a pond, and endless scenery. I love the variety of backdrops at Sky Meadows! This location provides a historic manor house, wooded areas, and an incredible view of rolling hills and distant mountains.
Castle Hill Cider – Keswick, Virginia
Located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, Castle Hill Cider doubles as a wedding venue and is a popular location for engagement sessions! The elegant all-white barn exterior perfectly complements the sunset view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and incredibly well-kept grounds.
King Family Vineyards – Crozet, Virginia
Central Virginia wine lovers adore both King Family’s most popular vintage, the “Crosé,” and their accompanying view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can pack a picnic and catch a polo match while you enjoy some of Virginia’s finest wine and most well-kept grounds.
Devil’s Backbone Basecamp – Nellysford, Virginia
This is not your basic brewery – Devil’s Backbone flaunts an expansive property with brick, plant-lined pathways, a cabin aesthetic, and plenty of unique spaces to enjoy a cold one. The brewery is at the base of the mountain near Wintergreen Resort, and hosts festivals and concerts year-round.
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Nellysford, Virginia
Just north on Route 151 from Devil’s Backbone is Bold Rock Hard Cider, which features walking trails by the river, mountain views from the deck, and a large open field. If you and your fiance love mountains, cider, and exploring the trails, this is the place for you!
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards – North Garden, Virginia
Pippin Hill is one of Virginia’s finest wineries and top tier wedding venues. In fact, many of their design elements were created with photography in mind! Couples who choose to have their engagement photos here can take advantage of the vineyard itself, the expansive mountain views, or the well-manicured walkways around the tasting room. If you’re located in Central Virginia and want mountain views with a high-end feel, this is the perfect location for your shoot!
Red August Farm – Waynesboro, Virginia
This is the ideal location for couples desiring an up-scale rustic look for their engagement photos. Farm lovers will adore Red August Farm’s classic red barn, sweeping fence rows, and brilliant view of the Shenandoah. The manor house provides a touch of elegance, and couples enjoy the added bonus of privacy for their session, as the property is not open to the public.
Cyrus McCormick Farm – Raphine, Virginia
Situated just between Staunton and Lexington, Virginia is the Cyrus McCormick Farm / Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The property features open fields, a small pond, an old mill, as well as mountain views, of course! This farm is a great location for engaged couples in the Shenandoah Valley seeking a rustic look for their photos.
Silver Fox Lavender Farm – Nellysford, Virginia
This small-but-mighty lavender farm in Nellysford has tons to offer! Schedule your session for June to experience the lavender in peak bloom, take a stroll through the grove of Crepe Myrtle trees, or pack a picnic to enjoy by the pond. The newly-built barn features a massive bridal suite and a light-colored wood interior.
Massanutten Creek – Luray, Virginia
Luray’s Massanutten Creek is another Shenandoah Valley wedding venue that is also popular for engagement sessions. This 37-acre property located roughly 40 minutes from Harrisonburg features a classic red barn with a silo, a brick manor home, and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plan your engagement session for mid-late July to take advantage of the sunflower field!
Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Although technically just over the state line, Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia is another small town with big variety. About 45-minutes from Winchester, the town is nestled against the mountains where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet, and you can even see parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland all from one vantage point! Harper’s Ferry is a destination for history buffs, hikers, and water expeditioners alike, and I love any chance to get back to my hometown!
Garden and Greenhouse Engagement Session Locations
Gardens and greenhouses are perfect for nature lovers who prefer a private, more intimate feel for their session. You and your finance can sneak away to a quiet corner, stroll through floral-lined pathways, or create a picnic to enjoy together during your session! Here are a few of my favorite garden venues for engagement photos in Virginia.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum – Harrisonburg, Virginia
This arboretum and botanical garden is part of JMU’s campus, but you’d never know from the photos! My clients love the bridge over the reflective pond, the winding pathways, and native plant life in every corner. Even if you aren’t a James Madison alum, this is an idyllic spot for your garden engagement session. Each season brings new looks to the arboretum. It’s meant to be beautiful and colorful all year round!
Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse – Timberville, Virginia
Another venue that has a little bit of everything, this family-owned orchard, cidery, farm stay, and event venue has been operating since 1965. The property has an enchanting view of the mountains, a Virginia LOVE sign, a white “hoop house” greenhouse, and an all-glass reception hall. Meander through the groves or enjoy a cider on the lawn with your spouse-to-be!
US Botanic Gardens – Washington, D.C.
A popular engagement session spot for DMV-area couples is the US Botanic Gardens, located on the grounds of the United States Capitol. The park displays several exhibits throughout the year, and even has an indoor conservatory where you can stay warm during the winter months!
Waterperry Farm – Free Union, Virginia
Just outside of Charlottesville sits Waterperry Farm, which flaunts exquisite gardens, luxurious guest houses, and stunning grounds to explore. My favorite feature is the Victorian greenhouse, but there are so many places to explore! From their website: Swaying hayfields, mature hedges, stone walls, and lichen-covered benches make this a place where unforgettable moments are captured to last forever.
Carter Mountain Orchard – Charlottesville, Virginia
Are you looking for a location where you can meander through a row of apple trees, munch on a fresh cider donut, and sip some Bold Rock, Carter Mountain has a little bit of everything. The orchard overlooks Charlottesville and Albemarle County, and is another treasured location for Central Virginia sunsets.
Chiles Peach Orchard – Crozet, Virginia
Owned by the same folks as Carter Mountain, Chiles Peach Orchard in nearby Crozet is the ideal location if you want a bright, summer orchard look with beautiful blossoms. In the last few years, they have also planted an expansive zinnia garden that blooms throughout the month of July. Enjoy a frozen cocktail or a cup of peach ice cream after your session!
The Market at Grelen – Somerset, Virginia
This all-in-one European style market has a greenhouse, farm-to-table cafe, a home and garden shop, and a pick-your-own farm. Also serving as a wedding and event venue, couples who choose the Market at Grelen for their engagement session can take advantage of a variety of backdrops with this rare combination of urban elegance and country charm.
Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park – Vienna, Virginia
The Meadowlark Botanical Garden in Vienna includes native and ornamental plant life during all four seasons, three lakes, and a serene atmosphere. Time your session just right to take advantage of the spring cherry blossoms! All year round, this expansive property is a beautiful, easy to access location for your engagement photos.
View examples: Emily & Ron’s Engagement Photos at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Historic Locations for Virginia Engagement Photos
Historic areas are perfect for couples who love classic and timeless photos. Virginia is full of beautiful historic locations! Here are a few options to help you choose the perfect location for your downtown engagement session. This list also includes several nearby college campuses that combine historic architecture with a park feel.
Downtown Pedestrian Mall – Charlottesville, Virginia
Known as one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country, Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall features more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants that are almost all locally-owned. Snag a shot in front of the iconic Paramount Theater sign, get cozy in one of the many colorful alleyways, or check out the train station for a more modern look.
Historic Downtown Staunton, Virginia
As a local, one of my favorite places for engagement sessions in the Shenandoah Valley is Historic Downtown Staunton, because it offers so much variety in a walkable area! It doesn’t hurt that I have a studio right in the middle of downtown as a rain plan, and live only ten minutes away. There are historic buildings with white columns, colorful shops and quaint corners, an old train station with stunning architecture, and you can even get some mountain views from a few of my top-secret locations.
View examples: Emily and Heston’s Downtown Staunton and Raven’s Roost Engagement Session
Historic downtown Staunton Virginia Runaway Bride Photoshoot
Augusta County Courthouse Elopement – Downtown Staunton Elopement Portraits
James Madison University – Harrisonburg, Virginia
As one of Virginia’s largest and most popular universities, JMU’s campus includes the classic bluestone buildings around the quad, a large fountain, and plenty of open green space with mountain views. If you and your fiance met in college, taking a trip back to your alma mater can be the perfect place to mark your engagement.
Mary Baldwin University – Staunton, Virginia
Mary Baldwin is located in downtown Staunton, and features all-white, stone buildings with large columns and vast steps. I love this location because it feels more like a high-end venue than a college campus, and we can always head downtown afterwards!
Bridgewater College – Bridgewater, Virginia
Located just outside of Harrisonburg, Bridgewater College is a small campus with red brick buildings and a tree-lined quad that lights up with colorful foliage during the fall months. This is a perfect location for couples who want a historic location without the crowds.
Historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
One of America’s oldest towns, Alexandria marries history and classic architecture with the luxuries of Loudoun County, modern shopping and dining. There’s even a waterfront walkway to add another look to your engagement photos. If you want chic meets classic, downtown Old Town Alexandria is a great location for your Virginia engagement session!
Swannanoa Palace – Afton, Virginia
This location is so versatile I’m listing it in multiple categories! If you and your fiance are into architecture and history, you have to check this place out. Swannanoa Palace has hauntingly beautiful grounds, ornate architecture, and will make you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale, or maybe a scene from The Great Gatsby. The castle-like palace sits isolated on top of Afton Mountain and includes a colonnade, lavishly overgrown gardens, and a perfect vista of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As the site is currently unoccupied and closed to the public, we also have the added benefit of complete privacy.
Engagement Session Location Options at Virginia Breweries, Wineries, and Cideries
Make your engagement session a fun date night at your favorite Virginia winery, brewery, or cidery! If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore with your fiance, check out a few of my favorite locations below.
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard – North Garden, Virginia
Pippin Hill earns two spots on this post as one of Virginia’s finest wineries and top tier wedding venues. In fact, many of their design elements were created with photography in mind! Couples who choose to have their engagement photos here can take advantage of the vineyard itself, the expansive mountain views, or the well-manicured walkways around the tasting room. If you’re located in Central Virginia and want mountain views with a high-end feel, this is the perfect location for your shoot!
Devil’s Backbone Basecamp – Nellysford, Virginia
As mentioned, this is not your basic brewery – Devil’s Backbone flaunts an expansive property with brick, plant-lined pathways, a cabin aesthetic, and plenty of unique spaces to enjoy a cold one or one of their famous Bavarian pretzels. The brewery is at the base of the mountain near Wintergreen Resort, and hosts festivals and concerts year-round.
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Nellysford, Virginia
Just north on Route 151 from Devil’s Backbone is Bold Rock Hard Cider, which features walking trails by the river, mountain views from the deck, and a large open field. If you and your fiance love mountains, cider, and exploring the trails, this is the place for you!
Castle Hill Cider – Keswick, Virginia
Located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, Castle Hill Cider doubles as a wedding venue and is a popular location for engagement sessions! The elegant all-white barn exterior perfectly complements the sunset view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and incredibly well-kept grounds.
King Family Vineyards – Crozet, Virginia
Wine lovers adore both King Family’s most popular vintage, the “Crosé,” and their accompanying view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can pack a picnic and catch a polo match while you enjoy some of Virginia’s finest wine and most well-kept grounds.
Parks and Public Grounds in the Shenandoah Valley
Make your engagement session a walk in the park! While there are many parks in Virginia that provide romantic photographic backdrops, here are a few places you may not have heard of that my couples enjoy.
Gypsy Hill Park – Staunton, Virginia
If you’re looking for a nature location in the Shenandoah Valley without the hike, Gypsy Hill Park is the place for you! This hidden gem near downtown Staunton is another one of my go-to spots for engagement sessions. Check out the duck pond, snuggle up under a tree, or stroll through the walking trails.
Blandy Experimental Farm – Virginia State Arboretum – Boyce, Virginia
Another one of my favorite Northern Virginia locations for engagement photos is the Blandy State Arboretum in Clarke County. Arboretums are great for couples who love a natural look without having to hit the trails, and this one in particular is absolutely stunning! There are tree-lined pathways, gardens, and an open field.
View examples: Carla and Glen’s Blandy Experimental Farm Engagement Session
Boar’s Head Resort – Charlottesville, Virginia
I love photographing engagements at the Boar’s Head Resort near Charlottesville because it has so much to offer! The resort/community boasts some of the finest homes in Central Virginia, a well-maintained golf course, and a variety of small gardens, ponds, and lush plant life all around. Enjoy an upscale date night at the Mill Room Restaurant after your shoot!
Epic Destinations across Virginia for your Engagement Session!
Swannanoa Palace – Afton, Virginia
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Swannanoa is one of the most unique sites in Virginia! The castle-like atmosphere will give you jaw-dropping photos that will stun your friends and family. The castle-like palace sits isolated on top of Afton Mountain and includes a colonnade, lavishly overgrown gardens, and a perfect vista of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As the site is currently unoccupied and closed to the public, we also have the added benefit of complete privacy.
Raven’s Roost Overlook – Blue Ridge Parkway, Lyndhurst, Virginia
Another location that earns multiple spots on the list for epic engagement photos – it’s not hard to see why! The overlook is easy to access from the Blue Ridge Parkway and boasts clear views of the entire Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountain range. The layout of the small park allows for a surprising variety of backdrops, and there’s no better place to catch a Virginia sunset with your sweetheart.
Sky Meadows State Park – Delaplane, Virginia
Couples planning their engagement session in Northern Virginia can take advantage of this 1900-acre park outside of Winchester. Sky Meadows State Park features walking trails, a pond, and endless scenery. I love the variety of backdrops this location provides, including a historic manor house, wooded areas, and an incredible view of rolling hills and distant mountains.
Historic Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Although technically just over the state line, Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia is another small town with big variety. About 45-minutes from Winchester, the town is nestled against the mountains where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet, and you can even see parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland all from one vantage point! Harper’s Ferry is a destination for history buffs, hikers, and water expeditioners alike, and I love any chance to get back to my hometown!
St. Mary’s Falls – Staunton, Virginia
If you and your fiancé want adventure, this 4.3 mile trail in St. Mary’s Wilderness is perfect. It’s moderately challenging and includes rock scrambles, river crossings, and the falls that give the trail its name. Be prepared to get your feet wet and bring a change of shoes! The waterfall at the end is worth it. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a jump off the waterfall into the swimming hole below!
Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park – Vienna, Virginia
The Meadowlark Botanical Garden in Vienna includes native and ornamental plant life during all four seasons, three lakes, and a serene atmosphere. Time your session just right to take advantage of the spring cherry blossoms! Whatever season you choose, Meadowlark is a great option. Just be sure to make a reservation and get a permit from their office! It is easy and inexpensive, but photography permits are strictly enforced.
View examples: Emily & Ron’s Engagement Photos at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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