The 15 Best Locations for Engagement Sessions In Indianapolis
The number one question I get from my couples when we’re planning for their engagement session is what are some of the best locations near Indianapolis. Well, let me start by saying, I can work with any location. An engagement session is really about the couple and their love. But with that being said, a great background can really enhance your photos. So today, I’m sharing my top 15 favorite engagement session locations in the Indianapolis area.
The Central Library
Technically to shoot inside the library, you need to purchase a $50 permit. However, you can shoot outside of the central library for free. This is one of my go-to locations during the winter time when park areas tend to be more brown and muddy.
2. Fort Harrison State Park
Fort Harrison State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Indiana during the spring, summer, and fall. There are so many different background options that I sometimes spend over an hour and a half just at this one location during an engagement session. There are trails, tree backgrounds, bridges, lakes, and streams. Just keep in mind that there is an $11 entrance fee per vehicle to get into the park.
3. Holiday Park
Holiday Park is one of the completely free spots for photos in the area. It’s located in the Broad Ripple area, so it’s perfect for couples who want one green park location, and then want to use a coffee shop or something similar for a second location. Holiday Park is so beautiful in the spring, summer, or fall, but this is also a spot I can recomend in the winter since they have a lot of ever-green trees. The only downside to this location is that is very popular for photography, so we usually have to work around all of the other photographers at the park.
4. Monument Circle
Monument Circle is perfect at any time of year. It’s a great choice for couples who love the look of downtown photos. It has one of my favorite sunset views of the capital building. The downsides of this location are that parking can be difficult to find, and depending on what’s going on downtown, it can be very crowded.
5. CoxHall Gardens
CoxHall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana is probably one of the most popular locations for photos and photographers in Indiana. Every time I visit this location, I know I have to prepared to wait my turn for certain spots in the park. But it’s so worth it, because this place is gorgeous! I even took most of my own head shots here! Also, Coxhall gardens is completely free to use.
6. Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek Park is one of my favorite places to go hiking and kayaking in Indianapolis. They also have a high ropes corse that I’ve been dying to try. But, of, course, in addition to these things, it’s beautiful for photos. They have diverse backgrounds from ponds, to trails, beautiful tree lines, and the reservoir. It’s so beautiful in the fall especially!
7. The Newfields
The Newfields was formerly known as the Indiana Museum of Art. They require a $50 pass to photograph engagement sessions on their property, but it’s so worth it! They have a green house, beautiful architecture, and an amazing garden. I recomend this location to any of my couples that are willing to spend the extra money on a great location!
8. Holcomb Gardens
Holcomb Gardens is located on Butler University’s campus in Broad Ripple. This location is completely free with easy parking and is beautiful at any time of the year. There are a few different background options, so you really can’t go wrong with this choice.
9. Apple Orchard
Apple Orchards are perfect for fall engagement sessions. Many Apple Orchards will let you shoot there for free, and most of them are big enough that even if there are other photographers, we won’t have an issue finding a good spot for photos. Of course, there’s the added bonus of getting some cider after the session.
10. Tree Farm
Christmas Tree Farms are the perfect location for a winter engagement session. Most tree farms will also let you shoot there for free. It’s a great way to still get some greenery in your engagement photos even after all of the leaves have fallen of the trees. You could even pick out your first Christmas tree together while you’re there!
11. Brown County State Park
I know that Brown County State Park isn’t technically in the Indianapolis area, but I just had to include it. In my opinion the overlooks at this park are the most beautiful views in Indiana. It costs $11 per vehicle to get into the park, but it’s so worth it for those views!
12. The Canal Walk
The Canal Walk is perfect for couples who love a mix of nature and the city. There are so many great diverse backgrounds within a short walking distance from each other. The downsides are the crowds on nice days and the fact that parking has been getting more and more difficult lately.
13. Southeastway Park
I had no idea that this park even existed until a client suggested it since it was close to their house. I’m so glad they did, because I found a new location that I love! Southeastway Park is a large, gorgeous park with diverse background options that is free for photographers to use.
14. Vineyard and Winery
Wineries and Vineyards are the perfect engagement session locations for the sophisticated, wine-loving couples. I find vineyards to have such an elegant feeling. A lot of the local vineyards will let you shoot there for free. Just make sure to get permission first!
15. Your Wedding Venue
I have had several of my couples reach out to their wedding venue to ask if we can shoot their engagement session there. It’s a great opportunity for us to explore your wedding venue together before your wedding day!
