When you get engaged, it’s easy to shift into wedding planning mode. All of a sudden, you’re constantly concerned with everything from the flowers to the catering menu. Amidst all that stress, it can be hard to sit back and actually just enjoy your engagement. After all, you’ve been waiting for this season for years! It’s your time to celebrate your story while creating lifelong memories. As a Baltimore engagement photographer, I adore working with couples so they can have portraits they can cherish forever. Here are my favorite spots to use for your engagement pictures.
500 Kent Manor Drive, Stevensville, Maryland 21666
Kent Island Resort is a breathtaking space that is ideal whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a scenic location for your Baltimore engagement photographer. My suggestion? Why not both?! The hotel is surrounded by pristine countryside, which makes it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The lush forests and picturesque pond will serve as an amazing backdrop for your pictures. Once you get done with those locations, you can take an easy stroll and get some portraits with the sun beaming down behind the statement white barn. There is a pier that goes out over Thompson Creek that you can use for your session. Once you’re done, be sure to stop by 18Twenty for some fabulous dining!
600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21403
As its name might have already suggested, Quiet Waters Park gives you a tranquil area where you can find lots of intimate places to snap some pictures. The park has over 340 acres of gorgeous land. The park is so picture-perfect that many couples use it as their wedding venue. They have countless backdrop opportunities, including the fountain and large reflection pool. There are small forest pockets throughout with lush green trees. Their pavilions are colorful, with quaint walkways and vibrant flowers surrounding them. Throughout the wintertime, there is an ice skating rink in case you want to strap on some skates and take some pretty adorable photos.
580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
If you and your partner are nature lovers, you need to head on over to Patapsco Valley State Park with your Baltimore engagement photographer! You will have your pick of beautiful spots that you can incorporate into your portraits. Plus, the park is hiker-friendly, ensuring you’ll be able to access the features you want in your backdrop. The area is massive, with over 30 acres running alongside the Patapsco River. One of my favorite paths in the park starts at the Daniels Trailhead. This area of the park was once a mill town and has a few abandoned structures as well as waterside views. As you walk, you’ll come across fallen trees and quiet streams. No matter what kind of backdrops you want for your pictures, there’s a good chance you’ll find them here!
4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, Maryland 21209
Cylburn Arboretum is located in the heart of the city but quickly makes you feel like you’re in your own private oasis. The property rests on over 200 acres. As you walk through the area, you’ll find nature preserves that will serve as a positively dreamy backdrop. As the weather warms up, the area is covered in vibrant flowers with monarch butterflies and black swallowtails fluttering across the fields. Once the winter months start, the leaves of the trees transform into fiery shades of orange and yellow. There are also beautiful buildings on the property, including a Victorian mansion and a modern yet rustic education center. While the mansion only offers private views, you’ll still be able to access the exterior.
4310 Underwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Sherwood Gardens is a private Baltimore park that comes to life throughout the springtime that engagement photographers love. The gardens date back to 1915 and were designed by the Olmsted Firm, the same group behind New York’s Central Park. The main appeal of the park remains the tulips. Once the weather starts to warm, the grounds become a vibrant display with fields of tulips in nearly every shade imaginable. The best time to catch them is mid-to-late April. Following the tulip season, you can stop by and see the summer perennials. There is also a stately Georgian Revival mansion that serves as a backdrop. The park does allow you to do photo sessions but requires permission. Additionally, there are no public restrooms, so plan accordingly!
151 S. East Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701
Baker Park Frederick is a 58-acre community park that always has something exciting going on just outside of Baltimore. They have regular concert events, celebrations, and family theater. When the sun starts to go down, the park starts to look like it came straight out of a painting. You’ll find winding streams, towering willow trees, and gazebos. The skyline of Frederick is on full display, with tall church steeples and historic buildings serving as a backdrop. There is a carillon with colorful perennials all around. You will also find a quaint red-covered bridge. While there’s very little chance of you running out of great shots, you’ll be within walking distance of charming Frederick, where you’ll find no shortage of gorgeous backgrounds if you want some more.
3303 Water Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
If you don’t mind a short drive, one of my favorite places to have a photo session is in DC at the Georgetown Waterfront Park. This area connects over 200 miles of parkland and gives you some pretty showstopping views along the way. On one end of the park, you’ll find a labyrinth with twists and turns that were created for quiet contemplation. As you walk on, you’ll happen upon rain gardens, arched bridges, and pollinator gardens. This park has plenty of urban backdrops while infusing as much nature as possible. It’s the ideal place to go for a stroll before stopping off for dinner.
With these Baltimore destinations, you will have gorgeous engagement portraits so you can celebrate this season! And if you still need someone to help you take these pictures, let’s connect! I am a Baltimore engagement photographer, and I adore working with couples to help them remember this time while celebrating their love story. I would love to sit down and have a conversation so you can decide if my style matches yours. Let’s chat soon!