Congratulations on your engagement! There are so many amazing places to take engagement photos around Raleigh that it can be hard to choose! I’m a Raleigh North Carolina Wedding Photographer and after growing up in the area and photographing couples here for the past four years, I have a few favorite locations that I want to share with you! Here are ten of the best places to take engagement photos in and around Raleigh!

1. Historic Oak View Park

I love this small local park any time of year for photos! It has an open field, a pecan grove, white barns and fences, and a historic white house. It has lots of great photo spots within a short walking distance, and it a popular choice for many of my couples!

2. NC Museum of Art

This is a popular place to take engagement photos almost any time of year. It’s one of my favorites because of how much variety there is for photos, and having the wide open spaces. I love the open fields with tall grass, magnolia trees, wildflowers, willow trees, and this cute reflecting pool too!

3. East Carroll Joyner Park

Joyner park is a large park in Wake Forest with walking trails, historic barns, large oak trees, and small stone walls. It’s a very popular place for photos in the Fall!

4. Downtown Raleigh

If you’re looking for a modern city vibe, Downtown Raleigh is perfect for your engagement photos! There are so many amazing spots for photos. I love the area around the Capitol building for greenery, the view of Fayetteville street, the warehouse district, and the Boylan Bridge!

5. WRAL Azalea Gardens

The WRAL Gardens is a small public garden that is absolutely beautiful in the spring and summer! In the spring this is a beautiful place to find flowers. In April there are azaleas and tulips, and then in late May the hydrangeas will start blooming. I love finding a hidden path in the gardens for photos here!

6. Duke Gardens

This is one of my FAVORITE places for engagement photos. Duke Gardens is beautiful year round and it has the most beautiful lighting. This location does require reservations and a permit fee of $150 for a golden hour session. It’s worth it though!! They also do weddings here!

7. Dix Park

Dix Park has an open field with a skyline view of downtown Raleigh. Starting in March you’ll find a field of daffodils, and in July you’ll find the famous sunflower fields! During those times this is a great place for a session, but if the flowers aren’t in bloom I would pair this location with another nearby for more variety!

8. Durham Tobacco Campus

If you’re local to Durham or love spending date nights together downtown, you may love the urban warehouse feel of the Durham American Tobacco Campus. It’s a great place for a date night afterwards too!

9. Raleigh Rose Garden

In the spring, early summer, and fall you’ll find the Raleigh Rose Garden in bloom and it’s beautiful. The roses have a large variety of colors and there’s lots of greenery with the trees surrounding it. I have photographed engagements, proposals, bridals, and even a micro wedding here before!

10. Your College Campus

NCSU, Meredith, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and more!

If you guys are local to the area and went to school together or met at school, your college campus may be a special place for engagement photos! These locations are great any time of year!

For my full location guide with 25 of my favorite places to take photos in North Carolina for your engagement session, contact me to book your session today! I can’t wait to hear from you and get started celebrating your engagement!

See more Engagement Session Inspiration on the Blog Below!

Historic Oak View Engagement

Duke Gardens Engagement

Downtown Raleigh Engagement