One of my most popular questions I get is, where are some of the best places to take bridal portraits in Raleigh? After years of taking bridals and making these recommendations to my brides, I’m sharing them with you guys here on the blog!

Bridal portraits are one of my favorite southern traditions! Bridal portrait sessions are dedicated to the bride getting all dressed up before the wedding day for portraits. It makes for a great trial run of all the things for your wedding day, including: hair, makeup, your dress fitting, jewelry, and flowers! I’ve seen many brides make last minute changes to their look based on their bridal portraits. So if you want a trial run of your wedding day look, this is the perfect opportunity!

Where to take your bridal portraits?

Most brides will choose to take bridal portraits at their wedding venue. If you want a change of scenery, or your venue doesn’t have availability for portrait sessions, there are lots of great locations in the area – free and reservation based – that are PERFECT for bridal portraits!

Outdoor Parks and Gardens

Raleigh Rose Garden

• Roses typically bloom May-early November
• Lots of colors and florals
• Free to take photos
• Free parking, but no restrooms, so I recommend coming ready, or using my changing tent

WRAL Gardens

• Free to take photos
• Azaleas usually start blooming late March-early April
• Hydreagenas bloom late May-June
• Great for spring or summer
• Free parking, no public restrooms after hours, so I recommend coming ready, or using my changing tent

JC Raulston Arboretum

• Great garden year round close to NC State
• Free to take photos
• They do have a public restroom and free parking
• They close early, so we will just plan your session in the later afternoon

NC Museum of Art

• Free to take photos
• Free parking, public restrooms
• It’s a large park, so more walking
• Not a lot of flowers, but they do have large open fields, tall grass, and magnolia trees
• The outside of the museum itself is beautiful for modern portraits near the reflecting pool
• Great any time of year

Duke Gardens in Durham

• My favorite place to take photos any time of year!!
• $150 fee to take photos here + $2 hourly parking
• There’s no place to change, so I will bring a tent for you to change in
• Lots of flowers blooming almost year round, and beautiful landscaping
• Most popular option for bridals!

Venues

Here are some local venues that offer hourly rentals for portrait sessions! I do love these options because you have a private space to yourself to get ready in and take photos.

Oxbow Estate

• $200 as of 03/24
• Beautiful grand estate with a European style in Clayton, NC

Carolina Grove

• Beautiful white barn estate style venue hidden in the trees of Hillsborough
• Great for white, airy, portraits indoors + outdoorsy photos with the trees
• Contact for pricing

Mims House

• Beautiful white house venue in Holly Springs
• Classic, southern style
• $100 / hour as of 03-24

Union Hall

• Very modern and great for downtown Raleigh vibe
• $50 session fee as of 03/24
• Public restrooms to change in, public space at the train station
• Paid parking on the street or a nearby garage

The Bradford

• Beautiful European style venue in New Hill
• Contact for Pricing

Your Wedding Venue!

• Your wedding venue may include this cost in your wedding package so be sure to check with to see what the cost is

I hope this helps you choose where to take your bridal portraits! There are so many great places in our area, the options are endless! If you have a certain vision in mind, reach out and I can help!

Suggested Blog Posts

What is a Bridal Portrait Session, and Why You Should Have one

Duke Gardens Bridals | Lauren

Carolina Grove Bridals | Caroline

JC Raulston Arboretum Bridals | Rachel

Raleigh Rose Garden Bridals | Callie