10 Favorite Engagement Photo Locations in Northern Virginia

It’s engagement season! What better way to celebrate than to start dreaming up your romantic engagement session? Am I right or am I right? 🙂

Although I have been photographing weddings since 2014, only the past two years have been right here in the DMV. I’ve had so much fun exploring and photographing new places, and of course, meeting so many sweet couples in the process! Today I am sharing my favorite engagement photos location in Northern Virginia (so far)!

1 | Shenandoah National Park

This Shenandoah National Park engagement session felt like the warmest welcome hug to Virginia. Shawn and Marion were my very first Virginia engagement session back in 2020, before my husband and I even knew if were officially moving to the area! We took the scenic Skyline Drive to the Ravens Roost Overlook and, as you can see, the Blue Ridge mountain views were breathtaking! If you and your fiancé have adventurous souls, this may be the engagement photo location for you!

2 | The University of Virginia Campus – Charlottesville, VA

There is something about the University of Virginia campus that feels like “Classic Virginia” to me. Since moving to Nova, I have met so many couples that went to UVA, love UVA, and are so excited about all things in and around Charlottesville, Virginia. After my first session on the campus, I completely understand why! So much beauty, but also, so much variety! If you plan your engagement session for the fall, you can also take advantage of the beautiful color!

3 | Morven Park – Leesburg, VA

If you were plan a location that felt like Jane Austen in Virginia, Morven Park would be it. This park is lush and green, and provides both romantic landscaping and so much lovely texture. The giant magnolia trees are an added bonus of Southern charm.

4 | Old Town Alexandria

Waterfronts, sailboats, iconic brownstone homes, and cobblestone streets – Old Town Alexandria makes my history-loving, Boston-girl heart sing! When shooting in the summer, you will also find fluffy hydrangeas (again, my New England heart skips a beat every time!).

5 | The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

I remember reading that the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a garden for “all seasons”. This is absolutely true. I’ve had the joy of photographing at the gardens multiple times during all four seasons and each season has so much to offer! No matter the season, the park feels quaint, romantic, and so peaceful.

6 | Manassas National Battlefield Park

My favorite seasons at the Manassas National Battlefield Park are definitely summer and fall. There is something particularly dreamy about “summers in the meadow” at this park. The grasses grow tall, the sunsets are stunning, and there are so many naturally beautiful backdrops that make this an idyllic location for engagement photos. Paint over the scene with warm Autumn tones and you have a fall engagement session that is something to write home about!

7 | Airlie

If your vision is an elevated countryside retreat, you will love Airlie. Airlie a beautiful wedding venue and resort nestled within 300 rolling acres of idyllic countryside in the charming small town of Warrenton, Virginia. This venue features green hillside views, manicured gardens, stone walls, quaint paths, and an iconic grand staircase, all making for the perfect Northern Virginia engagement session location.

8 | Carlyle House, Old Town Alexandria

The Carlyle House is located within the charming neighborhoods of Old Town Alexandria. The house and gardens offer so many picturesque spots all within a short distance of each other from gazebos, gardens, and the cutest blue door! In addition to the house and gardens itself, the surrounding neighborhood offers a most enjoyable stroll with plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities.

9 | Hunt Country + Northern Virginia Landscapes

Sometimes the best locations are the ones that are most special to you. I have photographed some of the sweetest engagement sessions in the very “backyard” of my couples. If your family property, local farm or park are special to you, this is great choice! After all, beautiful photos can happen anywhere!

10 | Bonus Location: C & O Canal, Georgetown

If I’ve learned anything about DMV locals and especially Virginians, they are up for a road trip! If this is you, then the C&O Canal in Georgetown could be bumped to the top of your list for engagement session locations. The canal is surrounded by lush greenery, historic brick buildings, and charming footbridges that provide a lovely backdrop for photos. The canal is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, making for a lively and vibrant atmosphere. You can easily double your engagement session as a day trip or date night by strolling along the canal and exploring the charming shops and restaurants before or after the session!

Looking for more location inspiration and ideas for your engagement photos?

These are just a few of my favorite engagement photo locations in Northern Virginia. Do you have something else in mind? Send me a message here! I would love to hear about what you are thinking, or to send you more ideas for session locations!

I love engagement sessions and offer them as part of every wedding collection!

Engagement sessions are one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sessions I offer as a photographer. There is no timeline and no real agenda. The goal of any engagement session is to capture beautiful photos of you and your love, while also getting to know each other. As a wedding photographer, I often help couples with choosing locations and what to wear, and join them for a creative photo venture.

Ready to plan your dream engagement session?

Click here to inquire about wedding photography!

Looking for an a la carte engagement session? Click here to inquire!

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Alexis El Massih is a wedding and portrait photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and destinations beyond.

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