5 Richmond Engagement Portrait Locations

Running a small business in Richmond, Virginia is a huge source of pride for us. There is SO much to love about RVA: festivals every weekend, over 500 locally owned restaurants, an inspiring art scene…the creativity and passion in this city is endless.  And the secret is slowly getting out; Richmond has been making headlines recently as a top place to live/work/eat- and we’re especially fond of that last one. We love it so much, we’re the photography sponsors for a podcast dedicated to loving life in Richmond, Coffee With Strangers!

Over the years of working in Richmond, we’ve curated our favorite places for photos. We like to call it home field advantage; these local gems are places we know are guaranteed to deliver a perfect combination of a fun and romantic experience. And bonus, they are all free, no permit required! If you’re stuck choosing a location, we’re excited to share 5 of our favorite places.

1. Libby Hill Park

If you’re dreaming of a fairy tale feel, look no further than this popular park. It’s no secret that this is a fave for local photographers, and we might even spot some other photo shoots while we’re there! That’s because Libby Hill offers a wonderful variety of backgrounds all in a small area, making it a practically perfect spot for engagement portraits. Open fields? Stunning view of the city? Pretty fountains? Cobblestone path? Got you covered!

A little extra tip; this location is best at golden hour, the time right after the sun rises and or right before it sets. Jasmine & Matt were willing to get up before the crack of dawn for their engagement photos, and we’re so glad they did!!!

2. Church Hill Neighborhood

This historic area is a great place to capture a friendly, neighborhood feel. It’s a very popular place to live in Richmond, and that’s because it’s ADORABLE!  Every block is filled with character and you’ll feel right at home here. One of our favorite local businesses, WPA Bakery, is the perfect starting point to grab a cup of coffee at the beginning of our shoot.  Then we can explore the tree-lined streets and charming alleys. You might want to move into the neighborhood by the end of your session-don’t say we didn’t warn you! 🙂

3. Carytown

This is an excellent location for the couple whose vibe is quirky and energetic.  Brimming with murals by local artists and unique store fronts, it’s the perfect place to incorporate bold pops of color! This is also a great spot for anyone who wants to show Richmond off to their out of town friends and family. Bonus if you turn your session into a date night by sharing a treat on the outdoor patio at French-brasserie CanCan.

4. Forrest hill Park

Full disclosure; this location was recently introduced to us by our dream clients Cynthia & Henry. You may have heard of Forrest Hill Park for for the famous local farmers market South of the James, but did you know that there is a small lake hidden inside the park? Well neither did we, until this amazing couple suggested it for their engagement photos, and we instantly fell in love! It has that magical secret garden feel, and we could not get enough. We would love to shoot here again!

5. Virginia State Capitol

It doesn’t get more Virginia than this; stunning manicured lawns and the stately Capitol building make a handsome backdrop for a classy couple. If you are looking for traditional southern, this could be the perfect place for your portraits! Especially gorgeous in the summer and fall, this location offers tons of shade and stunning views. It is best used after the capitol offices are closed for the day, so plan for evenings or weekends if you choose this location.

This is just a small sample of the endless places RVA has to offer, and we are always thrilled to add to the list! If you’re thinking about booking an engagement session and have a rad idea for something that’s never been done before, shoot us an email so we can chat!