One of my favorite parts about being a North Georgia Wedding Photographer is capturing your love story from the first “Yes!” of an engagement to the “I Do!” at the alter. I really feel like North Georgia and the surrounding area really has it all – unique architecture in the cities, bountiful gardens in nature, and wineries straight out of a storybook. In this guide, I hope to help every couple decide the best location to tell their love story as well as offer up some of the gorgeous places I’ve found to capture any type of mood you want to achieve.

Choosing the Best Location

The location for your photos sets the mood for your images, but more importantly it shows who you two are as people. When considering places for your engagement session, think like a film maker telling your love story. Here are three questions to help put you in the director’s seat:

1. Where do you two feel the most “you”?

This can be as broad or as specific as you like. Do you enjoy watching movies in your home or walking through nature at a local park? Is there a place or city that you love to visit together?

2. What is something you enjoy doing together?

Every couple has shared interests, and these things all take place in some sort of setting! Brainstorm the places you are when you’re really enjoying each other’s company – and jot it down so you don’t forget!

3. How would you describe your relationship dynamic?

Are you bold, adventurous, quirky or understated? We can choose a location that reflects the uniqueness of your relationship. After all, this is YOUR story!

Here’s an example of what this process might look like:

Ashley and Ben feel most like themselves at the mountain summer camp where they met. They enjoy going for long walks and having intentional conversations. They would describe their relationship as spontaneous and joyful.

The couple decided to choose a location with a long road in the middle of a gorgeous mountain backdrop, illustrating their favorite activities, – conversational walks – their journey together, and a throwback to the place they first met.

So You Have Your Foundation…

As the stars of your own romantic comedy, put the answers to the above questions at the forefront of your mind as well as anything else you believe is important to your tale of love. Looking through the locations of this guide, imagine yourselves there. How does it feel? Is it authentic to the answers you thought of? Can you imagine you and your partner there, or did you have a total “aha!” moment somewhere else?

If none of these fit or you don’t know what’s right for you…send me an email! I’m always happy to scout new locations to fit a specific vision or provide options that may be better suited.

The Atlanta Courthouse and Georgia Capitol Building is a fantastic location for a classy, formal mood to your photos. The architecture screams high end, and the State Capitol museum is open for visitors during the week. I recommend morning sessions for this location to get the best light and no crowds.

The Marietta Square is perfect for the first date, meet cute feel of falling in love. The Square has several structures including benches, a gazebo, and a fountain that make for a natural but urban styled setting.

If you’re looking for the best of nature and the city combined, Piedmont Park is the location for you. With its skyline views, lake, stone staircases and open fields, there are so many options for capturing the soul of your relationship – especially if it happened in Atlanta!

I have to say, Catorwoolford Gardens is a total hidden gem in Atlanta. The expertly manicured gardens are filled with color for a majority of the seasons, and it is classy and natural all in one. Not only do you get the serenity of the gardens, but also the feel of ancient romance in the stone staircases and structures.

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia is such a spectacular spot for my couples who want a natural element to tell their college sweetheart love story. With natural areas, polished floral displays and plenty of trails throughout, these gardens are gorgeous for pops of color and a whimsical feel.

Vaughters Farm is amazing for golden hour, and its fields and historic white barn give a rustic, warm vibe. Personally, I think spring, summer, and fall are the most beautiful times to take full advantage of the natural landscape.

The Roswell Mill for an engagement session in North Georgia is such a beautiful location, combining the rustic elements of the covered bridge with a crisp, fresh atmosphere at the scenic waterfall. With all the history surrounding this spot, I think there is a subtle nod to longevity and the building blocks of your romance.

On Your Boat

Your engagement session is all about your story, and that can absolutely include lake days together! A boating excursion may be the perfect fit for those who love fishing, swimming, and enjoying the open water. The lighting you get from a wide open sky is so stunning!

Montaluce Vineyard and Winery has all the romance of the Italian countryside all in the state of Georgia! There are multiple locations to traverse on the property, and my couples love to turn their session into a full blown date night with a glass of wine or a whole pizza during their shoot.

Chateau Elan is gorgeous through the growing season, when the vines are in full bloom. It’s both elegant and natural, and the open skies offer beautiful sunsets and sun flares to your photos. I love how Chateau Elan brings out a playful, new romance feel for couples to have fun with one another.

Your Favorite Brewery

A local brewery is a fantastic spot for an engagement session because it really brings a personal element to the story we’re telling, along with a fun and laid back feel. Pictured below is Creature Comforts Brewery in Athens, Georgia, and I think their “Get Comfortable” slogan is the sweetest sentiment!

Your Favorite Coffee Shop or Café

Maybe you’re the type of couple who loves to get a cup of coffee together on Saturday morning; if so, your favorite café is the right spot! The cozy, warm atmosphere of a coffee shop or café for your engagement session can reflect the comfort and joy my couple’s have in their relationships.

White Wall Studio

The blank canvas of a studio setting may be the ideal place for your engagement session, boosting the emotions my couples share to really shine in those intimate moments. I find my couples focus in on each other so much more when they aren’t burdened by the weather that day or the time of year. They just get to show up and and reveal their connection!