Why You Should Have Your Engagement Shoot in Louisville
Known for its rich history and thriving art scene, Louisville is one of the most beautiful places in Kentucky! A blend of southern charm with bustling city life, beautiful gardens, and forests, and listed as one of the best culinary cities in America, there’s no shortage of good reasons why it’s the best place for your engagement photos. So whether you’re looking for something cozy and romantic, a place deep in nature, or a fun night out, these are some of my favorite places for your Louisville engagement photos!
The Best Places for Your Louisville Engagement Photos
1. Nulu/ The Highlands
Nulu/ The Highlights is Louisville’s cutest (and coolest) neighborhood in my opinion. With beautiful architecture, tons of historic brick buildings, local art, and plenty of streets with tons of personality, you’ll have all the best that Louisville has to offer condensed into just one neighborhood. Plus if you’re foodies like me and want to include your love of restaurant hopping, wine bars (like the gorgeous Nouvelle Bar & Bottle), and cute places to get coffee, this is the perfect option.
2. Red River Gorge
While Kentucky isn’t typically known for its spectacular outdoor attractions, Red River Gorge is no questions asked one of the most breathtaking places to do your engagement photos near Louisville. In just under 2.5 hours you can see towering sandstone cliffs and arches (not unlike the spectacular Arches National Park in Utah but the eastern version!) and there are tons of potential activities to do for your photos! If you’re a climber, it’s one of the best climbing destinations in the US, but you’ll have access to tons of hiking, annnnnnd some pretty cool cave exploring opportunities too. (can we talk about how badass it would be to have your engagement photos taken on a kayak tour through an underground lake???). If you’re looking to escape the city for the day, this one’s for you.
3. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate cottagecore vibes for your engagement, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is it. With 60 acres of sprawling cottage gardens, kitchen gardens, (13 gardens in total!) greenhouses to explore, a gigantic collection of trees and shrubs, oh…and a literal castle, it’s something straight out of a fairytale. A spring or summer engagement here is something straight out of a dream. They even host some spectacular weddings here too! So if you’re still looking for a venue, this one is definitely worth a visit. Yew Dell even has the option to schedule a private session after hours if you’re looking for something extra romantic.
4. Saint James Court
The historic district in Louisville, Saint James Court is all about extravagant architectural elegance. Some of the city’s most luxurious Victorian homes are in this area, and a romantic stroll down its streets at sunset is the perfect opportunity for some engagement photos straight out of a romance novel. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing too.
5. Downtown Louisville/ The Waterfront
If something a little more city-oriented is your vibe, then Downtown Louisville should be on your radar for your Louisville engagement photos. With access to a beautiful waterfront, glittering city lights, towering architecture, and plenty of nightlife, it’s the heart of what makes Louisville special and would be the perfect opportunity to dress up in something a little fancier than usual and live out your rom-com romance in real life for the day.
6. Falls of the Ohio State Park
Just a quick hop over state lines in Indiana is Falls of the Ohio State Park, but what makes this spot unique is that it’s one of the world’s largest naturally exposed fossil beds! And it’s pretty damn beautiful! As the name suggests, there’s a beautiful waterfall, but the part also boasts some beautiful views of the river as you walk along flowered walkways, tons of cool driftwood, and lots of very cool fossils to explore. It’s the perfect place to pack a picnic and nerd out for your engagement photos.
7. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
Maybe the most unique place on this list for your Louisville engagement photos, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is a massive 600-acre protected area that’s home to the famous Dambo’s Forest Giants, an art installation that features gigantic trolls made from repurposed materials. But if trolls aren’t exactly what you envisioned for your engagement photos, you’ll have plenty of other options to choose from here like an edible plant garden, luscious flower gardens, a stunningly beautiful visitors center, contemporary art installations, and tons of lush forest to explore.
8. The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork
One of Louisville’s many amazing parts, The Parklands is really a collection of 4 local parks covering over 4,000 acres with no shortage of options for activities from picnicking to biking, and paddling, gardens to explore, and plenty of dog friend areas too if you’re thinking of bringing your fur baby (please do so I can give them all the treats).
9. Your home!
While Louisville has plenty of great places to take your engagement photos, there’s none quick so special as the place you call home. In-home engagement sessions are always extra special because they capture you truly in your element and memorialize this part of your life for years to come. I always recommend in-home sessions if you want something that feels a bit more intimate, more cozy, and close to home. And a side bonus is if you’re feeling a little camera shy it can help to be in your own space!
10. Your fave date night spot!
Lastly, your fave date night spot is always going to be the most fun option! If there’s a restaurant/bar/park you visit regularly that you want to include in your story, then we can hit up all your favorite spots for your Louisville engagement photos.
