The first thing couples ask me when they’re interested in booking an engagement session is "What’s the best place around Atlanta to have a photoshoot?!" So I’m rounding up all my favorite photoshoot locations near Atlanta for all the Georgia brides and grooms-to-be!
I’ve organized this list into a few categories so you can better choose a location based on the aesthetic you’re looking for. Since I’m a natural light photographer, some of my clients and I have loved taking photos in nature (sometimes with waterfalls!), and other clients love urban settings.
Make sure you take into consideration the distance between your home and the location of your photoshoot. Some of the places I listed here are in the metro Atlanta area and others are located outside of the city. Luckily there are a variety of engagement photo locations around the area so you should be able to find something that suits your vision!
The cool thing about Atlanta is that you can easily experience skyline views and off-the-grid hiking trails, sometimes in the same neighborhood! With that being said, let’s go over the list below:
Parks with Waterfalls, Rivers & Ponds
There is something romantic about using water as a backdrop! These locations feature waterfalls, flowing rivers, creeks or ponds. Some of these parks are very popular, so to avoid the weekend crowds, I suggest we schedule our session during the week.
1) Vickery Creek Falls / Old Mill Park at Roswell
Roswell Mill has a beautiful waterfall, covered bridge and historic mill. The parking lot is pretty small, but it’s close to the bridge and about a 5 minute walk from the mill and river.
Address: 95 Mill St, Roswell, GA 30075
2) Freeman’s Mill Park
Located 36 miles northeast from downtown Atlanta, Freeman’s Mill Park is in Lawrenceville. If you live around this area, then this is a great park for an outdoor photoshoot. There's also a beautiful rock formation in front of the waterfalls, an old brown building and a wooded area for "forest-like" shots!
Address: 1401 Alcovy Rd SE, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
3) Mill Creek Pond
If you're looking for a park that's not too busy, this location may be perfect for you! Located in a residential area, this park also has various scenery options for someone looking to have different settings in one location.
Address: 40000-44102 Mill Creek Ave, Alpharetta, GA, 30022
4) Open Field- Ace Warehouse
This location is located in Woodstock, right next to Ace Warehouse.
Address: 7337 Main St, Woodstock, GA, 30188
5) Chattahoochee Coffee Company
We can get some rustic photos at the coffee shop and then head down to the river for some lush greenery and river rapids. While this is a great place to take pictures, parking can be a hassle. This location is actually tucked away in an apartment complex, but the green spaces and the great view of the river are worth it if you want a natural, outdoor look.
Address: 2281 Akers Mill Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
6) Smyrna Market Village
Right next to the Smyrna Public Library is a small park with a pond. The park also includes a gazebo and archway made out of greenery. In front of the library, there are brick sidewalks, benches, greenery, and a fountain. It’s really quaint and adorable!
Address: 1265 W Spring St, Smyrna, GA 30080
7) Cator Woolford Gardens
There are some beautiful views at Cator Woolford Gardens! On their website, they do request an optional donation should you use their grounds for an engagement photoshooot. Also, take note of their event calendar because they are frequently booked out with weddings! It’s a good idea to avoid scheduling a session on weekends because that’s when most of the weddings are held.
Address: 1815 S Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
8) Historic Old Fourth Ward Park
This 17-acre park has a lot to offer including a splash fountain and amphitheater. We can get really creative here with all the scenery and the small pond.
Address: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
9) Lillian Webb Park
This city park in Norcross includes a gazebo and several fountains. Couples love the gazebo because of its romantic simplicity!
Address: 5 College St NW, Norcross, GA 30071
10) Candler Park
If you’re looking for a solace that’s simple and spacious and live near Little Five Points, then Candler Park is a great choice.
Address: 1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Urban & Rustic Locations
Whether a couple chooses the urban city setting because they lived or met there, i'm all for incorporating it into their engagement session. Here's a few cool places within the heart of Atlanta that will make that look a reality for you!
11) Atlanta Beltline
The beltline has a lot to offer because it’s several miles long. There is artwork, graffiti, brick buildings, a skateboard park, and other things we can use as backdrops. I think some of the best spots are near Ponce City Market and the section that passes through Inman Park.
Address: 337 Elizabeth St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (this is the address for Queen of Cream in Inman Park where there is some street parking-you can also pay $2 per hour to park at Ponce City Market)
12) Westside Provisions
Westside Provisions is a really popular spot for photoshoots because of the bridge and all the brick buildings and rustic spaces. There are lots of stairs, railings, and outdoor tables that we can use to create some cute poses!
Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
13) The Goat Farm Arts Center
If you like the look of old, rusty metals, then here is a perfect location in Atlanta for you to check out. The Goat Farm Arts Center offers indoor studio space but there are plenty of spaces to use outside of the building too.
Address: 1200 Foster St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
14) Jackson Street Bridge
This bridge offers a beautiful view of the city skyline. And at the right time of the day, the lighting is too good to pass up! If you really love Atlanta as much as your partner, the Jackson Street Bridge is a perfect location to have an engagement shoot.
Address: corner of Jackson St SE and Edgewood Ave SE
15) Ponce City Market
If you didn’t know, Ponce City Market used to be an old Sears building! But it was completely renovated and has so much to offer from small apartments to shopping and dining.
Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
16) Summerour Studio
The first time I arrived at Summerour Studio, I was blown away at how beautiful it was. It's like a hidden gem in downtown Atlanta. It's actually a wedding venue so if you fall in love with the outdoor courtyard and brick building, you may want to have your wedding here too!
Address: 409 Bishop St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
17) Whittier Mill Park
Whittier Mill is a small neighborhood along the Chattahoochee River. The park is like a hidden gem with wide open spaces. In the fall, all the trees look amazing when they change colors!
Address: Corner of Spad Ave NW and Wales Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
18) The Works
The Works is like another version of Ponce City Market, located in Atlanta’s West Side. You can also enjoy a variety of food and drinks here after your engagement session!
Address: 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
19) Downtown Douglasville (Main Street)
If you live west of the city, downtown Douglasville is a great alternative to downtown Atlanta.
Address: Main St in downtown Douglasville
20) Studioplex Lofts
Studioplex is a hidden gem in Inman Park. Between the buildings, there are faded brick walls with plants hanging on them. We will likely have a lot of privacy here.
Address: 659 Auburn Ave NE Ste G10, Atlanta, GA 30312
21) East Point Transit
It may be weird that I’m recommending a train station, but this is almost a hidden gem if you love that urban and rustic look. It’s located across the street from Kupcakerie in East Point. This spot is definitely not as busy as Ponce City Market, so if you’d like some more privacy during your session, the East Point Transit could be a great option for you!
Upscale & Regal-esque Locations
Treat yourself with an engagement session fit for a queen! There are a few upscale locations that we can go to and create a regal experience. Definitely dress to impress and expect some beautiful pictures!
22) High Museum
This is the perfect location for those wanting a more artsy and bright vibe to their engagement photos! Please note that a permit is required to shoot outdoors. You can access one for free by reaching out to their team via email. There is also a parking deck near the museum for easy access.
Upscale & Regal-esque Locations
Treat yourself with an engagement session fit for a queen! There are a few upscale locations that we can go to and create a regal experience. Definitely dress to impress and expect some beautiful pictures!
23) Millenium Gate Museum
Across the street from Atlantic Station, this is definitely a great location! Most of my couples choose this spot because it reminds them of European or Italian architecture. You can either park at the Target on 18th street or at Atlantic Station.
Address: 395 17th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
24) Atlanta History Center/Atlanta Historical Society Swan House
Couples particularly love taking photos in front of the Swan House because you look like royalty walking up the grand staircase. Take note that the Atlanta History Center is also a wedding venue!
Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
25) Emory University
Located in the North Druid Hills area, this location is perfect for those wanting an elegant look, while also having access to some greenery! This part of the campus is located by the big, marble "Emory University" sign, near the traffic circle.
Address: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322
Looking for an Atlanta Engagement Photographer?
I absolutely love capturing candid photos; especially of people in their element, in which they are most happy, vulnerable and doing what they love. I can't wait to provide you with engagement photos that'll last a lifetime!
If you’re interested in working with me, you can submit a request HERE!
You can also follow me on Instagram at @capturedbyshantel
