I find that many soon-to-be grooms have a hard time finding the perfect location for their surprise proposal, so i've rounded up a few of my favorite photoshoot spots near Atlanta to make your proposal is as memorable and beautiful as possible! Note that some of the locations listed have photos attached from other types of sessions- just envision you on one knee here :)
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 your next stop after your surprise proposal from your chosen photo shoot location. Some of the places listed are in the metro Atlanta area and others are located outside of the city. Luckily there are a variety of locations around the area so you should be able to find something that suits your vision!
Let's go over the list below:
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 your proposal 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) Winn Park
Tucked away in a quiet residential area in Buckhead, this intimate park makes the perfect location for a surprise proposal!
Address: 32 Lafayette Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309
3) 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 a proposal 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
4) 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, just a heads up that this location is tucked away in an apartment complex that is only open to the public during the week.
Address: 2281 Akers Mill Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
5) 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
6) Historic Old Fourth Ward Park
Located right across Ponce City Market, this 17-acre park has a lot to offer including a splash fountain, pond and amphitheater.
Address: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Parks & Nature
7) 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
8) Cator Woolford Gardens
There are some beautiful views at Cator Woolford Gardens! 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.
Address: 1815 S Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
9) 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
10) 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! Since it is a wedding venue though, i'd suggest doing the proposal on a weekday to avoid it being preoccupied.
Address: 409 Bishop St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
11) Whittier Mill Park
Whittier Mill Park is a small, adorable park in a residential area . 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
Urban & Rustic Locations
Whether you choose an urban city setting because you and your future fiancé lived or met there, i'm all for incorporating it into your proposal session! Here's a few cool places within the heart of Atlanta that will make that look a reality for you.
12) 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: 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA, 30312 (this is the address to Old Fourth Ward Skate Park, which is pretty close to one of the Beltline entrances- note that there are many other entrances. To avoid street parking, you can pay $2 per hour to park at Ponce City Market).
13) 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 once the proposal is complete!
Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd, 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 a surprise proposal.
Address: corner of Jackson St SE and Edgewood Ave SE (I usually park on Cain St.)
15) Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is known for it's liveliness, diverse dining options, places to shop and industrial look! So if you're looking for the perfect decoy, this a great option. Just keep in mind that there will most likely be a crowd in most open spots.
Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
16) 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
Restaurants
17) 9 Mile
Located on the 3rd floor of Ponce City Market (only accessible by their specific elevator), this restaurant is perfect for those wanting a city view and dinner to follow. There's also tons of activities located on the same floor. Book directly through the restaurant to assure your proposal runs smoothly!
Address: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30308
18) 5Church/Colony Square
Located at Colony Square, this location is great for those wanting a classy and intimate proposal where you can also celebrate with dinner after! I'd suggest reaching out to the restaurant to see what their rates are to reserve.
Address: 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA, 30361
Upscale & Regal-esque Locations
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!
19 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, Atlantic Station or find street parking.
Address: 395 17th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
20) 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! And since it is private property, I'd suggest giving them a call for pricing info.
Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
These are most of my favorite locations! Out of all of these amazing places, which ones are your favorite? Feel free to send me a message to tell me about your vision.
Looking for an Atlanta Proposal Photographer?
Looking for an Atlanta Proposal Photographer?
If you're still in need of an Atlanta (and surrounding areas) based photographer for your proposal, then I'm your girl! Taking candid photos is my specialty and nothing brings me more joy than capturing these momentous occasions as they unfold in front of my lens. If you’re interested in working with me, you can submit a request HERE!
You can also follow me on Instagram at @capturedbyshantel
