engagement session locations

Cinematic Waterfall Engagement Photos

Engagement sessions are all about capturing the essence of a couple—their story, their vibe, and the things they love. For Erin and Alandre, a waterfall setting was the perfect way to showcase their love of adventure, making their April engagement session a true reflection of their easygoing, romantic nature, filled with laughter and candid moments.

Celebrating 22 Years of Love and Adventure

Erin and Alandre have been together for over 22 years. Over two decades of life’s milestones and challenges, they've not only grown as individuals but as partners, always finding new ways to support and love one another. Their proposal took place during a quiet moment at home after a busy morning. Erin says, “It was intimate and special and represented who we are.” Their favorite dates include hiking in Topanga Canyon, dinner on top of a mountain in Arizona, and renting a movie theater for just the two of them during the pandemic.

Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Engagement Session

For their engagement session, Erin knew exactly what she wanted—a stunning waterfall location with a sense of natural drama. I sent several options her way, and when I described this particular spot—with its gorgeous waterfall, meandering creek, lush moss-covered stones, steep ravine walls, and one-of-a-kind, cinematic feel—the vision came to life instantly for both of us. The combination of textures, movement, and atmosphere made it feel like stepping into a hidden world, and Erin knew right away it was the perfect match for the kind of session they had envisioned.

Trusting the Process: Why Timing Matters for Engagement Sessions

I’m so grateful for the trust they placed in me during the planning process! If someone suggested an 11:30 AM start time for an outdoor session, I’d typically hesitate (to say the least), but Erin and Alandre trusted me completely. The light in the steep ravine was absolutely perfect, allowing me to create cinematic images that made them look amazing against the dark cliffs and mossy rocks.

How Location Shapes Your Engagement Photos

The session was laid-back, candid, and relaxed—just like Erin and Alandre. There was a lot of laughter, playful moments, and a few tender glances exchanged as they explored together The sound of the waterfall gently cascading over the rocks, the scent of fresh earth and moss in the air, and the quiet rush of wind between the trees—these moments added to the magic of Erin and Alandre's session, bringing their love for nature to life in every frame.

Start Planning Your Dream Engagement Session

Whether you're dreaming of a quiet forest escape, a bold architectural backdrop, or a one-of-a-kind waterfall like Erin and Alandre’s, the right location can help tell your story in a way that feels true to you. I’ve scouted and photographed some of the most unique engagement session locations across Kentucky—explore them here—and if something catches your eye (or sparks a new idea), I’d love to help bring it to life. Ready to start planning your own meaningful, cinematic session? Reach out here, and let’s create something unforgettable together.

Fall Engagement Session at Bernheim Forest

There’s something special about Bernheim Forest in the fall—the golden light, the quiet paths, and art installations around every turn. It turned out to be the perfect setting for Sam and Haley’s engagement session: thoughtful, creative, cozy, and a little adventurous. Just like them.

They brought a picnic with some of their favorite books, a sketchpad, and each other. After we wandered the grounds and created some gorgeous photos among the trees and sculptures, they settled into a little clearing, shared snacks, and sketched. They flipped through well-loved books and talked. It felt less like a photo session and more like a date—which is always the goal.

Engagement sessions are at their best when they reflect who you are as a couple. Bringing things you love—like sketching, hiking, reading, or even just a favorite blanket and a snack—can take the pressure off and make the whole experience feel easy, even fun. Sam is a painter, and Haley is a writer. They spend a lot of their time creating near each other, so it made perfect sense to include that part of their relationship in the photos.

They met on Hinge during the pandemic and had a long & slightly chaotic first date hiking at Clifty Falls—complete with a dead phone and getting lost in the woods. But they clicked immediately, and that same adventurous energy has stayed with them. Their life together now includes cooking weeknight dinners, visiting art markets, cuddling their dogs on MegaCouch (their beloved oversized blue couch), and planning weekend hikes or dinner parties with friends.

Their proposal story reflects how intentional they are with each other. Haley decorated their home with flowers and lights and surprised Sam after dinner one night—friends hiding on the deck, filming the whole thing while their dogs looked on. Sam proposed right back.

If you’re planning your engagement session, here’s a tip: think of it like planning a date. What would make you feel most like yourselves? What kinds of places or activities bring you joy? Whether it’s sketching in the woods or grabbing tacos on the river, the best photos happen when you’re doing something you love—with the person you love.


Looking for location inspiration for your engagement photos? These 7 unique engagement photo locations in Louisville are sure to help.

Ready to start planning your own session?

Whether you have a specific idea in mind or just know you want something that feels like you, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Reach out here and let’s make something beautiful together.

7 Unique Engagement Photo Locations in Louisville

Choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos can be overwhelming. If you've already hired me as your photographer, rest assured that I provide customized location recommendations, tips for getting the most out of your session, and advice on wardrobe selection. However, if you're still in the planning stages or simply eager to explore your options, you're in luck!

Louisville, KY, offers a wealth of unique engagement session locations. Whether you're drawn to scenic parks, sentimental neighborhood spots, or prefer the idea of a personalized date-night theme, this guide has something for you.

Discover the top engagement session spots in and around Louisville, complete with essential insights on permits, accessibility, and stunning images showcasing each location's beauty throughout the seasons.

 

Jump to each engagement session location here:

 

1. The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork

The Parklands, spanning nearly 4,000 acres across Louisville, offer unparalleled diversity in their landscapes. From tranquil hiking trails winding through lush woods, babbling streams, and serene ponds to meticulously maintained stone paths meandering through woodland gardens, there's a backdrop to suit every taste. You'll find yourself amidst open meadows, expansive fields, and even rolling hills full of vibrant wildflowers.

Comprising Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park, and Broad Run Park, The Parklands provides endless opportunities for discovery. And with the ever-changing seasons, no two visits will be the same. From the delicate flowers of spring to the golden fields and evergreen views of winter, every photography session feels unique.

Another great perk is year-round access to clean and spacious restroom facilities, complete with single-seat and gender-neutral options. The parks cater to diverse interests and abilities, offering a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, fishing, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Accessible, paved paths ensure that everyone, including those using mobility aids, can fully enjoy the beauty of the parks. Plus, with its dog-friendly policy, furry companions are welcome to join in on the outdoor fun and exploration.

While photographers are required to purchase an annual permit for sessions within The Parklands, it's absolutely worth it. By supporting the upkeep of these community spaces, photographers contribute to the preservation and accessibility of these facilities for years to come. Simply fill out the online form to obtain your permit!

2. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Just thirty minutes south of Louisville lies one of my favorite destinations for both photography sessions and hiking! Bernheim offers an expansive array of backdrops, boasting a variety of trees that brightly bloom in the spring and put on a colorful show in the fall. Picturesque lakes, numerous ponds, a breathtaking canopy tree walk, meandering creeks, inviting hiking trails, expansive fields, and captivating site-specific artwork provide endless opportunities for creative exploration.

Emphasizing ecological stewardship and conservation, Bernheim is not only a stunning setting for your photo sessions but also a cause worth supporting through the purchase of a photo permit. Their commitment to impactful initiatives includes hosting recurring residency programs for visual artists, participating in ongoing scientific research studies, collaborating with schools and communities on tree-planting efforts, and much more.

Bernheim is dog-friendly, ensuring your four-legged companions can join in for your photos. While the restrooms are spacious, please note that they are gendered. There are numerous paved areas accessible for those using mobility aids that provide quite a bit of flexibility, but the options are slightly fewer compared to the Parklands.

Photographers should be mindful of planning their start time carefully at this location. Forest Hill Drive closes one hour before the main gate, and Guerilla Hollow shuts down thirty minutes before the main gate, with park rangers limiting access approximately half an hour before their respective closings. Additionally, the park's closing time varies with the seasons, ranging from 5 PM in winter to 9 PM in the height of summer. Familiarizing yourself with the timing and the movement of light within the space is key to a seamless experience. If you're new to photographing here, I highly recommend a visit beforehand to acquaint yourself with the surroundings and plan accordingly when bringing clients.

3. Your Favorite Date Spot

To create a relaxed and natural atmosphere, I often encourage my couples to approach their engagement sessions as dates. Choosing activities that resonate with both partners not only showcases each of your personalities but also allows for spontaneity, resulting in more genuine candid images.

Over the years, I've enjoyed documenting couples incorporating various date-like activities into their sessions. From cozying up with board games at their favorite neighborhood bar to leisurely bike rides through scenic parks, or even indulging in creative art nights, each session is uniquely tailored to reflect the couple's personalities and interests. Other popular choices include pottery classes, nostalgic bowling outings, baking sessions, arcade adventures, playful rounds of miniature golf, or immersive distillery tours. With so many options available, couples have the freedom to curate a session that truly captures their unique relationship.

4. Your Neighborhood + Local Park

There's a unique charm in capturing your photos in a neighborhood you love and frequent. While locations like The Parklands or Bernheim may offer more natural diversity, your local area can hold sentimental value—maybe it's the park where you had your first date or the neighborhood where you currently live together. Moreover, parks nestled within neighborhoods provide opportunities to blend your session with other activities, like taking a page from the date night section and grabbing coffee or cocktails nearby. Or you could start with an in-home session and then walk to your favorite park. Permitting will vary depending on location, but you can find permit info for Metro Parks here.

A few combinations I’ve found successful include:

  • Saint James Court + Central Park

  • The Highlands + Cherokee or Tyler Park

  • Nulu or Butchertown + Waterfront Park

  • Frankfort Ave + Crescent Hill Reservoir

  • Beechmont + Iroquois Park

5. Falls of The Ohio

If you're torn between a cityscape or a nature-inspired session, The Falls of the Ohio offers the best of both worlds. With its rugged rocky outcroppings, lush canopy of trees, and unique driftwood, it's a versatile location. Plus, when photographing towards the river, you have the bonus of the Louisville skyline in the backdrop. It’s also close enough to the city to allow for seamless integration with downtown or Nulu, adding even more variety.

To check conditions for your shoot, you can conveniently view the current river level on their website to confirm accessibility to the fossil beds. While the Interpretive Center is open year-round, it closes at 5 PM along with its restrooms. Many areas are ADA accessible, but please note that the paved path down towards the fossil beds doesn't extend all the way down. There can be some fairly large steps and general scrambling when exploring the beds, so it's something to be mindful of when planning your outfit and session logistics.

Additionally, obtaining a permit is necessary for photography sessions at The Falls of the Ohio. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources permit covers all Indiana State Parks and many other natural areas, including Charlestown State Park and Deam Lake, both of which also offer breathtaking backdrops.

6. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

If you're seeking meticulously manicured gardens and are willing to invest in a day pass, then Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is the ideal destination for you! Boasting a diverse array of backdrops, from a romantic stone castle to picturesque Yew-lined paths, secluded woodland nooks, and a lush cottage-garden style garden, Yew Dell offers endless areas for stunning photographs. Additionally, you'll find a greenhouse, a historic cabin, a walled garden, and a sunken rock garden with a tranquil pond and beautiful Japanese maples.

It's important to note that photography sessions are restricted to open hours, which may pose limitations, especially if you're aiming for golden hour photos, as the gardens close at 4 PM. However, despite this constraint, there are still plenty of areas that offer excellent opportunities for photography, even during harsh afternoon sunlight. On occasion, photographers may be allowed access later in the day during special events, although this is typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All sessions must be scheduled in advance.

Notably, Yew Dell hosts "Hounds on the Grounds" most Sundays, allowing leashed dogs to accompany visitors. Additionally, the majority of the Yew Dell property features paved paths, ensuring wheelchair accessibility, including the route to the restrooms— and although they are not gender-neutral, they are spacious and accommodating.

7. Your Own Home

In-home sessions capture your genuine connection in a cozy, familiar setting where you feel completely relaxed. Picture yourselves enjoying your favorite activities together—whether reading, gardening, playing a game, cooking, or simply snuggling with a warm cup of tea on the couch. These sessions offer an ideal environment for introverts, providing a comfortable space where they can truly be themselves. The resulting photographs serve as timeless reminders of this exact moment in your lives, capturing the depth and significance of your connection. 

Ready to book your engagement session?

Reach out and let me know what you have in mind! If you’re wanting more inspiration, check out additional engagement sessions here.

Sarah Katherine Davis (she/they) is an award-winning, inclusive wedding and elopement photographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. Specializing in authentic and candid photography, Sarah creates intimate, joyous, and genuine imagery through a timeless blend of documentary and fine art approaches. With a strong commitment to fairness and inclusion, she loves working with other LGBTQ+ couples and individuals of any race, body size, or ability. Recognized as The Knot's Best of Weddings pick for KY by reviewers for eleven years, Sarah is dedicated to thoughtfully capturing your unique love story.

Louisville Wedding Photographer // Kentucky Wedding Photographer