Dreamy Photo Spots: Pennsylvania & The DMV's Hidden Gems
Welcome to Lauren Katherine Creative's guide on finding the perfect spot for your engagement shoot! I'm all about making this process fun and stress-free for you. Whether you're dreaming of a scenic outdoor spot or a charming urban setting, I've got you covered with all the tips and inspiration you need. Let's team up and discover the ideal backdrop for your love story together!
Tried & True Locations
Get ready to explore some of my absolute favorite places for portrait sessions! These tried-and-true locations have set the scene for countless unforgettable sessions. From picturesque parks to hidden gems around town, each spot on this list is guaranteed to capture the magic of your love story in the most beautiful way.
Gardens & Parks
Long’s Park - Lancaster, PA
Long’s Park boasts stunning cherry blossoms that bloom during the early spring months, along with a picturesque pond adorned with a delightful water fountain feature. But perhaps most noteworthy is its exceptional pet and child-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both beauty and convenience.
2. Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, PA
The team at Longwood Gardens consistently exceeds expectations with their dedication to maintaining impeccable grounds. They meticulously rotate the flower displays to align with the changing seasons, ensuring a fresh and vibrant experience for visitors. It's worth noting that Longwood will be implementing a new, stringent photo policy starting in early 2025, so I highly recommend seizing the opportunity to capture memories while you still can.
3. Paulus Orchard - Dillsburg, PA
Paulus Orchard offers a charming and rustic backdrop for unforgettable engagement sessions. With its sprawling orchards, blooming fruit trees, and scenic views, this idyllic setting provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and rustic charm. Whether you're meandering through the orchard rows hand in hand or stealing a kiss beneath the blossoming trees, Paulus Orchard provides the perfect setting for creating romantic moments.
4. Hershey Gardens - Hershey, PA
I affectionately call the Hershey Gardens as the "baby" version of Longwood Gardens. Though smaller in scale, it’s no less captivating. Nestled in the heart of Hershey, the gardens offers a charming backdrop for engagement sessions. Moreover, being surrounded by other picturesque locations in Hershey provides the opportunity to pair the Gardens with another spot for a dynamic photoshoot. This combination allows for a diverse range of backdrops, ensuring your engagement photos reflect the beauty of both nature and the vibrant Hershey atmosphere.
5. Baker Park - Frederick, MD
Much like Hershey Gardens, Baker Park sits snugly in downtown Frederick, providing a delightful array of settings for your engagement session. With Carroll Creek running through its grounds, you can enjoy a picturesque water backdrop, while the park's features, including a tall bell tower and lush, green fields, add charm and versatility to your photoshoot.
Woods & Fields
1. Sach’s Bridge - Gettysburg, PA
At Sach’s Bridge, you'll discover more than just its charmingly rustic, historic covered bridge; here, expansive fields of tall grass add a depth that's perfect for your sunset photoshoot. What's more, the shallow creek nearby offers the ideal opportunity for capturing intimate moments in the water, ensuring your engagement session is as picturesque as it is memorable.
2. Overlook Park
Given my affinity for woods and mountains, it's no surprise that Overlook Park tops my list of favorite engagement shoot locations. While the park primarily caters to community activities, it holds a hidden gem near a parking lot: a breathtaking patch of tall trees perfectly situated for capturing stunning sunset photos.
Urban & Architectural Backdrops
1. Gettysburg College - Gettysburg, PA
Set against the backdrop of historic architecture and lush greenery, Gettysburg College offers a timeless setting for engagement sessions. Most notable is its beautiful campus, featuring historic, colonial architecture and groomed landscapes.
2. Lincoln Square - Gettysburg, PA
Located at the heart of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Square serves as a captivating backdrop for engagement sessions. Surrounded by historic buildings and quaint shops, this iconic square exudes charm and character, offering couples a blend of romance and heritage.
3. Church Street - Frederick, MD
Named after the stunning church with impressive columns, this downtown Frederick gem offers a perfect backdrop for engagement sessions. With its mix of historic charm and urban flair, couples can capture candid moments amidst the lively streets, with the scenic Baker Park just a quick drive away.
4. Hershey Hotel - Hershey, PA
Right up the road from the Hershey Gardens, this iconic hotel offers a classic backdrop for timeless engagement sessions. From its impressive grand staircase in the gardens to its traditional architecture, every corner of The Hershey Hotel exudes romance and sophistication.
5. Pennsylvania State Monument - Gettysburg, PA
The Pennsylvania Monument stands tall with its impressive architecture, boasting towering columns and intricate details that make it the perfect backdrop for engagement sessions filled with grandeur and charm. Set amidst the Gettysburg battlefields, its classic allure adds elegance to a rustic setting.
Waterfront
1. Codorus State Park - Hanover, PA
The lake at Codorus State Park provides a stunning backdrop, especially in the colder months when the boats are stored away and the water freezes over. Alongside the lake, you'll find an abundance of trails and spacious meadows, perfect for exploring and capturing unforgettable moments.
2. White Cliffs of Conoy - Marietta, PA
Once a limestone dumpsite, the White Cliffs of Conoy have transformed into a picturesque photo spot along the Susquehanna River. While the walk to the cliffs and back may be a bit of a trek, the breathtaking views and stunning photo opportunities make it an unforgettable experience.
Bucket List Locations
If none of the spots above are really grabbing your attention, don't worry! I've got a list of places that I'm absolutely itching to shoot engagement sessions at, but just haven't had the chance yet. Feel free to take a peek and click on any of the locations to learn more about them. Who knows, your dream spot might be waiting for us to discover together!
Lincoln Memorial - Washington, D.C.
Jefferson Memorial - Washington, D.C.
As we wrap up our journey through these suggested engagement session locations, remember that the perfect backdrop is just one part of the equation. What truly makes your photos shine is the love and connection you share as a couple. Whether you choose a bustling city street, a tranquil park, or a scenic overlook, it's the moments you create together that will make your engagement session truly unforgettable. So, embrace the adventure, cherish the memories, and let your love story unfold in the most magical way possible. Happy shooting!
