How to Choose the Perfect Spot for Your Engagement Session
Engagement photos are one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding journey — they celebrate who you are as a couple before the big day. One of the first decisions you’ll make when planning your session is where to take your photos. The right location sets the tone for your images, reflects your personalities, and helps you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Here’s how to choose a spot that fits your style + five beautiful, free engagement session locations around Columbus, Ohio to inspire you.
How to Pick Your Engagement Session Location
When choosing a place for your engagement photos, consider these questions:
1. What vibe are you going for?
Do you want urban and modern, soft and romantic, or natural and scenic?
2. What feels meaningful?
Some couples choose a spot that connects to their story — like where they had their first date or where they spend weekends together.
3. What is the light like?
Open spaces with nice light (especially during golden hour) create softer, more flattering photos.
4. How comfortable is the space?
Choose a place where you can walk, explore, and move around naturally — that’s how the best, most candid moments happen.
Pro tip: A session that reflects you always looks better than one that just sounds “pretty on Pinterest.” Authentic moments matter.
5 Free Engagement Session Locations in Columbus
Below are some of my favorite beautiful and free places around Columbus for engagement photos — each offering a unique feel and story.
Jeffrey Mansion
This historic mansion in Bexley gives you an elegant, timeless backdrop without feeling stiff. The grand architecture blends beautifully with landscaped paths and garden areas, giving you both structured frames and natural moments. The classic look of the mansion pairs perfectly with formal outfits or soft, romantic wardrobe choices.
Schiller Park
Located in one of Columbus’s most beloved neighborhoods, Schiller Park offers lush lawns, large trees, walking paths, and seasonal blooms. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, romantic vibe with lots of green space and natural light. The park’s open fields and charming gazebos give you a mix of scenes without having to travel far.
Columbus Museum of Art
While indoor photography may require permissions, the museum’s exterior and surrounding landscaped areas are beautiful — and free to use. The elegant architecture, steps, and garden spaces create a chic and artistic backdrop for engagement images. It’s especially great for couples who love structure, art, and subtle sophistication.
(Tip: Always check current policies before shooting — rules can change on site.)
Ohio Statehouse & Capitol Square
Capitol Square and the Ohio Statehouse grounds offer a stunning mix of historical architecture, classic stone, and open green spaces. Whether you want a sleek, formal backdrop or casual lawn vibes, this downtown locale gives you variety in one spot. The grand columns, expansive steps, and lawn areas make for timeless and elegant imagery.
Alum Creek Beach & Park
If you love water, natural light, and a relaxed atmosphere, Alum Creek Beach is a beautiful option — especially for summer or sunset sessions. The sandy beach, gentle waves, and open sky can create dreamy, laid-back engagement photos that feel like a mini beach getaway right outside the city.
Final Tips for Picking Your Spot
Mix and match: Some couples choose two locations — like a park for soft light and an architectural spot for variety.
Time of day matters: Early morning and golden hour are engagement session sweet spots for flattering light.
Think about outfits: Bring outfits that complement your backdrop (soft dresses for nature, chic layers for urban settings).
Be you: The best photos are the ones that reflect your connection — not just the location.
