Best Northern Virginia Engagement Photo Locations
Updated October 2024
Looking for the best Northern Virginia engagement photo locations? You’ve come to the right place! Northern VA is filled with so many picturesque locations, it can be hard to choose! My recommendation is always to pick a location that is special to you and your relationship. Do you two love drinking wine? Head to one of the vineyards or wineries. Like to spend your free time together on the trails? Hit up one the many parks. If your first date was in Old Town Alexandria or at a local coffee shop, see if you can incorporate those places into your engagement shoot!
I’ve double checked all of the photography permit information listed as of today, but please be sure to contact your location before heading out with your photographer! Photography policies are constantly changing, so you’ll want to have the most up-to-date information before your session. Getting kicked out mid-engagement shoot because you didn’t do your research on the rules would not be fun!
With any of these locations, please make sure to leave no trace. Don’t disrupt other visitors, don’t trample the flowerbeds. We’re very lucky to have so many beautiful photography locations in Northern Virginia, but photo restrictions often go into place when people break the rules and don’t respect the property they’re visiting. So please be courteous!
(And if you want to expand your search even further, check out my list of best engagement photo locations in DC.)
Old Towns
Vineyards and Wineries
Historic Locations and Gardens
Parks and Trails
Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is one of the most popular engagement photo locations in Northern Virginia. There are tons of options for picture spots - from the waterfront, to the cobblestone streets, to the alleyways and cute storefronts. No permits needed, but you’ll just want to check the calendar for any special events or festivals going on that could result in big crowds!
See my top 20 engagement photo locations in Old Town Alexandria
Downtown Fredericksburg
Downtown Fredericksburg is another great option for a downtown feel, without as many crowds as Alexandria! There are tons of cute shops and brick walkways as you head down Caroline Street, and check out the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail nearby for a more natural setting and access to the river. No permits needed!
Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery
Delaplane, VA
Blue Valley Vineyard in Delaplane, VA has absolutely gorgeous views of their vineyard and the Blue Ridge Mountains! You can take photos with the incredible landscape, or open a bottle of wine and hang out on one of their patios. Reach out to the vineyard to schedule your engagement session during their open hours, and there is a $250 fee.
The Winery at Bull Run
Centreville, VA
The Winery at Bull Run is another great winery choice for engagement pictures. There are great photo spots in the vineyard, by the historic Hillwood Ruins, and of course by the colorful murals! Located in Centreville, it’s also right next to Manassas Battlefield if you’d like to easily do two locations in one session.
Reservations for engagement photos can be made from Monday to Thursday in two-hour time slots, between 11:00am and 5:00pm. The photography permit fee is $100. You can read more about their permit information on the winery’s website.
Mountain Run Winery
Culpeper, VA
Mountain Run Winery in Culpeper, VA is a perfect rustic setting for engagement pictures. With big open fields and vineyard views, along with multiple barns, there are tons of options for your photos.
Mountain Run Winery requires advance notice of any photography sessions that will take place, but as long as you get approval and your session is during their open hours, there is no fee. If you’d like to do your session outside of their normal operating hours, that can be scheduled for a $50/hour fee.
Stone Tower Winery
Leesburg, VA
Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg has rolling hills and acres of vineyards with tons of picturesque spots for your engagement pictures. You can take one of the walking paths down to the pond, and in addition to the natural views, the Harvest Barn and Tower View buildings are great spots for photos too.
Stone Tower does have a photography permit, and it’s $100 for a 2-hour reservation. They do allow sessions to begin as early as 10:00am if you’d like to avoid the crowds (the winery opens at 11:00am). And certain dates, especially Saturdays, won’t be available when they have weddings or events going on.
Airlie
Warrenton, VA
Airlie is a hotel and conference center in Warrenton, Virginia that has absolutely stunning grounds! The perfectly manicured gardens next to the manor house are great for photos, and the iconic Spanish staircase is a must-see. There’s also a beautiful pond and just above it, one of Virginia’s LOVE statues.
Airlie does require a reservation to be made for engagement photos, and there is a $150 fee. Find more information about their photography policy here.
Great Marsh Estate
Bealeton, VA
Great Marsh Estate is a historic mansion located in Bealeton, VA. With so many acres to explore, the picture spots are endless! Take photos on the mansion steps or the covered back portico, and the tree-lined driveway and huge open fields are also great photo backdrops.
Engagement sessions at Great Marsh are exclusive and complimentary for couples who are getting married there or using a photographer on their preferred vendor list. Other couples and their photographers may reach out directly to the venue to discuss associated fees and availability.
Chatham Manor
Fredericksburg, VA
Chatham Manor is a historic property in Fredericksburg with an absolutely beautiful garden! It’s perfect for a spring or summer engagement session if you want photos surrounded by flowers and blossoming trees. You can also walk around to the other side of the mansion to catch the sunset over the the Rappahannock River and the city of Fredericksburg skyline.
You can read more about their permit requirements on their website, but generally as long as you aren’t using any sets or props there is no permit or fee required.
River Farm
Alexandria, VA
River Farm is located in Alexandria on the banks of the Potomac River. It has 25 acres of gardens and woodland, as well as the iconic manor house. As the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, you know the gardens are always spectacular!
River Farm engagement sessions can take place during their open hours, 10:00am - 4:00pm. The permit fee is $150 on weekdays at $250 on weekends. You need to call the office ahead of time to schedule your session and can pay the permit fee in the lobby when you arrive. You can read through their photography guidelines on their site.
Morven Park
Leesburg, VA
Located in Leesburg, Morven Park has 1,000 acres to explore! The grounds have everything from open lawns to historic buildings, as well as formal gardens and hiking trails. There really is a little bit of everything! The tree-lined path along the gardens is one of my favorites, and I love the view from the mansion to the sprawling lawn below.
All professional photography sessions at Morven Park require a permit. If your session takes places during their normal operating hours (7:00am - 6:00pm), there is no fee, but your photographer does need to make a reservation on their booking calendar. If you’d like to do your shoot before or after hours (often needed for sunrise or sunset), then there is a $100 fee.
You can read their photography policy here, and they require that you make reservations at least 48 hours in advance of your session.
Lansdowne Resort
Leesburg, VA
Also in Leesburg, Lansdowne Resort and Spa is another gorgeous location. Not only are the grounds stunning, but you can also plan some pampering spa treatments before your photos and enjoy dinner on the property afterwards. It’s the perfect excuse to turn your engagement session into a daytrip or even a weekend away together!
Scott's Run Nature Preserve
McLean, VA
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is one of my favorite spots to hike in Northern Virginia. You wouldn’t expect this forest with miles of hiking trails to be right outside of the beltway - it’s a hidden gem! The hike to the waterfall is relatively flat and about 1 mile, with a couple stream crossings along the way. There are two parking areas for Scott’s Run, so make sure you and your photographer communicate beforehand about where you’re going to meet.
A photography permit must be obtained by your photographer from the Fairfax County Park Authority. The permit is $25, it lasts for one year, and covers photography in all of the Fairfax County parks.
Shenandoah National Park
Luray, VA
Shenandoah National Park is the best place to go if you want mountains in your engagement photos. Though it’s a bit of a drive from the DC area, it is definitely worth it for those vistas! You can park at any of the overlooks for amazing views of the valley below, or check out one of the many hiking trails to see waterfalls or mountain summits.
There is a $30/vehicle entrance fee to the park, but Shenandoah considers engagement photography to be personal use so does not charge a commercial photography fee.
If you’re considering Shenandoah for your photo location, make sure to check out my detailed advice post on how to take engagement pictures in Shenandoah!
Sky Meadows State Park
Delaplane, VA
Sky Meadows State Park has so much space to explore for engagement pictures! The main entrance takes you to the Visitor’s Center/historic house with wide open fields. Although the mountain backdrops aren’t quite like Shenandoah, you still get stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also drive up Route 17 for other entrances at Lost Mountain and Turner pond for more trails and water views.
There is a $10 entrance fee for the park, and Sky Meadows requires photographers to have an annual permit that costs $250/year. (They do prorate the permit fee though if it’s obtained later in the year, so a session in the fall is significantly cheaper! For example, a permit obtained for an October session would be $63.) The park is open daily from 8:00am to dusk.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas, VA
Manassas National Battlefield Park is a favorite place in Manassas for engagement pictures. With 5100 acres of land, the park is filled with great locations! Most people head for the main parking area by the Visitor’s Center, but there are tons of other spots too. Head up to Route 29 to find the Stone House and the Stone Bridge, along with miles of other trails.
Manassas Battlefield considers engagement pictures to be personal use photos so they do not require a photography permit as long as you are not disrupting other visitors or using sets/props.
Prince William Forest Park
Triangle, VA
Prince William Forest Park has 15,000 acres of forest for you nature lovers planning engagement photos! Many of the trails follow Quantico Creek and its tributaries, and you can also find little waterfalls! Review the park map to find which parking areas are best for you to get the trails and water access that you’re interested in.
Engagement pictures are considered personal use photos by Prince William Forest Park, so no permit is needed.
Walker Nature Center and Reston Trails
Reston, VA
Walker Nature Center is located in a residential area of Reston, and there are lots of trails criss-crossing the neighborhoods too! The walking paths are flat and easy, which is ideal if you’d like the look of woods without any strenuous hiking.
The nature center does not currently require a permit or fee to take photos there, but make sure you reach out ahead of time to schedule so your session doesn’t conflict with any of their events. They are considering implementing a fee starting in 2025.
C.M. Crockett Park
Midland, VA
Crockett Park has a little bit of everything! There are miles of wooded hiking trails, and open grassy fields with hay bales. You can also head out on the lake with a rented paddle boat or canoe.
Photographers must obtain a $20 annual vendor permit and let the park staff know when your session will be taking place. There is also a $10/car entrance fee for any visitors who are not residents of Fauquier County.
State Arboretum of Virginia
Boyce, VA
The State Arboretum of Virginia is part of UVA’s Blandy Experimental Farm. Of course at an arboretum, there are tons of beautiful trees! There are walking paths and trails, ponds, and a manicured garden with a greenhouse. One of the most popular photo spots is in front of the historic Quarters building. This place is a great winter option for engagement photos because there is still so much greenery with all the evergreen trees!
No reservation or permit fees are required, but the arboretum is a very busy place for engagement photos and senior photos! Prepare to share the space with other photographers and clients, and as always, respect the property and plants. You can view the photography guidelines on their website.
See more State Arboretum of Virginia engagement photos
Great Falls Park
McLean, VA
The stunning Great Falls Park is another incredible natural location for photos! Not really a waterfall, but the rapids of the Potomac River are a beautiful sight and are a perfect spot for engagement photos. There are several overlooks that are easily accessible just a short walk from the parking lot with amazing views of the falls. And there are plenty of trails to explore further down the river!
This park can get very busy on weekends (even during the winter!), so weekdays are definitely recommended to avoid crowds.
There is a $20/vehicle entrance fee to the park, and there is a $140 photography permit that must be obtained through the National Park Service.
See more Great Falls Park engagement photos
