Wilmington Engagement Session Locations [Complete Guide]
The Best Places for Engagement Photos in Wilmington
Wilmington Engagement Session Locations [The Complete Guide]
everything you need to know about having your engagement session in Wilmington, NC….
You simply cannot go wrong with a Wilmington engagement session. Why? This coastal city is exceptional – brimming with an array of breathtaking locations with scenic views. Whether you’re envisioning a location with expansive sand dunes, serene beaches, enchanting moss-draped trees, or the allure of a historic downtown area, Wilmington has it all. You’ll easily find the perfect location for any style of engagement session.
However, don’t just take my word for it! Explore below my favorite engagement session spots that I have discovered during my time exploring this quaint little coastal town. From downtown gems, to the North Carolina coast, to botanical gardens, here’s my suggestions for the best Wilmington engagement session locations with scenic views.
here it is…
The best places for your Wilmington Engagement Session…
- Wrightsville Beach
- The North Carolina Coast
- Downtown Wilmington
- Airlie Gardens
…. and so much more info and inspo below!
What to know about having an engagement session in Wilmington
| Check out these FAQ’s first|
1. Weekdays are the best option (Monday- Thursday)
Especially in the summer, weekdays work best. Some of the locations listed below receive a ton of foot traffic, so it is always a good idea tot take measures to keep your location as secluded as possible. Choosing to have your session on a weekday helps you to avoid crowds, find parking, and ensure a more minimal amount of strangers watching you during your session. Additionally, having your session in the “off season” will reduce crowds as well!
2. Start your session 1-2 hours before sunset or near sunrise
Starting 1-2 hours before sunset or after sunrise promises that you’ll have the best lighting for photos. Every photographer will tell you that the best time of day to shoot is during golden hour, which is the hour directly before or after sunset. This is because the sun is low on the horizon, creating a more diffused and appealing look vs. the direct sun. The only exception to this is if you choose an indoor location or downtown session. Starting your downtown session a little earlier is your best bet because you will lose light quicker when surrounded by tall buildings. Indoor sessions are best when the sun is high in the sky because that is when our indoor locations are the most naturally lit. This might vary based on location, so ask your photographer for advice and I’m sure they will help you out!
3. Pack items that will bring your session vision to life
Enhancing your session with unique items can elevate the experience and ease any camera jitters. Knowing you’ll be immersing yourself in a scene, like enjoying a beach picnic, can feel more natural than being posed. (Although, your photographer should provide guidance on posing to make you feel at ease.) Personally, while I LOVE being able to create a scene like the one above- I more than confident in posing my couples head to toe when need be (no “what do I do with my hands” around here). If you’re thinking “What can I bring along to my engagement session to make it more unique?” I GOT YOU! Start by thinking if there is anything unique that you two do in your relationship. For example, I have had couples who love reading bring books to read another. I had another couple who loved the arts, so she brought her sketchbook and he brought his guitar! It can be as simple or planned as you want it to be. Here are a few other suggestions:
- A champagne bottle and glasses
- A blanket to snuggle up in
- A picnic to enjoy with one another
- A film camera/polaroid
- Lanterns (one of my personal favorites)
Where to have your Engagement Session in Wilmington
| The top engagement session locations list |
1. Wrightsville Beach
As a Wilmington wedding photographer, Wrightsville Beach is my top pick for places to have your engagement session or proposal. There are multiple spots to choose from, but in my opinion the best spot is the south end (Jack Parker Beach). The grass covered sand dunes that roll as far as the eye can see are the most romantic backdrop around. At golden hour, the sun peeks directly behind them offering a warm cast of sun that highlights couples perfectly. You can follow the path between the dunes straight to the ocean to finish off your session as the sun falls behind the water. Additionally, there is also a pier on the island that is a great photo location as well. If you’re looking for more inspo, you can check out this Wrightsville Beach Engagement Session here.
2. Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Airlie Gardens is one of the most magical places to get engaged or propose. Paths shaded by Spanish moss, blooming florals, and lakes surround the beautiful property. The Airlie Oak, dating back to the 1500’s, is one of the popular spots at the gardens- and for good reason. The Airlie Oak has sprawling branches adorned with cascading moss, and is absolutely breathtaking at golden hour with the sun rays peaking through. Every time I’m there I have to remind myself I’m not walking around the set of The Notebook!
FAQ’s to keep in mind fit you’re considering Airlie gardens as your engagement session location:
Does Airlie Gardens require a photo permit/ fee for photo sessions? Airlie Gardens does require a $100 fee per hour for sessions between 9am-5pm, and a $250 fee per hour for after hours reservations. However, if you are having your wedding at Airlie Gardens, this fee is waved! You can request a reservation online here.
What are the best places at Airlie Gardens to take photos? I personally love the Airlie Oak, Pergola Garden, and the nature trail. Below, you can see a map of the gardens to use when planning your engagement session or proposal!
When is the best time of year for a session at Airlie Gardens? Personally, I love to suggest late spring and fall. In the summer time it can get overcrowded. They also have created this really handy tool on their website that shows what is currently in bloom- so you can scope it out before hand if you are going for a certain look!
3. Downtown Wilmington
Wandering through downtown Wilmington can transport you back in time. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages passing by, and Spanish moss draping the trees along the historic avenues create a nostalgic atmosphere. I love downtown sessions because you can choose multiple locations and have two completely different vibes.
Here’s a list of my places for engagement sessions and proposals in and around downtown Wilmington…
The 2nd street parking deck is the best downtown Wilmington engagement session location for those wanting a modern feel to their photos. Rooftop parking decks have been one of the most popular location requests in the last few years for engagement sessions- and rightfully so! They give off an industrial feel and are a great location option for those wanting a downtown feel, but not the crowds that sometimes come along with that.
The Bellamy Mansion seamlessly blends old-world European charm with the historic architectural style typical of downtown’s heritage houses. The sprawling staircases, ornate oil framed paintings, and vintage elements makes this the perfect spot for those wanting the old money vibes. They do require a reservation and fee on their online portal.
3. Alton Lennon Federal Building
This building is situated right next to the riverwalk, offering two completely different vibes for your session. The building itself is the perfect location for someone with a luxury, glam, vintage, old Hollywood moldboard. The architecture is similar to that of an estate, and when you pair that with the tall palm trees it becomes a Spanish dream.
4. The Churches of Downtown Wilmington
The architecture of some of the churches in Downtown Wilmington can make the perfect backdrop for your engagement or proposal. The Spanish moss covered trees and bright exteriors carry a stunning luxe vibe. Here are a few favorite spots: First Presbyterian Church and St. James Episcopal.
4. Greenfield Lake
1739 Burnett Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28401
This hidden gem offers a variety of locations, each with a different feel, on one property. There are vast hiking trails, a boat ramp, and groves of trees on this 190 acre public park. Imagine renting a canoe, adding flowers, and bringing your Notebook romance novel dreams come to life!!!!
5. Fort Fisher
1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449
While Fort Fisher’s stunning coastline and beach are enough to make this a stunning location option for photos by the water- there is much more that this historic site offers. The long boardwalks, sprawling marshlands, and grove of oak trees offers variety to your session.
Indoor Location Options
If the rain is in the forecast or if its a hot day- an indoor location might be the best option for you! Indoor locations offer a plethora of possibilities, from elegant interiors with soft lighting to cozy spaces adorned with rustic charm. Whether you’re aiming for a romantic ambiance or a contemporary vibe, an indoor setting allows for flexibility in bringing your vision to life.
Coffee Shop locations
Bars / Hotels / other options
- Front Street at night
- The Ibis
- Papercut Books
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers a fun carnival feel (and is also in the summer I turner Pretty!!!)
- Cameron Art Museum
Additional Engagement Session Vendors
Here are some of my favorite local Wilmington vendors who can be the perfect pairing for your engagement session.
HMUA Artists
Florists
Classic Car Rentals
