We hear that question a lot. Whether you are local or visiting Charleston for your proposal session, you may not know what the best engagement session locations in this area are. There are so many scenic and unique spots to capture the magic moment of proposal, so it can be hard figuring out where to go for the session. That’s why we’d like to share our favorites with you!
We’ve prepared for you 40 remarkable places which we and our engaged couples really like. If you’d like to see more amazing engagement photos, welcome to check our portfolio with recently taken ones.
We are sure that you will find the place that matches you perfectly!
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Boone Hall Plantation is a very remarkable place. And there are several reasons for it. First of all, this is the oldest operative plantation in America. It has been working for more than 300 years and now it is open to the public. Second, such an impressive location could not avoid being a part of famous movies. Some of them are well known all over the world. One of them is Scarlett, written as a sequel to Gone with the Wind. Another popular movie filmed here is The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks novel. So if you are planning a secret proposal, this place is perfect for it. Besides, our leading photographer lives within 5 minutes of driving from this place. Please keep in mind that booking in advance is essential, Boone Hall is very popular and requires a photography pass, which we have for our clients. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
White Point Garden
This park reflects the spirit of Charleston. White Point Garden can be called so without any doubts! There are two really nice places. The first one is the most popular spot of this park – the Gazebo. We can take wonderful pictures inside it or in front of it. The second place is the area with the view of the Avenue of Oaks. The park benefits are huge! On the one side we will find the waterfront where we can do amazing pictures at the water background. On the opposite side there are beginnings of the most beautiful streets in Charleston – King, Meeting and Church streets.
Waterfront Park
Usually people know this park only because of the Pineapple Fountain but I can provide some proofs why the whole area deserves mention. The park was awarded the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is essentially a romantic, engaging, serene, and perfectly picturesque destination. Charming tree-lined alleys and many beautiful backgrounds will make any engaged or going to do it couple fall in love with this unique southern city. There are plenty of benches in shady areas where we can take some really intimate and romantic pictures so photography in this park is a really great idea for engagement!
The area of the famous Pineapple Fountain provides wonderful places with the views of the waterfront on the one side and beautiful greenery (you can have a look at these majestic trees on the photos) on the other. This unusual fountain is a focal point of the Charleston Waterfront Park, which people have been enjoying since it opened in 1990. As well the cobblestone street will be an unusual background for your photos! Not far from it is located Rainbow Row. We can walk there and take some lovely pictures.
Hampton Park
The first thing that can attract you – it is the largest park on the peninsula. The trails that it offers to walk are so pretty and captivating that we can take some charming photos literally everywhere! There is a huge fountain in the center with a lot of Canadian geese. Where else can you find huge live oaks, wonderful Spanish Moss and a lovely duck pond all at one time? If I were you, I would definitely pay attention to this amazing place! Of course, it is a little crowdie but I have had so many photo sessions here so can help you to find the right time.
Chapel Street Fountain Park
Are you dreaming of your engagement to be calm, peaceful and very intimate? Well, I have something to suggest! One of the greatest benefit of Chapel Street Fountain Park is that it seems a world away from downtown’s hustle and bustle. If you get exhausted in crowds of the most popular touristic places you can visit this hidden oasis in downtown Charleston. Water is a good background for any kind of photography as it makes photos livelier. The fountain is very nicely placed in the middle of the park with flowers, trees, and other plants all around it. Not many locations can boast that they can pack a lot of green space into a small area. Don’t miss an opportunity and have a look at these charming views!
Angel Oak Park
Do you love nature in its full glory and want to capture one of the most important moment in your life in a stunning location? Then it is necessary for you to visit Angel Oak Park and have a look at the most spectacular spot of this place – the Angel Oak. The tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old. Just seeing the giant majestic tree is breath-taking so you will never regret if visit this marvelous place. The long trailing branches create so romantic and unusual atmosphere for doing pictures that it is impossible to remain indifferent.
Daniel Island Park
This park is considered to be one of the most desirable in the entire Lowcountry. Why so? In Daniel Island Park you can enjoy the views of the water, marsh, woodlands, parks and the golf courses. Such diversity must attract attention! The beautiful location is situated amongst spectacular natural scenery. There you can also observe the views of the gracious homes, townhomes and condominiums of the finest architectural traditions of the region. As well, it is a good opportunity to have a look at the Island’s most breath-taking vistas.
Colonial Lake
Another idea for engagement photo session is a much simpler place but it is not so crowded. We can find some beautiful backgrounds with lovely decorated bushes on the sidewalk. You will be able to observe the view of elegant homes in a nice neighborhood. The area around the lake is nicely maintained and manicured with trees, plants, and flowers and really allows you to get away from the city without going anywhere. Of course, this park is not so amazing as White Point Garden or Hampton Park but it has its own lovely spots that can become wonderful backgrounds. Just look at the photo I have made with one of happy engaged couples!
Charles Towne Landing
Another place that represents the beauty of Charleston nature is Charles Towne Landing. There are many intimate trails where you can walk and enjoy the sites and plants of the area. Lots of natural birds and wildlife make you feel like you are in the woods. I am pretty sure that we will find the perfect background for your favorite photo among 664 acres of beautiful low country scenery for you to enjoy and 80 acres of park gardens. You can observe the majestic alley of oaks that will take your breath away and create unforgettable memories. Therefore, why not to capture your significant day in such a wonderful place?
Charleston Tea Plantation
It is the only tea plantation in North America where you can see hundreds of thousands of tea bushes stretching out acre after acre for almost as far as the eye can see. The beautiful and spacious plantation provides a lot of opportunities for amazing photos. Usually it is not very crowded, as Tea Plantation cannot be called an obvious location for an engagement photo session in Charleston, like White Point Garden or Magnolia Gardens. However, the beauty of this place is by no means inferior to these popular tourist destinations. If you want to propose your partner here, don’t hesitate and contact me!
Magnolia Plantation
Do you want to do unusual photos with alligators to make all your friends jealous? Therefore, it is necessary to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens! Moreover, it is the only garden honored with this distinction in the State of South Carolina. At the peak of blooming season this location can make you think that you have fallen into a fairy-tale. A good variety of flowers and other plants, magnolia trees, an elegant bridge – it looks like a dream, doesn’t it? If you want both to enjoy the view of spectacular romantic greenery and to see the oldest public gardens in America, I would be more than happy to take pictures there. Please pay attention that they require a fee for photography so you need to call and find out more about the exact sum. However, this wonderful place is without any doubts worth this money.
Middleton Place
The beauty of the gardens of Middleton Place and the shade they offer will help you to forget about everything! What sets this place apart from so many others? The landscape looks absolutely fantastic, the gardens reminiscent of the European royal gardens with a unique Southern flavor. Many people consider Middleton Place as the most charming and beautiful place they have ever visited. This location seems to be created to hold romantic engagement photo session. However, there is a fee for photography so you need to call the administration and find out the exact amount.
I’On
What do you want the place for your photo session to be? Beautiful and inspiring nature with various views, a location renowned for both its beauty and historical meaning? Then here we will tell of the most admirable place you’ve ever seen! I’On is a mixed-use New Urbanist “Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)” style community located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, United States just northeast of Charleston. The area is quiet, so you should not worry about crowd and time where to take pictures. If you are still in two minds just look at this photo!
Rainbow Row
You can see this place as a background on many photos of visitors of Charleston. Rainbow Row is one of the most popular destinations here so it can be very crowdie. However, I can always recommend the time when we can avoid crowd and take some amazing pictures without any problem. Why is it so famous? There are many old houses that are all different from one another. As well, vibrant colors of these beautiful buildings let to do pictures at really incredible backgrounds! If you want to capture true Downtown spirit, it is worth to pay attention to this location.
Elliott Street
Elliott Street is steps from everything that makes Charleston one of the most beloved cities in America. Beautiful landscapes, buildings with original architecture, a variety of flowers and trees – everything here creates an atmosphere of miracle. You can see in the photos that there are not many people so no matter what kind of a session you are looking for, this location probably will be a very good decision you’d better consider.
Legare Street
One of the city’s grandest streets, Legare Street in Charleston is another great location for taking pictures. If you and your soul mate want to capture one of the most important moments in a secluded corner, it is the right option! This street helps to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere with its old elegant houses and lovely greenery. On the photo you can see a couple at the background of finely wrought front entrance gates that will add some spice to your photography.
Church Street
Church Street features simple but graceful style architecture of buildings – simply a photographer’s dream come true! You will never forget your photography session, with beautiful views that will make for great wedding photographer. Church Street can be truly considered as one of the best photo session venues in Charleston.
Philadelphia Alley
You can find this charming alley between Queen Street and Cumberland Street. Among locals Philadelphia Alley is considered to be one of the many hidden treasures that Charleston offers. As a professional photographer I like the hidden nature of the alley that allows you to discover it when walking. The alley provides plenty of shade on a warm day and seems to be cooler with all of the trees around it. It is easy to take good photos here and the alley has so many good angles and plenty of stories to tell!
Isle of Palms
Looking for a place with calm and relaxing atmosphere? Small, soft waves, shallow warm water – all this you will find if you ask me to take pictures on this excellent beach. Another huge benefit of the location – it is not crowded at all if you are going to capture your engagement in the morning. I really like Isle of Palms as it is the best beach option to make beautiful and lovely photos. Moreover, it has convenient parking. I know this location pretty well so we can find the best places for our photo session. Gorgeous views, a beautiful pierce and romantic mood will help us to take the most wonderful pictures!
Folly Beach
Are you a hopeless romantic? Are you dreaming of reaching the ends of the earth with your soul mate and of seeing painted sunrises and sunsets? Then Folly Beach is your choice for an excellent engagement photo session! Of course, it is not the ends of the earth, but this wonderful beach is called ‘the Edge of America’. My big experience will let me show you the most charming and unique spots of the location so that to find the best backgrounds. If you want to get into a real labor of love you should pay attention to Folly Beach.
Kiawah Island
Like other beach options, Kiawah Island is suitable for couples who want to capture their engagement in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. However, this location has its own attraction that other beaches do not possess. I want to recommend the oasis of untouched natural beauty to couples whose desire is to get away from big cities’ hustle and bustle and to find their own calm and intimate place. It is the perfect variant for people who find it hard to relax as this amazing atmosphere seems to help you demonstrate your sincere feelings and emotions.
Morris Island
All beach options have a special calm atmosphere but Morris Island stands out among others. The best highlight of the location is the gorgeous candy-cane striped Morris Island Light. The lighthouse was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It is such a beautiful treasure! If you want to get magical experience you should pay attention to this calm location. As well, it is ideal for shy people who do not like busy and overcrowded cities. Here you can get relaxed and feel absolutely free and happy. That is so important for a successful engagement photography.
Mount Pleasant Pier
Do you want to visit a relaxing, laid-back place where you can enjoy the harbor? If so, you should choose the Mount Pleasant Pier without any doubts as a location for your engagement photography. The Pier is part of the Memorial Waterfront Park complex. This place provides intimate atmosphere and beautiful views. It is sometimes possible to spot dolphins in the harbor. Just take in the gentle breezes and look at the blue sky and you will understand how amazing the Mount Pleasant Pier is.
Ocean Walk Mount Pleasant
This photo seems to be unreal, doesn’t it? However, this is one of my favorite pictures that we have taken with one engaged couple. Ocean Walk Mount Pleasant is one of the best places to enjoy an amazing view or to walk in the footsteps of history. Here you will find very nice and scenic obscure park with wonderful views of Charleston Harbor the featuring landmarks of which are such incredible spots as Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge.
Public Pier Concord Street
This beautiful street has many great places to take romantic photos and the Public Pier is the one I want to recommend you. No matter you want to propose your partner or you have already engaged – everybody wants to take pictures in the best place. This location will work perfectly for people who love beautiful greenery and wonderful views of water. If you want to walk along quiet waves and enjoy each other in a secluded and romantic place please feel free to call me and I will bring you to such a place!
College of Charleston
Everybody knows about famous parks and gardens, but beauty of other places is hidden from tourists. As I have been a Charleston engagement photographer for 10 years, I can show some non-obvious locations to do pictures, for example, the area near the College of Charleston. The gorgeous building of the university is situated among beautiful greenery. On the photo you can see an elegant streetlight that makes a usual view more charming and captivating. Don’t you want to walk along these lovely trails?
Custom House
Some people like incredible and picturesque views of nature while others prefer to take pictures near great historical buildings. There you can both enjoy the beauty of marvelous architecture and get the feel of its history. As well, we can take some unusual and romantic photographs at the area of the building as you see in the photo. The United States Custom House was built in 1879. And it is one of only several historical custom buildings that continues to serve its original purpose. Isn’t it interesting to have an engagement photo session over there? Here are some unusual places that require special permission to do photography. However, if you risk, your engagement photo session will be unforgettable!
Bar / Café
This idea for engagement requires some effort and can be interesting not for all people. Have you met at a bar or cafe? Or maybe has your first date taken place there? Therefore, you are the ones who will definitely be interested in the idea. To recollect the awkward but so romantic atmosphere of the first meeting and capture the decision to unite your lives at the same place where you have seen your soul mate – it is possible if you risk and ask permission to hold our engagement photo session at the bar. By the way, you can see such a couple in my photos. They look so happy and beautiful, don’t they?
Charleston Fire Station
You didn’t expect it, did you? However, I am sure that they are some really active and adventurous folks who are willing to create absolutely unique pictures that they will cherish forever. Being honest with you, Fire Station is one of my favorite spots where I had pleasure to take pictures of a wonderful wedding. Be sure, couple’s friends were jealous with the pictures. Interested? Let me know!
Old City Jail
Want to find something special? Willing to create an unforgettable session and surprise all your friends with the pictures? The Old County Jail is located on a four-acre parcel set aside for public use from Charleston’s earliest settlement. The jail, which was operational from 1802 until 1939, housed Charleston’s most infamous criminals, and, during the Civil War Federal prisoners of war. The property is not very spacious, but big on history and spooks. Beautiful and (surprisingly!) romantic place for all adventurous couples!
Rooftop
If you want to make your proposal look like a scene from your favorite romantic movie you should pay attention to this idea. Just have a look at the view from the roof! I think it is one of the best views I have ever seen. Mild lighting, incredible landscape and magical atmosphere will make your partner feel oneself a hero of a beautiful romantic story. And how wonderful photos will look! Of course, not only hotels provide such great opportunities, you can get in touch with many places and book the rooftop for your proposal.
Patriots Point
This museum can be an interesting place for your engagement photo session if both of you are fond of such part of history. It has huge territory with such places as USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier, USS Laffey, a destroyer and USS Clamagore, a submarine – so you have a big choice of places to make your engagement photo session. If you desire to make theme engagement photo session in this way- patriot point naval and maritime museum is exactly the right place. Charleston bay tempts with magnificent view, and on its background, you can capture beautiful moments. There is free entry so you don’t need to make any bookings in advance. The whole atmosphere of the museum itself creates the proper mood for such a theme engagement photo session in Charleston.
Ravenel Bridge
Ravenel bridge with its sunrise and sun fall views is among the most beautiful places in Charleston. It is beautiful in any season. If you like huge construction in an open space you will definitely fall in love with this place. Your beloved will be impressed if you ask these so desirable words “will you marry me” exactly here, as if on the palm of the world but with feeling of intimacy at the same time. As this bridge is a huge monumental construction, it will be like a silent witness of your engagement photography session. It goes without saying that spring or summer are the best time options for engagement session because you will feel more comfortable. As this place is attractive in any daytime or nighttime, you can visit it up to your wish. There is a parking lot under the bridge so you will have to walk for a while before climbing it. Make your dream come true in one of the best places in Charleston. Make your “will you marry me photography session ” on the Ravenel Bridge.
Cypress gardens
Can you imagine yourself being a part of beautiful nature surrounded by bald cypress threes, or have a private boat trip around them? Do you want to make your engagement photo session in this fairy-tale place? If your answer is yes, then Cypress gardens are right suitable for such a solemn occasion. Eye-catching flowerbeds, tall trees and bushes, curving paths and romantic boat trips are items, which are very important for this day. It is very spacious place, so if you want to make some engagement decorations – just do it. It is very memorable place with special energy, because movie “Notebook” was filmed here. No booking in advance is needed, free entry as well. Just plan your time. Sounds tempting? So, do not miss your chance to take your best engagement photos in Charleston Cypress gardens, in its lovely surrounding.
Old Village
This wonderful place is located in Mount Pleasant. And this is its main advantage. It’s Mount Pleasant downtown with old sophisticated houses surrounded by massive trees. Tall and rampant trees are good for taking rest during a sunny day. That is quite important because the weather in this region is often very good. Together with the beautiful houses the greenery creates an amazing background for all kinds of photo shootings. One more advantage of this location is the access to the water. It allows us to take wonderful photos during the sunset. They will be full of vibrant colors. What is especially nice — Old Village is a peaceful place. Taking photos here is very comfortable even if you consider yourself as a shy person or a shy couple. After the photo session you can take some rest and celebrate the engagement in local restaurants.
Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a picturesque waterfront location with stunning views of the Charleston Harbor and surrounding marshes. This place is good for taking panoramic photos. Moreover, both sides of the creek are lined with restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine. Here you will also see a nice pier where we can take romantic pictures of you and your beloved. Beautiful views and nationally recognized cuisine will make your engagement photo session day absolutely unforgettable.
Hutson Alley
This place has its own very special aesthetic. It’s not a green park or waterfront. Here you will enjoy a lane with old buildings. Bars, restaurants and other facilities are to be found on this lane. In the daylight here you will find a shade to rest. And when the sun is gone the neon signs and garlands will brighten your romantic evening.
Pink House
Why not take some memorable shots next to one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina? It’s a great idea filled with romance. At various times this house has been a tavern and a studio, and now houses an art gallery. The cobblestones street, the antique shingles on the roof, the shutters on the windows, it’s like you’re transported to another era. The pink house seems to be shrouded in the ancient legends of those who lived and created it.
American Theater
One might recognize this theater from the movie The Notebook. Glowing lights, a wide entrance with wooden doors, posters of upcoming performances.
Agree that this stylish and bright façade would be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable photo session. By the way, you can order the placement of any inscription on the facade of the theater. So you can originally express your feelings for your loved one or ask to marry you.
Gibbes Museum of Art
An art museum with an atmosphere of creativity, inspiration and beauty. This is an original and interesting place for the best photos, which are sure to find their way into the family album.
There are several options on how you can organize a photo session in this location. First, you can take beautiful pictures inside the museum. But for this you need to make a reservation for it in advance. Spacious and bright halls with works of art by famous artists. In one of the rooms, the roof is in the form of a dome and is decorated with glass. It looks fascinating!
Second, you can take a picture in the courtyard. You can do it for free and without an appointment. It is a cozy place with a lot of greenery, flowers, benches, and even has a small fountain.
I hope this was helpful and you discovered some new spots and locations in Charleston! If you still have any questions, contact us and I will try to answer all of them. Or if it is needed I can send you more pictures of the location you like. Be sure, that my goal is to make your friends jealous with the pictures!
