If you’re newly engaged and planning your engagement session in Nashville, you’re probably wondering where to actually take photos. You want somewhere that feels like you, photographs well, and doesn’t require a massive production to get to. As far as Nashville engagement photo locations go, there are tons: parks, urban spots, riverside locations, gardens, etc. And the right location depends on what vibe you’re going for. As a Nashville engagement photographer, I’ve shot at all of these spots and know what makes each one work.

Here’s a guide to the best Nashville engagement photo locations based on what you’re looking for.

Best Nashville Engagement Photo Locations

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is one of the most popular engagement session spots in Nashville, and for good reason. The Parthenon makes a stunning backdrop, and the park has open fields, tree-lined paths, and a lake. It’s versatile! You can get both architectural shots and natural, park vibes in one location.

What to know: Centennial Park can get crowded, especially on weekends. Go early morning or late afternoon for fewer people and better light. Parking is easy.

Best for: Couples who want a mix of nature and architecture, classic Nashville vibes

Shelby Bottoms

Shelby Bottoms is a nature park with trails, open fields, and tree coverage. It feels more secluded than Centennial Park and gives you that “we’re in the woods” vibe without actually leaving the city. The light filters through the trees beautifully, especially in late afternoon.

What to know: Some trails require a bit of walking. Wear comfortable shoes. Less crowded than other Nashville spots.

Best for: Couples who want a natural, outdoorsy feel without leaving Nashville

Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake has multiple access points around Nashville, and the lake views are stunning at sunset. You get water, open skies, and a relaxed vibe. It’s one of my favorite spots for couples who want something scenic but not overly formal.

What to know: Sunset is prime time here. The light on the water is incredible. Some areas require a short walk from parking.

Best for: Couples who love water, sunset photos, and open landscapes

Bells Bend

Bells Bend is just outside Nashville and offers farm fields, open land, and a more rural feel. It’s perfect for couples who want something that feels like you’ve left the city even though you’re only 20 minutes from downtown. Golden hour here is unreal.

What to know: It’s a bit of a drive from central Nashville, but worth it if you want wide-open spaces. Best at sunset.

Best for: Adventurous couples who want farm fields, big skies, and a country feel

Cheekwood

Cheekwood is Nashville’s botanical garden and estate, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Manicured gardens, historic architecture, colorful seasonal blooms – it’s polished and beautiful. If you want something elegant and garden-inspired, this is it.

What to know: Cheekwood requires an admission fee or membership. It’s more formal and structured than park locations. Best in spring and fall when gardens are at peak. For reference, the session pictured above was in the middle of winter.

Best for: Couples who want elegant, garden-style photos with a refined aesthetic

Ellington Agricultural Center

Ellington Agricultural Center has fields, tree-lined paths, and a peaceful, open feel. It’s less crowded than most Nashville spots and gives you that rural vibe without leaving the city. Great for couples who want something simple and natural.

What to know: Very low-key. Not many people know about this spot, so it stays quiet. Best at golden hour.

Best for: Couples who want open fields, natural light, and a laid-back session

Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

This park in Brentwood has open fields, tree coverage, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. It’s smaller and quieter than Centennial or Shelby Bottoms, which makes it great for couples who don’t want crowds.

What to know: Easy parking, less crowded, feels suburban and peaceful.

Best for: Couples who want a low-key park setting without the Nashville tourist crowd

Cumberland Park

Cumberland Park sits right on the Cumberland River with views of downtown Nashville. It’s modern, urban, and gives you skyline shots mixed with green space. If you want your engagement photos to feel distinctly Nashville, this is a solid choice.

What to know: Can get busy on nice days. Best early morning or evening. Great for couples who want city vibes.

Best for: Couples who want urban energy, skyline views, and modern Nashville aesthetics

Pedestrian Bridge

The Pedestrian Bridge offers iconic views of downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River. It’s one of the most recognizable spots in the city, and the bridge itself photographs beautifully at sunset. However, it’s also one of the busiest spots.

What to know: Extremely popular with tourists and other photographers. Go early morning or late evening for fewer crowds. Be prepared for people walking through your photos.

Best for: Couples who want classic Nashville skyline shots and don’t mind crowds

(Associate shot for my sweet friend, Nicole Kiser)

Your Favorite Spot

Honestly? Some of the best engagement sessions happen at places that actually mean something to you. The coffee shop where you had your first date. The brewery you go to every Friday. The bar where you met. Your favorite taco spot. Your neighborhood park.

These locations might not be “Instagram famous,” but they photograph well because you’re comfortable there. You’re not performing for the camera. You’re just being yourselves in a place that feels like home.

If there’s a spot in Nashville that’s yours, that’s where we should shoot.

Best for: Couples who want photos that feel personal and true to your relationship

How to Choose Your Nashville Engagement Photo Location

When you’re deciding where to do your engagement session, here’s what to consider:

Your vibe: Do you want natural and outdoorsy (Shelby Bottoms, Bells Bend)? Urban and modern (Cumberland Park, Pedestrian Bridge)? Elegant and refined (Cheekwood)?

Time of day: Golden hour (late afternoon) works well for almost every location, but some spots (like Percy Priest and Bells Bend) are especially stunning at sunset.

Crowd tolerance: Some locations (Centennial Park, Pedestrian Bridge) get crowded. Others (Ellington Ag Center, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park) stay quiet.

What you’re wearing: If you’re wearing something formal, Cheekwood or Centennial Park might feel more appropriate. If you’re going casual, Shelby Bottoms or Bells Bend work great.

The best engagement photos happen when you’re comfortable, the location feels like you, and you’re not worried about looking perfect. Pick the spot that makes sense for your relationship, not what looks good on Instagram.

Planning Your Nashville Engagement Session

If you’re planning an engagement session in Nashville and want a photographer who shoots in a documentary style and won’t make you feel awkward or over-posed, I’d love to work with you. Your session should feel natural, comfortable, and true to who you are as a couple.

Whether you choose one of these Nashville engagement photo locations or somewhere else entirely, your photos should feel like you.

Planning your Nashville engagement session? Get in touch here.