As a Nashville engagement photographer, I loved shooting Chelsie and Cade’s engagement session at two spots that actually meant something to them: Belmont University (where Chelsie went to school) and UpDown, the arcade bar in East Nashville where they had their first date. We shot at the very end of March, and the weather was perfect for walking around campus and then heading into the city.

I always love when couples choose locations that tell their story instead of just going with what might look good on Instagram. These two wanted their photos to feel personal, and that’s exactly what we got.

Nashville Engagement Photos at Belmont University

Belmont’s campus is one of those places that photographs beautifully no matter the season. The old buildings, the greenery, the brick walkways. It all feels classic and timeless. Chelsie spent years here, so it made sense to start the session somewhere familiar.

They were a little nervous at first (most people are), but once we started walking and talking, they loosened up. I’m not big on stiff posing anyway, so we just moved around campus and let things happen naturally. The best photos came when they stopped thinking about the camera and just focused on each other.

East Nashville Engagement Session at UpDown

After Belmont, we headed to UpDown in East Nashville (the arcade bar where they had their first date). This is where the session really shifted. The energy changed. It felt less like a photo shoot and more like hanging out with friends.

Being in a space that meant something to them made everything easier. They were comfortable, laughing, playing games, just being themselves. Those are always the moments that translate best in photos.

Why Location Matters for Engagement Photos

If you’re planning your own engagement session in Nashville, my biggest advice is to pick places that actually matter to you. Whether that’s the coffee shop where you met, the park where you go on walks, your favorite neighborhood. Wherever you feel most like yourselves. That’s where the best photos happen.

As a Nashville engagement photographer, I’m here to document your relationship as it actually is. Not a styled, posed version of it. Just you two, in places that mean something, doing what feels natural.

Planning your own Nashville engagement session? I’d love to hear about it. Get in touch here.

Still figuring out where to shoot? Here’s my full roundup of the best Nashville engagement photo locations.