Best spots for engagement photos in and around Greenville, SC

Engagement photos are so important. They announce that you and your significant other are planning on spending the rest of your lives together, and have reached a huge milestone. Congrats! They’re also used for save-the-dates, so you want to look your best, and it’s important to pick a location you really like and feel like you can take photos in that will represent you two as a couple. You can even consider what your wedding will be like, and play to those themes. Getting marries outdoors? Let your engagement photos reflect that. You get the picture, (literally)!

Greenville, SC, which is truly a wonderful city. Dozens of great coffee shops and restaurants line picturesque streets, and we are just miles away from the Blue Ridge mountains. From a photographer’s eye, all this also makes Greenville a perfect place to take engagement photos.

Hi, I’m Sydney, and I’ll be your tour guide today! Since the options for engagement photos are practically endless, let me walk you through some of my favorite tried and true locations.

FOR STUDIO SESSIONS

Whitewall Studios

Stunning, floor-to-ceiling windows greet you at this locally owned and operated studio. As the name suggests, Whitewall offers, well, crisp, classic, white walls. I personally love Whitewall and have done many shoots here of all varieties, including engagements. They have some props on hand, including chairs, couches, and curtains. If you’re looking for some traditional and clean engagement photos with plenty of natural light pouring in in the background, Whitewall is the place to book!

Pose to hit: The wall lean

Picture this — You and your significant other having a moment against a simplistic backdrop in a puddle of sunlight from Whitewall’s huge windows. This is the perfect way to highlight the studio’s signature feature and create a minimalist composition. It’s also a really easy pose, especially for couples who aren’t used to being photographed. The focus will be on you two, and the backdrop won’t be too busy or distracting. If you’re looking for clean lines, wear a crisp black or solid colored outfit and really lean into the minimalist vibes.

Studio 1192

I recently did a shoot here and Oh. My. GOD. This studio is absolutely incredible. It has a “clean studio feel” similar to Whitewall but with a slightly different vibe. Think — lots of darker spaces for more intimate shadowy moments and corners to be a little moody in together. Studio 1192 also has a variety of different backdrop options for those looking to get a little more ~inventive~ (see their Instagram for more on that)

Pose to hit: Self-reflection

Ok, ok, ok, listen up. This studio really has everything. We played with so many different props and elements, but catching this adorable candid mirror photo was truly a top-tier moment. Mirror photos are popular with photographers for a reason: it's adorable and so much fun. There’s just something authentic about looking in a mirror, and the angles are so fun to play with!

FOR THE OUTDOORSY COUPLES - Clemson Places

The South Carolina Botanical Garden

We here in Clemson are so lucky to be just ten minutes away from the state Botanical Garden. The Garden is open year-round, and honestly, it’s beautiful all 365 days of the year. It really is my go-to spot for so many different types of shoots, but especially engagement shoots. Fun fact: I got my master's in plant and environmental sciences! I love all the leafy things, and I will be your tour guide with the most if you pick this location. From the gazebo by the duck pond to the vegetable garden, I know all the best parts!

Pose to hit: Share the steps

There are so many cute brick or stone step spots to do a little lean or kiss on. Share a little moment with your other half there, surrounded by the gorgeous greenery. Playing around with height, having one partner stand and the other sit, is fun and can add dimension to your photos!

Sydney Rose Portraits is an LGBT-inclusive photographer. Read more about her values here

The Dikes

Another great spot on the Clemson end of things is The Dikes. The Dikes are ideal for taking a romantic stroll with your fiancee and take some candid photos. Have a little movie scene slow motion run together, and just enjoy being with each other and forget about the camera. Bold couples can even get in the water if the weather is right!

Pose to hit: On the rocks

I love incorporating what’s naturally around into my outdoor photoshoots. With this location, there’s a lot to choose from, but mainly rocks! Get playful with these, and get some bonus points with your photographer if you’re dressed as Western ghosties ;)

Sydney’s Favorite Field

Continuing the Clemson-centric segment is this field in the middle of farmland by the Experimental Forest. I used to work near here during my undergrad (ask the cows about me)! I love this field because it’s so open and natural, and you just can’t beat the golden-hour lighting.

Pose to hit: The field frolic

I love using this one to get couples to loosen up. If you’ve got those in-front-of-the-camera-jitters, taking a little skip through a field with your partner just might be the way to loosen up. This is as simple as it sounds: join hands and skip, run, or walk while pulling each other together and then apart. Sometimes, we call it the drunk walk because, especially for motion blur moments, the slow, stumbly pace actually works really well (trust the process on this one).

Clemson’s campus

Rounding out the Clemson area section is the campus itself. For so many couples in the Upstate, Clemson University is where their love began, and they want to honor that by taking their engagement photos there! Campus is not a location to sleep on; there are some very romantic spots there! Share a kiss under a building’s arch or cuddle up on Bowman Field, the world is your oyster.

Pose to hit: Bench chat

Many conversations, some even romantic, begin on the many picturesque wooden benches around Clemson’s campus. Benches are great for posing because you can sit in each other’s laps, or, for those more camera-shy couples, you can simply hold hands.

FOR THE OUTDOORSY COUPLES - Greenville Places

Falls Park

One of the best parts about this location is how expansive it is! Theres *so* many options at this waterfront park. If you’re looking for a more secluded, but still outdoors shoot, this is the place to consider. There are a few off-the-beaten-path spots that’ll be perfect for more intimate moments. Falls Park has so many cute elements that it can be hard to know where to even begin my recommendations! There are winding steps and trails, a little green bridge, and even wooden bench swings built for two. If you’re looking to have a bit of an adventure during your session, Falls Park is the best place to explore.

Pose to hit: Chasin’ waterfalls

Falls Park has, well, some falls. They photograph so beautifully, and there are some very easily accessible rocks you and your partner can walk out on to see the beautiful waterfalls in the background. Walk around and share some candid moments here, and pretend your photographer, who will be very *safely* perched on some other rocks, isn’t here.

Pretty Place Chapel

It’s in the name — Pretty Place Chapel is pretty. Gorgeous, even! This mountain chapel overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and is absolutely breathtaking. Entry is free, but to reserve the spot for a more extensive session (or a wedding!), fill out their inquiry form and make sure you’ve paid all the proper fees in advance.

Pose to hit: Hold each other close

Maybe it’s how high up we are, or maybe it’s that you’ve just said “yes” to forever, but now is a great time to hold your partner close in a very photogenic way! This typically works well with one partner behind the other wrapping their arms around whoever is in front, either around their chest or around their neck/ over their shoulders.

Furman Rose Garden

The second garden on our tour today is on Furman’s campus but is open to the public. There’s a variety of stunning flowers, mainly roses, which is oh-so-romantic! This garden is much smaller than the SC Botanical Garden; however, it’s more quaint as well!

Pose to hit: The gazebo

One of the highlights of this location is the white gazebo structure. It’s perfect for engagement photos, as well as being a fantastic spot to propose!

Table Rock State Park

I still can’t believe Greenville is just 45 minutes away from this scenic mountain spot! Table Rock Park is the perfect place to take engagement photos, surrounded by beautiful forest and nature! Admission is just $6 for adults but free to go to the visitors center, and it is so worth it. There are mountain overlooks to pose by and a lake dock to perch on. It’s really got it all.

Pose to hit: Relax a bit

So, you’ve just hiked all over a mountain and frolicked through fields with me. Now is the right time to maybe lay a little picnic blanket down and get cozy with your other half. I like to tell couples to do whatever feels most natural or comfortable for them, but if you need some guidance, this is for you. Have one of you sit down, and kick their legs out. The other partner can recline against them and be supported that way. Then, just snuggle up together!

Devils Fork State Park

Another perfect park for engagements is Devil’s Fork. Located on Lake Jocasse, it’s a quality place for photos year-round, whether you’re looking for frosty grass or warm waters. Like with so many of our other locations, there’s tons to explore! My favorite part is a dock that you can walk out on.

Pose to hit: Dock dance

Even someone with two left feet can manage this, I promise! Once you walk out on the dance, do a little slow dance and sway back and forth together, or if you’re really talented really ballroom dance. We can do a little motion blur and get super artsy and gorgeous with it!

FOR SESSIONS IN THE CITY

The Greenville Courthouse

This building is so fun for playing with angles. If you’re not looking to book a studio, but still want a place that’s got clean lines and a neutral background, let's go to the courthouse!

Pose to hit: Contemplation

There are so many stone ledges for slouching against and thinking about that new rock on your finger.

M. Judson Booksellers

The steps to this local bookstore are absolutely iconic, and leave room for so many good moments. Especially if you’re a Greenville native, you’ll recognize them immediately and the famous Westin hotel (and fountain) that they’re right next door to. This is *the* spot for classic city engagement photos in downtown Greenville. Or even an elopement ;)

Pose to hit: Just be candid

These steps are an option for so many things, including candid moments. The city backdrop plays well to that. Just be yourself with your significant other; hold them close, hold hands as you walk up and down the steps, go in for a kiss, whatever floats your boat!

Downtown Greenville

Downtown Greenville is the perfect place for a romantic stroll, or, a romantic photoshoot! With so many old buildings with amazing architecture, its a composition wonderland, and its walkability makes it easy to hit more than one location. If you’re indecisive (like me) or not sure what vibes you want to go with, this would be the right choice for you.

Pose to hit: Pour me a drink

I love popping into coffee shops or bars when I’m doing sessions in downtown Greenville. Having a natural prop, like a cup of something, helps people relax more because it gives them something to do with their hands. And when the drink is in a fancy glass? *Chefs kiss* We love an accessory, boozy or not.

HIDDEN GEMS IN THE UPSTATE

Silos Brewing Co.

Speaking of drinks, this brewery makes for some super cool photos. Over the summer I did a vow renewal there with a lovely family, and we got to use some fun elements of the brewery in the photos. We posed on old barrels used in the brewing process, and even in the silos! They do have a fee to use the area for photography, but it’s only $30!

Pose to hit: Stairmaster

One of the most epic parts of this place is the old wooden stairs that go all the to the top. The sunlight trickling in and the dust particles catching the light, plus the old structure makes for an incredible photo. I had my intern for this shoot and she had to lean over the railing with a light and I remember her saying that the resulting photos were beyond worth it. So, thank you Mercedes with Indigo Editorial! 

Chau Ram County Park

We really have a lot of parks on the menu today, and it’s for good reason. File this one under “incredible waterfall!” With easily accessible trails and totally worth it views, this low-key park is going on my list of new favorite engagement spots.

Pose to hit: Belly to belly and rest your head'

There is an entrance fee of $3 per car to the park, but it is so worth it for these trails, views, and even camping spots! You can find so many diverse spots, and the light coming through the trees is something that you cannot miss!

SUPER NOT-SO-SECRET BONUS SECTION: Locations I would love to shoot, and would do for a discount 👀

The Biltmore: The Biltmore is mountain luxury at it’s finest, and seems like a photographers playground, honestly. With gardens and amazing architecture that’s old money but still natural, it would be a dream to shoot here.

Bald Rock: After doing an elopement on a mountainside, I’ve really got a taste for the mountains. I love the scenic overlook of Bald Rock, and would love to photograph your love story here!