If you’re looking to get out of the city and find some outdoor engagement photo locations, you don’t have to look too far. Northern Virginia has some amazing outdoor photo spots with tons of variety. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous or a little more urban there are so many options to choose from. Keep reading for my top 10 outdoor engagement photo locations in Northern Virginia!
Great Falls
One of my favorite state parks in Northern Virginia is Great Falls. Run by the U.S. National Park Service, this park is one of the most popular nature destinations in the D.C. area, and for good reason. With dozens of hiking trails, views of the gorge, and, of course, the iconic falls, this park is filled with so many amazing views perfect for your engagement photo session. The park can get a bit crowded on weekends but is an ideal engagement photo location if you’re looking to schedule a session during the week.
Fun fact: this park is actually split between Northern Virginia and Maryland. For more outdoor engagement photo locations in Maryland check out my blog post here.
Shenandoah Valley
There is no lack of things to do and see in Shenandoah Valley, one of the biggest being Shenandoah National Park. With over 200,000 acres of land, this national park is filled with waterfalls, forests, hiking trails, wildlife, and more. Skyline Drive, one of the more popular views in the park, is a 105-mile road winding through the park that provides endless hikes for those looking for a bit of adventure. But not to worry, if you’re not up for a hiking adventure there are plenty of car overlooks that provide easy access to 360-degree views.
Prince William Forest Park
Considered one of Northern Virginia’s best-kept secrets, Prince William Forest Park is a beautiful oasis located in Triangle, VA. The park is filled with beautiful forest-covered walking trails and offers a variety of other activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.
Bear’s Den Overlook
If you’re looking for epic views where you can see for miles, then Bear’s Den Overlook is the perfect outdoor engagement photo location! Just shy of 2 miles, this is a short, easy hiking spot with views to the west, making it an ideal place for sunset photos!
Blue Ridge Parkway
With over 469 miles of road, Blue Ridge Parkway is one of Shenandoah National Park’s finest gems. Often called “America’s Favorite Drive” this area is filled with endless vistas, old farmsteads, and spectacular views.
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Located in the Potomac Gorge, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is “one of the rarest biological ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic.” The park is filled with beautiful plants and wildflowers which attract hundreds of visitors in the Spring. One of the best views in the park is the waterfall at the end of the river which flows directly into the Potomac River.
Occoquan Regional Park & Downtown
If you’re looking for outdoor engagement photos with a little more of an urban vibe, then Occoquan Regional Park and downtown is the place to go! Located in Fairfax Station, this park is filled with tons of things to do like boating, fishing, golf courses, and water parks. The park even has several wedding and event venues so you can get engagement photos and scope out some potential venues all at once!
Bluemont Vineyards
If you love wine, why not take your engagement photos at a winery? Bluemont Vineyards is a stunning winery vineyard that offers amazing views of the valley as well as miles of private hiking trails complete with weekly curated menus and, of course, wine!
State Arboretum of Virginia
For garden lovers, the State Arboretum of Virginia is the perfect engagement photo location! Visitors can stroll through Ginkgo Grove, view the large collection of boxwood trees at Boxwood Memorial Garden, or walk the Conifer Trail to view the wildlife.
Aldie Mill + Aldie Dam
To experience a bit of Northern VA history, visit the Aldie Mill Historic Park. This 200-year old grist mill is still fully operational and visitors can watch live grinding demonstrations not to mention the grounds are beautiful giving you all the 1800s charm of its time.
No matter what you envision for your engagement photos, Virginia has it! As a Northern Virginia engagement photographer, I love exploring beautiful locations with my couples. Looking for more outdoor engagement photo ideas? Check out my blog post on the best outdoor engagement photo locations in Maryland.
