36 ideas for where to take your engagement photos in Baltimore
Naomi Cataldo
The most common question I’m asked after a couple books Urban Row Photography as their wedding photographer is…
WHERE SHOULD WE TAKE OUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
So, I’m devoting an entire series on the blog specifically to help answer this and demystify the process of where to take your engagement photos in Baltimore! Starting with my list of favorite locations in Baltimore first, but a separate post is in the works for locations in the greater Maryland, DC and PA area to plan your engagement session since there are so many incredibly picturesque spots outside of Baltimore!
I want to show you how to make your engagement photos memorable, fun, un-awkward and full of important aspects that are meaningful to you both. Without further ado, here’s a list of 36 locations to take your engagement photos in Baltimore (those with a $ next to them require a permit + nominal fee):
Bmore Licks: fun murals + pupsicles for your #urbanrowpup!
Druid Hill Park: especially in the spring with all the pastel blooms, Druid Hill Park shines! It also happens to be the home to Rawlings Conservatory… more on that below! ;)
Henderson’s Wharf / Broadway Pier: one of Baltimore’s oldest warehouse buildings and public spaces full of charm, character, lots of brick and amazing waterfront views… and breezes! This esesh is also a fun one to relive!)
Canton waterfront: sunset views from here are wide open and shimmery!
Sandlot: as beachy as Baltimore gets… drinks, sunset views, sand and cafe lights with views of the downtown skyline
Streetcar Museum: if you share a love of transportation and/or met on a subway (one of my couples did!), engagement photos at the Streetcar Museum would be such a unique way to commemorate it!
The Guinness Brewery: Baltimore is home to the only Guinness location in the US?! Helloooo fellow beer lovers! There’s tons of outdoor space, a fun mural and beautiful design to incorporate as you sip a freshly poured pint of yummy beer!
Charmery (the OG location in Hampden): a turquoise mural on the corner of this iconic and quirky Baltimore ice cream shop with some of the most unique flavors you’ve ever had make it a really fun place to start or end your photoshoot!
The Ave in Hampden: all the kitsch with lots of fun, independent shops and storefronts
Cylburn Arboretum: a historic old mansion, enormous old trees, tons of nature to explore and gorgeous no matter what season…
Clipper Mill: love the industrial grit here… think loading ramps, rusty window panes, fire escapes…
Brewer’s Art: a brewpub in Mt. Vernon with craft beers and a unique atmosphere - the windows near the main bar overlook bustling Charles Street and have a really cool, classic + vintage vibe
Mt. Vernon Place: feels like you’re in Europe without the travel! ;)
Rye Street Tavern: cocktails on the lawn with water views and clean, modern design… Baltimore perfection.
Under Armour HQ / Tide Point: views of the Inner Harbor skyline along a waterfront promenade and industrial buildings… bonus if the Domino sugar boat is docked at their factory next door!
Fort McHenry: for the history buff who loves big trees and green spaces and the water’s edge… a relaxing picnic on a summer’s day here would be perfect!
Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower ($): a historic clock tower in the heart of downtown Baltimore that evokes another era and is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!
Sherwood Gardens: this spot is best during spring blooms when the tulips are at their peak! Typically peak bloom occurs the last week of April through the first week in May, depending on weather conditions. In the heart of the Guilford neighborhood, this community park and rolling lawn were designed by Olmsted and has beautiful vistas at every corner.
BMA Sculpture Garden ($): lush garden oasis in the city adjacent to Johns Hopkins Homewood campus with modern sculpture throughout.
Pratt Library: love the architecture of the historic main branch facade downtown - where are my book nerds?!
Graffiti Alley: an ever-changing alley of colorful graffiti; the graffiti walls make for a really fun contrast of a backdrop when paired with formal attire and long/flowy dresses!
Mt Washington Tavern: a modern tavern with crisp, clean and inviting architecture, bright spaces and a fun neighborhood feel
Monument City Brewing: local Baltimore craft brewery in a warehouse space adjacent to Haven Street Ballroom and Urban Axes… such a fun date spot!
College campuses (Loyola, JHU, UMD…): quintessential higher-ed vibes with beautiful quads and tree-lined brick paths; love this idea if you met at college!
Ceremony Coffee: Mt. Vernon (urban city vibes) and Harbor East (glassy and minimalist modern) are my 2 favorite locations!
Cross Street Market / Broadway Market: recently renovated in the heart of Federal Hill and Fells Point, grab a drink at your favorite spot and explore these picturesque main streets together!
Other unique engagement photo ideas in Baltimore… if you have access to any of these, let’s do it!
A sailboat
A rooftop deck
A carriage house / loft for a cozy in-home session
Bring some bubbly to pop and enjoy no matter where we go!
Bring your #urbanrowpup. Don’t worry, we will get good photos no matter how excited your dog is!
If you have your heart set on a location that’s not on this list, even better - I love discovering new spots to bring my camera! The most important thing to remember when choosing a location is to make sure you’ll be comfortable there. If you’re most comfortable being outdoors together in nature, let’s find the perfect park setting. If you love going out to eat and grabbing a drink, let’s take your photos in and around that bar or restaurant; urban signage and historic streetscapes can make really unique portraits!
Hope to see you in front of my camera soon, friends!