Engagement Photos Locations in Metro Detroit Couples Love
After 25+ years of capturing engagement and wedding photos in metro Detroit, our professional photography team put together a list of their favorite places for engagement photos. These locations will work for all of Michigan’s seasons and will not disappoint! Keep in mind, some locations do require a fee or permit.
Downtown Plymouth
Lined with shops, historic landmarks, brick walls with greenery downtown Plymouth is great engagement photo location with a lot to offer. It’s fun, casual and is a perfect place for capturing candid moments. The downtown area is full of little nooks and crannies that make for unique photos.
Downtown Plymouth offers a great mix of city and nature. From the Penn Theatre and downtown square. The ivy adorned building is one of our favorite hidden spots downtown. The best part, you’re a quick drive away from Northville for a few more city shots then head to catch the sunset along Hines Drive or Kellog Park. Options are endless and it’s easy.
Belle Isle
Located in the Detroit River, Belle Isle is 982-acre island park owned by the city of Detroit. Home to an aquarium, conservatory, and nature zoo, there are many places for couples to explore and create beautiful images. With both beaches and wooded areas, the Island is great for couples who want the best of both worlds! Our Detroit photographers love shooting in this area.
- The James Scott Memorial Fountain, deemed the jewel of Belle Isle in Detroit, makes for a romantic engagement photo setting. Visit during golden hour to capture magical photos.
- Foliage and plant life galore! The Belle Isle Conservatory offers a fresh, beautiful setting for engagement photos. From the glittering glass greenhouse on the outside, to the array of exotic plant life on the inside, there’s a ton of pretty photo options
Fees or Permits: There is a valet parking fee of $12 per day. A photography permit must be obtained before the photoshoot.
Stony Creek Metropark
No need to head Up North to get scenic engagement photos! Stony Creek Metropark extends across Oakland and Macomb counties with over 4,400 acres of lush woodlands, serene wetlands, tall grass prairies and a lake.
Fees or Permits: Metro Park Day Pass required, $10 per vehicle (subject to change).
Kensington Metropark
Calling all nature lovers! This park is located in Milford, spanning 4,534 acres of manicured land. This oasis is filled with wooded hills and tree-lined trails which is perfect to create timeless engagement photographs on the shores of Kent Lake. Take a walk with your love surrounded by tall golden grass, tiny bridges, and historical elements that will add charm to your engagement photos.
Fees or Permits: $10 per vehicle (subject to change). A photography permit must be obtained before the photoshoot.
Law Quad / The Diag
If you and your fiancé are University of Michigan alumni, the U-M Law School in Ann Arbor is the perfect picturesque backdrop for engagement photos. And even if you’re not alumni, the architecture the campus has to offer still makes for the perfect picture!
Detroit Institute of Arts
If you appreciate Detroit’s rich cultural history (or just love the clean, classic backdrop this building offers), this engagement photo location is for you. One of the reasons our wedding photographers love capturing engagement photos at the DIA is because there are endless options to choose from in a small space.
Take advantage of exposed brick walls, the grand staircase, the bouldered walls or grassy areas surrounding the building.
Farmington Hills Heritage Park
This is the perfect ‘all season’ engagement photo location. Whether there is fresh snow on the ground, a summer sunset or fall colors, Farmington Hills Heritage Park delivers. There are bridges, trails and hidden gems all throughout the park that make for a great backdrop.
Fees or Permits: There is no admission fee but a photography permit required to shoot at this location.
George George Park
With its signature fountain plaza, 30-acre George George Park in Macomb County offers pond areas, and a large picnic pavilion, George George park is beautiful place for engagement photos. The park’s paths wind through wooded areas alongside a portion of the Clinton River.
Fees or Permits: There is no admission fee but a photography permit required to shoot at this location.
Detroit Z Lot
Looking to capture downtown Detroit’s cityscape in your engagement photos? The roof of the Z Lot, located on Library Street in Detroit, is the perfect spot to catch various angles of downtown Detroit.
The Z-Lot became a hot spot for photographs because of its expansive view of the Detroit skyline. You have the whole cityscape as your background and it’s truly the best public spot in downtown Detroit to catch a glimpse of the sunset before it drops behind the buildings. I love the convenience of parking in the Z Lot, too. There are also fun murals scattered around the Z Lot that you don’t want to miss!
The Belt / Parker’s Alley
Capture an industrial city vibe by taking photos in The Belt, a redefined alley in downtown Detroit located between Broadway and Library Street. Covered in public art, murals and installations, there are dozens of photo possibilities just waiting to be captured.
Similar to The Belt, The Shinola Hotel Parker’s Alley is a beautifully curated space nestled between the buildings. It’s not just an alleyway, it’s an artfully designed space that adds an intimate feeling to the big city. The rich tones from the brick buildings and cafe-style Edison lights are a great backdrop for fun photos.
Meadow Brook Hall
Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, MI is one of our absolute favorite places to take engagement photos (and wedding photos, for that matter)! The historic architecture and lush gardens lend themselves to create stunning imagery. Every inch of their property is always photo ready and Instagram-worthy. If you are looking for engagement photos that scream ‘romance’ this is the spot for you.
Fees or Permits: There is no admission fee but a photography permit required to shoot at this location.
Other Engagement Photo Locations in Metro Detroit We Love
- Downtown Rochester/Rochester Park
- Maybury State Park
- Eastern Market
- Detroit Riverwalk
- Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
- Dequindre Cut
- Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
- Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
Helpful Blog Resources
- Do You Need a Photography Permit?
- Preparing for Your Engagement Session
- 8 Things To Do With Your Engagement And Wedding Photos
Mike Staff is the founder and CEO of Mike Staff Productions, one of the most highly acclaimed wedding services companies in the country, providing award-winning Wedding DJs, Wedding Photographers, and Wedding Videography for over 25 years.
