13 Oakland County Photography Locations That Won’t Disappoint
Oakland County has it all – from blooming nature preserves to urban downtown streets. Whatever your vision is, we’re confident our professional wedding photographers will help you choose the perfect location.
Whether you’ve decided to get married at one of the beautiful wedding venues in Oakland County or just visiting the area for your engagement session, our wedding photographers have put together a list of the top Oakland County photography locations to help you plan.
Important note: Please confirm photography permit or availability with your preferred location. Many properties will only allow photography with advance permission if your ceremony and/or location are not on the property.
1. Downtown Rochester
Downtown Rochester is filled with adorable shops and some great back alleys that all make interesting potential backdrops for your pictures. The Rochester Mills Brewery is a very welcoming local pub that makes for great photos with its all brick exterior and great lighting. This brewery is a fun option for bridal or engagement pictures. In the winter each shop in Downtown Rochester is draped in twinkling, colorful lights. This is an easily accessible location with many options and is off the beaten path so you won’t have to worry about fighting crowds or having multiple bridal parties.
2. Yates Cider Mill (Rochester Hills)
If you crave the smell of cider and donuts and love the crunch of fallen leaves off the trees the Yates Cider Mill will be an autumn wonderland for your photos. Pumpkins, sunflowers, haystacks and harvest fruits are easily incorporated into your photos. Fall weddings are the perfect time for seasonal colors such as orange, yellow, crimson, and berry.
3. Bald Mountain (Orion Twp)
If you and fiance love the outdoors — Bald Mountain is for you. The over 4,000 acre recreation features picnic areas, a modern shooting range, large hunting areas, several fishing lakes, two trout streams, a sandy swimming beach and 15 miles of marked hiking and biking trails. Check for reservations and fees.
4. Independence Oaks County Park (Clarkston)
f you’re looking for variety in your photos – Independence Oaks is for you. Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston is the largest county park in the area, offering over 1,200 acres of photography opportunities. Independence Oaks offers over 12 miles of trails, a swimming beach, and beautiful lakefront views.
5. Downtown Holly
Historic Downtown Holly offers residents and guests ample shopping, dining, and – of course – photography opportunities! Downtown Holly is full of quaint restaurants, coffee shops, and stores giving you that small-town feeling. There is not just plenty to do, there is also plenty to see. Downtown Holly has an alley that has offers string lights and wall murals that will leave you speechless.
6. Seven Lakes State Park (Holly)
Seven Lakes State Park is a public recreation area covering 1,434 acres, and offers – you guessed it – seven lakes. Seven Lakes offers plenty of waterfront views, paved trails, nature trails, swimming beach, and hiking trails. You’ll have a blast exploring all that Seven Lakes State Park has to offer, while capturing some stunning images.
7. Downtown Pontiac
If you’re looking for an edgy and urban vibe, without traveling to downtown Detroit, then downtown Pontiac is a great choice. Downtown Pontiac features numerous murals that offer great texture for your photos.
8. West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve
Downtown vibes not your style? Luckily, Oakland County has plenty more to offer. One of our favorites is the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve. The 162 acre preserve includes picnic areas, wetlands with overlook, and unpaved trails. The nature preserve trail spans over 2 miles, and is surrounded by trees, greenery, and wildflowers.
9. Oakland University Campus (Auburn Hills & Rochester Hills)
If you’re one of the proud Oakland Golden Grizzlies students or graduates, then the university’s campus is a no-brainer for your engagement or wedding photos. The university’s land in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills includes the main campus and Meadow Brook Hall. Near the center of campus is the Elliot Tower, which is a must-stop during your session.
10. Downtown Clarkston
Looking for a quaint main street with adorable shops and picturesque alleys? Downtown Clarkston is the place. Downtown Clarkston offers shops, cafes, and restaurants that will serve as the perfect backdrop for your photos.
11. Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm
If you’re aiming for a more rustic vibe in your engagement or wedding photography, then you’ll love the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. This 16-acre museum complex on a historic farm explores the history of the greater Rochester area. The complex offers a museum, multiple barns, and a schoolhouse that serve as unique backdrops for your photography session. As you stroll the grounds at Van Hoosen Farm, you’ll enjoy their gardens, meadow, beehives, and apple orchard. You will have to pay a fee to use this location for photography.
12. Downtown Birmingham
Seeking variety in your engagement photos? You’ll love Downtown Birmingham. Main Street in Downtown Birmingham is conveniently located along Woodward Avenue. The downtown area offers a premier shopping district with almost 300 retailers include national brands and local boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Downtown Birmingham also features two beautiful parks near the city center.
13. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (Southfield)
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is a hidden gem in Oakland County. The nature preserve in Southfield features over 40 acres of woodlands, forested wetlands and meadows overlooking Carpenter Lake. The nature preserve is a beautiful option for your photography in any season.
Read More: How to Choose the Best Photography Location
The Mike Staff Productions Guarantee
At Mike Staff Productions, we trust that you’ll choose the perfect person to work with because you know what you want on your wedding day! There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all wedding DJ, photographer or videographer – we get that, that’s why we invite you to be a part of the planning process.
Let’s bring your wedding vision to life!
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.
