So, after years of dreaming, you are finally (finally!) engaged. First of all, congratulations! This is such an exciting chapter of your life, and it’s time to find the best way to celebrate. Might I suggest a photo session? By scheduling your engagement photos in Wilmington, NC, not only will you have the perfect design for wedding announcements and save-the-dates, but you’ll also be able to take a few hours out of the busy planning schedule and just enjoy being together.
If you could use a little help figuring out how to plan engagement portraits that shine, the first step is to find the perfect location. This should be a place that provides a stunning backdrop while also feeling authentic to you and your partner. Wilmington, NC, is packed with gems that blend together historic charm with breathtaking nature, making it the world’s best place for telling your unique love story! As a Wilmington wedding photographer, I love working together with couples to help them plan their session. If you are looking for the best spot for your engagement photos in Wilmington, North Carolina, here are the areas I always recommend!
Find Your Dream Style With These Beautiful Spots For Engagement Photos In Wilmington, NC
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Airlie Gardens is a historic Wilmington, NC park that dates all the way back to the 1700s that is perfect for engagement photos. Throughout the warmer months, the area comes alive with bright flowers and lush fields. Before you head out for your pics, you can head to their website and find out what’s in bloom so you can plan your portrait styles based on the surrounding colors. Across the 67 acres, you’ll have backdrops such as the chapel made entirely of recycled glass bottles, an ivy-draped pergola garden, and, of course, the 467-year-old namesake Airlie Oak with Spanish moss that hangs from the storied branches.
Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
If you are looking for a diverse backdrop for your portraits, I always love the idea of heading into the heart of Downtown Wilmington and taking pics along the way. We really do have one of the most picturesque cities with faded brick factories, colorful houses, and waterfront walkways. The city is gorgeous all year long, but I especially love the springtime when the greenery really puts on a show. There are also tons of great landmarks and outdoor restaurants you can work into your session.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
If you would prefer to take your engagement photos along the actual water, Wrightsville Beach, NC gives you the perfect Wilmington area spot! This beach is located just east of Wilmington, keeping you right by the city while giving you a bit more nature. As you wander along the waves, you’ll get crisp white sand, grassy nooks, and fabulous views of the downtown. Underneath the wooden pier tends to be a favorite spot for couples, giving you the towering, weathered beams that add the right amount of texture!
Greenfield Lake
Wilmington, North Carolina
Greenfield Lake is another spot rich with nature, giving you 250 acres you can use throughout your session. The area around the water is full of trails that you can incorporate. From sharing a kiss on the brick steps to holding hands along the wooden pathways, there are so many spots you’ll love for your pics! You can even rent out a paddle boat and get out on the actual water throughout your session. BTW, this area becomes especially magical throughout the autumn when the dense trees surrounding the waters burst into vibrant colors.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
One of the best spots offering a coastal feel for your Wilmington, NC area engagement photos in Carolina Beach. This spot preserves the vintage boardwalk vibes with colorful buildings and retro rides. As you walk along the white sand, you can stop and share a kiss in front of the vibrant Ferris wheel cars. From there, you can grab a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants or step out into the clear blue waters. Not only is this spot incredibly picturesque, but it’s very convenient with tons of on-site parking as well as low foot traffic.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, North Carolina 28449
For those who want something a little more wild, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is your spot. Located on over 200 acres, this area combines rustic backdrops with immaculate waterfront portraits for pictures unlike any other! While you’ll definitely have those sandy beach spots, you’ll also get coastal rocks as well as meadows surrounded by ancient trees. The park offers a mile of hikeable trails, giving you an easy way to get around throughout your session. This spot is also pet-friendly in case you want to bring your pup along!
Riverfront Park
10 Cowan Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Riverfront Park was created in 2013 as a spot where the city could hold regular events. During the day, it’s a favorite amongst families thanks to the playgrounds and interactive water spaces. Once evening hits, the spot is used for concerts and festivals. If you decide to use this spot for your engagement photos, you’ll have open green spaces as well as Wilmington, NC waterfront views. While I love this park at all times, the golden hour just hits differently here!
Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson
8884 St. Philips Rd, SE, Winnabow, North Carolina 28479
If you don’t mind leaving the Wilmington city limits, I think you’ll really love Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson. This 18th-century village gained a page in the history books when it was overtaken by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. Throughout the Civil War, Fort Anderson was built on top of the site and used for several years. These days, the site is ideal both for portrait sessions and wedding ceremonies, offering legendary architecture out in the midst of nature. You can share a kiss in the fort as the sun shines through the open archways. The surrounding site also has meadows and forests you can use once you’re done with the building.
I Know You Will Love Your Engagement Photos In Wilmington, NC At Any Of These Spots
If you are looking for the perfect spot for your engagement photos in Wilmington, NC, I think you will absolutely adore these sites! Now, it’s time to find the actual photographer. If you are the type of couple who loves rich colors and authentic moments, I think there’s a good chance we’ll be a match. As a Wilmington wedding photographer, I love working with couples to make sure they have portraits that celebrate each little moment throughout their love story. If you want to find out more about working together, let’s talk! Send me a message through my contact page to connect!
