West Virginia Engagement Photos
Table of Contents
I am a born and raised West Virginian and exploring the outdoors in my beautiful home state is one of my favorite hobbies. Plus to be honest, getting to take all my rad couples to my favorite spots for their engagement photos in West Virginia is pretty cool too.
How to pick your location
First you and your partner should chat about what you want your engagement photos to feel like. And I always suggest choosing something that represents who you are as a couple. For instance if you’re on the adventurous side and enjoy going for hikes at Blackwater Falls State Park, then that would be a PERFECT place to take your engagement photos in West Virginia. Maybe you’re not really outdoorsy and are more of a laid-back, front-porch-sittin’, coffee-drinkin’ type. Then don’t over-complicate and have your engagement photographer come to you. I particularly enjoy getting to brainstorm with my couples about how we can make their photos unique to them and will gladly throw out all kinds of recommendations.
Here’s my list of some of my favorite locations in West Virginia to take engagement photos:
West Virginia Engagement Photos in the Outdoors
If you’re the outdoorsy type and you + your honey spend your time adventuring around West Virginia state parks or national forests, than definitely check out these locations for your engagement pictures in WV.
Dolly Sods
Dolly Sods is probably my #1 location in WV for engagement pictures. It has the best sunrise I’ve ever seen and it arguably WV’s most unique landscape. The light changes in an instant and makes for the most unique engagement photos in West Virginia (in my opinion.) Fair warning however. It is COLD! Even in June when these photos above were taken.
New River Gorge
The New River Gorge is the center of the national parks in Southern West Virginia. Close by to Fayetteville (one of my favorite little WV towns) and lot’s of adventures- this spot for engagement photos is one of kind. Be prepared to hike and your photographer should make sure you’re prepped with lots of water and snacks. Also, be on the lookout for snakes. I use AllTrails to stay updated about my favorite locations and last summer there were quite a few posts from hikers about seeing copperheads on the trail. These photos were taken in October so we didn’t encounter any snakes- but please above all things- be prepared. If you want the place to yourself, the best time to schedule your engagement pictures at the New River Gorge is during the week or early morning on a Sunday.
Cranberry Glades
The best thing about having your engagement photos taken at Cranberry Glades in WV? NO ONE goes there. At least every time I’m there, it’s empty. Trust me y’all, this place is gorgeous. Located in Southwestern West Virginia, this truly special landscape is worth checking, even just for a day trip.
There’s so many more beautiful spots in West Virginia, it truly is an amazing place to live. If you have suggestions for me to check out to photograph, leave a comment below. If you need more information on WV parks to have your photos taken, check out this article. Ok moving on…
Engagement Photos near Charleston, WV
Since it’s the capitol of West Virginia, I had to dedicate a section of this article for locations near Charleston to have your engagement pictures taken. A lot of my clients either live near Charleston or fly into the Yeager aiport, so finding a location that’s close to the capitol city is important for this WV photographer.
Let’s dive in.
Taylor Books
Taylor Books in downtown Charleston is a local’s staple hangout. Celebrating 20 years in 2015, this bookstore is a perfect place for engagement photos that are unique, fun, and a little less posed. The couple pictured above had spent many free weekends in at this cozy bookstore, cuddled up with books and coffee, so it was important to them that we incorporate this into their session.
JQ Dickinson Salt-Works
JQ Dickinson Salt-Works is typically reserved for weddings. But if you know the right people, you can use the farm property next door for your photo session (hint- I know the right people.) This little farm has several cool nooks for photo-ops, and I was so pleased with how well my last engagement session turned out. (This company has a really cool story too.)
Parking Garage
Ok, you’re probably thinking- what in the world? A parking garage for our engagement photos?? Yup, and I’m a big fan. You may not be the outdoorsy type and prefer evening strolls in downtown Charleston with your honey. So why not incorporate that into your session and chose urban engagement photos in West Virginia instead? Plus a parking garage is more private (especially after working hours) and you could really incorporate some cool outfits that wouldn’t clash with a nature setting.
Unique ideas for your West Virginia Engagement Photos
Pizza Place
Remember above where I mentioned doing something unique that reflects you? Well these two LOVE pizza. In fact, they own the Pizza Place in Morgantown, WV. So it only made sense for them to take their engagement photos at their pizza restaurant. Use these photos as inspiration to come up with your own unique engagement pictures. Mystery Hole anyone?
At-home
More of a homebody? Just stay at home for your session. Easy peasy. Grab a six-pack, your fur babies and chill out on the porch like you normally do. Now that’s organic.
(Side note, these photos are of me and my lil fam- taken by my dear friend Courtney)
Go to a bar
Maybe you’ve thought about going to your local bar in WV for your engagement pictures, maybe you haven’t If you haven’t- you’re welcome. Have some fun, grab a drink, and let your engagement photographer do all the work.
What to wear for your engagement session
I always recommend to my clients that they wear something they feel comfortable in. If you normally don’t wear heels, don’t wear heels to your photo shoot. The awkwardness will show through the photos.
If your session is toward sunset, avoid hats. Hats tend to leave harsh shadows on your face.
If you need some visual inspiration- this guide is helpful.
If you’re taking your engagement pictures outside in the beauty of WV, wear natural colors. Earthy colors like cream, black, green, blue, maroon, and mustard yellow typically photograph well.
Avoid neon colors.
Avoid colors and patterns that distract the viewer from you and your honey.
Preparing for your engagement photos
Ok, if you’ve made it this far, I’m proud of you. That last bit of helpful info I have for you is how to prepare for your engagement pictures. I’ll keep this brief:
Communicate with your photographer. Be clear about what you want but also seek advice from them- they’re the expert after all.
Have a good attitude. Don’t think of it as something to mark off your wedding planning to-do list.
Have fun! If you want real smiles and genuine photos that represent who you are- be prepared to have some fun and take guidance from your photographer to really make sure your engagement pictures shine .
Trust your photographer. They should be getting to know you, have a clear plan for the session, and have ways to incorporate your relationship into the session so your photos really feel like you.
Take a shower. LOL, but for real. Wash your hair, do your makeup (if that’s your thing), get a hair cut (I’m talking to you guys), and clean your fingernails. It sounds silly but trust me.
Alright, that’s it.
Now go out and plan the engagement session of your dreams. And if you’re still on the hunt for a photographer who is fun and can make your photos really you- drop a quick line below.