Engagement Session Locations in Grand Rapids

Posted In: Engagement & Anniversary, For My Brides

One of the first questions brides ask me after booking is what Grand Rapids engagement session locations I recommend. Michigan is such a beautiful place, and your options are truly endless! The first thing to decide is the “vibe” you’re going for. Are you outdoorsy, nature-type people who would love a park or a beach setting? Or do you prefer a trendy, urban feel with a downtown backdrop?

Here’s a list of my favorite engagement session locations to inspire you—and a few seasonal suggestions to make your photos even more special!


1. Downtown Grand Rapids

Looking for a vibrant cityscape for your engagement photos? Downtown Grand Rapids offers the perfect mix of urban charm and unique backdrops! As an engagement photographer in Grand Rapids, I love how many incredible options this city provides for photos that feel modern, dynamic, and fun. If you’re planning an engagement session downtown, here are some of my favorite spots:


Shops and Streets in Downtown Grand Rapids

The streets of Downtown Grand Rapids are filled with character and charm. Whether you’re strolling through the historic Monroe Center or exploring the quirky Wealthy Street District, you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect spots. Sometimes, the best locations are the hidden gems you find while wandering around!


Rosa Parks Circle

One of my favorite downtown spots for engagement sessions is Rosa Parks Circle. This iconic location is great for photos all year round! In the winter, it’s extra magical with the ice rink and Christmas tree lighting up the space, creating a cozy holiday vibe for your session.


Rooftop Parking Garages

For couples looking for a mix of privacy and killer views, the rooftop parking garages in Downtown Grand Rapids are a hidden treasure. From spots like the Louis Campau Parking Garage to the Pearl Street Garage, you’ll find elevated views of the city skyline that add a dramatic touch to your photos—without a crowd watching.


By the River

The Grand River flows through the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids and offers so many beautiful photo opportunities. Popular locations like the Blue Bridge, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Gerald R. Ford Museum provide stunning backdrops. The nearby Riverwalk is perfect for couples looking for a blend of urban and natural beauty.

Two people in formal attire playfully cross a downtown street with historic architecture in the background.
Two people walk beneath a sculptural red arch with city skyscrapers in the background.
A bride in all black attire poses gracefully against stone columns in an elegant corridor with glass walls engagement session
Couple poses elegantly at the corner of a brick building with black trim and storefront windows during a stylish photoshoot.
A romantic couple embraces on a city walkway while backlit by bright sunlight through urban architecture.
Two people stand against a minimalist concrete wall with dramatic lighting and bare branches visible above.
A romantic couple embraces on a bridge with blue architectural elements and a city skyline in the background at dusk.
A loving couple shares an intimate moment together on stone steps outside a building.

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A couple in matching black shirts share a joyful moment together while relaxing on a sandy beach Silver Lake Sand Dunes
A romantic embrace between two people on a pine needle covered forest path surrounded by tall trees.
A couple in black outfits embrace on a sandy beach dune during a romantic photoshoot Silver Lake Sand Dunes
A couple stands together on a forest path surrounded by tall pine trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the branches.
A couple sits together on sandy dunes at the beach during golden hour against a bright turquoise sky.
A couple shares an intimate moment together on a sandy beach with driftwood and moody cloudy skies in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment under autumn leaves on a dirt path during a romantic outdoor photoshoot Provin Trails

2. Lake Michigan Beaches or Silver lake Sand Dunes

Michigan’s stunning lakeshore specifically Silver Lake Sand Dunes is hard to beat, especially in the summer months. The beaches and sand dunes along Lake Michigan offer breathtaking views and soft, golden sand that’s perfect for dreamy, romantic photos. Sunset sessions here are pure magic!


3. The felt mansion (outside grounds)

The Felt Mansion, located near Saugatuck, is a breathtaking spot for outdoor engagement photos. The mansion’s gorgeous architecture and surrounding gardens provide a timeless, elegant backdrop. While the inside of the mansion is reserved for weddings, the exterior alone is more than enough to create stunning photos. The grounds include lush greenery, picturesque walkways, and peaceful natural surroundings, making it a perfect option for couples looking for a mix of classic and outdoorsy vibes.


4. A Location Special to YOU

Looking for something unique? Choose a location that holds sentimental value to your relationship. It could be the park where you got engaged, your favorite coffee shop, or even your family’s backyard. Personalizing your session makes your photos even more meaningful!


5. Woodlands, parks and Forest

I absolutely love forest engagement sessions, and Grand Rapids is full of amazing spots for them!

If you're dreaming of engagement photos in a beautiful forest setting, here are some of my favorite parks and woodlands in Grand Rapids to capture those magical moments!

A joyful embrace outside an elegant brick mansion with dormer windows and twinkling lights at dusk The Felt Mansion
A couple shares an intimate moment together in a park during autumn with vibrant orange foliage in the background.
A couple embraces under an umbrella against a backdrop of tall evergreen trees in a romantic outdoor scene The Felt Mansion
A joyful bride in an off-shoulder white gown dances outdoors under string lights at dusk.
A couple embraces on a forest path surrounded by autumn foliage and golden sunlight at sunset.
A couple embraces on a wooded path during golden hour sunset with autumn foliage in the background.
A couple in formal attire share a joyful moment together in front of an elegant wooden door.
A couple poses together in a forest filled with vibrant golden autumn foliage during fall season West Michigan Park

Bonus Tip: Match the Season to Your Location

Grand Rapids offers incredible variety year-round, so let’s embrace the season!

  • Summer: Beaches, gardens, or waterfront parks.
  • Fall: Apple orchards, nature trails, or scenic overlooks.
  • Winter: Tree farms, cozy coffee shops, or snow-covered landscapes.
  • Spring: Flowering parks, tulip fields, or colorful gardens.

Whatever you decide, I can’t wait to hang out and get to know you better during your engagement session! These sessions are a fun, relaxed way to celebrate this exciting season of your life.

Ready to book your Grand Rapids engagement session? Let’s make it unforgettable!