30+ ideas for where to take your engagement photos in / around Baltimore

The most common question I’m asked after a couple books Urban Row Photography as their wedding photographer is…

So, I’m devoting an entire series on the blog specifically to help answer this and demystify the process of where to take your engagement photos in Baltimore! Starting with my list of favorite locations in Baltimore first, but a separate post is in the works for locations in the greater Maryland, DC and PA area to plan your engagement session since there are so many incredibly picturesque spots outside of Baltimore!

I want to show you how to make your engagement photos memorable, fun, un-awkward and full of important aspects that are meaningful to you both. Without further ado, here’s a list of 30+ locations to take your engagement photos in Baltimore (those with a $ next to them require a permit + nominal fee):

Patterson Park: pagoda, lake, hilltop views at sunset…

Union Craft Brewing: a series of bold, graphic and colorful murals

Bmore Licks: fun murals + pupsicles for your #urbanrowpup!

Druid Hill Park: especially in the spring with all the pastel blooms, Druid Hill Park shines! It also happens to be the home to Rawlings Conservatory… more on that below! 😉

Frederick Douglass Maritime Museum: views of the iconic Domino Sugar factory sign are unmatched from this pier!

Harbor East waterfront: a fun, chic waterfront spot

Canton waterfront: sunset views from here are wide open and shimmery!

The Guinness Brewery: Baltimore is home to the only Guinness location in the US?! Helloooo fellow beer lovers! There’s tons of outdoor space, a fun mural and beautiful design to incorporate as you sip a freshly poured pint of yummy beer!

Charmery (the OG location in Hampden): a turquoise mural on the corner of this iconic and quirky Baltimore ice cream shop with some of the most unique flavors you’ve ever had make it a really fun place to start or end your photoshoot!

The Ave in Hampden: all the kitsch with lots of fun, independent shops and storefronts

Cylburn Arboretum: a historic old mansion, enormous old trees, tons of nature to explore and gorgeous no matter what season…

Rawlings Conservatory ($): a lush, tropical greenhouse oasis in the city

Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park: your portraits could include penguins, polar bears and pygmy goats! What else could you want?! 😉

AVAM: mosaics, ivy covered brick walls and lots of fabulous, fun sculptural art

Federal Hill Park: one of the most iconic views in Baltimore, overlooking the Inner Harbor – sunsets here can be cinematic!

Artifact Coffee: rustic, cozy coffee shop near Hampden + Clipper Mill

Clipper Mill: love the industrial grit here… think loading ramps, rusty window panes, fire escapes…

Brewer’s Art: a brewpub in Mt. Vernon with craft beers and a unique atmosphere – the windows near the main bar overlook bustling Charles Street and have a really cool, classic + vintage vibe

Mt. Vernon Place: feels like you’re in Europe without the travel! 😉

Rye Street Tavern: cocktails on the lawn with water views and clean, modern design… Baltimore perfection.

Tide Point: views of the Inner Harbor skyline along a waterfront promenade and industrial buildings… bonus if the Domino sugar boat is docked at their factory next door!

Fort McHenry: for the history buff who loves big trees and green spaces and the water’s edge… a relaxing picnic on a summer’s day here would be perfect!

Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower ($): a historic clock tower in the heart of downtown Baltimore that evokes another era and is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

Sherwood Gardens ($): this spot is best during spring blooms when the tulips are at their peak! Typically peak bloom occurs the last week of April through the first week in May, depending on weather conditions. In the heart of the Guilford neighborhood, this community park and rolling lawn were designed by Olmsted and has beautiful vistas at every corner.

BMA Sculpture Garden ($): lush garden oasis in the city adjacent to Johns Hopkins Homewood campus with modern sculpture throughout.Pratt Library: love the architecture of the historic main branch facade downtown – where are my book nerds?!

Mt Washington Tavern: a modern tavern with crisp, clean and inviting architecture, bright spaces and a fun neighborhood feel

Old Westminster Winery: if you love wine, wood-fired pizza and beautiful scenery, with quality design, you’ll love Old Westminster. Taking your engagement photos here couldn’t be easier — your dog is welcome too! Reserving an intimate greenhouse is highly recommended!

Monument City Brewing: local Baltimore craft brewery in a warehouse space adjacent to Urban Axes… such a fun date spot!

College campuses (Loyola, JHU, UMD…): quintessential higher-ed vibes with beautiful quads and tree-lined brick paths; love this idea if you met at college!

Ceremony Coffee: Mt. Vernon (urban city vibes) and Harbor East (glassy and minimalist modern) are my 2 favorite locations!

Cross Street Market / Broadway Market: recently renovated in the heart of Federal Hill and Fells Point, grab a drink at your favorite spot and explore these picturesque main streets together!

Other unique engagement photo ideas in Baltimore… if you have access to any of these, let’s do it!

• A sailboat
• A rooftop deck
• A carriage house / loft for a cozy in-home session
• Bring some bubbly to pop and enjoy no matter where we go!
• Bring your #urbanrowpup. Don’t worry, we will get good photos no matter how excited your dog is!

If you have your heart set on a location that’s not on this list, even better – I love discovering new spots to bring my camera! The most important thing to remember when choosing a location is to make sure you’ll be comfortable there. If you’re most comfortable being outdoors together in nature, let’s find the perfect park setting. If you love going out to eat and grabbing a drink, let’s take your photos in and around that bar or restaurant; urban signage and historic streetscapes can make really unique portraits!Hope to see you in front of my camera soon, friends!

xo,
Naomi