It’s no secret that finding a location for engagement photos can be daunting task! I've put together a little list to share a few of my personal favorite locations for engagement photos in the Pittsburgh area!
1. Mellon Park
Why: One of my favorite features about Mellon Park is its diversity. It includes a variety of different elements within a short walking distance, including a garden, woods, gate, and stone architecture with archways, doorways, and lots of character. There is a lot to work with in this location, and is a great spot to choose if you’re interested in having a mix of nature and classic architecture.
Best Time of Year: Year round!
Sample Sessions from Mellon Park:
Leah & Conner (Summer/Fall)
Hilary & Luke (Winter)
2. Historic Harmony
Why: One of my favorite features about Historic Harmony is all of the different features within a short walking distance! Harmony is a historic German town that’s been preserved with beautiful brick buildings and unique features. There’s a little coffee shop nearby (Wunderbar Café) as well as a field just down the road that lights up beautifully at sunset! If you love color in photos, this place is definitely for you!
Best Time of Year: Year round! All of the different buildings and features lend themselves to being beautiful yearround.
Sample Sessions from Historic Harmony:
Melissa & Matt (Summer)
Victoria & Kevin (Winter)
Megan & Sean (Winter)
3. Hartwood Acres
Why: One of my favorite features about Hartwood is its diversity. It includes a variety of different elements within a short walking distance, including a garden, woods, gate, and a stone mansion with archways, doorways, and lots of character. There is a lot to work with in this location, and is a great spot to choose if you’re interested in having a mix of nature and classic architecture.
Best Time of Year: Year round! However, if you’re interested in using the garden, it’s best to schedule between the spring and fall.
Sample Sessions from Hartwood Acres:
Sarah & Mike (Spring)
Jackie & Mike (Summer)
Valerie & Matt (Fall)
4. McConnell’s Mill (and Cleland Rock)
Why: The more I shoot at McConnell’s Mill, the more I love it! There are so many different elements to work with – some within walking distance, and some within a short driving distance. In the central part of McConnell’s, there is the wood mill, river, waterfalls, rocks, and roads. Within a short driving distance, there is a field and “Cleland Rock,” which has become a personal favorite of mine for it’s West Virginia-like views!
Best Time of Year: I’ve taken photos at McConnell’s during every season and can honestly say that I love photographing clients there year ‘round! However, I do find it to be especially beautiful in the winter when everything is covered in snow!
Sample Sessions from McConnell's Mill:
Lyndsay & Justin (Winter)
Amanda & Chris (Winter)
Lauren & Bill (Summer)
5. Allegheny Commons Park & the North Shore
Why: One of my favorite combinations of locations is Allegheny Commons Park and the North Shore in Pittsburgh! Allegheny Commons Park has the typical park setting, but also has a view of the city straight from the park and over a bridge! Also nearby (within walking distance) are the famous “Mexican War Streets” which offer some beautiful urban architecture. The North Shore is only about a ten minute drive from Allegheny Commons Park with views of the city and the iconic Pittsburgh yellow bridges!
Best Time of Year: Year round, but if you’re looking for greenery in the park, I suggest booking spring through fall!
Sample Sessions from Allegheny Commons & the North Shore:
Jenna & Tom (Winter)
Lauren & Michael (Early Fall)
6. Phipp’s Conservatory & Oakland
Why: Oakland has lots of beautiful locations to work with within a mid to long range walking distance. Within just a few blocks of space is: the Cathedral of Learning, Frick Fountain, Mellon Institute, Phipp’s Conservatory and Heinz Chapel, as well as some beautiful spots for natural imagery.
Best Time of Year: Oakland looks beautiful yearround with it’s gorgeous architecture!
Sample Sessions from Phipp’s & Oakland:
Rebecca & Yeddie (Early Winter, Oakland - Mellon Institute, Schenley Fountain, Frick Fine Arts Building, Cathedral of Learning)
Amy & Mike (Summer, Phipp's)
Sam & Matt (Summer, Phipp's/Oakland)
Lulu & Ricky (Spring, Oakland)
7. Fellows riverside gardens
Why: Technically, this location is not in the Pittsburgh area (it’s actually in Youngstown!) but I love it SO much that I had to put it on this list. Fellows Riverside Gardens is a beautiful park that is at its prime in the Spring! It has some gorgeous architectural elements, and, as you can tell from the photos below… lots of flowers at the right time of year!
Best Time of Year: It’s at its best in the spring!
Sample Sessions:
Jordan & Robbie (Spring)
