We know the best places to take

Engagement Photos in Detroit

After making our home in Detroit as wedding photographers we have had the opportunity to capture so many engagement sessions in some beautiful locations. Over the years we have learned Detroit in a way that if you want to plan your session in the coldest weather or the mildest fall we know the ideal place here that will cast the perfect backdrop for any session.

We can capture a few epic photos or plan a romantic evening for your engagement session

Detroit is The perfect place for photos

What we love about being engagement photographers in Detroit, aside from photographing the iconic style and architecture, is that the variety of locations is endless. We have photographed sessions from the rooftops to the city streets and even in some private locations we had access. While we could go on for way more than the locations we list below, our preference is to plan sessions unique to each of our couples and make a memorable evening tailored just to you!

Detroit Engagement Locations

Downtown

Downtown is our preferred spot for capturing engagements. It requires careful planning but the ideal location is amidst the concrete landscape with its abundant bars, restaurants, and alleyways. Whether bar hopping is your preferred plan or orchestrating a luxury rooftop proposal, we know the perfect setting for any engagement.

Detroit Financial District

The Detroit Financial District covers a few core blocks of locations that we love. Most of the buildings in this area were all built around the same time so the palette ranges from concrete grey to marble white.

Merchants Row

Is at the heart of downtown’s business district. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels make great photo locations or backdrops. With wide sidewalks and large streets, this area is great for walking shots with the city as a backdrop.

Broadway Ave Historic District

The area around Broadway Ave covers some of the most coveted locations for photographers. From the famous Z-Lot to the gorgeous Parkers Alley there are locations here no matter where you turn. Some of the bars are photo-friendly in this area too!

Capitol Park

This section of downtown takes on many different faces throughout the year. During winter it serves as The Lodge and the entire area is turned festive. Less popular dates it’s a wonderful park that is easily walkable with buildings of all colors in various directions.

Washington Blvd Historic District

There are a few spots along the street that make for great backdrops and most buildings have a concrete grey palette. We love going in and out of the streets here as there is usually less foot traffic so it’s great for a less hectic more romantic feel.

Corktown

Corktown is the neighborhood everyone in Detroit recognizes. With brick-paved streets running through the center and various shops, bars, and restaurants peppered throughout the neighborhood it is one of the most unique neighborhoods around. For engagement sessions, we love to utilize the quaint treelined neighborhoods, trendy bars, and some of the industrial spaces that are currently being rehabilitated.

Roosevelt Park

This newly renovated park is part of the effort Ford has put forth after purchasing Michigan Central Station. The park has large walking paths and a curated landscape showcasing the new facade of the train station as the backdrop.

Ottava Via and the surrounding area

This strip of Michigan Ave showcases the original architecture of the area with red brick buildings and unique design work that adorns each building. We love grabbing a drink at one of the restaurants here and then walking the block for some beautiful sun-drenched photos.

Mudgie’s and nearby area

If you haven’t seen Mudgie’s in the fall you’ll have to go. The neighborhood here has beautiful tree-lined streets and colonial revival houses that only Corktown has. If you want a more quiet city feel this is the place to take photos.

Two James

This section of Corktown has a more industrial feel with various restaurants and bars that are a perfect stop before a session. These places have an environment that is comfortable and uniquely designed so depending on the feel you want your session to take we can help choose the best place to start.

Midtown

The section of the city just north of I-75 and south of Warren Ave with Cass passing right through the center is Midtown Detroit. It is known for housing most of Detroit’s arenas and concert venues. The architecture in Midtown is truly unique to Detroit as most of the city’s museums and libraries are here. We find ourselves photographing engagements here often as there is low foot traffic and very walkable.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Designed in the architectural style of Beaux-Art and Italian Reniscase the DIA is one of the most iconic buildings in Detroit. We love taking photos near the back entrance near the staircase or the side lawn towards Kirby.
*Recently the DIA has been asking photographers to remain off the back staircase

Detroit Public Library

This area alone is our favorite to photograph in the city. The Kirby side of the library has the most beautiful lawn that showcases the building’s Italian Renaissance architecture. With permission, the inside is great for some dark and moody photos.

McGregor Building

Tucked away towards the back of the Wayne State Campus is the famous McGregor Building. The design of this building draws us back here frequently and the reflection pool has the perfect lines for photos and reflecting.

Prentis Building

Designed by the same architect as the McGregor Building it shares a similar palette and is perfect for photos. Here we like to walk throughout the structure and utilize the leading lines for framing.

Belle Isle

This little paradise on the east side of Detroit is a frequent stop for anyone visiting Detroit. There is so much to see here you’ll have to take some time to at least drive around the island once to take it all in. Upon crossing the iconic bridge