You're engaged, now what?!
If you are newly engaged and wanting to take your engagement photos in Auburn, AL, here are some favorites around the Loveliest Village, and a couple bonus spots just a short drive from town!
1. Auburn University Campus
If you’re an Auburn native - or if your love story began among the iconic red brick buildings of this beloved campus - Auburn University is a meaningful and picturesque location for engagement photos. The university offers beautiful walkways lined with the famous Auburn Oaks, meticulous flower beds, and quiet, romantic corners tucked throughout campus. With its timeless architecture and classic Southern charm, Auburn University provides a stunning backdrop for engagement sessions that are personal and elegant.
2. Botanic
A recent addition to the Auburn-Opelika area, Botanic offers a truly one-of-a-kind setting for engagement sessions and date-inspired photos. This thoughtfully designed destination blends a fine-dining restaurant, casual market, bakery and coffee shop, greenhouse, and multiple distinct bar experiences, all surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds. Tucked away in the heart of town, Botanic feels like a peaceful escape - perfect for an afternoon spent sipping coffee (or martinis), wandering the property hand in hand, and capturing engagement photos that feel refined, romantic, and effortlessly special. Important to note - photography is permitted on the property by reservation only and requires a small fee.
3. First Baptist Church Opelika
Recently repainted in a pristine white, First Baptist Church Opelika offers a timeless and elegant backdrop for engagement photos. The expansive property provides a wide variety of photo opportunities, from clean architectural lines to beautiful landscaping in every season that all allow for multiple styles and perspectives throughout a session. With its timeless design and polished aesthetic, this Opelika engagement session location is ideal for couples seeking refined, traditional photos.
Be sure to be respectful of service times and plan your session accordingly.
4. Kiesel Park
Just a short drive outside town, you will find Kiesel Park - a dog park with miles of walking trails that has become a local favorite for photography sessions of all kinds. Kiesel offers numerous wide open fields with stunning golden-hour views as well as wooded areas for variety. Additionally there is a house on the property that provides another unique look with its white columns and steps. This location is great for laid-back and playful photographs that showcase your personalites.
5. Downtown Opelika
An afternoon spent exploring Downtown Opelika offers an incredible variety of backdrops for engagement photos, all within a walkable and charming setting. The town square features fountains, benches, and trees that photograph beautifully in every season. For couples drawn to a more modern or industrial aesthetic, Downtown Opelika is filled with charming side streets, textured architecture, and inviting coffee shops and bars—perfect for pausing for a mid-session date and capturing natural, candid moments along the way. A couple favorites include Side Track Coffee and Sneak & Dawdle (a speakeasy!).
6. Jule Smith Collins Art Museum
Located on the south side of campus, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is a stunning option for couples seeking a contemporary or modern setting for their engagement photos. The front of the museum features clean architectural lines and a polished, minimalist aesthetic, while the surrounding property offers a beautiful contrast with lake views, open green spaces, and natural greenery. This unique combination makes the museum an ideal Auburn engagement session location for couples who love modern design with a soft, scenic backdrop.
7. Town Creek Park
Town Creek Park in Auburn, Alabama is a relaxed and natural setting for engagement sessions with a laid-back feel. With winding walking paths, open green fields, and mature trees, the park offers a variety of backdrops that photograph beautifully, especially during golden hour. This Auburn engagement session location is perfect for couples who want playful, candid photos in an easygoing outdoor environment.
8. Auburn Oaks Farm
A 20 minute drive southwest of campus will land you in the tiny town of Notasulga where the hidden gem of Auburn Oaks Farm resides. This beautiful venue not only hosts weddings and events but is a popular spot for clay shooting and various other outdoor activities. A session on this property provides you with lake views, lush greenery, rolling hills, and varied architectural features.
Important to note - photography reservations are required, including a small fee unless your client's wedding is at the venue.
9. SpringHouse - Lake Martin
If none of these Auburn-Opelika locations are quite what you are looking for, you are in luck because our beloved town is only a quick drive down Highway 280 from iconic Lake Martin. Tucked back in the hills off the lake, you will find SpringHouse, a refined Southern restaurant with jaw-dropping views and design. This location shines in every season and provides such variety all in a walking distance.
10. Children's Harbor - Lake Martin
Last but not least, another beloved Lake Martin spot is Children's Harbor. This lakeside spot provides a romantic setting for more casual and adventurous engagement photos. Whether you choose to venture out on the pier or kick your shoes off to wade in the lake, or stick to the lighthouse and chapel, this spot is sure to frame your love in a memorable way.
Let's work together!!
Auburn is my current home and one of my favorite places in the world! If you are looking for a photographer to capture your engagement session in Auburn, AL, I would love to be a part of this special season! Inquire with me here!