14 Picturesque Spots for Your Nashville Engagement Photos

Celebrate your "just said yes" moment in Music City.
Ariel Taranski
by
Ariel Taranski
Ariel Taranski
Ariel Taranski
The Knot Contributor
  • Ariel writes on a variety of wedding-related topics for The Knot.
  • She has previously worked for Southern Bride Magazine, Miss Design Berry and other woman-owned wedding brands.
  • She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Memphis.
Updated Jun 20, 2024

Tennessee is home to some natural wonders and exciting tourist attractions that make the Volunteer State a must-see. For any recently engaged couples, consider taking Nashville engagement photos to celebrate your new status. This vibrant city has a mix of aesthetics for any couple, from sprawling greenery to bright city lights. Plus, you can even find a local photographer to capture your engagement shoot with The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Music City is home to legendary spots and romantic sites that give your engagement photos an extra boost. So, let's take a look at some indoor and outdoor options for you and your future spouse to celebrate your love. (Bonus: here are lots of Nashville captions to post with your pics.)

Centennial Park/Parthenon

Centennial Park/Parthenon Nashville engagement photo location
Photo: Wesley Stivers / Getty Images

For one-of-a-kind engagement photos, Nashville has The Parthenon at Centennial Park, a stunning recreation of its counterpart in Athens, Greece. Taking your engagement photos on these grounds guarantees a memorable backdrop. Centennial Park has plenty of picturesque spots, including the sunken garden, Lake Watauga, historical monuments and so much more. And for Swifties, getting a picture at the Taylor Swift Bench will surely be perfect for capturing your own "Love Story."

Warner Parks

Nashville is full of beautiful natural views, like at Warner Parks. Take advantage of their sprawling fields of green or even the stunning limestone Belle Meade Stairs (also known as the Allée Steps), leading to the Old Beech Trail overlook. You can also check out the property of the Hodge House or the 200-year-old stone walls for some historic charm.

Ellington Agricultural Center

Areas of the Ellington Agricultural Center are open to the public and perfect for your Nashville engagement photos, like the Iris Gardens. These stunning grounds are a must for your photo session in spring or summer, but you'll have to contact the Middle Tennessee Iris Society for the use of the garden and gazebo on weeknights and weekends. The greenway and hiking trail also make lovely backdrops, so you have options at this spot. Pro tip: Match your engagement photo outfits to the colors of the Iris Gardens for some vibrance.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, formerly Shelby Street Bridge, gives you a jaw-dropping view of downtown Nashville during your engagement shoot. Overlook the city skyline and river at this location which connects downtown to East Nashville. For some truly unique photos, do a sunset session while the city lights up for the night.

Lower Broadway

Lower Broadway Nashville engagement photo spot
Photo: Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images

Lower Broadway is one of the hottest spots, with neon lights and honky tonks full of live music. This area is a great engagement photo location in Nashville thanks to the unique and world-famous attractions, restaurants and more. Take photos in front of the Johnny Cash Museum, the Goo Goo Shop, Bridgestone Arena or even the Ryman Auditorium.

Cumberland River

You can also choose the Cumberland River for your downtown Nashville engagement photos. This scenic spot offers a bit of natural beauty with views of the city skyline to celebrate your love. Another riverfront spot with views of downtown is Cumberland Park, which includes fun spots like The Explorer Trail of crushed stones and the outdoor amphitheater.

Shelby Bottoms Greenway

Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a gorgeous location during any season for your engagement photos. This East Nashville spot offers 960 acres of trails, riverfront views and natural greenery for an oasis in the city. You can even bring your (leashed) dogs along to make sure your photos include every part of your new family.

War Memorial Auditorium

For a one-of-a-kind shoot, consider taking photos outside the War Memorial Auditorium. This picturesque location has the same classical feel as the Parthenon with colonnades, steps and even a fountain. Plus, it was formerly the home of the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s. The War Memorial Plaza is a popular spot with Nashville photographers for its architecture, and it's a great spot for music lovers to get their picture taken.

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Though Cheekwood Estate and Gardens require a $300 permit for photos, it's well worth the cost. This location can double as your wedding venue, with its 55 acres of botanical gardens, historic mansion, Swan Lawn and more. You even get a breathtaking view of the Tennessee hills at this venue, making for some engagement photos in Nashville, TN that will be just as stunning as the nearly-weds.

West Meade Waterfall

This waterfall is hidden in a shady cove for a truly one-of-a-kind engagement photo spot. (This also makes a wonderful Nashville proposal spot you can revisit during your engagement session.) The West Meade Waterfall is especially active after rainstorms, and the natural stepstone design makes this a romantic backdrop for your love story. You also get lovely natural wildflowers and forestry that look impressive in any season.

Hidden Lake

Right outside of downtown Nashville is Hidden Lake at Harpeth River State Park. You can follow the Hidden Lake Trail to visit this serene spot with views of the forest, lake and natural Tennessee beauty. How about a water engagement shoot in the lake at this secluded site?

Love Circle

Go to a spot that has "love" in its name when you visit Love Circle in Nashville. This park is a must for your engagement shoot, as it has one of the most romantic views of downtown and the nearby greenery. You can even pack a picnic for your session to turn this beautiful spot into a date to celebrate your newly engaged status.

Belmont University Campus

Visit the grounds of Belmont University for a bounty of options for your Nashville engagement photos. From the historic buildings to the acres of greenery, this makes a lovely spot for both locals and tourists to snap some stunning pictures. Even their fountain offers a great spot to show off your new sparkler in photos.

Arrington Vineyards

For a European-style vineyard in Tennessee, visit Arrington Vineyards for your engagement session. A photography permit is required, but you get access to 16 acres of vineyards with gorgeous views and picnic areas. This venue offers a little bit of rustic charm mixed with the classic style of wine country.

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