a polaroid of a couple smiling at the camera
a polaroid of a couple hugging at back creek valley overlook in roanoke virginia

  1. Back Creek Valley Overlook

  2. Green Hill Park

  3. Cahas Mountain Overlook

  4. Downtown Roanoke

  5. Carvins Cove

  6. Cherry Blossom Trail in Daleville

  7. Chatteau Morisette Winery near Floyd

  8. Happy Hollow Gardens

  9. Smith Mountain Lake

  10. Peaks of Otter

Top 10 Places for Engagement Photos in Roanoke VA

a couple holding hands at back creek valley overlook with the sun setting behind them
a couple kissing in the grass at back creek valley overlook roanoke va

Back creek valley overlook

a great spot for engagement photos! you have big open fields with a view of the blue ridge mountains all around you. i use this spot a lot for engagement sessions in roanoke :) a great picnic spot for sunset as well!

a couple holding hands and the woman looking at the camera at green hill park in salem virginia
a couple sitting on a wood bench with mountains behind them at green hill park salem va

green hill park

another great spot for engagement photos! wide open fields, and mountains surrounding you. If you go up the trail thats at the back of the park, it opens up to some beautiful meadows with more mountain views. I have used this spot numerous times for engagement sessions in roanoke <3

a couple kissing in a golden meadow of grass at cahas mountain overlook near roanoke virginia
woman and man kissing in a meadow with a mountain behind them

cahas mountain

this spot is about 35 minutes from roanoke, and it’s along the blue ridge parkway. This would be a perfect spot if you want a big mountain in the background and possibly cows! keep in mind that the sun doesn’t set behind the mountain.

couple cheersing drinks at sidecar in downtown roanoke virginia
bride and groom on top of center in the square with roanoke building skyline behind them

downtown roanoke

if mountains and nature aren’t really y’alls thing, then downtown roanoke is a great option! You have rooftops on buildings with a great view of mill mountain star. I recommend walking around a couple hours before sunset and maybe getting some drinks or appetizers at one of the many aesthetic restaurants. I personally love sidecar, the promissory, hotel roanoke or liberty trust. dorothy and franks is super cute too! I just recommend asking beforehand if it’s ok to take a few photos.

a couple embracing eachother on a sandy embankment at carvins cove reservoir
a couple embracing eachother on a fishing pier at carvins cove reservoir

carvins cove

this is a beautiful spot, and also great for hiking or enjoying your day kayaking on the reservoir! It does cost $10 per car to enter. there’s a little rock area where you can walk out on for some great views, or on a small sandy area by the water. I also like using the metal fishing pier for some beautiful sunset photos.

two geese swimming together in a pond
green grassy field with mountains and the sun setting behind them

cherry blossom trail

daleville is about 20-25 minutes from roanoke. if you park at the trail head and walk 10 minutes (this is all flat ground) you can find big open fields and great views of the blue ridge mountains. The sun sets behind these mountains which is a plus! you can also fish the pond if y’all are into that.

brown wooden building with stone walkway and gardens
a big tan building with gardens in front of it

Château Morisette Winery

this is a little closer to floyd, but so worth the drive! I haven’t personally shot here, but I have had lunch at the restaurant (so delicious). The grounds are so gorgeous, especially by the restaurant building. You can easily make for some beautiful engagement photos here. you can also grab a bite to eat afterwards too ;) this would be great paired with cahas mountain overlook!

a bride and groom reading vows surrounded by azealas
a bride and groom smiling at each other surrounded by azeals

happy hollow gardens

if you are in need of engagement photos during the spring, then this is the spot for you! beautiful azealeas line the wooden boardwalks of this spot. you can also walk back in further and be surrounded by trees and creeks. I recommend taking photos during the day (preferably sunny or overcast) and not at sunset. reason being because there isn’t enough light that comes through the trees and can cause some dark photos.

a couple with their foreheads together at smith mountain lake virginia
a couple holding hands on a beach at smith mountain lake

smith mountain lake

if you don’t mind a 45 minute drive and love the water, then this is the spot! I highly recommend renting a boat for a day and getting some gorgeous shots on the water. you can also park the boat at a little island and take photos there as well. there’s plenty of spots along the waters edge to do photos at smith mountain lake state park.

a couple looking at each other at peaks of otter
a couple laying in the grass laughing

peaks of otter

this is a special spot <3 a big pond and a great view of the mountain. no hiking needed! you can also swing by the restaurant afterwards for dinner :)

Need an engagement photographer? Book here!

hi! I’m sadie :) I have lived in roanoke for 9 years now, and have been photographing weddings and engagement sessions all that time. I offer wedding photography and specialize in film photos and Super 8 video.

These are some of my absolute favorite spots that I have seen and come across.

I also highly recommend checking out national forest land too. any public parks can make for some really pretty photos. The Roanoke River by the dam at sunset has been super pretty too! Lots of big rocks out on the water if that’s a vibe you like.

a great hiking spot that’s a bit out of the way is Cole mountain. there are also some pretty meadows out near natural bridge (or the bridge itself!) feel free to inquire with me if you need any help or guidance <3