Top 10 Engagement Session Locations in Detroit

A top question I see and hear often is “Where do you recommend we do our engagement photos?. There are so many different locations all over that are perfect for anyone. In Detroit, alone, there is such a variety of locations that highlight Detroit, but also can highlight each couple and their journey. From outdoor locations in the park, to high rise city views. Here are my top 11 Engagement Session Locations in and around downtown Detroit.

Belle Isle Conservatory

In such a large city, you wouldn’t necessarily think there is a lot of greenery or even great park settings. However, Detroit is full of opportunities for nature. Belle Isle is one of those locations. Located right on the Detroit River, Belle Isle has the opportunity for nature and city views from afar. The conservatory on the island is actually perfect for all times of year. The chance to photograph in gardens, but indoors and outdoors, provides for the ultimate flexibility. While you do need a permit through the Michigan state parks, it’s very reasonable and totally worth it.

Lisa and Christian had their engagement session at the Conservatory and it was the perfect spot to explore. While their were other guests walking around, we were still able to catch little quiet corners inside and out for a more intimate session.

Campus Martius and Hart Plaza

If you are looking for that true downtown feel, we can head over to Campus Martius and the Hart Plaza area. When you time it right, you may also be one of the only ones here. I absolutely love morning sessions in this area because it’s quiet and we basically have the place to ourselves. However, any time of day and any time of the year work perfect in this spot for an engagement session. You’ll have the perfect backdrop of skyscrapers plus the park setting of Campus Martius. We can also head down towards Hart Plaza and have the river in the background as well.

Haylee and Dan wanted their portraits to feature Detroit downtown and the iconic views it has to offer.

The Riverfront Conservancy

If you are craving the water, but also close-up downtown views, the Riverfront Conservancy and park area is perfect. The work Detroit and the State of Michigan has done on this riverfront and the walk along the river has been amazing. The riverfront offers spanning views of downtown and some of Detroit’s most iconic buildings.

The Fisher Building

The Fisher Building is one of those few locations (indoors) that you do not need a permit to photograph as long as you stay in the lobby area and there are no events going on. Inside the Fisher Building features iconic Detroit art deco architecture. Marble walls, gold finishes, and beautiful design to create the perfect classy, 1920s engagement session. Because there is not much of a barrier for entry for portrait sessions here, it can get pretty busy. However, it is a large space and if we prepare and time your session just right, we could get lucky and have more privacy.

Gabby and Scott had their wedding portraits done here at the Fisher Building and it complimented their DIA wedding so well.

The Detroit Institute of Arts

While photography sessions are not permitted inside the museum, we can still feature the museum outside and it’s always stunning! This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Detroit. The marble stairs, the sweeping columns, and the surrounding greenery and trees. The grounds of the DIA offer a lot for engagement sessions.

Haylee and Dan had their first date at the Detroit Institute of Arts so of course they wanted to feature it in their engagement photos!

The Book Tower

The restoration of the Book Tower in downtown Detroit has been one of the most recent examples of the steps this city has taken to restore and beautify the city itself. The stunning interior and exterior of this classic building in Detroit is one perfect spot for your classy engagement session. While they do require a permit, it’s definitely worth it to be able to photograph in this stunning restoration.

The Belt

Continuing with iconic locations in downtown Detroit, The Belt is perfect for those long shots of your portraits where you’re kissing in the alleyway and you are surrounded by the tall buildings and street lights. With graffiti, fairy lights, and cobblestone, The Belt definitely provides a  vibe in Detroit.

John King Used and Rare Books

If you and your partner are bookworms and love history and the industrial vibe, this 4-story bookstore is the perfect place for you. Walk through the aisles and aisles of books on every floor. Stop in a corner to gaze out the window to view the city. This bookstore is one of my favorite spots. It’s best to call them ahead of time and think minimalism when it comes to your portrait session. Like many places of business that would allow sessions like this here, it’s just best to make sure you are polite and undisturbing to the staff and other patrons.

Your Favorite Downtown Bar or Restaurant

If you have a favorite bar or restaurant that means something to you and your partner, this can make for the perfect spot for some engagement photos. It defines your relationship. I’ve had couples go to their favorite bar in Detroit on their wedding day because it meant a lot to them. Some times if you call the management ahead of time, they’ll allow us to come in and take some photos as long as we’re not disturbing anyone else. Some may require a permit, but again, it can be worth it to be able to feature it as part of your story.

The Ford House

Technically located outside of the city, The Ford House offers something that downtown does not have. The Ford House, located in Grosse Pointe just outside of Detroit, offers estate views, architecture, and gardens. You can do an entire engagement session in this one spot. It offers variety with vine covered buildings, rose gardens, and willow trees along the shores of Lake St. Clair. The Ford House does require a permit and time slot scheduled at least 3 weeks prior.

Rebecca and Jeff had their engagement session all at The Ford House in Grosse Pointe and it did not disappoint. We were able to get a variety of images throughout the grounds from the main house to the shores with the willow trees.

 

Shinola Hotel or Other Downtown Luxury Hotels

While the Shinola Hotel does not allow photography in the lobby, it’s a fun idea to think about how you can have an upscale engagement session right in a hotel room. The Shinola offers a modern chic, but still classy vibe in their rooms. With large windows and sleek furniture that also doesn’t distract, we can really create something special. Along with a hotel shoot, we can also take a walk downtown to a variety of different spots including some that I’ve mentioned earlier.

Gabby and Scott got married at the Detroit Institute of Arts, but they both got ready at the Shinola Hotel downtown. It offered the perfect setting for their classy wedding.