Best Parks in Nashville for Engagement Photos
Best Parks in Nashville for Engagement Photos
(From a Nashville Wedding Photographer)
One of the first questions couples ask when planning their engagement session is, “Where should we take our photos?”
Nashville has no shortage of beautiful parks, but not every park photographs the same way or offers the same experience. As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve photographed engagement sessions all over Middle Tennessee, and certain parks consistently stand out — not just for how they look, but for how they feel during a session.
Below is a guide to the best parks in Nashville for engagement photos, with descriptions to help you visualize each location and decide which one fits your style best.
Percy Warner Park
Percy Warner Park is one of the most versatile engagement session locations in the Nashville area. The park features stone staircases, rolling hills, wooded trails, open fields, and scenic overlooks — all within one location.
The landscape changes naturally as you move through the park, allowing sessions to feel dynamic without needing to travel far. Even though Percy Warner is popular, it’s easy to find quieter pockets slightly off the main paths. In the fall, the trees turn rich shades of orange and gold, while spring brings fresh greenery and soft light.
Best for couples who want a natural, timeless look with lots of variety.
Check out this recent engagement session for inspiration!
Harlinsdale Farm
Harlinsdale Farm offers a wide-open, pastoral feel that photographs beautifully year-round. Large grassy fields, white fencing, and minimal visual distractions give this location a clean, airy look that keeps the focus on the couple.
Golden hour here is especially stunning, with soft light stretching across the open landscape. While it feels relaxed and natural, it still has a polished quality that works well for couples who want something calm and romantic without feeling rustic.
Great for couples who love open space, natural light, and a laid-back Southern feel.
Cornelia Fort Airpark
Cornelia Fort Airpark is a unique engagement session option that blends open space with subtle city influence. Long runways, grassy fields, and wide sky views create a clean, modern backdrop, while downtown Nashville appears in the distance from certain angles.
This location feels less traditional than most parks and works especially well at sunset, when the sky opens up and the light softens. It’s a great choice for couples who want something different — minimal, open, and slightly unexpected.
Ideal for couples who want a modern look with plenty of breathing room.
Walton's Ferry Arboretum
Walton’s Ferry Arboretum is a quieter, often overlooked location just outside Nashville. Tree-lined paths, seasonal blooms, and a peaceful atmosphere make it feel calm and intimate compared to busier city parks.
This spot shines in spring and fall, when color and texture naturally enhance the landscape. It’s an excellent option for couples who want privacy and a slower pace without sacrificing beauty.
Perfect for couples who want a serene, low-key engagement session.
Check out one of our recent gorgeous sessions here!
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s most iconic locations, anchored by the Parthenon. The architecture adds structure and symmetry, while the surrounding lawns, pathways, and trees soften the space and keep it balanced.
This park has a classic, polished feel and is unmistakably Nashville. It works well for couples who want something recognizable or prefer a more editorial look with architectural elements mixed into their session.
Great for couples who want a distinctly Nashville backdrop.
See another beautiful session here for inspiration!
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Mall offers a more modern, architectural setting with long walkways, stone features, water elements, and strong lines throughout the park. The design feels intentional and structured, making it ideal for couples who like clean composition and symmetry.
This location works especially well for dressier engagement sessions and couples who want a refined, editorial feel rather than a purely natural one.
Best for couples who love modern design and structured spaces.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park sits along the Cumberland River and offers open views of downtown Nashville and Nissan Stadium. The setting feels energetic and urban, especially in the evening as the city lights come on.
This location is ideal for couples who love the city and want their engagement photos to reflect that energy. Sunset sessions here feel bold and celebratory, with skyline views that clearly place you in Nashville.
Perfect for couples who want an urban, city-forward look.
Preservation Park
Preservation Park is smaller and quieter than many other Nashville parks, offering a simple green space surrounded by the city. It doesn’t feel grand or overwhelming — instead, it feels calm and approachable.
This park works well for couples who want something easy and low-key, especially if they prefer a shorter session or don’t want to travel far. The backgrounds are clean and natural, allowing the focus to stay on connection rather than scenery.
Great for couples who want something relaxed and uncomplicated.
See a recent beautiful session here!
Other Nashville Parks Worth Considering
Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake feels quiet and reflective, with still water, tree-lined trails, and very little noise. It’s ideal for couples who want a peaceful, intimate atmosphere.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms offers wide trails, tall grasses, and river-adjacent views that feel open and organic, especially at golden hour.
Bells Bend Park
Bells Bend feels expansive and rural, with farmland-style scenery and minimal foot traffic — perfect for couples who want privacy and open views.
How to Choose the Right Park for Your Engagement Session
When choosing a park, think about:
How private you want the session to feel
Whether you prefer nature, architecture, or city views
The season and time of day
What environment feels most like you
There’s no wrong choice — the best location is one that allows you to relax and enjoy the experience together.
Why Engagement Session Location Matters
Your engagement session isn’t just about photos. It’s about slowing down, getting comfortable in front of the camera, and creating space to be present together.
Choosing a location that feels natural and comfortable allows your session to feel more authentic — and that always shows in the final images.
Nashville offers an incredible variety of parks for engagement photos, whether you’re drawn to open fields, skyline views, or quiet wooded paths. No matter which park you choose, the most important thing is selecting a location that reflects your relationship and allows the moment to unfold naturally.