Yay, you’re engaged! Soon you’ll be sending out save-the-dates and printing your engagement photos in your home! Engagement sessions are an amazing time to get to know your photographer and see how they work. But where to shoot?

I’m from Fayetteville and have lived in Arkansas for nearly 27 years! I am passionate about this state and the people who live here. When meeting with my couples in person or on the phone, I always try to gauge what type of experience they want for their engagement session— do they want an urban or natural background? Do they want to go hiking for awesome views (future blog post idea: adventure engagement sessions and why you should consider one!!) or walk around the U of A campus and find their names on Senior Walk? Do they want to dress up with heels and a little red dress and suit or dress down with comfy sweaters and skinny jeans (or both!)?

The perfect location will depend on the couple, and it’s up to you and your partner to decide where you want to shoot!

Read on to discover some of my favorite engagement session spots in Northwest Arkansas! :)

Lake Winsor

Lake Winsor is a gorgeous lake near Bella Vista and it’s perfect for an early morning session. It’s just 15 minutes from Bentonville. There’s a short nature walk and you can view some neat rock formations or dance on the docks for romantic engagement photos, especially at sunset.

Crystal Bridges Museum

I loooove Crystal Bridges! If you’re a sucker for modern architecture, cool ivy walls and lots of greenery, look no further that this gorgeous modern marvel in the heart of NWA! Plus, it’s only a 10 minute drive from kitschy downtown Bentonville hotspots The Holler and The Momentary. This is a great spot for a more urban engagement session feel.

Lake Fayetteville Trail

Walk around Lake Fayetteville for some gorgeous high grasses and pretty, quiet coves! You can also rent a canoe or paddleboat at the marina and get some epic outdoorsy photos while you paddle around. There are plenty of gorgeous secluded spots where you can walk, dance or lay in the grass.

White Rock Recreation Area

Okay, hear me out- White Rock IS a little ways off the beaten trail. It requires a GPS and coordinates, and about 5-6 hours of availability if you’re driving from Fayetteville (two hours to get there, an hour long session, two hours to get back). However, the views are stunning and it would even be the perfect place for a weekend camping trip. If you like epic sunsets and getting out in nature (way out in nature), I totally suggest this area. Talk with your photog about any permits you may need to shoot here.

Downtown Eureka Springs

If you’re looking for a funky, historic town with a hippie vibe and charm reminiscent of old San Francisco, Eureka Springs is the perfect spot! Downtown is my favorite part but you can also check out the Crescent Hotel and Lake Leatherwood. I like to walk the streets with my couples and find some cool new spots or neat shops to explore- you really do find something new every time you visit.

Tanyard Creek Nature Trail

Green grass- check! Sprawling woods- check! Waterfall and epic lake with a dock- check! Cute little creek where you can hammock- check!

Tanyard Creek is a great, secluded place to take gorgeous engagement photos. Located just 10 minutes north of Bentonville, epic spot abounds with gorgeous photo locations.

Devil’s Den State Park

Want a place that feels far away but is pretty close to Fayetteville? Devil’s Den has waterfalls, gorgeous hikes to scenic cliffside views and stunning cedar and pine groves. The trail to Yellow Rock is one of my favorites, and you can catch gorgeous light year-round.

Where are you planning to take your engagement photos? Was this article helpful? Let me know in the comments!

Laura

Seven Stunning Engagement Session Locations in Northwest Arkansas