Top 9 Engagement Photo Locations in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana, is home to race cars, endless green spaces, and shimmering waterways. Some would say it's the best thing since sliced bread, which again is homed in Indianapolis. This city is a healthy balance of historical buildings and museums and the green touch of nature. There is so much to see and explore, you will never be disappointed in Indianapolis. Whether you like the city lights, the clean brush of air in nature’s lap, or exploring the rich culture of the city, there is something for every soul here. From Carmel to Westfield, Indianapolis has a lot to offer to both residents and business owners!

There is something about Indianapolis, which is almost celebratory and stands out from many other cities. The accommodating climate and the inclusive culture make this place a treat to live in. There is no shortage of Indianapolis engagement photography locations as every frame looks like it is cut out from a magazine. Having your love visually captured in this city will surely add that dynamic energy to your engagement photoshoot. 

If you want this expansive city of Indianapolis to play the backdrop of your love story, we have your back, and we come bearing a list! Enlisted below are some of the iconic places which will be just perfect for that Indianapolis engagement photography of yours. 

Canal Walk

One of the major tourist attractions of the city, this location is nestled in the Western edge of downtown Indy. A lazy stroll alongside the canal, picturesque bridges, and romantic Gondolier rides, this place is filled with photography opportunities by the handful. The greenery spread across this 250 acres park, along with the calming blue of the canals makes this an ideal spot for wedding photo sessions. The amazing skyline of Indianapolis, along with the refreshing natural relief provided by the park makes this location a treasure chest for photography. If you have an adventurous streak, rent a paddleboat or kayak for some great photo opportunities for your Indianapolis engagement photographer to capture! The Canal provides different settings to match with your photography vision and is surely one of the crown jewels of the city. The calming presence of the strip of shimmering blue juxtaposed against the glittery cityscape draws a sharp contrast and adds that element of interest to your Indianapolis engagement photo session. Play up the architectural backgrounds of the skyline with some Avante-Garde style structured clothing.

Website: https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-canal-walk?tab=description&nearby=restaurants#description

Address:200 South Capitol Avenue, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225-1063

Fees or Permits: Permit is required for photography.

Fountain Square

If you want an urban and upbeat feel in your Indianapolis engagement photography, the Fountain Square might be just what you need. The aqua blue fountain adds just the right amount of a vintage artsy vibe. There are various opportunities to capture the perfect frame in this location. Fountain Square also has various fun shops and eateries, which will easily turn your photo day into a fun day date! Home to several unique restaurants, fascinating art galleries, and studios, and fun live entertainment, the Fountain Square is evolving into one of the prime live-and-work communities for the Indianapolis artists to express themselves. The vibe is infectious and full of life and there is surely a lot going around here. An area that claims to be ‘anything but square’, this location has a lot to provide in terms of both aesthetics as well as experience. Let your Indianapolis engagement photographer capture the city-center grandeur and the artsy feel of the place and give your wedding photo book a creative edge.

Website: https://www.discoverfountainsquare.com/

Address: 1104 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Fees or Permits: No entry fees are required for this location.

The Indiana State Capitol Building

This place is a chosen option among couples for engagement sessions. The Indiana State House is a fabulous option for this purpose as the stunning outdoors and the amazing architecture of the place works its magic and provides the perfect setting for those engagement shots! This location works on those blue-sky sunny days as well as overcast ones, creating the perfect picture every time. Indiana's State House building with its exceptional architectural appeal has been serving as a central point of civic life in Indiana since the year 1888. The place is a historical building that whispers of the glory days of yesterday. It is easy to see why this is such a favored location among the just-engaged lovebirds. It is a beautiful outdoor location that has a bit of old-world charm. With such a majestic sight adorning your engagement photos, you will be adding timeless beauty to your precious memory. Go for a regal look with your outfits which will go perfectly with the backdrop, or go for a modern contrast. Whatever expresses your message the best!

Website: https://www.in.gov/idoa/2371.htm

Address:402 W. Washington St., Room W-478, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Fees or Permits: No entry fees are required for this location.

Newfields

Another popular location for an engagement session is the Newfields, and you just need one glace to tell why. The calculated mix of inspiring architecture, artistic landscaping, bubbling ponds, and cutesy bridges, this place is quite the stunner. Newfields provides many amazing landscapes and art pieces to add the perfect element of interest to your engagement shoot. The perfect amalgamation of nature and arts, this place offers a lot of opportunities to capture that perfect engagement picture. Whether you are an art person or a nature-loving person, you will find a home at this location. This 152-acre cultural swirl of a wide variety of experiences is one of the prime attractions of Indianapolis. This place has an internal thread of being dynamic enough to give a nod to the part and pursuing a curiosity for the future. Having this kaleidoscopic canvas grace your engagement photos can give an unexpected fun vibe to the same. It can be traditionally yielding, or can also be quirky-take your pick!

Website: https://discovernewfields.org/

Address: Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3326

Fees or Permits: The entry fees come at $18 per adult. The Garden at Newfields will require a permit for photography.

Trader’s Point Creamery

Thinking of adding a bit of country rustic vibe to your photos? This location is a crowd favorite, and especially so for newly engaged couples. The quaint cottages, the rustic old-world vibes, and the foliage and flora surrounding the area win the hearts. Your Indianapolis engagement photographer will surely be able to capture a few amazing shots in this location if you beat the crowd and reach by sunrise. Steal a moment of calm before the wedding planning starts and run away to this amazing location for the calming country vibes. Capture some special moments with your partner amidst the vintage signages, aesthetically placed barn houses, and lush grass fields. This creamery is abundant and gracious with expansive lands and picturesque backgrounds to help you capture your precious engagement moments. This has a definite away-from-the-city vibe which is not only aesthetically appetizing, it is good for the soul. 

Website: https://traderspointcreamery.com/

Address: 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, Indiana 46077

Fees or Permits: The engagement photo session comes at $100 per session. We will be required to book the date before block it.

Indianapolis Public Library

Just a stone throw away from the iconic Monument Circle lies the Indianapolis Public Library which is another coveted spot for engagement photos. If you and your partner are proud bookworms and want to give your engagement photo session a nerdy touch, this might be the perfect spot for you. The architecture of this location is timeless and interesting and adds a dash of whimsy to your Indianapolis engagement photography. The large sprawling windows, the amazing glass ceilings, and the rows of amazing books set you up for an amazing photo session. If you are a couple with a fascination for the written word and the escape that books promises, what better place than a library to capture your passion visually? Whether for the amazing architecture or the treasure chest of hundreds and hundreds of books that this architecture holds, this library is surely full of promises.

Website: https://www.indypl.org/

Address: 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, Indiana

Fees or Permits: A photography fee is required to shoot in this location.

Holcomb Gardens

Tucked away in the Butler University, Holcomb Gardens is a little slice of heaven on earth and it is difficult to believe that there is just a refreshing square of land amidst the city bustle. It is so close to civilization but feels like it is miles away from the real world. This place is perfect for a nature-centric engagement photoshoot and is on its best during sunrise or sunset. With adorable bridges, cozy nooks, and wide fields, walkways, and ponds, this garden is a wealth of opportunity. This garden was constructed in the 1950s and homes a wide array of flora and foliage. Give a Shakespearean touch to your engagement photo session by capturing some precious pictures in the poets’ corner, a dreamy niche made of stone benches inscribed with famous quotations. One of the rave favorites of engagement photographers, this location is a gem in the middle of the city and provides a much-needed natural recluse and a beautiful pause button for one to stop and smell the roses, quite literally!

Website: https://tclf.org/butler-university-holcomb-gardens

Address: Garden Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States

Fees or Permits: No fees incurred to enter or shoot in this location.

Monument Circle

What says Indianapolis is as clear and loud as the iconic monuments in Monument Circle? Be it the majestic Soldier & Sailors Monument or the Salesforce Tower, this place is a celebration of the city in general and the environment is bright and happy. This is perfect for those gorgeous engagement shots with towering architecture in the backdrop. Monument Circle has a special place in most hearts and is the throbbing heart of Downtown Indianapolis. Whether it is a herd of tourist or just lunch hour visitors, the place is usually a busy one and you need to plan your visit carefully to avoid the rush if you have chosen this location for your engagement pictures. This location showcases the iconic structures of the city in your photo frames forever, and lets you live the true spirit of the city. The towering architectural structures and the general vibe of the place make it a favored location for an Indianapolis photo shoot.

Website: https://www.downtownindy.org/venue/1363/monument-circle/

Address: 111 Monument Circle, Suite 250, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Fees or Permits: No fees incurred to enter or shoot in this location.

The Indianapolis War Memorial Park

A towering piece of architecture that takes your breath away, the magnificent golden doors, the amazing stairway, and a generous sprinkling of greenery, this location has a bit of everything! The Indiana War Memorial Plaza is a sprawling 30,000 square foot museum with an impressive array of war artifacts and military equipment. This building is surely an iconic piece of architecture and is perfect for engagement photography. Home to the American Legion National Headquarters, this location has the right amount of history, greenery, and the camera-happy neutral palette to make your engagement photo session a roaring success! If you are a patriot at heart or just like the blank canvas that this location provides, consider giving this location a fair chance. Your Indianapolis engagement photographer will love to capture you and your partner in this spectacular backdrop. Dress up in neutral colors to keep the photography clean and airy and watch the magic unravel! The sandy hues, the tall structures, and the open spaces work together to create the perfect picture!

Website: https://www.in.gov/iwm/

Address: 55 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States

Fees or Permits: No fees incurred to enter or shoot in this location.

Please note that permits and fees are subject to change. Please confirm the policies with the location before planning your session.