Being a newly engaged couple in Central Pennsylvania can have its advantages – one being the number of options there are when deciding where to take your engagement photos. Central Pennsylvania offers some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for engagement photos. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of rolling farmlands, the historic allure of quaint towns, or the vibrant energy of urban settings, Central PA has something to suit every couple’s style and vibe. This region’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of your love story. Plus, the distinct seasons in Central Pennsylvania—each with its own unique appeal—allow for a variety of settings, from blooming spring gardens to the warm hues of autumn foliage.
When researching the perfect location for engagement photos, I realized very quickly that the internet wasn’t going to give me the suggestions I was looking for. I needed to ask the experts and in this case the experts were local photographers. Central PA photographers have extensive knowledge of the area and can recommend those hidden gems and lesser-known spots. They understand the best times for optimal lighting, seasonal highlights, and unique features of each location. This is why I reached out to some of Central Pennsylvania’s best local photographers asking them where their favorite places were to shoot engagement photos and why. They were more than willing to oblige and I’m excited to share with you these stunning engagement shoot Central PA locations.
1. Otts Exotic Plants
Schwenksville, PA
"Ott's Exotic Plants offers the beauty that comes with your typical greenhouse but with plants that make it feel more like a garden destination than a plant store. Their lush walls of greenery, giant plants, stone walkways, and vintage benches make it a perfect place for a photographer's vision to come to life. Not to mention they also have a waterfall! For a small plant shop, this location really has it all for an awesome engagement session."
2. Fort Hunter Mansion & Park
Harrisburg, PA
"I love the variety of scenery that Fort Hunter offers! The river view is stunning during golden hour and the garden is so bright and colorful, the perfect backdrop for any type of photo session! The park also has a beautiful historic mansion along with many other buildings and features. Exploring this location with my clients never gets old!"
3. Caledonia State Park / The Long Pine Run Reservoir
Fayetteville, PA
"One of my favorite places as a photographer is Caledonia State Park / The Long Pine Run Reservoir. This beautiful state park is green year-round, offers creeks, trails, and some of my favorite serene Pennsylvania views overlooking the reservoir. It offers a great location with plenty of different looks, a relaxing environment, and enough privacy for a couple to really relax into a great engagement shoot session. It's also a great place to hang out and bring the family, I can't say enough good things about this state park!"
4. Downtown York
York, PA
"We specifically shot at the York Central Market and Cherry Lane. I really loved this spot because the old brick of the market, the lights, and the green doors gave a very unique (but still clean) city vibe! At the entrance of Cherry Lane, there was also a super cute "Cherry Lane" sign and it just added a little vintage element into their photoshoot which I totally love! On Cherry Lane, there's also hanging bistro lights which are just *chef's kiss*. The lights are just a tiny little detail but they seriously add to the magic of the photos and overall experience for the couple. I definitely recommend just exploring the entire area around the York Central Market. There are so many hidden gems close by that are perfect for photos!"
5. Lititz Springs Park
Lititz, PA
"Lititz Springs Park is such a sweet park in the heart of an adorable town. It sits next to the historic Wilbur Factory and includes a sweet water area with ducks, a white pavilion, railroad tracks, lots of beautiful stonework, wooded areas, and a grand Amphitheater. It's also a short walk to several cute cafes and shops, as well as the Inn and Spa and several historical buildings in downtown Lititz."
6. Sam Lewis Park
Wrightsville, PA
"I love Sam Lewis Park because it has so many spots to snap pictures at. From the large rock formations, to the beautiful wooded area, to the wildflower field you can grab amazing shots at any time of the day."
7. Letort Spring Garden Preserve
Carlisle, PA
"Letort Spring Garden Preserve is a breathtaking spot for engagement photoshoots, especially for couples who enjoy the outdoors and seek a quieter setting away from crowds. While there’s no rowboat for a romantic glide across the water, the scenery reminds me of scenes from “The Notebook” with its graceful willow trees, sightings of ducks & their ducklings, and the sparkling, crystal-clear spring water that adds a touch of magic to the surroundings."
8. Lancaster City
Lancaster, PA
"Lancaster is the perfect place for engagement photos. You have so many options - cityscapes, amazing architecture, but also a ton of options for nature and gorgeous lighting. The city allows for a ton of variety in your engagement photos in a short amount of time."
9. Masonic Village
Elizabethtown, PA
“Couples will feel extra fancy at this stunning location! The enormous stone building in the center of the grounds will make you feel like you’re in another world. If fancy and elegant isn’t your style, there’s plenty of casual locations on the grounds as well. From woodland to spectacular floral gardens to simple archways, you’re bound to walk away with photos you love.”
10. Harrisburg Capital Building
Harrisburg, PA
"The Harrisburg Capital Building is definitely a favorite! The architecture with beautiful steps and layers and neutral tones adds such a nice touch to photos. If you go in the spring you can find some nice touches of blooming flowering trees. Attached are a few pictures of sessions I have done there."
11. White Cliffs of Conoy
Marietta, PA
"The perfect blend of elegance and nature all in one location... The White Cliffs of Conoy. There are views of the Susquehanna River, romantic forest vibes, and of course the stunning white cliffs that transform to golden in the evening light. If you are a lover of all things elegant, romantic, and a little bit of adventure, this is the perfect spot for your engagement photos!"
