Best spots for outdoor engagement photos in the Louisville, Kentucky area
photo taken at Bernheim @ sunrise
The Best Spots in Louisville, Kentucky for photos
There’s so many great spots for photos here in Louisville! Here are some of Trent and I’s favorite spots. We like hiking or taking a walk at these locations too, so be sure to explore them. If you’re torn about where to take your engagement photos (or any photos), it may be helpful to take a hike at a few of the locations that stick out to you. That way you can narrow it down! You can’t really go wrong with any of these locations though.
I’ve written a couple of pros & cons too. Keep in mind, these are my personal opinions based on my experiences! Same with the photo passes. If there’s a park that requires a photo pass that I’m unaware of, let me know & I’ll update the post.
Every location will look a little different depending on the time of year you’re taking the photos. If you want tips on what time of year to do your engagement session, click here. I included photos throughout the post of different sessions so you can get an idea of what each park is like.
I hope this helps and allows you to see how pretty the Kentucky and southern Indiana area is!
Parklands of Floyds Fork
The Parklands include Beckley Creek Park, Turkey Run Park, Pope Lick Park . . . and probably more that I’m missing. It’s the biggest park system in Louisville and there are so many spots for photos and for hiking. From wildflower fields, to creeks and forests — you’ll get it all here! Last time I checked, you need a photo pass to take pictures here and the pass is about $300 per year.
More perks: There’s plenty of parking. The bathrooms are always clean so they make great changing spots if you want to wear multiple outfits for pictures!
Possible downsides: They can be superrr busy if you go to the popular spots on weekends. Lots of people bike on the Louisville Loop, so watch out for bikers.
Cherokee Park
While Cherokee Park is smaller, there’s still plenty of options for photos. I love that it’s so close to the city. It makes it a good option for if you’re taking photos in the city as well and want two locations. Since it’s such a central location, many couples walk here already. Taking photos at a spot that’s already familiar to you makes your photos even more special!
Perks: It’s free to take photos there & couples are familiar with it.
Cons: It can be very busy. The bathrooms aren’t the cleanest. Roads/spots can be randomly closed.
Clifton Neighborhood / The Peterson Dumesnil House
A lot of my couples live/have lived in the Clifton neighbor or area, and as I’ve said before, choosing a location that’s familiar to you is always a good go-to. There’s so many cute spots to walk around in the Clifton area, including the Peterson Dumesnil House and their garden and yard areas. This area is super convenient because you can start by taking photos at your favorite local spot (there’s so many coffeeshops/bars/restaurants on Frankfort Ave!) and then take a little walk!
Pros: Free to take photos on the grounds, easy location, very walkable
Cons: Could potentially be busy with people/cars, not the most secluded area
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Yew Dell is gorgeous and while I’ve done several weddings here, I’ve not done as many photoshoots! They do charge a day rate of $75, which can be pricier than a year-long pass like a lot of the other parks have. The grounds are gorgeous though and the staff is really friendly. With their castle, fairy garden and greenhouse, it’s a more unique spot for photos for sure.
Pros: Beautiful location, likely to be no one else taking photos with the photo pass fee
Cons: Pricier fee, isn’t open during sunset or sunrise during golden hour
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Out of anywhere in Louisville, Bernheim definitely has the most variety in trees. There are soo many different nature spots here! There are also some good longer trails too, if you’re up for a hike. Last time I bought a pass there, it was $150 for the year. They ask for a donation at the entrance as well.
Perks: It’s beautiful and not super busy if you avoid the popular spots with “The Giants”. Lots of parking. Unique looks.
Cons: Sometimes they decide to close earlier than their hours, which has been an issue for me taking photos there. The security is very strict about making people leave exactly when they close, even warning them 30 minutes, 15 minutes etc up to closing time. It’s a bit of a drive from Louisville.
Joe Creason Park
Another gem! Joe Creason Park has a paved loop with a few bridges that are fun to take photos at, as well as some hiking paths. I’ve hiked the forest paths before but haven’t taken photos there - so that would be fun to do sometime! Joe Creason is super close to Bellarmine University, so if that’s a spot that sentimental to you and your partner, you can always pop by both locations.
Pros: Very Convenient location, no pass required
Cons: Can be busy with on lookers who are also walking the path
Falls of the Ohio State Park
The Falls of the Ohio is just a quick drive across the bridge to Indiana. It’s definitely the most unique location close to Louisville, in my opinion! The rock beds are gorgeous and there is a hiking trail as well.
Perks: Close to downtown Louisville. Free to take photos there.
Cons: No bathrooms besides the visitor’s center. It’s not uncommon for people to leave trash by the falls. When the dam is opened, the fossil beds will flood and there’s less area to take photos. There’s still options though, even when the water is high!
Mount Saint Francis
Another Indiana location before I circle back to the Ville - this one is one of my faves to walk at and is super close to my house. There’s a ton of nature variety, too, between the different trees, grasses, lake and creeks. This place is also HUGE. I’ve taken a lot of photos close to the front of the park, but I’d love to venture further onto the trails sometime for photos if anyone is down! Mt St Francis also does some events, from bird watching to yoga to kids camps and spiritual retreats, so you can double check beforehand to make sure nothing is going on. Though even if something is, the place is so big that there’s plenty of space!
Pros: Quiet, lots of room to roam, I usually have the place to myself
Cons: $100 yearly pass, not a close location for most
This park is cute & quiet with a walking trail that follows a creek. There’s some swings along the path as well! there are signs saying photo permit required, but I have called and emailed the office before but have not been able to get ahold of anyone about it.
Perks: You’ll probably see deer on this trail! It’s relatively easy to walk it as well. Really quiet spot of town.
Cons: None that I can think of except I don’t think there are bathrooms.
Tioga Falls
I almost didn’t put this one on here because I like that it’s a more secretive spot! BUT the waterfall is huge and so worth it if you like to hike. No photo pass needed, that I’m aware of.
Cons: A bit of a drive. Definitely a hike (2+ miles total) and hilly, so make sure you bring good shoes and are prepared! Another con is that it’s not very well marked, so it can be hard to find.
Foxhollow Farm
Another one that I almost didn’t put on here because I like that it’s secret & special. While you do need to ask permission to take photos at Foxhollow, it is one of my favorite spots in Kentucky. It’s peaceful and calming to be out there. Because you do need special permission to take photos there, it’s never crowded. There’s a trail that’s about a mile long and circles around a pond so it’s perfect if you want a place to be alone and walk.
Pros: VERY secluded, peaceful landscape, flower garden
Cons: You’ll need to get permission, a far drive for some
Iroquois Park
Iroquois Park has a great view of the city and a huge forest area for photos. It’s a bit of a drive to get to the top of the hill, but worth it. Sometimes the road to the top of the hill can be blocked off, so be prepared to walk to the top as well. Whenever I’ve taken photos there it’s been cloudy, but I bet there are some beautiful sunsets there when it’s not cloudy.
Pros: No pass required, lots of wooded spots for photos & views
Cons: Restrooms haven’t been very clean or have been closed whenever I’ve been there. Gate to the top of the hill can sometimes be randomly locked.
Charlestown State Park
I’ve only taken photos out here once, probably because it’s a bit further out from Louisville than the rest. Still, it’s a gorgeous park with lots of hiking options and creeks, as well as river front access. I don’t think a photo pass is required, though there is an entrance fee. I often have a yearly pass to the Indiana State parks so you can always tag along in my car! This place is HUGE. There’s a secret waterfall I’ve been wanting to hike to sometime . . .
Con: Further away
Perk: Very secluded, many different hiking options for someone who wants to do a longer hike.
Other places I’ve been dreaming of taking photos at again ….
Deam Lake in Indiana, Backacre Nature Reserve in Jtown, Harrods Creek in the east end and the Louisville Waterfront Botanical Gardens!
That’s all for now! I hope this helps you pick where to take photos in the Kentuckiana area. There are so many beautiful places here & I’m thankful for that!
Check out this article on Redfin for the best views in Louisville!