Top 7 Tennessee State Parks for Engagement Photos
Tennessee State Parks truly have something for everyone, making them the perfect locations for engagement photos! From mountain lookouts to towering waterfalls, it’s hard to be disappointed with the array of scenery to choose from. Long before I was scouting them out for photos, I was camping and hiking throughout the parks. Now, years later, I have taken photos in every park on this list and have found a few hidden gems. Because Tennessee is so diverse, I decided to put together a list of great engagement session spots near Nashville to help you narrow down where you would like to have your engagement photos taken!
Within 1 Hour of Nashville:
Long Hunter State Park | 35 Minutes
Long Hunter State Park is a wonderful location for engagement photos if you want plenty of scenic options, while staying close to Nashville. Long Hunter State Park is home to a big open field, woodsy areas with stunning rays of sunshine peaking through, cute little roads, and a lake with big rocks to walk on. Added bonus – it only takes about 5 minutes to get from one side of the park to the other, meaning you have more time for outfit changes and photos.
Harpeth River State Park | 30 Minutes
There are so many reasons to love Harpeth River State Park. This park is unique in that it’s split into different sections. Each section features something a little bit different. There is the Hidden Lake, Narrows of the Harpeth, and the Narrows Tunnel. Hidden Lake is about 15 minutes from the Narrows. The Hidden Lake area has an overgrown field that the sun sets behind, fairy-like woods, and at the end of the walk a cute little hidden lake. Maybe lakes and overgrown fields aren’t your thing, but what about open views of Tennessee hills, and a cute waterfall? If so, the Narrows of the Harpeth is the perfect spot for your engagement photos. All of these options, and only 30 minutes from Nashville?? Sign me up every time.
Radnor Lake State Park | 20 Minutes
Radnor Lake State Park is quickly becoming one of my favorites on this list. This park is covered in greenery and wildflowers during the spring and summer. During the winter, the lake sometimes freezes for a dreamy blue background and the fall brings some of the best Tennessee foliage around Nashville. Basically, no matter what the season is, this park will be beautiful. Between the lake, the Disney-like trail through the woods, and walking bridge, you’ll have plenty of options for your engagement photos.
Within 2 (ish) Hours of Nashville:
Fall Creek Falls State Park | 2 Hours 5 Minutes
Full disclosure - I’m very biased about Fall Creek Falls State Park. This is by far my favorite Tennessee park. I love it so much that I got married there.
Fall Creek Falls is the perfect place to have your engagement photos taken. There are waterfalls throughout that vary based on hiking difficulty levels. So, you can take easy stairs down to a waterfall, or take on a steep treacherous hike to get to an even more beautiful waterfall, either way you won’t be disappointed. There is also a creek with a natural stone wall behind it, a lake, and the most amazing lookout points you’ll find within two hours of Nashville. The best part? No hike required to get to the lookouts! I got married on the largest lookout in the park and it only took me two minutes to get to it in my wedding dress. The only downside to FCF is that it is the furthest away on this list, but I promise that the views make up for the drive.
Rock Island State Park | 1 Hour 40 Minutes
If you want engagement photos surrounded by water, look no further than Rock Island State Park! Rock Island is made up of scenic streams and waterfalls, with access to the river as well. The main waterfall is easily accessible by stairs and doesn’t require much of a hike, and the view of the Twin Falls is unbeatable, especially considering how easy it is to get there. This park if for you if you want epic waterfalls, but don’t want to hike or would like to stick a little closer to Nashville.
South Cumberland State Park (Stone Door) | 1 Hour 50 Minutes
South Cumberland State Park is another park that I am obsessed with. There are so many options with this park! Just like Harpeth River State Park, South Cumberland is split up into many sections throughout the area. One part of the park may be a 30-minute drive from the other side. Luckily, I already made the mistake of just typing “South Cumberland State Park” into my GPS, so I know how to correctly guide you throughout this park. My favorite area of this park is called Stone Door. Stone Door is a huge lookout with hills all throughout the view. There is a mile-long walk to get to the lookout, but it is an even trail with no treacherous hiking along the way. The start of the trail also has a waterfall that you can stand on top of, or, if time allows, Greeter Falls is a less than 15-minute drive away!
Old Stone Fort State Park | 1 Hour 10 Minutes
If you are looking for a large field right nestled below a dreamy sunset, Old Stone Fort Park is the perfect spot for your engagement photos! The field is covered in overgrown greenery in the Summer, and in the Winter the greenery turns to a beautiful shade of gold. There is also a little river next to the field, and woodsy spots!