If you are reading this, you’re probably engaged! Congratulations! That’s so exciting. Now begins your hunt for your engagement photo location! We know that this can be a pretty difficult search, and many of our couples ask us for advice on where to go in Niagara, so whether you’ve booked us as your photographers or if you’ve chosen someone else, we thought we’d make it a little easier by making a list of our favourite places to go! We’ve included a few photos from each spot for you to look at, so make sure to tap left/right to view them all. This list isn’t a full comprehensive list of places to go, and we are always happy to go and explore new places either in Niagara or further afield. When it comes down to it however, don’t let this be a huge time consuming decision. Engagement photos aren’t about fancy locations or big open backgrounds, they are about you and your love for each other, and as long as you bring that to your session you’ll have a fun time and great photos.
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
One of our favourite locations to go to all year round, Balls Falls offers so much variety in one compact place. There are thick woods that you can walk through in the fall, you can hike up to the upper falls and get in the water, or stand on-top of the lower falls looking out over the edge. (Please don’t fall!) In the main section you have wonderful open areas surrounding old barns with gorgeous weathered wood, and just a short walk up a path brings you to an open area with a few tress that is perfect for fall photos. In winter, there are big open fields with untouched snow that are Ball’s Falls is one of the most versatile locations for outdoor photos, and makes a great spot for not only engagement photos, but for wedding photos with the whole bridal party, and for family photos too!
As of 2022 there is now a paid parking barrier at Ball’s Falls. Rates vary from $11 – $18 per car from our experience.
Best Season: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Tucked away near Brock University, and just a short drive from downtown St. Catharines, Glenridge Quarry offers rolling hills with easily walkable gravel paths. In summer the grass grows longer and wildflowers can be found all around. There’s also a lake that you can access on foot and bring a canoe / kayak. The Quarry is best for photos in the evening as the lack of trees means that there isn’t much shade available, but the view from the top of the hill is a good trade off!
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Early Winter
One of Niagara’s best sandy beach fronts (in our opinion), Charles Daley park offers a long stretch of sandy beach. Early summer the water is pretty clear and great for wading in, or even swimming or kayaking. Along the beach there is also tall grassy reeds and a nice large willow tree that dangles down into the sand. The downsides can be that it will be busy on weekends, but during the summer a weekday evening can be very quiet!
Whilst normally known for it’s beautiful downtown, Niagara-On-The-Lake has a huge variety of locations that are suitable almost all year round for your session. If you’d like to take advantage of NoTL’s beauty without having everyone watch you, then take a look at some of our favourite spots below. The best part is that most of these locations are within a 10 minute drive, so we can go to multiple locations in one session.
Downtown Niagara-On-The-Lake
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Downtown NoTL is full of historic charm with its old buildings, brickwork, and little coffee shops. It definitely gives more of an urban vibe in comparison to most locations. The one thing to note is that during the summer it can be extremely busy, so you’d need to be comfortable with people walking around you. Whilst not it’s prime season, winter sessions here can be cute too when there is a nice layer of snow and the holiday lights are up!
Best Seasons: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Oast House is probably one of the most noticeable buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s a huge red barn right by the side of the road! Behind it they have a huge vineyard & an outdoor patio serving drinks & some of the most delicious snack in town. This is a great spot if you’re looking for some more casual photos, or if you’d just like to relax, have a drink, and some laughs!
Firelane One
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Once a more hidden spot within NoTL, Firelane One has become an extremely popular spot for hiking, families, and photographers. It’s for good reason though, the park features a big open field with long grass, wildflowers, & trees. At the edge of the park there are sandy cliffs leading down to a quiet beach with fallen tree’s and gentle shorelines. There’s a huge amount of variety here and it’s definitely a great summer spot.
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
After recently finishing some long renovations, Fort Mississauga is back open to the public. It’s just a 5 minute walk from free parking and offers a few rolling hills, unique orange brickwork, and a view of the lake. There is also a newer boardwalk that you can follow and leads you right to the rocky lake-front where you can catch the sunset.
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Located just outside of Niagara Falls, Oak Hall is a heritage building with beautiful stonework. Across the parking lot is an old golf course that has now been left to turn into a field with wildflowers that grow through in the late summer. A smaller location but it’s very quiet and secluded, and the two different parts offer different vibes if you’d like to get a mix of style in your session.
We hope you found this post useful! If you like what you see, and you’d like to chat to us about an engagement shoot, or even wedding photography, please reach out to us on our contact page! We’d love to hear from you!
