Top 8 Spots for Engagement Photos in Winston Salem NC
November 4, 2025
The Top 8 Locations for Engagement Photos from a Winston Salem Wedding Photographer
Now that you’re engaged – it’s time to start planning those engagement photos, and that comes with more decisions to make, like where to take pictures at. To help you narrow it down, I’ve come up with my top 8 locations to take engagement photos at in Winston Salem North Carolina. From quiet peaceful gardens to edgy, urban backdrops, there’s something here for everyone.
Here are the top places to take engagement photos in and around Winston.
1. Reynolda Gardens
If you’re looking for: gardens, flowers, nature
Reynolda Gardens is my absolute favorite place! You’ll find carefully maintained flower beds, 100s of flower varieties, and a stunning glass greenhouse as the backdrop. Just steps away is the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, which gives me secret garden vibes, as it’s even more private than the flower gardens. Take the short trail walk behind the museum and you’ll find a hidden gem: a charming waterfall beneath a stone bridge.
2. Old Salem
If you’re looking for: historic, architecture, holiday
Old Salem is one of Winston Salem’s most iconic and historic locations. The cobblestone streets, wooden footbridge, and historic architecture make for some unique and charming backgrounds. This spot is extra beautiful around Christmas time when decorated simply with lots of greenery, candles, and Moravian stars.
3. Historic Bethabara Park
If you’re looking for: historic, gardens, rustic
Historic Bethabara Park offers a quieter, more nature-centered alternative to Old Salem. It features colonial buildings, open fields, gardens, and wooded walking paths. You’re less likely to deal with the crowds, but you won’t get those iconic cobblestone streets.
4. Tanglewood Park
If you’re looking for: gardens, fields, nature
Tanglewood hosts miles of beautiful property with an array of photoshoot locations. There is an arboretum with beautiful flower gardens, a historic manor, horse fields, and many simple fields that provide a classically nature backdrop.
5. Salem Lake Trail
If you’re looking for: water, nature, hike
Simple and peaceful, that’s what I would call the Salem Lake! While there may be boat or foot traffic, theres always a quiet spot we can find to snap the perfect engagement (or proposal!) photos. You can find epic lake backdrops and wooded trails, perfect for if you’re wanting trees with fall color.
6. Downtown Winston
If you’re looking for: urban, buildings, variety
Downtown Winston Salem can provide so many options for incredible backdrops. There’s Corpening Plaza or the Courthouse which can offer classic city steps or columns. I also love Innovation Quarter, which includes Bailey Park or Long Branch Trail, both offering views of the city skyline as well as unique architecture.
7. Winston Lake Park
If you’re looking for: water, nature, woodsy
Another beautiful lake option in Winston, this park has several miles of photo locations that you just can’t beat! Whether you want some spring blooms or fall colors, the trees do not disappoint.
8. Kernersville Botanical Gardens (Paul J. Ciener Botantical Garden.)
If you’re looking for: gardens, privacy, charm
Just outside of Winston is another amazing garden location (are you sensing a theme with my favorite photo spots?) With the cutest walking paths, flowers, and building backdrops, I couldn’t not include this location!
Bonus tip – none of these photo spots quite strike your fancy? There are so many incredible wedding venues in the Winston area, and many allow you to book a 1-2 hour photo location at their venue. Some of these places include Winmock, Legacy Stables & Events, Graylyn Estate, and The Little Chapel.
If you are a photographer, a wedding vendor, or a couple getting married soon and have questions about this post please feel free to DM me on Instagram, I’d love to help!! I hope you enjoyed this free resource for your wedding planning!
– Elsa
Elsa Judkins Photography is based in Winston Salem, NC. She specializes in wedding photography for couples who are seeking a romantic and elegant wedding day. Elsa preserves those intimate and candid moments on one of the biggest days of your life so you can relive your day through timeless images.
Please reach out HERE if you’d like to learn more about my wedding photography in Winston Salem, Greensboro, Raleigh NC, and surrounding areas. I offer wedding day coverage, engagement sessions, albums, and more! Inquire to receive a custom quote for your wedding.
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