Trying to decide where to take engagement photos in Carmel, Indiana or the Indianapolis area? As Indianapolis Catholic wedding photographers, we want your engagement to feel like a reflection of your story, your relationship, and bringing out the special traits that makes you, you!
Whether you are dreaming of a romantic, editorial-inspired engagement session, classic fine art portraits, or a more candid and documentary feel, there are beautiful options throughout Indianapolis and Carmel that photograph beautifully in every season.
As a husband-and-wife photography team specializing in Catholic wedding photography, we love creating engagement photos that feel natural, intentional, and timeless — images that not only celebrate your engagement but also tell the beginning of your story before your wedding day. Our approach blends film-inspired artistry with documentary moments, creating photographs that feel elegant, emotional, and true to you.
Keep reading for some of our favorite engagement photo locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana!
1. Indianapolis State House Capitol Building
Permit Fee: Free – The Statehouse is open to the Public Monday – Friday 9 -5 p.m. – no weekends
Parking: Metered
The Indiana Statehouse is a beautiful choice for couples wanting elegant, timeless engagement photos in Indianapolis. With its grand marble staircases, historic architecture, and beautiful natural light, it creates a classic editorial feel that photographs beautifully on both film and digital. This location is perfect for couples who love sophisticated, heirloom-style images with a timeless Indianapolis backdrop.
2. The Canal/ Indianapolis River Walk
Permit Fee: No Permit Fee
Parking: Metered or Garage Parking
The Canal Walk is a great choice for couples who love a mix of city and romantic scenery. The bridges, architecture, and water views create variety throughout the session and give your engagement photos a more urban Indianapolis feel.
3. Newfields
Permit Fee? Yes – a $50 permit fee, but the permit fee covers the admission cost for all people involved.
Parking: Free
4. Aspiring Eden Studio
Permit Fee: Hourly fee, $90/hour
Parking: Free
Aspiring Eden studio is a classic
5. Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, IN
Permit Fee: No Permit Fee
Parking: Free
6. Indianapolis Public Library
Permit Fee: No permit is required to photograph outside the library. You will need a permit to Photograph inside.
Parking: Metered or Garage Parking
7. Downtown Carmel at The Palladeium / Carmel Performing Arts Center
Permit Fee: No Permit Fee
Parking: Free in the parking garage or along the road.
For couples who love clean architecture and a more editorial feel, downtown Carmel offers beautiful modern backdrops. The architecture around the Carmel Arts & Design District and The Palladium creates a sophisticated look that photographs beautifully for couples wanting something classic and refined.
8. Laurel Hall
Permit Fee: $125/hour
Parking: Free
9. Lockerbie Square Historic District | Indianapolis, Indiana
Permit: No
Parking: Free street or metered parking
Lockerbie Square is a charming Indianapolis engagement photo location that boasts some of the most historic houses in the city, complete with a cobblestone road. This location is perfect for couples wanting a touch of old-world charm and a more intimate, documentary feel.
10. Bonus: A place that is special to you!
Maybe your special place is where you had your first date, a favorite bar, or a fun seasonal activity. just the beginning of what you can choose to make your engagement session unique to you and you are beloved!
Thanks for reading! – Colette
