One of the best parts about hiring a wedding photographer is planning out your engagement session! The local Annapolis area is full of beautiful locations, from waterfront destinations to historic landmarks – there is a little something for everyone!

We have had a few brides email us asking for our favorite spots & it was only fitting that we created today’s post as a mini-directory of our favorite Annapolis locations! In order to do this area justice, we are pairing a few of our favorite locations with a few of the area’s top photographers! No one knows engagement sessions like the experts that make them possible! Enjoy & let us know what you think!

Bayside Bride Loves: Historic Downtown Annapolis

Wandering down the quaint streets and alleyways of downtown Annapolis, there is a myriad of photo opportunities. Keep your eyes open for signs, storefronts, crevice spaces – anything that connects to the couple & their personality! Take a horse drawn carriage ride down the cobblestone streets, soaking up the historic characteristics. And then end your session at one of the chic cafes to sip lattes or share a scoop of ice cream. You can also strut your stuff out on the docks surrounding “Ego Alley” – I love the calming background of the water, the masts and colorful sails of the boats, and nautical knots. Depending on the time of day, you can make this either a peaceful & serene, or a hustle & bustle kind of engagement shoot!

Images & Description By: Teri of TPoz Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: State Circle

This was my first time shooting an engagement session in downtown Annapolis, and I couldn’t have been more excited about all of the amazing locations. The State Circle area has so much character, charm and personality, and when the light is just right, this place just glows. With every step and turn I saw a spot just begging for a photo. Historic buildings, pops of color, brick stairs and walkways…. I can’t wait to get back to Annapolis to shoot another session!

Images & Description By: Laurie of Laurie Bracewell Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: West Annapolis

West Annapolis: This hidden gem resides minutes from downtown Annapolis and walking distance from the United States Naval Academy! The tree lined streets and adorable retail shops of West Annapolis make for a perfect engagement session location. I adore the front porches in different colors, the cute fences, gardens, and little storefront windows. In a word, this location is charming. Perfect for an autumn afternoon or a late summer stroll!

Images & Description By: Natalie of Natalie Franke Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: The Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is the perfect place for an engagement shoot, right in the middle of Annapolis. It’s right on the water, has tons of beautiful 19th century architecture, and has the largest, and in my opinion, the most beautiful college dormitory in the world. The Navy has many traditions like the “Cover and a Kiss” that create so many beautiful memories for couples. With all of its gardens, fountains and monumental buildings, the Naval Academy Yard provides so many opportunities to capture a couple and maybe even some cute midshipmen in uniform!

Images & Description By: Katie of Kate Yuen Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: Maryland Avenue

Maryland Avenue has always been one of my favorite streets in Annapolis. It holds all the charm of other parts of the city but it’s a little quieter and couples feel a little more comfortable since there are less spectators around. It’s lined with cute storefronts, an old theater, historic homes and more. And unlike on State Circle, photos taken on Maryland Avenue include the picturesque State House in the background!
Images & Description By: Krista of Krista A Jones Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: The Docks by Chart House (Eastport)

I absolutely LOVE shooting at the docks in Annapolis by Chart house. It’s a beautiful location on the water, full of colorful boats, with the city of Annapolis is the background! Makes for some great nauctical Annapolis photographs.

Images & Description By: Megan of Megan Beth Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: Quiet Waters Park

I love to use Quiet Waters for engagement sessions because of its versatility, not only is there plenty of lush green surroundings, it sits right up against the bay and even has a small beach. If its cold outside, no problem, the park has an outdoor skate rink! For a small fee you gain entrance to all Quiet Waters has to offer, you can even host your wedding at the park.

Images & Description By: Shelby of Shelby Leigh Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation was a fabulous location for engagement pictures! As a photographer, I like to try and get a variety of different shots with different “backgrounds” and CBF had all of that to offer: gorgeous waterviews, tall, dreamy grasses, hidden trails, a rack of canoes, a romantic beach, and even the modern, urban-feeling building of CBF itself… it definitely lends itself to whatever feel you are going for in your engagement pictures. Schedule your session in the late evening or early in the morning for some gorgeous light and you’ll be all set with some amazing pictures!

Images & Description By: Melissa of MB Photography

Bayside Bride Loves: The Jonas Green State Park

If you like: the beach, water, the sunset, trees and rustic piers, Jonas Green Park is your place! This park has so much diversity for such a small place, (not to mention plenty of free parking), all within a ten minute drive from Downtown Annapolis. The park is nestled along the shores of the scenic Severn River; with one side directly across from the Naval Academy skyline, with plenty of boats passing through. On the other side of the park, you have lush green trees and a sandy beach where, if you wait until the evening, you can watch a romantic sunset.

Images & Description By: Brittany of Dunks Photo

Where do you think the best place to take photos in Annapolis is?

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*A few of today’s featured photographers are members of our Fleet Crew! For more information, make your way to the Photography Section of our Vendor Guide!