I wanted to put together some of my favorite engagement photo locations near South Bend. Choosing an engagement session location can set the tone for your photos, and I want to share some ideas to get you inspired!
Consider what vision you have for photos
Are you interested in urban settings? Do you prefer a natural backdrop? What do you envision when you think about your engagement photos? I always send a questionnaire to my engaged couples to see what location they might be interested in, and based on their answers, I suggest some spots that would be a good fit.
I encourage you to sit down with your partner and think about what type of photos you want and what locations might reflect you as a couple.
For my amazing South Bend Couples – there are a few engagement photo locations beyond some of the obvious ones that you might like! I’ll list them out below with some tips for engagement photos.
Downtown South Bend
One of my favorite spots for engagement photos is downtown South Bend, with its variety of buildings and colors. For couples who want a nod to South Bend and not just Notre Dame, this is a great location.
Engagement Tip: Choose colors that are earthy and neutral for your outfits. This helps you really pop in photos so YOU show up as the focus!
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Moving to a curated location east of South Bend in Elkhart, Indiana, this beautiful setting is perfect for a mix of natural and urban feel. With manicured gardens, paved walking paths, and gorgeous water-features, Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a lovely spot for engagement photos.
Engagement Tip: Choose two outfits for your session! This can mean one formal outfit and one casual. Talk with your photographer about choosing two locations that reflect both outfits too to give you a variety in photos.
Lake Michigan Engagement locations
It’s no surprise that Lake Michigan is a popular spot within an hour of South Bend, and it’s a gorgeous setting for engagement photos that look epic and full of the beauty of nature. There are many locations along Lake Michigan to choose from including Indiana Dunes National Park, New Buffalo Beach, and St. Joseph, Michigan to name a few.
If you’re more adventurous and want a location that takes you beyond the typical midwest settings, the Lakeshore might be right for you!
Engagement Tip: Talk with your photographer about the best time of day for engagement photos. Typically this can be in the morning just after sunrise, or in the evening before sunset. The angle of the light is very flattering and soft at both of these times, making you and your partner look your very best.
Cobus Creek Park
A gorgeous park nestled in Elkhart County, just a short drive from South Bend is Cobus Creek, and it’s a beautiful spot for natural backdrop photos. The midwest weather can be all over the place, but that shouldn’t limit your photos. Even during the winter, this location is beautiful and a perfect area for engagement photos near South Bend.
Engagement tip: decide what season you’d like to have your engagement photos. Do you love winter? Embrace the snow! Are you summer lovers? Wait until it warms up to get your photos taken. Talk to your photographer about the season you prefer, and they will help you come up with the perfect location.
Chicago Engagement locations
For those venturing further west, Chicago is a great spot for engagement photos. Especially for couples who might be originally from the South Bend area, but now call Chicago their home. The city boasts stunning city views, lakefront options, and a mix of urban and natural spots. Chicago can be a perfect engagement session location for some couples.
Engagement tip: choose a location that has some meaning for you. Maybe it’s the spot where they proposed, or the place you now call home. Whatever meaning it might have, see if you can incorporate it into your session. Bring more intention into your photos.
Are you looking for engagement photos near South Bend? I’d love to talk! Reach out here!
