As a Knoxville engagement photographer, I forever love the vibes of bar engagement photos and hotel engagement photos. They give you that effortlessly cool energy, and the lighting in these spaces?? It’s ALWAYS a vibe. So if you’re planning your Knoxville engagement photos and you’re on the hunt for the best engagement photo locations for pics that feel editorial and a little different… I gotchu!! 

Why You Should Choose an Engagement Photo Location That Feels 100% Like You

Okay, babes… First things first, let’s talk about why choosing the right engagement photo location is SO important. Your engagement photos?? They aren’t supposed to be some cookie-cutter BS. They’re supposed to feel like YOU!! And that starts with your location. Here are some tips for how to choose where you want this part of your story to unfold!! 

• Choose a place where you’re comfortable. You’ll NEVER get those gushy, romantic pictures if you’re not feeling like you can be yourself!! Sometimes this looks like a place where there’s no one else around (think: a mountaintop or a studio), and sometimes it looks like where you had your first date or a fave spot you guys frequent. 
• Pick somewhere with variety. It might just be the Knoxville engagement photographer in me talking, but when your photoshoot has some different backdrops with different vibes?? LOVE THAT!! It’s a small thing that seriously elevates your gallery SO much, so when you’re on the hunt… Be sure to look for that. 
• Consider the crowds. Being around hella people might be your thing (we love an extrovert!!), but for your engagement photos, think about how the location holds guests. You probably don’t want a ton of people in the background of your photos, so picking a location that isn’t too crowded (or a time when there are fewer people around) is usually key!! 
• Find a place that fits your personalities. Again, your engagement photos should feel like YOU!! Think about what things you like to do together and incorporate that into your session. Hiking? Bowling? Picnics?? I’m SO here for it all!! 

Some of my FAVE Engagement Photo Location Ideas for a Unique Engagement Photoshoot

Unique engagement photos are my JAM, so TRUST that I have a ton of ideas for engagement photo locations!! 

• Hotels and bars (obvi!! We’ll talk allll about these later, though.)
• Arcades – the neon lights? OBSESSED. The playful pictures we get? Adorable!! If you two are gamers and have a little bit of retro spirit, consider somewhere like Token Game Tavern for your engagement photo location. 
• Rooftops – because the Knoxville skyline always has me GAGGED. I’ll be forever in love with rooftop engagement photos here!! 
• A thrift store – if you’re a little funky like me, you’d probably love a thrift store engagement photoshoot just as much as I do. 
• An art museum – the Knoxville Art Museum is CRAWLING with super cool, editorial spaces, and I’m seriously DREAMING of an engagement shoot here!!
• A bowling alley – again, playful shots and some spunky energy?? SO here for it. Check out Maple Hall if you’re looking for a bowling alley engagement photoshoot in Knoxville!!

These are just a few, because, trust me… Knoxville is a GOLDMINE for engagement photo locations. And if you don’t believe me, just check out Katie and Falon’s session with photos from all around the city!!

Your Guide to Bar Engagement Photos (And the Best Engagement Photo Locations for Them in Knoxville)

Bar engagement photos are forever some of my faves. There’s something about the dim lighting and you two holding your fave cocktails that just screams, “yeah, we’re cool AF.” They’re always romantic, they’re always a little bit steamy, and you’ll always find me behind the camera, GAGGED. It’s like a little luxe date night, and that’s honestly the BEST kind of energy for your engagement session. 

Who Should Take Bar Engagement Photos

Bar engagement photos are for the couple who’s super chill and laidback. The ones whose date nights look like dancing to live music with a craft beer in hand. The ones who want something a little different than just standing together, holding hands in a field. And if that sounds like you… You’re my kinda people!! 

What to Wear for Bar Engagement Photos

One of my fave things about bar engagement photos?? You can go with SO many different vibes. Outfits can range from super casual to super classy depending on the bar’s atmosphere, and they’re gonna look hella good every time. Here are a few outfit ideas that I’m seriously obsessed with!! 

• A leather jacket + jeans – a classic combo for a little bit of a grungey feel. 
• A white fitted dress – Maci’s dress in these photos?? The actual BLUEPRINT. 
• Something with some pops of color – an all black outfit with these red platform boots would KILL in bar engagement photos!! 

Best Engagement Photo Locations for Bar Engagement Photos in Knoxville

Knoxville isn’t lacking in the bar category (one of many reasons that I love it so much!!), and there are so many that work REALLY well for bar engagement photos. Here are a few that stay on my list!! 

• The Peter Kern Library Speakeasy in Oliver Royale – the wooden bar, the leather couches, and the blue fireplace STAY fighting each other for the best part of this place. Honestly, though… It just all fits together so well to make the dimly-lit, editorial playground of my dreams!!  
• The Vault – for swanky, old Hollywood vibes… This is the ONE!! Who else can say they took their engagement photos in an old bank vault?? Iconic AF. 
• The Cowboy Cantina – I mean, we ARE in Knoxville!! If you’re picturing taking your engagement photos in a pair of boots with some country energy, don’t pass this one!!

Your Guide to Hotel Engagement Photos (And the Best Engagement Photo Locations for Them in Knoxville)

Hotels constantly DELIVERRR. There’s something about hotel engagement photos that just makes a statement. Not to mention the photo ops we get!! I mean, luggage carts, fun furniture, elevator pics, and overall a hella good aesthetic?? LOVE!!  

Who Should Take Hotel Engagement Photos

If you’re taking hotel engagement photos, you’re either wanting something super classy or super fun, and there’s no in between!! It could be that you’re all glammed up in a business casual outfit, sipping champagne, or that you’re rolling around on a luggage cart through the hotel hallways, and if I’m honest… I love both options SO much!! 

What to Wear for Hotel Engagement Photos

Your outfit will tooootally depend on the kind of hotel shoot you want. If you’re going for those classy, editorial photos, something like Frances by Jenny Yoo is the MOVE. For something a little more fun (and maybe a little funky), I LOVE a retro outfit!! Think big hair, chunky earrings, and a patterned shift dress like Eden by Reformation. 

Best Engagement Photo Locations for Hotel Engagement Photos in Knoxville

Looking for the best hotel engagement photo locations in Knox?? You know I gotchu!! 

• The Oliver Hotel – every corner here is STUNNING. This is a spot with some variety, and you already KNOW I love that. 
• The Tennessean Hotel – a sleek, modern hotel that lets you serve business casual  baddie!!
• Hotel Cleo – exposed brick and wood? That’s my shit!! The atmosphere here is seriously incredible, and it works extremely well as an engagement photo location!! 

How I’ll Help You Choose Your Engagement Photo Location as Your Knoxville Engagement Photographer

Dreaming of bar, hotel, or just any kind of unique engagement photos? LET’S GOOOO!! As a Knoxville engagement photographer who takes these kinds of photos ALL the time, I know allll the best locations. So, TRUST that I’m here to help you pick the one that actually feels like you, babes!! Inquire here about booking me today. Let’s make magic!!