As I sit here today and write about the “top 5” locations for engagement photos in Rhode Island, I need to recognize my bias. I mean… how do you really pick a top 5 of something? I know that I picked these locations according to my own artistic vision, experience, and preferences as a Rhode Island-based photographer which makes me a little biased… so, yea. These are five of my fave locations to work with couples in the Ocean State. Did I mention they are all DOG FRIENDLY photo locations? Told you I was biased (I love dogs, ya’ll).
Jamestown (located in southern Newport County) is wildly underrated. Seriously, even some people who were born and raised in R.I. haven’t found their way to Jamestown which blows my mind. Fort Wetherill State Park houses serene little coastal coves as well as a very old and abandoned artillery fort. The old fort (used during the Revolutionary War) can be used as a backdrop for some really fun & edgy photos if you’re into that kind of thing. It’s decorated top-to-bottom by some of the coolest & most intricate graffiti art. The image above only gives a small taste of what this fort has to offer; you could spend hours walking around and viewing all the graffiti on its walls. If you’re feeling daring, you can even explore the (extremely dark and wet) tunnels of the fort. It’s crazy spooky, but it’s pretty interesting to adventure in.
Let’s get back to the coves. If you couldn’t already tell from the images above, I love the park for those beachy rocky inlets. The area reminds me of Acadia National Park in Maine or the Oregon coast or something. It’s truly breathtaking. This park tends to be a much less popular tourist hangout when compared to the sandy public beaches of Rhode Island, so you often get the place to yourself! The inlets are quiet and serene, which is perfect for an engagement session. Couples have the opportunity to feel comfortable in their private little cove without so many eyes on them. It’s my belief, of course, that this leads to more natural moments, less discomfort on the couple’s part, and a gorgeous final gallery of engagement images.
Last thing I have to say about this park… fun fact! Some scenes from Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (2012) were filmed on the exact cove pictured above! Pretty dang cool if you ask me.
The East Side of Providence is an area of Providence that I love because it always makes you feel at home. Well, I mean, … for me it’s literally home. I live there, so of course it feels homey to me. That being said, it’s absolutely lovely and gives off the best small city vibes. Providence is itty bitty compared to other nearby cities like Boston, Hartford, or New York. The size, or lack there of, totally adds to the charm. There are so many colors, textures, and cool little alleyways to explore.
Ah, Colt State Park is really somethin’. The park is located in Bristol, RI which is right on the water. This park offers scenic stone walls, fields, bushes blooming with flowers, a gorgeous footbridge, woodsy paved trails, marshland, tall grass AND a perfect view of the ocean (not pictured). There’s a ton of space to explore so you don’t have to worry about other patrons getting in the background of your photos.
I think one of my favorite things about Colt State Park is the variety it offers all within one location! You can take photos for 45 minutes and make it look like you went to five different scenic locations when, in reality, all of your photos were taken at the same place! Not to mention, Bristol RI has an abundance of small businesses and cute spots to eat at & visit not too far from the park! You can make your engagement session a whole date day with your partner… how cute would that be? Just an idea, but I mean… you should do it!
Chase Farm is totally a Rhode Island photographer fave. Located in Lincoln, RI (northeastern corner of RI). Chase Farm is a cute little spot in close proximity to Lincoln Woods where, if you so please, you can visit some sheep, cows, & mules when you’re not running around and posing in the wide-open grassy fields.
Chase Farm is a crowd favorite because the backgrounds for your images are simple, rustic, and beautiful. If you’re into the casual, laidback, lets-get-our-shoes-dirty-vibe, then this is a perfect location for you! The sunset lighting is AMAZING here with the open fields and you get to have so much space to yourself! It’s easy to access from the highway, under 20 minutes from Providence RI, and, if you have time, you can stop by Lincoln Creamery afterwards for some DELICIOUS ice cream with so so so many flavors to choose from. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
If you know Rhode Island, you must know Narragansett Beach! Narragansett, RI (located on the southern coast of RI) is a summer hot spot! The beach lies along Ocean Road where you can walk to cute areas to eat and shop. Sometimes they even offer free summer concerts at the gazebo by the water. And let’s not forget the gorgeous sea wall! This entire area has so much to see.
Usually, people know Narragansett beach by the towers in the background there- you see ‘em? The Towers just happen to be a historic icon of the area that’s used for events (like weddings, hint hint) and other private functions. It’s a classic spot to visit if you’re in Rhode Island. This is a great location to ensure a scenic background while getting the wind in your hair & listening to the waves which both make for some pretty fun shots!
Narragansett Beach is one of the more popular sandy beaches I mentioned previously. These beaches are breathtaking year round, but they can be pretty busy in the summer. I always suggest sunrise sessions to avoid crowds because, even on RI’s coldest days, people like to go walk the beach and listen to the waves at all hours. This beach is dog friendly from October 1st to March 31st and, in the summer, you can pull off bringing your leashed pup if you go VERY early in the morning or after the beach closes & lifeguards go home for the evening.
These five locations are just the five that came to mind but I have SO many more favorites. There’s The West Greenwich Sand Dunes, Lincoln Woods, Newport Cliff Walk, Roger Williams Park, Beavertail State Park, the Mogehan Bluffs on Block Island, and about a billion more. For such a small state, Rhode Island has a ton to offer!
recently engaged & local to Rhode Island?
Let my help you out! Seriously, reach out any time. I would love to help you plan, photograph your engagement, and pick the perfect location for you & your partner!
