With the days getting longer, golden hour sessions are soooo back, baby! We are out of those studios and taking a break from in-home or coffee shop sessions and getting back into nature. Being a photographer in Pittsburgh for the last six years, I’ve been to all the best (and worst) locations, and there’s a few tried & true spots as well as a few unique or off the beaten path spots that I’ve really come to love! If you’re planning for your engagement photos and looking for a great outdoor location, consider checking out some of these places!

1. The Mexican War Streets

This location will forever be my favorite in Pittsburgh- from the NYC style brownstone streets, to Allegheny Commons Park, and the unique and colorful vibe at Randyland, The War Streets offer a little bit of everything and is genuinely my favorite place to document any type of session in all of Pittsburgh!

2. Hartwood Acres & Stables… & Wildflower Field

Hartwood Acres is another spot that gives you a little bit of everything; the mansion has an elevated look, the stables give you more of a rustic vibe, and the flower field (a quick drive from the stables & mansion) gives you full nature vibes especially if you’re there at the right time of the year!

3. North Park

This park is HUGE and truly has and endless amount of areas to stop at for photos- my personal favorite is Marshall Island, but just taking a drive around the park and stopping at all the spots that look pretty can easily fill up the time of your engagement session and give you lots of versatility in your gallery, all while being in pretty much one location! For me, this is a classic favorite outdoor location for Pittsburgh engagement photos.

4. Downtown Pittsburgh & The North Shore

Taking a walk along the river in the North Shore or at Point Park before making a quick drive to a rooftop downtown really gives you allll of the Pittsburgh vibes, so this is perfect if you’re a real Yinzer! I love the yellow bridges, because they’re such a staple of this city. Ending on a rooftop right at golden hour with the city skyline behind you gives fun, big city vibes, too!

5. Outdoor Pittsburgh Engagement Photos – Honorable Mentions

A few honorable mentions because I don’t photograph in these locations often, but they’re a nice change of pace when you’re looking for a location for outdoor Pittsburgh engagement photos, but want something a little different than where most people are going! Some of these ones are also a bit of drive (about an hour) from the city, but they’re definitely worth the trip!

1. Allegheny Cemetery
2. Peter’s Lake
3. McConnell’s Mill
4. Color Park & The Highline
5. West End Overlook
6. Fall Run Park

I’ve got plenty more locations, both indoor & outdoor, up my sleeve so if you’re looking for an engagement photogapher, I’m you’re girl. Better yet, engagement photos are included in all of my wedding packages- so slide into my inbox & let’s work together!