Maymont Park continues to grow in popularity as a favorite among couples to take engagement photos, and it is very easy to understand why. The park is an oasis of hidden gems, vibrant flora and fauna, perfectly manicured gardens, all set against the backdrop of a Gilded Age mansion.
As a Virginia wedding photographer, I adore any opportunity I get to take couple sessions or engagement photos at Maymont Park. I feel like there’s always something new to discover each time I visit. It’s also not surprising that Maymont is quickly becoming one of my clients’ top choices for engagement photos.
Read on to learn more about what planning an engagement session at Maymont Park looks like!
Your Guide to Planning Engagement Photos at Maymont Park
Built in 1890, Maymont is a gorgeous Victorian-style estate situated on 100 acres of land. It is an iconic location in Richmond and one of the reasons I love having engagement sessions here is that is has so many different themes you could create with your engagement photos – whether you want whimsical garden photos, engagement photos with a fairytale castle vibe, elegant, timeless photos, the list goes on and on!
If you want to take photos at Maymont Park, you don’t need a permit to do so, and entry into the park is free – wins all around! As this is a fairly popular location, I recommend planning your session either when the park first opens or to catch the beautiful golden hour rays an hour before the park closes at 7:00 pm, if you want to avoid the crowds.
Where to take your engagement photos in Maymont Park
One of my top recommendations (and personal favorite spot) to take photos in Maymont Park is in the gardens. Because of the styles of the gardens and different architectural pieces throughout them, you can really get a fun and unique European-esque backdrop by taking some photos here!
Here’s an overview of what I consider to be the best spots to take photos in Maymont Park:
The Italian Garden
The Italian Garden features beautiful stonework and lush greenery, complemented by a pergola and a column-lined walkway. This garden combines the classical elements of geometric design, a plethora of colors, multiple levels, and charming historic vistas to create an unforgettable backdrop for your photos.
The Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is drastically different from the Italian Garden. These gardens are cool, shaded, and intimate. Here you’ll find multiple water areas, cherry blossoms, a traditional archway, and plenty of secluded spaces to discover.
The specialty gardens
Maymont Park offers an abundance of diverse spaces to explore, admire, and provide a variety of backdrops for your engagement session, including the specialty gardens.
The specialty gardens comprise of: The Carriage House Garden, The Grotto, Maymont Mansion’s Ornamental Lawn, The Via Florum Garden, and many more. To learn about all of the specialty gardens you can find at Maymont Park, go here!
In front of the Maymont Park Fountain
The fountain at Maymont is absolutely stunning and a great spot to grab a few pictures with your partner. It’s a clean, well-maintained spot with a gorgeous open background behind it. Also, even when the fountain is turned off, it remains an enchanting spot for photos.
Additional important tips about Maymont:
- It is best to park at the Hampton Street entrance to be closest to the mansion and gardens
- If you are heading to the Japanese gardens, the hill is fairly steep – plan to wear comfortable shoes. Once you’re at the Japanese gardens, you can swap your shoes for the shoes of your choice.
- Maymont is very crowded on the weekends and evenings, particularly in the spring, so we will want to plan your session around the busiest hours so you can have the best experience possible
When is the best time of year to take engagement photos at Maymont Park?
This is one of the most common questions I get from my clients who want to plan a session here. Personally, I would recommend planning a session here in the spring because everything is starting to bloom, and the cherry blossom trees are an absolutely magical backdrop for your photos.
However, with that being said, summer and fall are also beautiful times to plan a session here – it’s also possible to plan a winter session, as the park is open all year round, but be prepared for the drop in temperatures if you do decide to plan your session during this time of yar.
One other thing to keep in mind is that Maymont Park hosts numerous private events throughout the year. It’s best to confirm with the park prior to your session that they are not closing early for any private events on your selected dates.
Other locations near Maymont Park for Engagement Photos
If you want to mix Maymont Park with some other stunning locations in Richmond, here are some other spots I’d recommend for your engagement session nearby:
- VMFA
- The Virginia House
- Libby Hill
- Downton Richmond
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden
- Virginia State Capitol
- Canal Walk
Ready to Take Your Engagement Photos at Maymont Park?
I hope you found all this info on planning an engagement session at Maymont Park helpful! Maymont Park is a truly stunning backdrop for dreamy, romantic engagement photos that you’ll admire for years to come.
And…if you’re still looking for the perfect photographer in Richmond to take photos for your engagement session, I’d love to learn more about your love story. We can discuss planning an entire engagement session at Maymont Park or talk about combining the park with different Richmond engagement session locations – whatever feels perfect for you and your partner! You can click here to get in touch or learn more about my services here!
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