While most of the time you can find me in North or South Carolina, I do get some amazing opportunities to travel and capture my clients wherever they are in this world. That is exactly what I got to do with these Las Vegas engagement photos for Ken and Allison.
The two were planning a wedding here in South Carolina, which is where Allison is originally from, but they live in Las Vegas and wanted their photos to capture their real life (plus include their dogs because who wouldn’t want that?). I absolutely love being able to capture moments and memories of where you are in your life right now, so I hopped on a plane and headed out to Vegas.
I knew that we were going to be best friends in real life as soon as we talked for the first time, and I was not wrong. It was so much fun hanging out with them during their engagement session, and it made capturing their wedding even more special.
If you’re looking to have Las Vegas engagement photos taken, here are a few location ideas and tips that I have for you!
Locations for Las Vegas Engagement Photos
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
We headed over to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for part of Ken and Allison’s session, and let me tell you, I think college campuses are so underrated when it comes to photoshoot locations.
UNLV has beautiful grassy areas with plenty of space to move around that makes an amazing backdrop. There are also small garden-like areas with small walking paths and plants all around that make it feel like a desert oasis.
One of the best things about this location…you can generally avoid crowds. That can’t be said for most places on this list (and most places in Vegas in general), but this is a great place to go to have a bit more of an intimate session!
Seven Magic Mountains
Seven Magic Mountains is unlike almost anything else you have ever seen. This art installation is in the middle of the desert and features seven different towers of rocks that are all painted in various bright colors.
These rock formations are huge and pop so well compared to the desert around them, making it a great place for photos if you are looking for something a bit more vibrant. There are a couple of things you should keep in mind if you do choose to come here.
One, this really is in the desert. There is no shade, and you will be right in the sun the whole time. I would definitely recommend getting here early in the morning to beat the heat and make sure you bring lots of water.
Two, this is a popular art installation, so there are most likely always going to be people around. While you may not get this place completely to yourself, the earlier in the day you can get there, the better. Plus, you’ll be able to beat the heat a bit, which is a necessity in Vegas.
Three, all of the rock towers are multi-colored, so be sure to plan your outfits accordingly. Since the location is full of color, this may be a great place to wear something a bit more neutral!
Arts District/Freemont Street/Murals
Las Vegas is full of so much amazing art. In fact, there is even an entire arts district that you won’t want to miss out on. There are so many spots around the downtown area and in the arts district that make for the perfect Las Vegas engagement photos.
You can also find Freemont Street around this area, which was the original “Strip” in Las Vegas. There is a lot going on in this area, and it can get crowded, but there are also a ton of unique spots where you can take photos at.
You’ll find colorful murals, bright lights, and even an area called the Downtown Container Park. The Container Park features stores, restaurants, and more built from shipping containers, which gives it an amazing vibe. Plus, there are some amazing art and murals throughout it!
We got to stop at a beautiful mural that was styled after a postcard, and it was so much fun. Not only was this a great way to incorporate the Veags vibe into the photos, but it also added amazing pops of colors to their pictures.
The Las Vegas Strip
You can’t talk about Las Vegas Engagement Photos without mentioning the Las Vegas Strip. Now, while it can be really cool to take photos here, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
One, you will always have people around you. If you want something intimate, or if you are a bit nervous about taking pictures in front of strangers, this may not be the place for you.
Two, prepare for a lot of walking. Odds are you will most likely walk around different parts of the strip instead of driving, so be sure you are in clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in.
While it won’t be the most intimate spot for an engagement session, it’s also one that’s unlike any other. I mean, where else can you take photos in New York City, Paris, Rome, and Italy all on the same day?
Your Own Home
If you want to avoid the crowds altogether or just want something a bit more intimate, your own home is an amazing place to take your engagement photos. Ken and Allison opted for photos at their home for part of their session, and it was so much fun.
Not only are you more comfortable because you are in a familiar place, but it also makes for more memorable photos. You can look back on them in 10 or 20 years and remember the home you shared and where you were when you started your new life together.
Plus, this also gave us the chance to include their pups in their photos without having to bring them around the city!
The Neon Museum
Finally, we have the Neon Museum. This is like a graveyard for all of the neon signs from around Vegas that have been retired. Not only is this a really cool place to visit, but it is also a really unique place to take engagement photos.
The museum actually has a “Portrait Hour” where you and your photographer can do your session in their North Gallery. There is a small fee to take pictures during this Portrait Hour, and you may have other photoshoots going on at the same time, but the photos will be unforgettable.
You can also book a private photoshoot if you would rather be alone during the session or if you want to take photos in the Main Neon Boneyard that features historic signs such as the guitar from the Hard Rock and the Stardust Hotel sign.
Tips for Las Vegas Engagement Photos
Be ready for the weather
Remember that Las Vegas is in the desert. If you are planning an engagement session in the summer, expect temperatures to be over 100º. Bring lots of water, try to plan for indoor locations, and make sure you dress for the weather.
If you can, I would definitely try to avoid outdoor sessions between June and August or September.
Try to plan your session earlier in the day
Plan to have your session earlier in the day. Not only are you going to be able to beat the heat (sometimes), but you are also going to have fewer crowds. Especially if you are planning on doing anything on the Strip or at Seven Magic Mountains, you are going to have a better chance of avoiding the crowds earlier in the morning.
Do your research ahead of time
Make sure you do your research ahead of time to make sure you don’t need to purchase any passes or tickets for any location you are going to during your session. The Neon Museum, for example, can sell out when it comes to their Portrait Hour, so be sure to start planning early!
Whether you are a local or just looking for a unique place for your session, Las Vegas engagement photos won’t disappoint. There are tons of different places to go, from outdoor, nature-filled spots to areas beaming with the Sin City spirit.
Do you think that Vegas is the perfect place for your engagement session? Click the link here to get in touch…my bags are already packed!
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