Downtown Phoenix Engagement Session - Roosevelt Row

Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Engagement

Samantha Rose Photography

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I’m so excited to finally put this blog post together from Kelsey & Suresh’s Downtown Phoenix engagement session. When you think of Arizona, you usually picture the red rocks & big saguaros - there is so much more than just the desert out here though. We headed down to Roosevelt Row to capture the urban vibe & murals by local artists. They chose this area because they spent a lot of time downtown & it’s right by one of their favorite bars in Phoenix - Angel’s Trumpet Ale House.

Looking for some of the best areas for photos in Downtown Phoenix? Here are some of my favorites:

• Roosevelt Row

• Heritage Square

• Civic Space Park

• Arizona Center & Park

Know Before You Go:

If you’re planning to have your engagement photos, couples photos, or even your senior photos taken in Downtown Phoenix - here is what to prepare for.

• Bring change to pay for street parking or download the ParkMobile app & pay on your phone. There’s also garages throughout downtown, but if you’re planning to go to multiple areas, street parking is usually easiest. Check out this map here that shows you parking locations downtown.

• Most locations you’re allowed to take photos at, but be respectful of the area & if there’s any signs that say No Photos Allowed - it’s easy enough to find a new area. If you’re planning on taking photos at a coffee shop or restaurant, it’s best to ask before you start if it’s okay.

• There are public restrooms at Heritage Square, but it typically closes before sunset.

• Always check the event schedule for Downtown (specifically Heritage Square) to make sure certain areas won’t be closed off).

Ending your engagement session at one of your favorite local spots (or even somewhere new), is a great way to celebrate & close out an evening filled with photos.

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Ready to book your own engagement session in Arizona? Whether you want city or nature - let’s chat!

Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer.

Why you should have an in-home session with your love

Couples Session - In Home - Phoenix, Arizona Couples Photographer

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Look, I know we’re in Phoenix, Arizona where the temperatures rarely get below 50º in winter & you’re probably used to seeing these cute, cuddly in-home photography sessions in areas that actually get snow… but I’m here to tell you it DOES NOT matter what type of weather is outside! Whether it’s 110º during the peak of Arizona summer or it’s a chilly (by Arizonian standards), cloudy day - anytime is a good time to get close to your significant other in your home.

Here’s why you should have an-home (or apartment) session with your lover:

• You get to stay at home. No traveling! I come to you.

• You can make breakfast or cookies or whatever your favorite food is & I’ll capture it. Making it, eating it, feeding each other - all of it.

• You can even wear your pajamas or whatever comfy clothes you’d usually wear when it’s just the two of you.

• It’s a good way to capture this current stage of life. Whether it’s your first apartment, first home, or just someplace you never want to forget - photos of the two of you in a place that you spend so much time is the perfect way to preserve it all.

• The reality of it is - you can do whatever you want. There’s no rules to follow, no certain way to do things - you guys just have to be yourselves & I do the rest.

Morgan & Erik were so much fun to photograph in their little apartment in Central Phoenix. With candles burning & two cups of fresh coffee in hand, they were ready to cozy up & just be themselves. They picked some comfy, cute clothes to just hang around in & let me be a fly on the wall of what a slow morning looks like for them. The Arizona sun was shining into their living room, giving us the perfect glow the whole time.

And don’t worry - if you think you’re awkward in front of the camera or don’t know what to do with your hands, that’s what I’m there for. I love capturing the natural, intimate moments, but you’re not on your own figuring out what to do. I can help with everything from outfit planning, deciding what time of day is best based on what direction your house or apartment faces & making sure that both of you have a great time. Let me capture your lazy day at home.

Looking for a spot for photos, but not inside? Check out my blog post here about my favorite engagement session locations in Phoenix.

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Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found looking at photos of golden retrievers, finding a new hike, or buying too many plants.

Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix, Arizona

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Where to take engagement photos in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Engagement Photographer

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Anywhere you go in Phoenix for your engagement session photos is going to be beautiful & have their own unique look. Whether you’re wanting the side of a mountain with saguaros or palm trees & water, the Phoenix area has so much to offer. If you have a love for the southwest & adventuring around the desert, these locations are for you.

I’ve created this list of some of my favorite areas that I have photographed engagements & couples in & around Phoenix. If you’re recently engaged & looking for a photographer to help you find the perfect spot to celebrate & capture your love, please reach out!

After reading this blog, let me know which location in Phoenix is your favorite in the comments below!

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Phoenix Engagement Locations

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The Salt River

A little outside of Phoenix located in the Tonto National Forest, the Salt River offers a variety of water views (hopping in the river for photos not required, but definitely extra fun) and mountain backdrops. If you’re looking for something with a more beachy vibe & different from the usual desert backdrop for your engagement photos, this area by Coon Bluff is perfect for engagement or couples photos. If you’re lucky you might even spot some wild horses.

Pro Tip: Bring sandals or water shoes to walk around in because there is actual sand at this area & it can be tough to walk around in any type of heels. Keeping a towel handy is also recommended, just in case you get wet!

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Downtown Phoenix

If you & your love are looking to get away from the cacti & mountains & want a city atmosphere, downtown Phoenix is the place to capture your engagement photos. Offering a variety of murals, alleys, & textures – the colors of the city offer cooler tones & make it easy to either dress up or dress down your wardrobe.

Have a restaurant or bar downtown you love? Grabbing a drink after running around the city can add something special to the end of your engagement session.

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Scorpion Gulch

Located at South Mountain Park, Scorpion Gulch offers a perfect golden glow at sunset. The ruins at the location were originally built in 1936 & operated as a store for many years through the 60s until becoming a bar in the 70s & eventually shutting down. The area was preserved & now is a great spot for capturing your engagement photos in the Phoenix area. The marked paths & easy access make it easy to fit in a variety of backdrops in a small area.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket to sit down for some photos to keep your clothes clean (don’t worry – I always have extras in the trunk of my car).

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Papago Park

Papago Park is a beautiful, public park located in Phoenix near the Desert Botanical Garden & the perfect spot for engagement photos! This park is great if you want a mix of everything – cacti, mountains, palm trees, water, & you can even see the Phoenix skyline in certain areas.

I recommend starting on the north east side of the park, near Hole in the Rock, while the sun is still high in the sky. Then end your engagement session with a great view of the sunset near Hunts Tomb.

Want to explore more of Papago Park? Check out this Phoenix Engagement Session here.

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Lost Dutchman State Park

Although this location is technically located in Apache Junction, AZ – it’s still a part of the Phoenix Metro, making it a great area for engagement photos! The Superstition Mountains offer a unique landscape that you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park has easy, accessible trails, as well as longer hiking opportunities for those that want more adventurous engagement photos.

At sunrise, you’ll have the sun coming up from behind the mountain during your session. And during sunset, the mountains will be lit up with the sun’s glow at the end of the day. Either time of day is sure to give you beautiful, unique photos.”

Take your engagement photos in the spring time for wildflowers!

*Lost Dutchman requires a photography permit to have your session here. Photo permits currently run $50, along with entry into the park which is $7-$10/car.

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Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is another area that offers breathtaking views & something a little different than your typical desert backdrops. Here you can get right next to the mountain & tall saguaros for your engagement photos, all while being surrounded by lake views.

This is a great area for sunset sessions that lead into blue hour. There is a small hike involved that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Check out more photos from Saguaro Lake here.

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Desert Botanical Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in all of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has so much to offer for engagement photos. Whether you want wild flowers, tall cacti, short cacti, or a mix of it all – the colors & layout of this place really show off what makes Phoenix, Arizona unique.

*Pro-Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

*Admission into the garden is required. I’m a member of the Desert Botanical Garden & can get one person in for free & 20% off regular admission.

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I help plan out your whole engagement session – giving advice on time of day to start & taking you to all the best view points.

Check out this blog post all about how to plan & prepare for your engagement session here.

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The Phoenix area has so much to offer when it comes to the perfect location for your engagement photos. Whether you’re looking for the side of a mountain, in the city, or an easy trail surrounded by cacti - you can’t go wrong with any of these spots. These also aren’t the only options, just some of my favorite spots that I’ve captured photographs at. No matter where you choose to have your engagement photos, make it somewhere that feels special to the both of you.

Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling elopement photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found re-watching the Office, drinking too much Mountain Dew, or hiking a new trail.