Michigan Engagement Session Locations
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Note to Photographers: Please do not copy and paste this information as your own. I have put in tons of money and time scooping out these trails, taking the time to really experience each location for my couples and researching. It would be less than professional of you to just copy and say you know the area and you wouldn’t be doing your couples a service. Take the time to plan your own scouting and write your own experiences.
Michigan Engagement Session Locations
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
The Law Quad
Arcadia, Michigan
Baldy Trail (Adventure Session Upgrade)
AllTrails information: Baldy Dune Trail is a 1.8 mile out and back trail located near Arcadia, Michigan that features a great forest setting. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Length: 1.8 miles (Rated Moderate)
Elevation Gain: 101 ft.
Personal Experience: Shady trail and a very easy hike. Breathtaking views if you go from trail markers 1-2-4-5 and then you will find the dunes and a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. Plenty of photo opportunities and its even easy to stay here til after sunset and hike back in the dark #truestory One of my favorite trails and not too busy during the week. I visited on a Wednesday and Thursday. No bathrooms.
See Also: Clarissa + Mike , Alyssa + Jacob
Birmingham, Michigan
Quarton Lake
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Cranbrook House and Garden
Brighton, Michigan
Brewery Becker
Clarkston, Michigan
Independence Oaks County Park
Clinton Township, Michigan
George George Park
Dodge Park
Proud Lake Recreation Area
Detroit, Michigan
Campus Martius
Belle Isle
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See Also: Carly + Jeff , Ariana + Michael , Taylor + Adam , Kelsey + Jason , Elaine + Joseph
The Rattlesnake
Dexter, Michigan
Mill Creek Park
Empire Bluff Trail (Adventure Session Upgrade)
AllTrails Information: Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Empire, Michigan that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Length: 1.5mi (Rated Easy)
Elevation Gain: 170ft
Personal Experience: Very easy hike. Not many photo opportunities along the way and it is heavily trafficked. I went on a weekday and there was (almost) a full parking lot, but not overflow. Forest and trees along the way, some stairs but very little uphill climb. I just went to the overlook and back and you can keep going along the trail to explore more. The trails past the overlook are closed in the winter time. PERFECT spot to curl up and watch a sunset. Some photo opps at the overlook, but that is where most people hang out as well. There is one waypoint along the way with a gorgeous view!
See Also:
Empire Beach (Adventure Session Upgrade)
TripAdvisor Information: Located a block from downtown Empire the Empire beach is a section of beach National Geographic named one of the top 21 beaches in the world, “pure fresh water and 450-foot bluffs mean eyes-open swimming and vast views over Lake Michigan.” With a pavilion, outdoor grills, and substantial playground, this is the perfect beach for families of all ages. There is also the convenience of vault restrooms and potable water. On the beach, you will find a drive-in boat launch and the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse, built in remembrance of Mr. Manning, a longtime resident who enjoyed fishing here. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings. Parking fees apply.
Length: No hike
Personal experience: The beach is VERY crowded and the parking lot is usually full all the way up to sunset since this is a prime spot for watching the sun as it sets. Past the lighthouse is private property, but you are allowed to walk the shore but not allowed to go on the land.
See Also: Kate + Austin
Treat Farm Trail (Adventure Session Upgrade)
AllTrails Information: The Treat Farm trail is an un-publicized trail within the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. The trail begins with a gravel road gradually sloping up to the 19th century farmstead. Following a look around the farm buildings, the trail continues across the former farm fields to the bluffs' edge overlooking the lake. There are trail options to continue along the bluff for a ways north, or you can retrace your steps and climb the steep Mount Baldy trail for panoramic 270 degree views of the south and west.
Length: 2.6mi (Rated Moderate)
Personal Experience: This was my first experience with a trail less known, but I was down to explore. You follow the woods till you come up to a barn (I went left) and continued through the meadow. There are some photo opportunities at this point. Then you come up to a spot where you either go left to continue on the trail or right up a VERY steep, sandy dune to the top of Baldy Dune. It’s a good 900+ feet up so its hefty, but worth it! You can see a lot from the top up here and it makes for a gorgeous backdrop with water in the background too. Continue on the trail and there are some sketchy/scary parts of the trail where I could slide down some sand or I had to literally climb using tree roots and hoist myself up. Then you come up to a (safer) trail with a beautiful lookout with this one tree kind of growing off the side. If you continue along the trail you connect back up where you were making that Left? or Right? choice and I would have to say, going that way is MUCH easier, but not as exciting/adventurous!
See Also:
Sleeping Bear Dunes (Adventure Session Upgrade)
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Heritage Park
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See Also: Maria + Gavin , McGreal + Michael , Katie + Paul
Frankfort, Michigan
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (Adventure Session Upgrade)
AllTrails Information: Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Frankfort, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Length: 1.7 miles (Rated Moderate)
Elevation Gain: 390 ft.
Personal Experience: Trail marker #4-5 was HARD. Very uphill and at the time I was first scouting…I was a bit tired from previous hikes so that could have played into it. The beach is absolutely breathtaking and pretty much the only part that is really picture worthy, so its a bit of a hard hike to get to, but not too long. The beach is very secluded too. Trail is mostly shaded throughout. There is a point that shows a shipwreck too, but I wasn’t able to see anything from the viewpoint. No bathrooms.
See Also:
Grand Ledge, Michigan
Fitzgerald Park
Honor, Michigan
Esch Road Beach (Adventure Session Upgrade)
nps.gov Information: This beautiful beach is located at the mouth of Otter Creek. It is fun to wade in the warm water of the creek. Walk up the creek to see a variety of wildflowers that line the banks. The creek outlet to the lake can move north or south depending on the wave action on the lake. It can look different each time you visit.
Length: Trails in the surrounding areas, but no hike for the beach.
Personal experience: This was the last stop of the day for me (a day full of adventure, I was tired!) and the view was very easy to get too. A bit more crowded but you are able to venture to areas where there are less people. Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore allows fires on the beach as long as they are between the water and dunes/grassy areas. Plenty of spots to have a campfire, and most were doing so. Gorgeous views. Bathrooms on site.
See Also: Kailyn + Scott
Holly, Michigan
Seven Lakes State Park
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See Also: Halie + David , Ambria + Ryan
Laingsburg, Michigan
Peacock Road Family Farm
Marquette, Michigan
Wetmore Landing (Adventure Session Upgrade)
Permit information: None Needed
Personal Experience: About .5 miles till you start to get to the rocks. You can hike a trail right to the rocks or along the beach and up some rocks. Some scrambling on rocks and tree roots. Some hidden beaches along the way. Vault toilet in parking lot.
Hidden Beach (Adventure Session Upgrade)
Permit information: None Needed
Personal Experience: About a mile hike in from Wetmore Landing Parking Lot. Some scrambling on rocks and tree roots. Some slippery areas, but once you get to the beach it feels very secluded and peaceful.
Mears, Michigan
Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Adventure Session upgrade)
Pure Michigan Information: Silver Lake State Park covers nearly 3,000 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline. While most of that parkland is covered in sugar-sand dunes, the park also includes a four-mile Lake Michigan beach, inland Silver Lake, wooded hiking trails, a campground with boat launches and a towering lighthouse. Adjacent to the state park is the town of Mears with a host of additional lodging options and visitor attractions. The Silver Lake area is tailor-made for summertime family getaways in Pure Michigan.
Length: 2.8mi (Rated Easy) Silver Lake Sand Dunes Loop Trail
Elevation Gain: 278ft
Personal Experience: When the weather is nice the sand perfectly reflects beautiful light right back on you! It honestly it like a whole ‘nother world here…almost like you’re in the desert! Pretty cool spot for Michigan. Plenty of camping in the area as well. This is a popular spot for the adrenaline junkies who bring their toys to play (totally jealous!) but they have designated spots so it’s safe to walk around and explore together. You can either choose to play in the dunes or hike a loop trail or BOTH!! I’m down!!
See Also: Leslie + Andrew , Nusha + Ian
Milford, Michigan
Kensington Metropark
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See Also: Caroline + Joel , Lauralee + Grayson
Monroe, Michigan
St. Mary’s Park
Veteran’s Park
Munising, Michigan
Pictured rocks National Lakeshore (Adventure Session Upgrade)
Minors Falls (Adventure Session Upgrade)
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See Also:
Northville, Michigan
Maybury State Park
Rochester, Michigan
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Adventure Session Upgrade)
Sawyer, Michigan
Warren Dunes State Park (Adventure Session Upgrade)
AllTrails Information: Warren Dunes Trail is a 5.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Bridgman, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Length: 5.1mi (Rated Moderate)
Personal Experience: I hiked from Warren Dunes Campground where I was camping. There is a trailhead from the park where you can do a short hike to the dunes. There is an option to take a longer hike, and also a short hike if you just want to head to everything pretty really fast! Plenty of bathrooms, parking and even some taco and ice cream trucks! So many photo opportunities with dunes in the background.
See Also:
Shelby Township, Michigan
Stony creek Metropark
Permit information: There is no special permit needed for photos. The most popular area the Shelden Pines may be reserved for weddings on the weekends. “Walk-in” photography should not interrupt the time where a rental group is present. Most other areas are accessible at any time.
Personal Experience: The “Tree Spot” is a VERY popular spot for photography. Often times, there are 3-5 other sets of photographers + couples taking photos in this location. If you want more of a private session, the Nature Center tends to be less busy.
See Also: Hannah + Mike , Taylor + Dan , Katelyn + Mike , Rachel + Ryon
Southfield, Michigan
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
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See Also: Jena + Andrew , Sarah + Derek
Traverse City, Michigan
Brys estate Vineyard and Winery (Adventure Session Upgrade)
West Bloomfield, Michigan
Marshbank Park
Drop your favorite engagement session location in the comments below!
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.
