5 Gorgeous Locations for Engagement Sessions in Downtown Providence, RI
Downtown Providence RI is not just a lovely food Mecca, but it’s also a great place to have your engagement session portraits made. I’ve lived in Rhode Island for more than twenty years now and I fall in love with Providence every single time I go into town. Home to Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, The Rhode Island School of Design and Providence College, Providence has the eclectic charm of a college town steeped in the rich culture and tradition of New England heritage.
I love photographing couples in Providence because:
It’s really easy to get around the city
Parking is a breeze! I’m known to swerve off the road suddenly and park when I see an irresistible pocket of light
It’s got all of the old world charm of New England that I’ve come to love.
It’s just 30 minutes away from Worcester MA and 40 minutes from Boston.
Just within its 5 square mile radius are so many different locations that afford you a variety of looks. Here are 5 gorgeous locations to consider:
1. THE PROVIDENCE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The newly constructed pedestrian bridge on South Water Street is a thing of beauty and photographer joy! No matter where you stand, its sleek steel and gray construction make you the highlight of every photograph. It also provides an unrivaled view of the Providence Skyline that cannot be beat. Check out pictures from Jenna and Brandon’s late summer engagement session.
2. Waterplace park
Site of the award-winning Waterfire Festival in Providence, Waterplace Park is nestled in downtown Providence, between the canal and the mall. Its cobblestone walkways open to pedestrians only, which keeps us from ducking traffic all the time, and antique railings are an elegant backdrop in your photographs. With the surrounding high-rise apartments, glass buildings, and beautiful brick buildings, your images will have the look of a modern city-side session with none of the crowds or traffic to worry about.
3. Prospect Terrace
Situated high about the city on the hills of the East Side of Providence, this little park provides spectacular skyline views of the city especially at dusk.
4. Benefit Street
Lined on both sides with Colonial Era homes, Benefit Street provides a quaint and colorful backdrop to any photo session. Thanks to the painstaking attention to detail maintained by these historic homes' owners, my couples are often swept up in a romantic euphoria as they walk arm in arm down the street. And while you admire the scenery, I guaranteed your images have clean backdrops with the requisite pop of color that will make your engagement pictures vibrant and fun.
5. State House
The Rhode Island State House is one of my favorite locations for any kind of portrait session. With it’s groomed landscape, this marble building adds grandeur to your image. Thanks to its spectacular lighting design, it is a must-have option for night time portraits in the city.
Honorable mentions:
Given how much I love Providence, I can’t just give you five locations to consider. However since I don’t want to overwhelm you, I figured I’d keep the locations to a minimum and when you’re ready to plan your session engagement session - we can go hunting for the location that suits you best!
Roger Williams Memorial Park
This little piece of green space is an idyllic oasis in the heart of the city.
Kennedy Plaza
A mix of old-world charm and metropolitan bustle, Kennedy Plaza is another of my favorite spots downtown. I usually head here when the vibe of a session calls for motion and excitement.
All the streets with Murals
There are sooo many murals in Providence! SOO many! And because we’re home to one of the best art schools in the country (Rhode Island School of Design), the murals change ALL the time! I love walking the streets of Providence because I know that the murals will be new and chances are, I’ll never get the same image twice!
