Outdoor Locations in Durham, NC for Bridal Portraits
Looking for an outdoor location to take bridal portraits in the city of Durham, NC? Or do you need a place to possibly elope/host an intimate wedding? There are so many places to choose from in Durham, NC. Even though I am a bridal hairstylist based in Durham, I love nature, as do most of my brides! I also love solitude or a low crowd area as well. These are a few of my favorite places in Durham that are off the beaten path, but offer beautiful spaces to take portraits. Some of these locales can be utilized for elopements, intimate weddings or engagement photos too! Let’s explore our options!
Orchard Park
I stumbled upon this beauty on one of my many drives down Duke Street headed towards downtown Durham. One day I just so happened to look to my left and saw these wrought iron gates attached to these large stone posts. It looked like it belonged in a previous time era. The ivy growing along the bottom of the stone posts lends to a romantic feel, which is one of the feelings I incorporate into my bridal hairstyles. Orchard Park is a hidden gem, managed by the city of Durham, and offers a quiet atmosphere with a ton of tree coverage. I can imagine this would be a great background for your bridal portraits if you are a bride that loves the colors of the leaves changing during the fall. Spring time offers blooms of colorful flowers and plants. Late summer lends to a canopy of lush greenery. You can park for free along the street adjacent to the park and you do not need a photography permit(at the time of this writing), to take bridal portraits here. You could also host a small elopement or intimate wedding here with the permission of the City of Durham.
Hill House
Hill House is another hidden gem in Durham located on Duke Street and right beside Orchard Park. I always wondered what this building was when I passed by it. All I knew is I loved the look of the building and surrounding grounds. One day I decided to explore…and found out this place is charming and delightful. Though I did not go inside the house itself, I did peruse the grounds to see what areas my brides could take bridal portraits at or even get married. Landscaping is kept immaculate at all times, plus upon further research, I discovered the Hill House does allow intimate weddings! The house is a 1912 Spanish Colonial style but has all of the amenities we enjoy today. There are stone pillars with wrought iron gates along the sidewalk out front. Free parking is available on the street directly in front of the house, as well as in their designated parking lot in the back of the house. I would highly suggest you get in touch with someone at the Hill House to coordinate bridal portrait availability, requirements and permission to use their property.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
I know, I know, The Duke Gardens is not a low crowd place. However there are so many nooks and crannies(do people say that phrase anymore?) that I had to list it! You can explore this vast 55 acres and not have to worry about another soul infringing on your pictures. There are arrays of flowers, water features, bridges, bamboo trees, walkways, etc for you to choose from. You are safe to go anytime year round, as this place is always kept pristine with beautiful foliage. The Duke Gardens is a popular destination for many brides to do their bridal portraits. Though you cannot have an elopement on the grounds(hopefully this changes in the future), you can have an intimate wedding by getting in contact with their management team. You do not have to be a Duke student or Duke alumni to go to The Duke Gardens, it is open to all. You will have to pay for parking which is charged hourly and able to be paid by credit card or cash. Also, you will need a photography permit to have professional pictures taken here. Even if you don’t choose to have your bridal portraits taken or host an intimate wedding here, this is definitely a place you and your future spouse can come to for a picnic date or just to walk around. Bonus points if you go during the Cherry Blossom season which is in March/April! First thing in the morning is the best time to go for pictures if you want portraits in the entry walkway(as seen in the last picture).
Thank you for reading this far!! Just to recap, these are only a few of many outdoor places to have your bridal portraits taken in Durham, NC. Many of my Durham brides are not local to the area and may need some suggestions. I hope this helps you! These pictures were all taken by myself, so your photographer will be able to direct you and get the best locations for your bridal portraits. If you need photography referrals, let me know! If you think of or discover some additional low key outdoor locations for bridal portraits in Durham, please let me know that too so I can make a part two to this list. Maybe you can become one of my Durham, NC brides who gets a lovely, romantic bridal hairstyle to match the vibes of these locations! See you soon!