Cypress Gardens feels like a space lost in time. This iconic location has been featured in numerous publications and movies, giving you a photo-ready spot ready to share a romantic moment. As a destination wedding photographer, I recently got to take engagement photos here, and let me tell you, this spot is just as magical as it seems! Here is why I think you should consider Cypress Gardens engagement photos.
About The Cypress Gardens Engagement Photos Location
3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461
If Cypress Gardens seems familiar to you, you’re not alone. Located just outside of Charleston, this nature reserve has been featured in a number of things, including the movie The Notebook. From the second you arrive, it’ll be perfectly clear why this was picked as the spot for one of the most romantic movies of all time! The 170-acre park features secluded wetlands and historic ruins dating back to the 18th century. While the land was originally part of the Dean Hall rice plantation, it fell into disrepair until the Great Depression, when it was transformed into a nature reserve complete with over 4.5 miles of trails. Today, it stands as a rich display of all the diverse backdrops Charleston has to offer!
Photography Opportunities
Cypress Gardens is filled with incredible spots ready for your engagement photos. The favorite option out here is definitely the swamp. The gardens will let you rent out a swamp boat that you can take out yourself over the water. They have a trail marked so you can know where to go to get the best pictures (while staying away from the alligators!). When I worked here for an engagement session, I grabbed some pictures of the couple rowing their boat and making their way past the trees covered in Spanish moss. They also shared a kiss next to the white bridge. Their reflection in the water was positively ethereal!
Once you are done here, you can take some pictures out on the trails. The gardens give you a range of backdrops, including an event gazebo, lush perennials, and the historic stone ruins.
Special Details to Know
Cypress Gardens tends to be pretty flexible when it comes to your engagement photos. They let you take pictures on the grounds and don’t have strict requirements for permits. You will need to pay the price of admission for you, your partner, and your photographer. You will also need to stick to their business hours and make sure you get out before the self-guided boat tours close. Additionally, keep an eye on the schedule ahead of time. The location hosts tons of events, including summer camps and weddings. You can email the gardens ahead of your trip to make sure you don’t face any conflicts.
Set The Tone For Your Special Day With Some Cypress Gardens Engagement Photos
If you have been looking for a perfectly dreamy location for your elopement or engagement photos, Cypress Gardens is your spot. With film-worthy backdrops, you are about to have gorgeous pictures celebrating your unique love story!
Are you still searching for your photographer? Then I would love to chat! As a destination wedding photographer, I love working with couples to plan their ideal celebrations all across the globe! I would love to tell you all about my style so you can decide if I’m the person to capture your adventure. Send me a message today to find out more!
