6 Scenic Locations for Engagement Sessions in Arkansas

So you’re engaged and now it’s time to look for a beautiful location in Arkansas for your engagement session. Where do you begin? There are so many spots, and if you’re traveling from out of state, or even within the state, it can be intimidating to determine which spot to pick. After all, it is the Natural State, and it’s a beautiful one! As Arkansas Wedding Photographers, here are some of our favorite locations for scenic photos in Arkansas.

1. Petit Jean State Park

This is one of Arkansas’ prettiest state parks. It has some amazing trails that lead to tall stone structures, open spaces that have gorgeous views, and some really unique natural landscapes. If you’re into hiking and being adventurous to get to some amazing spots, we highly recommend Petit Jean State park for engagement photos. Especially if you plan for one of Arkansas’ beautiful sunsets.

2. Triple Falls, Jasper, AR

Ok! So hear us out. The drive to this spot always feels a little sketchy, because of the really steep incline and road to get there. BUT, the best part is once you make it there and get a parking spot, you have about a 5 minute walk to the gorgeous Triple Falls. We’ve only been here during the colder months, but we can only imagine what it would look like when everything is green and luscious.

3. Crystal Bridges Art Museum Trails

In Bentonville, Arkansas, there’s a beautiful art Museum in the middle of nature. It’s surrounded by many different biking and walking trails. This is the perfect location when you want to feel like you’re in the middle of the forest, but don’t want to travel to far away from the city. And then you can go to the museum to hang out, or even go to Downtown Bentonville and enjoy all the little shops and restaurants.

4. Devils Den State Park - Yellowhead Trail

We LOVE Devil’s Den State Park!!! So much that we had to split it into 2 different locations. This first one consists of hiking on the Yellowhead Trail. This is a fairly moderate hike with many beautiful spots along the way to stop and take breaks or pictures. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get up there, but then you make it to an overlook that looks over the Ozark Mountains and its stunning! But if you don’t want the hike, but still want an adventure, then we recommend the other location.

5. Devils Den State Park - Base Area

Down by the base of Devil’s Den State Park there are some pretty scenic spots as well. This includes hanging bridges, a dam/waterfall, and the creek! Especially when it’s hot outside in the summer, this is an amazing spot to get in the water, and just have a good time. Even if you don’t get in, there are plenty of spots around the creek that are perfect for engagement photos.

6. Mt. Magazine State Park

Welcome to the highest point in Arkansas. Mount Magazine is as gorgeous as the name sounds like it would be. Literally feels like you’re on top of the world. The best part is that we know a couple of spots that don’t require a lot of walking and have an incredible view. Still recommend to bring some good shoes, but we absolutely love coming here.

Where to go?

With so many locations to choose from, it might be overwhelming to choose a location. We are more than happy to help talk over what spot may be the best fit for your engagement session in Arkansas. We have some great experiences at each of these locations and we’d love to create another one for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

Is photo-journalistic style photography for you?

It definitely can be!

It’s one of the things we love the most about wedding photography. We love documenting the day in a way that lets you relive the day when you look back at it.

So what does photo-journalistic mean?

It’s very similar to an editorial style, but it’s heavily focused on the candid and authentic moments through-out the day. When capturing the day, as photographers we tend to be more “fly on the wall” and out of the way so that moments can be as organic as they can. We want you to live your wedding day to the fullest without feeling the stress of having to take photos, but rather focus on what’s happening, taking in the moments, spending time with your friends and family, and most importantly on each other.

Does this mean even our portraits are unposed?

Not necessarily. We like to give some direction on posing, but it’s all meant to get genuine interactions and emotions between the two of you. We always like to say "If you start to get nervous or feel awkward, just turn and look at each other.” This way the only emotions that are reflected are the ones you feel towards each other. And we’ll also make sure to get the best angles and lighting for you too.

Do you also make sure to capture the details from the day?

Of course we do! Our goal is to highlight how the wedding day is unique to you guys as a couple. This means including all the heartfelt details you dreamed up during the planning process that became a reality! Yes, sometimes we might position things to photograph better, but in the end, it’s the details you’ve picked we want to highlight.

Ok! I think this is for me!

As we mentioned, what we want to capture is your unique wedding experience. Every wedding we’ve photographed has been completely different. Even if they have the same color scheme, vendors, etc., they always have unique and special moments. That’s what we love to focus on and highlight. We’d love to chat and discuss all the details you have planned for your day so we can see how to best capture it to reflect the both of you!

Why elope with Elope by JLK Weddings?

Elopement at Brick & Mortar on Union Block

With the pandemic in 2020, something that we saw an increase of in wedding style is that of the elopements. We went from shooting weddings with 200+ guests to that of 20 or less. Even though it was a change in circumstance, its one we hope continues! They’re amazing! They’re intimate, and so special, with your closest friends and family. Of the ones we’ve worked on, the best have been those organized by Elope by JLK Weddings. We wanted our brides to get to know them better so we asked them a few questions.

Elopement at The Lodge at the Winery

1) How do you make elopements special and unique to each couple?

During a consultation, we get to know each couple. Then we create a mood board for them based on our conversations and any inspiration images they share with us. Each detail (bouquet, cake, etc) is customized to reflect their personal style and to all coordinate beautifully together.

Elopement on Private Property

2) We know you plan full weddings, but what made you want to get into customizing elopements?

My (Jessica's) sister eloped in 2018. As I helped her plan, I realized there was a need in our market for elopement planning. There is a whole group of people who don't want a huge, traditional wedding, but want something more special than just going to the courthouse on their lunch break. Our elopements focus on photography as a priority so our couples have their wedding day captured in a really unique way that's tailored to them!

Elopement at Mildred B. Cooper Chapel

3) What advice would you give couples in planning their elopements?

Focus one each other and let us do the rest! Choosing an all-inclusive elopement with JLK Weddings means that all you have to do is dress up, and show up. We'll do the rest! And you can truly enjoy your wedding day without distractions.

Elopement at Mildred B Cooper Chapel

What else can we say about the JLK Weddings team other than if you want something beautifully customized to make your elopement a little more special, we can’t recommend them enough! They partner with some amazing vendors to make the day turn out beautifully. So if this sounds like something up your alley, please reach out to them! And if you want us to tag along with you, just let them know, and we’d be more than happy to be a part of the day.

How to get authentic moments on your wedding day

You want beautiful pictures on your wedding day. You love the special, authentic moments. Here are 4 things you can do to create opportunities to capture authentic moments on your big day.

1. First Moments

Who do you envision standing in front of you for the first time on your wedding day? This is different for every person. Is it your dad? Your girls? Your mom? Or the love of your life? How will they react when they see you? It’s more than just the dress, although you will look beautiful. Its all the years culminating into one moment! How your dad remembers picking you up when you scraped your knee riding your bike for the first time, or the first time your mom walked you into kindergarten, the first time your best friend met you in 8th grade english class, or the first time you met the love of your life. So much goes through their mind, so many special memories culminating into this one beautiful moment. It makes it so real! Whether its before or after the wedding, these first looks are priceless and catered to you! So who do you want to be the first one to see you? Make sure your photographer knows ahead of time so they can capture those moments in the best possible way.

2. Memorable Exits

This part of the night is so much fun!!! It’s the last moments to gather with your friends and family in a unique way. You don’t even have to leave when it’s over. You can have a faux exit and then keep partying if you want. Whether it’s a sparkler, bubble, lightsaber, helicopter, or soul train exit, it should be something that describes you as a couple, and most of all its FUN! This will lead to some VERY authentic moments.

3. Animal Friends

We don’t deserve our pets. We just don’t! They’re there for our best and worst moments. They’re our emotional support animals. We look forward to seeing them every day. They make us laugh and bring a smile to our face. They’re family, and family should be at the wedding, even if they’re arriving on four paws!!! So if you want to have your fur babies at the wedding bring it on! Those pictures will be treasured for years to come.

4. Intimate Moments

Intimate moments are not scripted. These are the moments we truly love to capture!! The day of the wedding can be very busy, so making time to spend with your family and friends will ensure that you get these special moments captured on camera. Don’t worry about posing for the camera! Its like we’re not even there! Just a fly on the wall. You have the best time and we’ll do the rest.

Ideal locations for your engagement session in Northwest Arkansas

First of all, Congrats on your engagement! You must be so excited to start all the future plans for your wedding day. One of those details is announcing that they FINALLY popped the question! Of course you want to share the news with everyone, and engagement sessions are the perfect way to do that. What a better way to share the news than highlighting your excitement and relationship through images that you’ll remember forever. As local photographers in the area, here are some of our personal favorite locations in Northwest Arkansas that are perfect for your engagement session!

Downtown Bentonville

With as much as this small town is growing, it’s definitely got a unique vibe for those who are looking for older architecture mixed with modern art and murals. It’s the perfect location if you want to dress and and get those urban city vibes. And I promise we can make Downtown Bentonville look like a big city. ;)

Downtown Bentonville, AR

Osage Park, Bentonville, AR

This park is fairly new, meaning it opened up during the pandemic. Which was perfect for us since we wanted to be outside. With it’s many ecosystems, you get beautiful opportunities year round. During the spring and summer though, this park fills with tons of wildflowers! It also has many wooden walk ways that make you feel like you’re floating over the beautiful prairies.

Osage Park, Bentonville, AR

Devils Den National Park

This is the spot for the adventurous couples! Not only is this in Northwest Arkansas area, but it’s a gorgeous hidden gem in my opinion. You want to get in the water for some fun shots? Hands down the place to come. There’s also a 30 minute hiking trail that takes you to an amazing overlook above the mountains. Just bring some good shoes to get from one place to another.

Devil’s Den National Park

The Momentary

Another modern & classy spot in the area. A perfect indoor location for when it’s really cold, or raining. Not only are there modern art exhibits, but if you go in the evening, there’s a gorgeous rooftop bar. What’s better than getting cocktails and celebrating your engagement in style?

The Momentary

Lake Atalanta, Rogers, AR

Another beautiful outdoor location that’s extremely gorgeous in the fall. I mean it’s beautiful year round, but super amazing in the fall, as are most spots in Arkansas. It has a beautiful walking trail that takes you around the lake where you’ll find many spots along the way. This is also the perfect spot if you want to bring your Puppers!!! We always encourage to bring your pets. I promise we won’t just focus on taking pictures of them.

Lake Atalanta, Rogers, AR

Needless to say, Northwest Arkansas covers so many different locations, and these were just a few of our personal favorites. We’d love to be able to show you around these parts, and more importantly help celebrate and capture the memories for you to share your exciting news.