Just 30 miles south of Philly, Wilmington, DE is a hidden gem nestled along the Delaware River. This area is steeped in early American history, bursting with art and architecture, and home to a quietly iconic legacy: the du Pont family. Their influence shaped much of the city’s most romantic and photogenic landmarks that feel pulled from the pages of a period drama. I rounded up five photo-worthy locations for engagement photos in Wilmington, DE, to capture the magic of this magical season!
Read More: Best Modern Photography Trends to Try During Your Engagement Session
Nemours Estate
When I sit and drink in this image of the front of Nemours Estate, all I can think of is that scene from The Holiday. Jude Law and Cameron Diaz running up and down the lawn in front of that beautiful old English manor in the Cotswolds, exploring their blooming romance. It gets me every single time.
Somehow, you get all of that romance and more at this stunning French manor house, which, conveniently, is just a few minutes from my house!
Sprawling lawns, winding garden paths, stately statues, and sparkling fountains adorn this property in the most picturesque way. And I guarantee you’ll find a new favorite photo every time you look back at your gallery.
These statues look like they’ve overheard centuries of secrets…
You can see a full session from Nemours Estate here: French Inspired Engagement Photos in Wilmington DE
Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar
Although you can’t get married here, you can still get blissfully lost at Marian Coffin Gardens during your romantic engagement photoshoot in Wilmington, DE. The best part of this venue is that there’s always something blooming on the property! No matter what time of year you get engaged, the grounds offer a kaleidoscope of natural beauty throughout the seasons.
From their website, here’s a glimpse of what blooms throughout the year (aka: nature absolutely showing off):
- Spring: azaleas, magnolias, Spanish bluebells, tulips
- Late spring: peonies and iris
- Early summer: roses, lamb’s ear, water lilies, catmint
- Summer: crape myrtles, Asian lilies, gladiolus
- Fall: rich foliage and cozy golden tones
“Sometimes since I’ve been in the garden I’ve looked up through the trees at the sky and I have had a strange feeling of being happy… Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden – in all the places.”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
Planning tips you can steal for your upcoming engagement photos in Wilmington DE: How To Prepare for Your Philadelphia Area Engagement Session
Bellevue Park
Likewise, Bellevue Park is one of those places that feels endlessly versatile. One minute, it’s hosting a tranquil countryside picnic, the next, it’s very “historic estate where a Regency romance could absolutely unfold.”
Bonus: You would not believe how many venues are available to tie the knot within Bellevue’s 271 magnificent acres. This park is basically a choose-your-own-adventure book for couples who like options.
Choose from:
- The Tim Ross Memorial Music Garden
- The Bandshell
- Mount Pleasant Meeting House
- Hunter Barn
- Figure 8 Barn
- Bellevue Hall
- The Barn at Cauffiel
Bonus bonus:** Bellevue State Park is also one of my favorite elopement locations for couples who want something intimate, nature-forward, and quietly romantic without sacrificing beautiful backdrops.
You said you like options, right? Here’s some more! 18 Luxury Wedding Venues Within 90 Minutes of Wilmington, DE
Winterthur Museum and Gardens
The romantic estate house at Winterthur transports you to a bygone era; the opulent 175-room mansion is over 96,000 ft², and the grounds are home to one of the last early 20th-century gardens in existence.
This venue is a go-to for couples who love history, beauty, and a little drama (the good kind). If you want your engagement photos to feel timeless—like they could live happily in any decade—Winterthur delivers every single time.
Undoubtedly, you’ll experience formal gardens, secret pathways, museum-level architecture, and a sense that you might stumble upon Bilbo Baggins behind every grassy knoll.
Learn all about planning your Winterthur engagement session and see a full gallery from this iconic venue in my latest post: Things to Know Before Planning Your Winterthur Engagement Session
Hagley Museum
Hagley is for couples who love a little edge with their romance. You can explore historic buildings, riverside paths, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family.
The textured backdrops you’ll encounter within these 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine are perfect if you want your gallery to feel layered and intentional. The area is moody, interesting, and full of visual variety.
Bonus: Hagley is also a stunning option for couples planning a small, intentional elopement ceremony! (Especially for couples drawn to historic settings, riverside views, and a cinematic feel)
Read More: 7 Popular Wedding Photography FAQs Answered By A Philly Wedding Photographer
Booking Your Engagement Photos in Wilmington, DE
All things considered, Wilmington is chock full of picturesque venues for engagement photos. Between the grand estates and romantic gardens, to the waterfront views and historic landmarks, you’re spoiled for choice around here. Each of these five stunning locations offers a distinct backdrop for meaningful, romantic engagement photos!
Lindsey Ford is a Pennsylvania and Delaware wedding photographer capturing engagement photos and weddings all over the East Coast, including Wilmington, DE, and is ready to document your special moments artfully. If you’re ready to book your Delaware engagement photos, inquire here!
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