5 Best Places in Charlotte for an Outdoor Photoshoot
Some of the best places in Charlotte for an outdoor photoshoot are extremely accessible, affordable and even free. These are my top favorite locations for photo shoots of all kinds.
McGill Rose Garden
UNCC Botanical Gardens
U.S. National White Water Center
Freedom Park
Chantilly Park
For more details regarding cost, opening times and tips, keep reading.
#1 Best Places in Charlotte for an outdoor photoshoot: McGill Rose Garden
The McGill Rose Garden is one of the best places in Charlotte for an outdoor photoshoot. It is LGBTQ+ friendly, wheelchair accessible and a great place for families with kids and dogs. Due to its popularity, it has a complex schedule of times open for public and private shoots, including weddings.
COST
Entering and photographing in the garden is free of charge during the following times:
The first Monday of every month until 7:00PM
Regular business days, Monday-Friday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturdays 10:00AM - 3:00PM
For the following times outside the above public hours, you or your photographer must have a photography membership pass ($300):
Tuesday-Thursday 4:00PM - 10:00PM
Friday 4:00PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 3:00PM - 11:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM - 8:00PM
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Anyone; especially family or couple’s photography shoots, gatherings, intimate weddings or larger weddings up to 100 people
TIPS:
If you go in summer months, bring bug spray.
Grab a glass of wine at Rosie’s Wine Bar before, during or after your shoot!
The Rose Garden closes for wedding events. Please check this link to make sure the date you’re interested in is not closed for a private event.
You are allowed to plan small picnics here, with your own food (no alcohol) which is a great activity for your photos.
University of Carolina - Charlotte Botanical Gardens
The Charlotte botanical gardens are another one of the best places in Charlotte for an outdoor photoshoot. General admission is free and the curated grounds are a beautiful backdrop for small shoots.
COST
$50 Donation (cash or check only)
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Anyone; especially families, couples and very small wedding ceremonies
TIP
Wedding ceremonies up to 18 people total are permitted, with a minimum 10 day notice and a $100 donation. You must complete this form here.
If you go during specific hours, you can have access to their indoor orchid and succulent room. I highly recommend it.
Before planning a shoot here, check their event calendar to make sure there are no conflicting closures or events.
US National White Water Center
The area around the US National White Water Center is another area in Charlotte great for an outdoor photoshoot. From the parking area, there are a number of wooded trails accessible at no cost.
COST
$6 parking
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Families with young kids or pets who want to move around a lot and be in the woods.
TIPS
In the very back of the parking lot there is an open area.
The Academy trail is a flat, easy trail that opens up to tall grass and blue sky.
The Lake Loop Trailhead and Parkway Loop Trailheads are also nearby
Be sure to be mindful of mountain bikers and runners who you may be sharing the trail with.
Bring bug spray
Dogs are allowed
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a large park on the southside of Charlotte with a number of trails, playgrounds and sports fields. It is also wheelchair accessible and has public bathrooms.
COST
Free
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Couples and families, or larger group portraits.
TIPS
Go early, especially if it’s a weekend. It gets very busy.
Bring your dog!
Chantilly Park
Chantilly Park is a great place for shoots of all kinds, especially those with dogs. It’s also a lesser known park in the city, and tends to be far less busy than Freedom Park.
COST
Free
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Couples and families with dogs
TIPS
My go-to spot for photoshoots with dogs.
Bring bug spray in the summer
