The Four Best Places To Do Outdoor, Architectural Engagement Photos in Downtown Lincoln, NE

Yay!! You’re engaged!!! Now it’s time to pick a spot for your engagement photos! The options are endless and choosing just one or two spots can be overwhelming. You want a location that feels just right—with natural light, a beautiful backdrop, and a vibe that matches yours. Downtown Lincoln has so many stunning locations, all with their own style, so we’ll be sure and capture your love story in a place that feels like you! 

Here are the 4 best places to take outdoor, architectural photos in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Number One: A Parking Garage

Sure, a parking garage may not seem like the most romantic location for date night-inspired engagement photos, but trust me, there is something about the open space, the golden hour glow, and the city skyline that brings out the romance and the fun in people. 

Plan for an evening session, when the cars are gone and the sun is about to go down over the city. We’ll climb up to the top level and have the entire place to ourselves. The light reflects beautifully and the buildings in the background will give you the downtown vibes you are looking for. And if you have a vintage car you’ve been hoping to showcase in your engagement photos, this is the location to do it! 

Number Two: A Coffee Shop

Maybe you and your love are regulars at your neighborhood’s little coffee joint. Or maybe you love venturing out to find new spots on the weekend. Or maybe you just love that coffee shop feel. 

Coffee shops are a great spot to grab some unique and cozy engagement photos. I love The Mill in downtown Lincoln. They’ve got the yummiest drinks and the very best city vibes. You’ll grab yourselves a cup of your favorite warm drink and cozy up. This is the perfect location for some gorgeous through-the-window photos of you and your fiancé snuggled up. Then, whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall we can take a walk, coffee in hand, sit outside on the patio, or find a little bench on the corner. 

Number Three: Grand Manse

If you’re looking for stunning architecture and those timeless, old-money vibes, Grand Manse is the place to go! This historic downtown Lincoln gem was built in 1904 and is often called “the old federal building” because it once housed the post office and courthouse. Now, it’s home to gorgeous apartments and event spaces.

Here, we’ll have access to a charming courtyard and fountain, although the fountain may be off depending on the season. And it’s all set against the backdrop of the Manse’s stonework and vintage charm. It’s the perfect mix of history and romance for your engagement photos!

Number Four: Outside the Capitol Building

The Nebraska State Capitol Building is one of my very favorite places to take photos because of the huge variety it offers. Whether you’re taking photos inside or outside, you’ll find unique architecture, wide open spaces, and very few people around. 

The outdoor green space is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the spring and summer. From water features to outdoor balconies to marble steps and stone walkways. This spot never disappoints. The lighting is always great and the crowds are few and far between. Most of the time, we have these spots to ourselves. Whether you’re going for that timeless old-money feel or a classy, modern vibe, the Capitol Building has it all.

Downtown Lincoln is full of unique spots for outdoor engagement photos, and these four spots are some of the best! No matter which spot you choose, I’ll be sure to capture every sweet moment. 

Ready to plan your outdoor and downtown engagement session? Let’s make it happen!