Moraine State Park- Bear Run Boat Ramp
Bear Run Boat Ramp:
Bear Run Boat ramp is located within Moraine State Park in Butler County. It offers options from beautiful, lush fields, stunning colors in the fall, and serene views of the lake. Parking is free and there are plenty of spaces within walking distance of the photo locations. The bathrooms are open from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Morning or early evening session will work with this location.
McConnells Mill and Hells Hollow
McConnells Mill
Located in Butler County, this location has become more popular in recent years so morning sessions are best for this location. Parking is offered near the Mills but is limited. Additionally the road down to the Mill is windy and low riding cars may bottom out. Parking is offered in two different lots but require walking or carpooling to get to photo locations. The best thing about this park is that offers colors year round thanks to the lucious pine trees that surround the park and trails.
Hell's Hollow
Hell's Hollow is a small waterfall located within McConnell's Mill Park. Getting to the falls is easy and not far from the parking lot which makes this trail popular. Mornings would be best for this location. This location can be combined with the Mill but time will need to be allotted for travel time.
Ohiopyle and Cucumber Falls
Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle is a beautiful location for summer and fall photos. It is an outdoor lover's playground which makes morning sessions perfect to help avoid crowds. There is plenty of parking but cell phone service is spotty. Confirmation of location must be made with photographer prior to sesssion to avoid confusion.
Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls is PA's own version of PNW waterfalls and for that reason the trail is popular so you know what that means? If you guess morning session, you guessed right! Just like Hell's Hollow in McConnell's Mill, access to the trail and the trail itself are easy making this a popular trail in summer. The parking lot fills fast too so if you are looking to combine Ohiopyle trails and Cucumber Falls, it would be best to start with Cucumber Falls first and bring a change of clothes.
Preston Park
Preston Park
Located in Butler County, this adorable park is simply gorgeous for spring, summer, and fall photos. The pond at the bottom of the hill reflects the surrounding trees and colors, making it seem as if you are floating in the clouds. There a large, free parking lot so no need to worry about parking. Bathrooms are also open in season. Morning or early evening sessions work with this location.
Grove City Park- Enchanted Forest
Grove City Park- Enchanted Forest
Yes, you read that right. This location is like stepping into a storybook forest. Located in Mercer County, this location stays green year round and is beautiful no matter what season it is, thanks to the lush green pine trees that surround the area. Morning or early evening session would work well with this location. Parking is free and not far from photo location.
Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park
Located in Beaver County, this location is beautiful for spring, summer, and fall sessions. The session site is a small walk from the free parking lot and offers options from creeks, pathways, and open fields. Morning and early evening session are perfect for this location.
Sewickley Heights Borough Park
Sewickley Heights Borough Park:
Located in Allegheny County, Sewickley Heights Borough Park is beautiful in all seasons and is very dog friendly! From open, grassy fields, to winding pathways and trails this locations offers different backgrounds based on your location within the park. Morning or early evening session will work for this location but may be busier in the evening. Parking is free and not far from photo locations. However, there are no bathrooms within the park.
Peters Lake Park
Peters Lake Park
Like McConnells Mill and Grove City Park, this location keeps its color year round, making it a perfect location for all seasons. Located in Washington County, Peters Lake park offers a serene pine tree pathway circles the small lake. Close by, there is a small dock that allows room for small families to pose and cuddle on. Parking is free and not far from photo locations. Morning or early evening sessions work with this location.
Mingo Creek Park
Mingo Creek Park
Also located in Washington County, Mingo Creek Park is a popular park that offers not one but two covered bridges. From pathways and trails, open fields, covered bridges, and creeks there is something here for every vision. This park is perfect for spring, summer, and especially fall sessions. There's plenty of free parking throughout the park along with bathrooms that are open in season only. Morning or early evening session will work for this location but may be busier in the evening.
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens:
Located in Allegeheny County, this location is just stunning! From beautifully manicured lawns, vibrant fields of flowers, zen ponds and lily pads, this location offers a variety of backgrounds for your photos. This location does charge an additional fee to use the grounds for up to 2 hours. Parking is available close to the welcome center, where check in and bathrooms are located. Times for this location are set by the Gardens.
Hartwood Acres
Hartwood Acres:
Located in Allegheny County, this VERY popular location includes an elegant mansion, flower garden, and generous plots of land. Because of its beauty, it is an extremely popular location for everything photo related, including weddings. Mornings are the best time for this location. Free parking is offered close to photo locations.
Mellon Park
Walled Garden at Mellon Park
Nestled with in Oakland, PA is this gorgeous park. The grounds and flowers are maintained by Phipps Botanic Garden so in the spring, summer, and fall you expect to see beautiful florals throughout the grounds. The marble wall and fountain give this location a unique touch that is not seen often. Given the location, this spot is extremely popular and wedding parties ( yes multiple wedding parties) can be spotted here along with other sessions. Mornings are best for less crowds. Parking is located outside of the park and is paid through Saturday and only Sunday is free.
North Shore
North Shore
North Shore is the perfect spot for Pittsburgh lovers and sports lovers alike. Backdrops include Heinz Field and PNC Park not to mention the beauty of the City of Bridges. From the iconic bridge photo to the pop of color from the Andy Warhol alleyway to the unique achitecture of the professional buildings there is something to suit every Pittsburgh lovers needs. Mornings only for this location. Evening sessions are not offered. Parking garages and onstreet parking are nearby.
Mellon Institute, Schenley Park, and Phipps Botanic Gardens
Mellon Institute
Located across from the University of Pittsburgh, the mable columns add an elegance to your photos. It also offers coverage in the event of rain. This location is another popular spot for weddings so mornings are best for this location. On-street parking is the only option available and is paid through Sunday. This location can be combine with either Phipps, Schenley or both!
Schenley Park
This park is a little slice of heaven located in the heart of Oakland. The Welcome Centers architecture adds a special touch to your photos. The cobblestone pathway in fall is surrounded by yellows and oranges of all the trees. This location is perfect for spring, summer and fall sessions. Mornings are best for this location but evenings can work but will be busy and crowded. Only paid on-street parking is available.
Phipps Botanic Garden
Located across the street from Scenley is Phipps Botanic Garden. The elegant greenhouse is a beautiful backdrop in all seasons. If you are looking for the lush gardens in addition to the greenhouse, then spring, summer, and fall is the best time to choose this location. The grounds are free to use outside but inside the Botanic Gardens is an additional fee. This location is also a wedding venue so mornings are best for this location. Parking is. paid on-street parking only.
Point State Park
Point State Park
Another iconic Pittsburgh location that offers Heinz Field, PNC Park, Mt Washington, and Carniege Science Center as your backdrop. The park itself offers a large quad with pathways on either side as well as pathways along the river. The fountain runs from mid-April to mid-late fall so spring, summer, and fall sessions only for this location. Additionally this park does get crowded and hosts many events so its important to keep this in mind when choosing a date. Mornings are best but early evenings can work with this location.
Coopers Rock State Park, WV
Coopers Rock State Park
Location in West Viriginia and 40 mins from Deep Creek, MD, Coopers Rock offers breathtaking views of the Cheat River Canyon. This location is ideal for all the adventure lovers, who love to explore the outdoors. While the overlook is just a few steps away from parking, the rest of the photo locations require some light walking. The state park does require a $50 fee for all photo sessions held at this location and small travel fee would apply for this location.