Coxhall Gardens Engagement Photos | Carmel Wedding & Engagement Photographer
- Cody Bailey
- Sep 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 15
When Liz & Nathan flew in from Portland, Oregon for their engagement session at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, they weren’t sure what to expect. Both described themselves as a little shy and not necessarily “photo people.” But just before golden hour on a perfect September evening, they transformed from nervous to natural, with their laughter and chemistry shining through every frame.
Coxhall Gardens delivers beautiful scenery and playful energy — perfect for couples who want a relaxed yet romantic session. And if you’re still narrowing down the “where” for your photos, this Wed Society article on engagement session location ideas around Indianapolis explores more great options in the area, from classic urban spots to natural landscapes that photograph beautifully.
As a Carmel wedding and engagement photographer, I love guiding couples like Liz & Nathan to feel comfortable in front of the camera. With a mix of candid direction and gentle posing, the results are always authentic, timeless, and uniquely their own.
Why Coxhall Gardens is a Perfect Spot for Engagement Photos
If you’re planning an engagement session in Carmel, Coxhall Gardens is hard to beat. Between the elegant amphitheater, willow trees, and open fields, the variety of backdrops makes it one of my favorite spots for couples. For Liz & Nathan, we timed their session just before golden hour to capture that warm, glowing light that makes the gardens shine.
One of their standout shots? Liz climbing onto Nathan’s shoulders — a playful and unexpected moment that became one of their favorites too. It’s a perfect example of how engagement sessions can surprise you with memories you didn’t even plan for.
👉 Thinking about your own session? Check out some of our favorite Indianapolis photo locations here: Where We Shoot.
Liz & Nathan’s Story
How They Met
“We met on a rock climbing trip. Nathan was going with a mutual friend, and the mutual friend invited Liz to come too. We were camping and climbing together for the whole 3-day weekend!”
Their adventure-filled start carried into their first date — a homemade dinner that didn’t go as planned but still turned into something memorable.
“Nathan had prepped everything to make a lasagna before realizing he didn’t own a pan to bake it in. Liz was already on her way, so we ended up with spaghetti topped with lasagna filling!”
The Wedding Ahead
This November, Liz & Nathan will be tying the knot at the Columbia Club in downtown Indianapolis — a venue with deep family ties for Liz.
“I used to go to the Columbia Club with my family growing up, and always loved the building.”
We can’t wait to celebrate with them there and to share that wedding day soon on the blog!
Their Engagement Session Experience
Like many couples, Liz & Nathan were a bit nervous beforehand:
“We were both a little shy, and worried we might not get great pictures because of it.”
But by the end, they were laughing, trying new poses, and even pulling off a shoulder ride:
“We were surprised that Liz could sit on Nathan’s shoulders! We had never thought to try that before, and it was so fun.”
Their advice for other couples?
“Plan what you’re going to wear a little more in advance — we scrambled last minute and wished we’d thought about it sooner.”
Why Engagement Photos Matter
One of the best parts of engagement sessions is the chance to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day. Liz & Nathan said it best:
“We felt very comfortable. Cody was really good at giving compliments before giving direction, which helped us feel like we were doing okay when we weren’t sure what to do.”
That confidence carried into their session — and will make their wedding portraits feel like second nature.
Why Choose a Carmel Wedding & Engagement Photographer
Whether it’s at Coxhall Gardens or another favorite Carmel or Indianapolis spot, your engagement session should reflect who you are as a couple. My advice:
Timing matters: Golden hour provides the best light.
Outfits matter: Coordinate early, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Relax and enjoy: The best photos often come when you’re laughing together.
For more inspiration, check out these recent sessions:
Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?
If you’re looking for a Carmel wedding and engagement photographer, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels authentic, relaxed, and timeless.
👉 Explore our Engagement Sessions Portfolio
👉 View our Wedding Photography Packages
👉 Contact us to Book Your Session
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