Indiana State House and Newfields Engagement Session | Tips from an Indianapolis Engagement & Wedding Photographer

Cody Bailey
Sep 27
3 min read

Couple holding hands in the Indiana State House rotunda with stained glass ceiling.

Why These Venues Make the Perfect Pairing

Couple walking hand-in-hand across Newfields lawn.

When it comes to engagement photos in Indianapolis, few locations offer the same sense of grandeur and romance as the Indiana State House and Newfields. This combination gives couples the best of both worlds: the elegant, historic architecture of downtown’s State House and the lush, upscale gardens and grounds of Newfields. If you’re searching for inspiration for your own Indiana State House and Newfields engagement session, you’re in the right place.

Couple framed by ornate columns inside Indiana State House.

Lexi & Adam recently trusted us with their session, and their classic, dressed-to-the-nines style brought these two iconic locations to life. While nerves are common at the start of any engagement session, they quickly relaxed, laughed, and let their personalities shine. Their day offered the perfect blueprint for anyone planning an elevated engagement shoot in Indianapolis.

Planning Your Indiana State House Engagement Session

Groom-to-be looking at fiancée in elegant State House hallway.

Consider Timing and Events

The Indiana State House is open to the public, but you’ll want to plan carefully. Engagement sessions here can feel like stepping onto the set of a historic film — grand staircases, ornate ceilings, stained glass, and sweeping rotundas. But, as Lexi & Adam discovered, there can sometimes be unexpected events happening on-site. On their day, a rally featuring Pete Buttigieg had crowds flooding the steps earlier, though we lucked out by arriving after it wrapped.

Tip: Always check if protests, rallies, or legislative events might affect your shoot. Weekdays earlier in the day often provide fewer crowds, though weekends can be quieter too.

Overhead shot of couple in the rotunda showing off the State House architecture.

What to Wear at the State House

Formal outfits are the best fit for this space. Lexi & Adam wore timeless attire that mirrored the grandness of the building — a look that allowed them to feel at home in such an upscale environment. Think cocktail dresses, sleek gowns, tailored suits, and polished shoes.

Planning Your Newfields Engagement Session

Engagement session portraits in front of the Lilly House at Newfields.

Permit Information

Newfields is a premier destination for engagement photos, with backdrops ranging from the Lilly House to ornate fountains and sprawling gardens. To shoot here, you’ll need to secure a $50 photo permit. - The good news? If you book your engagement session with us, we’ll handle securing that permit for you. The fee is simply passed through, making the process stress-free.

Bride-to-be twirling in garden pathway at Newfields.

Hours of Operation

Newfields offers evening hours on select days during spring, summer, and early fall. These golden-hour windows are often the most magical for photos, with soft light filtering through the gardens. Plan your session between mid-April and early September, when the grounds are lushest.

Golden hour engagement portraits in Newfields gardens.

Outfit Choices

Because Newfields has a distinctly garden-party-meets-elegance vibe, we recommend dressy, romantic outfits. Lexi & Adam changed into a second formal look here, complementing the refined architecture of the Lilly House and the dreamy, storybook feel of the gardens.

Engagement photo by Newfields archway with ivy backdrop.

Insider Tips for Your Session

Use Your Hair and Makeup Trial

Lexi had her trial run before the session, which is a brilliant way to make the most of professional styling. Engagement sessions aren’t just a chance to capture beautiful images — they’re also a great dress rehearsal for your wedding look.

ouple sharing a quiet moment under the stained glass dome inside the Indiana State House.

Choose Meaningful Spots

When at Newfields, we always ask if couples have favorite locations. For Lexi & Adam, one of the fountains was especially meaningful because it’s where they actually got engaged. Adding personal significance to your backdrop makes your gallery that much more special.

Romantic kiss by the reflecting pool at Newfields at sunset.

Expect a Few Nerves

Nearly every couple starts off a little nervous, but you’ll be amazed at how quickly you loosen up. Just like Lexi & Adam, you’ll find yourselves laughing, moving naturally, and enjoying the process within minutes.

Couple walking up the steps of the Lilly House during their Newfields engagement session.

Why Book an Indiana State House and Newfields Engagement Session With Us?

We’ve photographed countless couples in both of these spaces, and we know the ins and outs:

The best angles for architecture that makes you look like you belong on the pages of a magazine.
The timing that maximizes light and minimizes crowds.
How to seamlessly transition from one location to the other for a gallery that feels both cohesive and diverse.

Groom-to-be lifting fiancée playfully in the gardens at Newfields.

When you book with Rogue Image Photo, you’re not just hiring someone to take pictures. You’re choosing a guide who will help you with everything from securing permits to advising on outfits and timelines.

Ready to Plan Your Engagement Session?

Elegant black-and-white engagement portrait at the Indiana State House rotunda.

If you’re dreaming of your own Indiana State House and Newfields engagement session, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re drawn to timeless architecture, vibrant gardens, or the perfect combination of both, these venues create unforgettable engagement photos.

👉 Contact us today to start planning your engagement session.