Lockerbie Square Engagement Session: A Downtown Indianapolis Guide Inspired by Emily & Jackson

Cody Bailey
Oct 8
4 min read

Emily and Jackson walking hand in hand on the brick streets during their Lockerbie Square engagement session at golden hour.

There’s something timeless about Lockerbie Square—the cobblestone streets, the ivy-draped fences, and the charm that makes it one of the most picturesque pockets of downtown Indianapolis. For Emily and Jackson, this location wasn’t just beautiful—it was home. Their engagement session felt like an evening stroll through their own neighborhood, walking hand in hand down the brick-lined streets just blocks from their front door. It was the perfect blend of personal and classic, a hallmark of what makes a Lockerbie Square engagement session so special.

Romantic downtown Indianapolis engagement photo with couple laughing on cobblestone street in Lockerbie Square.

If you’re starting to plan your own downtown Indianapolis engagement photos, now is the perfect time to get inspired. Explore our engagement & wedding photography packages, view our portfolio, or get in touch here to start planning your session—we’d love to help you create something timeless, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

Bride-to-be in white jumpsuit and groom-to-be in gray suit posing on historic brick walkway.

As an Indianapolis engagement photographer with Rogue Image Photo, I love how Lockerbie brings together historic character, gorgeous architecture, and peaceful moments away from the downtown bustle—all within walking distance of Mass Ave and other iconic Indy backdrops. Whether you’re newly engaged, planning your wedding downtown, or just want to capture this stage of life in a meaningful way, Lockerbie Square is a must-consider location.

Why Lockerbie Square Is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Couple sharing a quiet moment beneath fall trees in Lockerbie Square, downtown Indianapolis.

Lockerbie Square is Indianapolis’s oldest surviving neighborhood, offering a storybook backdrop that feels like stepping into another era. The brick streets, vintage architecture, and cozy tree-lined sidewalks make it one of the most romantic spots for couples who love the charm of downtown but want something quieter than Monument Circle or the Canal.

Emily and Jackson’s session showcased exactly that. They wandered together as the golden light filtered through the leaves, laughing and sharing the kind of easy connection that only comes from being in a space that feels like home. And when their dog Frank joined in for a few photos at the end, the session became even more personal—a perfect example of how engagement sessions with dogs can add heart and authenticity to your gallery.

Engagement session with dog in downtown Indianapolis — couple smiling with their French bulldog, Frank.

Planning Your Lockerbie Square Engagement Session

What to Wear for Your Lockerbie Engagement Session

Candid photo of couple walking their dog through Lockerbie Square’s ivy-lined sidewalks.

Emily and Jackson absolutely nailed their outfit choices. Jackson’s gray suit paired perfectly with Emily’s white jumpsuit, creating a clean, modern contrast against Lockerbie’s warm-toned brick streets.

Couple embracing in front of a classic Indianapolis home in Lockerbie Square.

If you’re planning your own downtown Indianapolis engagement photos, here are a few outfit tips:

Dress up, not down: Lockerbie’s backdrop deserves polished styling. Suits, dresses, and jumpsuits always photograph beautifully here.
Stick with neutral tones: Cream, gray, tan, sage, and navy pop against the brick without clashing.
Bring comfortable shoes: Cobblestone streets are charming but uneven—bring a backup pair of flats or block heels.
Plan a second look: If you want variety, consider an outfit change at a nearby spot like Mass Ave or the Indiana War Memorial.

(For more inspiration, check out Olivia & Will’s Lockerbie Square engagement session—they also walked from home and captured that same warm, lived-in feel.)

When to Schedule Your Engagement Session

Emily looking over her shoulder in soft sunset light during Lockerbie Square engagement photos.

Lockerbie is stunning year-round, but the best seasons for engagement photos here are summer and fall. Early fall—like Emily and Jackson’s session—is ideal for crisp air, soft golden light, and vibrant color that enhances the neighborhood’s textures.

For the best lighting, schedule your shoot during golden hour, about 60–90 minutes before sunset. The warm glow softens the brick tones and adds a natural romance to every shot. Weekday evenings are best if you want fewer cars and pedestrians in your photos.

Best Photo Spots Around Lockerbie Square

Detail shot of engagement ring and intertwined hands on the brick street in downtown Indianapolis.

While Lockerbie’s historic streets are the main draw, there are plenty of nearby add-on locations for variety:

Indiana War Memorial: Classic, architectural, and just a short drive away. Perfect for more formal portraits.
Indiana State House: If you love dramatic architecture, this is a fantastic addition. (See examples from our Indiana State House + Newfields engagement session.)
The Canal or Mass Ave: Ideal if you want to add a touch of the downtown skyline or more urban energy to your gallery.

Combining Lockerbie’s intimacy with one or two of these nearby landmarks gives couples a beautiful mix of elegance and city life—perfect for albums or wedding décor prints.

Make It Personal

Engagement photo featuring warm fall colors and vintage architecture in downtown Indianapolis.

One of the things Emily and Jackson said after their session was how natural it all felt. “The guidance definitely helped,” Emily shared. “Cody was so helpful and directive, which made it so easy and feel natural.”

Couple laughing together under tree-lined streets near Mass Ave during their Lockerbie engagement session.

That’s exactly how an engagement session should feel—like an extension of who you are as a couple. Their advice for others? “Pick a place for your photos that’s special to you.” Whether that means your neighborhood, your college campus, or the park where you had your first date, choosing a location that means something to you will always create more meaningful photos.

Emily and Jackson twirling in evening light with the Indianapolis skyline softly in the background.

And yes—bring your dog. Frank joined for a few photos toward the end, and those moments became instant favorites. Including your pup can make the experience even more personal and fun (and we’ll plan for it in the timeline to make it stress-free).

Why Working With a Local Photographer Matters

Sunset portrait of couple walking down the cobblestone streets of Lockerbie Square after their downtown Indianapolis engagement session.

Lockerbie Square’s charm comes with a few quirks—like tight parking, one-way streets, and changing light conditions as the sun dips behind the historic homes. A photographer who knows the area can help you plan your timing, find the best angles, and keep the process efficient and enjoyable.

Close-up of couple’s dog, Frank, sitting proudly between them during their Lockerbie Square engagement session.

At Rogue Image Photo, we’ve photographed dozens of Downtown Indianapolis engagement sessions, and Lockerbie remains one of our most requested locations for its blend of history, architecture, and cozy charm. We’ll help you choose the best time, guide you through posing naturally, and ensure your photos reflect you—not a cookie-cutter version of someone else’s session.