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Why Newfields is the Most Popular Engagement Session Location for 2025 & 2026 Couples (& Beyond) | Expert Advice from an Indianapolis Wedding Photographer


A man lifts a woman joyfully in front of a white building with arched windows and green grass. Sunlight creates dappled patterns.

When couples begin planning their engagement session, one of the first questions they ask is, "Where should we go for our photos?" For engaged couples in Indianapolis, the answer has increasingly become one beautiful, iconic location: Newfields. Formerly known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields offers a stunning combination of elegant architecture, botanical gardens, nature trails, and art installations, making it the top choice for engagement sessions in 2025 and 2026.


A couple holds hands on a bridge in a lush park with sunlight filtering through trees. Bright flowers in the foreground add color.

As an Indianapolis wedding photographer who has shot hundreds of engagement sessions, I can confidently say that Newfields checks all the boxes. Whether you're looking for floral-filled gardens, timeless architecture, or secluded nature spots, it's all right there—and it’s always changing with the seasons.



Why Newfields is the Most Popular Engagement Session Location In Indianapolis


A couple embraces on a pathway in front of a white building with gardens. The woman wears a white dress; the man, a blue suit. Romantic mood.

1. The Variety of Scenic Backdrops


A couple kisses against a white archway in a garden. She wears a blue floral dress, and he wears a light shirt. Green foliage surrounds them.

The property is sprawling, offering over 150 acres of beauty. Some of the most beloved photo locations include:


  • The Lilly House: A historic mansion with a French chateau vibe, its stone terrace and grand staircase create a regal aesthetic.


    A couple embraces in front of a white mansion, surrounded by green plants and flowers. The woman wears a white dress; the man, a blue suit.

  • Formal Gardens: Rows of tulips, manicured hedges, and seasonal blooms offer a pop of color and natural beauty.


    A couple walks arm in arm on a gravel path in a lush garden. She wears a blue floral dress; he is in a white shirt and blue pants. Both smiling.

  • The Orchard: A tucked-away favorite, ideal for romantic walking shots and soft light.


    A couple holds hands, walking in a sunny garden with lush greenery and yellow flowers. Both smile, conveying happiness and serenity.

  • Woodland Trails & Art Park: These areas provide both serenity and creativity thanks to large-scale art installations scattered throughout.


    Couple holding hands and walking near a fountain in a lush garden. The woman wears a white dress, and the man is in a suit, smiling.

Whether you're looking for light and airy or rich and dramatic, Newfields delivers.


2. Spring & Summer Are Perfect Timing


Spring and early summer are prime times to book a session at Newfields. Why? Because that’s when the gardens explode into bloom. Tulips, dogwoods, and peonies take over in April and May, while lush greenery and wildflowers fill the property by June.

You’ll also benefit from longer daylight hours—perfect for golden hour lighting. Evening sessions around 6:30–8pm are ideal.


A man in a suit lifts a woman in a white dress in a lush flower garden. They embrace joyfully amid green trees and vibrant flowers.

And yes, a permit is required—$50 for photography access, but it's well worth the investment for such a versatile location.



What to Wear to Your Newfields Engagement Session


A couple walks hand in hand, smiling at each other in a garden. The man wears a blue suit, the woman a white dress. Lush greenery surrounds them.

One of the most common questions couples ask is: What should we wear for our engagement photos? Here's what I recommend specifically for Newfields:


Spring Outfits


Couple embracing on a stone railing in a lush green park. The woman, in a blue floral dress, sits on the ledge, touching the man's face.

  • For Her: Soft pastel dresses, floral patterns, or a flowy midi/maxi dress that catches the breeze.

  • For Him: Khakis or light trousers with a button-up or light sweater.


Summer Outfits


A smiling couple sits on stone steps. The man wears a blue suit, and the woman in a white dress leans on him. The mood is joyful.

  • For Her: Bright solids or classic whites with breathable fabrics.

  • For Him: Short sleeves or rolled-up long sleeves with chinos or tailored shorts.


Dress like you’re heading to a garden party or elegant date night—and feel free to bring a second outfit if you want to mix things up.



Couple embracing on a wooden bridge in a lush, green garden with blooming pink flowers. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a romantic mood.

Need more inspiration on what to wear for your Newfields engagement session? Check out these expert guides:



Client Feature: Carly & Ethan’s Engagement at Newfields


A couple smiling at each other in a garden, wearing a blue floral dress and white shirt. Sunlight filters through green trees in the background.

Carly & Ethan are a couple who remind us why we do what we do. Here’s a look into their session and their experience with Rogue Image Photo:

How did you meet? Ethan and I have been together since the 7th grade! We were friends through middle school and started dating in high school, all the way through college and now grad school.
Tell us about your upcoming wedding. We’ll be getting married at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie. Since we’re both from Fishers, it’s really special to us to have the wedding close to home and celebrate with our local friends and family. See more from our blog about The Bluffs at Conner Prairie.
What were you nervous about before your engagement session? We’ve never had professional photos taken together, so we were unsure how to pose or look natural.
Are you both “not photo people”? Did that change? Yes! But after the session, we both felt way more confident and comfortable.
How did you feel about the direction from your photographer? Cody did a great job making us feel comfortable and natural. He guided us through the poses, made us laugh, and experimented to see what worked best for us.
What’s your advice to other couples prepping for engagement photos? Don’t stress about how the poses feel or what you look like! The best photos come when you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment.
How would you rate your experience with Rogue Image Photo? 10/10 experience—we loved every moment of it!

A couple embraces with smiles, casting a kissing shadow on a white wall. She wears a blue floral dress. Potted plant on the left.


Helpful Tips for Planning Your Engagement Session at Newfields


Couple holding hands, walking in a corridor with wooden chairs and arched openings. They're smiling at each other. She wears a blue floral dress.

  1. Book Early – Spring and summer sessions at Newfields are in high demand. Lock in your date and permit as early as possible.

  2. Arrive Early – Give yourself 10–15 minutes to park, gather your things, and breathe before we start shooting.

  3. Bring a Bag – Include water, touch-up makeup, a brush, and any accessories.

  4. Schedule Hair & Makeup – Treat this like a trial run for your wedding day. Professional makeup and hair can boost your confidence.

  5. Trust the Process – Not every pose will feel natural—but those often make the best photos.


A couple holds hands under an archway in a sunny garden. She wears a white floral dress, smiling warmly. Lush greenery surrounds them.


Want More Engagement Session Ideas?


A smiling couple embraces near blooming white flowers, man in suit and woman in white dress, in a green park setting. Romantic and joyful mood.

Explore some of our favorite past engagement blogs to see more of Newfields and other stunning Indianapolis locations:




Book Your Session at Newfields Today


A couple embraces near a fountain in a lush garden. She's in a white dress, he's in a suit. A grand house and misty trees surround them.

If you're planning your wedding and looking for that perfect location to capture your love story, Newfields is the one. Whether you’re camera-shy or natural-born posers, we’ll help you feel relaxed and guide you through a session that feels just as beautiful as the photos look.


🔗 View Our Engagement & Wedding Packages


A couple holds hands, smiling and walking on a path. She's in a white dress, he's in a blue suit. A large white house with greenery is in the background.

Let’s make magic at Newfields together.


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