Featuring Sesquicentennial State Park + Other Local Gems

You don’t have to leave the Midlands to find breathtaking engagement photo locations—Columbia is full of quiet beauty if you know where to look.

I spent two years living in South Carolina while on active duty with the Army at Fort Jackson, and during that time, I fell in love with Columbia’s blend of Southern charm, hidden natural spaces, and slower pace of life. As a photographer and a veteran, I bring both a deep appreciation for this city and a local’s eye for the best spots to sneak away and capture something beautiful.

Whether you’re newly engaged, stationed nearby, or just want to capture your love in a place that feels grounded and real, Columbia has more to offer than meets the eye.

Sesquicentennial State Park for Engagement Portraits

Hidden beauty right in the heart of Columbia

Locals call it “Sesqui.”

Tucked just off Two Notch Road—one of the busiest corridors in Columbia—is a quiet, wildly underrated gem: Sesquicentennial State Park. This spot is full of Southern charm and mirror-like lake views, but somehow it’s still a secret, even to locals. I lived in Columbia for two years while stationed at Fort Jackson, and I still didn’t visit nearly enough.

Why I Love Sesquicentennial State Park:

• A stunning manmade waterfall that’s perfect for golden hour
• Lakeside views that reflect sky, trees, and your love like a mirror
• Live oaks + tall pines = dreamy filtered light and Southern texture
• Virtually no tourists, so your session feels private and relaxed

Sesqui offers over 12 miles of trails, including the 1.9-mile paved Sandhills Hiking Trail circling a 30-acre lake, the 0.5-mile Jackson Creek Nature Trail featuring waterfalls and boardwalks, and a 6.1-mile sandy bottom mountain bike loop—all easily accessed from scenic trailheads.

What to Know Before You Go

• Entrance Fee: $6 per adult (as of 2025)
• Hours: 8 AM to sunset year-round
• Best Time for Photos: Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset)
• Restrooms + Parking: Available, with easy access near most trails
• Permit: No photo permit required for casual sessions

What to Pack for Your Session

This isn’t a walk-from-your-car kind of shoot—be ready to walk a bit to the prettiest spots, and come prepared for Columbia’s “swampy” summer weather.

• Bug spray (non-negotiable—trust me)
• Water + a mini fan (especially May–September)
• A change of shoes (for walking trails vs. heels/photo shoes)
• Towel or blanket for seated lakeside shots
• Anti-frizz hair products or a hat for backup style options

What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial is full of shade—towering pines, live oaks, and dense greenery wrap most of the trails and lakesides in soft, diffused light. That means you’ll get flattering, even skin tones in photos but your outfit colors need to stand out against all that deep green.

Go for contrast:

• Light neutrals: cream, taupe, sand, pale grey
• Earthy warmth: rust, mustard, ochre, warm tan
• Soft pastels: dusty rose, sage, muted lavender
• Avoid: Deep green (you’ll blend into the background), neon (distracts from you), or all-black (can disappear in low light)

What photographs well:

• Flowy dresses or skirts with texture or movement
• Button-ups, Henleys, or linen shirts for him
• Light layers—cardigans, shawls, or jackets in cooler months
• Minimal patterns (think florals or subtle stripes) or classic solids

Other Columbia SC Engagement Photo Spots

If you want variety or can’t make it to Sesqui, here are a few other favorite Columbia locations that also shine in front of the camera:

Congaree National Park

Best known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the floodplain forest within Congaree National Park forest features one of the highest canopies in the world. The park’s most visited walking path includes an elevated boardwalk through the swamp (its far prettier than it sounds!). People from all walks of life have called Congaree home, from Native Americans to Revolutionary War patriots to escaped slaves. Double up on the bug spray, and check one more national park off your bucket list!

West Columbia Riverwalk Park

Wide open river views, stone steps, and easy access to nature without leaving the metro area, West Columbia Riverwalk Park is the perfect urban and nature-filled backdrop. Golden light here is chef’s kiss.

South Carolina State House & Grounds

A classic pick with gorgeous architecture, manicured grounds, and a surprisingly peaceful vibe on weekends, the South Carolina State House and Grounds are gorgeous for portraits, any time of day.

Lake Murray for Engagement Portraits

If you want water, wide skies, and a breeze, Lake Murray offers several docks and shoreline spots perfect for sunset silhouettes.

Must-Visit Restaurants for Before or After Your Engagement Session

Because engagement photos + good food = the perfect Columbia day. These are my favorite restaurants from my time living in Columbia, and truly the only place I would spend my money for an authentic, delightful gastronomical experience.

• Cafe Strudel (West Columbia) — Laid-back brunch diner with killer breakfast bowls and fresh-squeezed orange juice for mimosas, with local art for sale and an antique mall in the adjacent building.
• The Blue Marlin (Downtown Vista) — Upscale seafood and steak in a historic train station that’s still very affordable (get the crab cakes, I actually used to work here and ate my weight in crab!).
• Pasta Fresca (Forest Acres) — Fresh pasta, tiny restaurant vibes, and the kind of cozy lighting that makes you want to linger for dessert.

Let’s Make Your Columbia Session Happen

Whether you’re planning an engagement session, celebrating a new chapter, or just want to capture this season of life in a place that feels like yours, I’d love to help tell that story.

As a photographer and Army veteran who spent two years stationed at Fort Jackson, I know firsthand how meaningful it can be to document your time in Columbia—especially for military couples and families. I’ve worked with fellow service members, including dual-military couples, to capture everything from “our first home” sessions under the oaks to cozy backyard portraits and quiet moments before deployment.

If you’re looking for someone who gets the military lifestyle, who can help you plan around duty schedules and PCS moves, and who knows where to find the best light in the Midlands—I’m your girl.

Reach out to plan your Columbia engagement session at Sesquicentennial or beyond. Whether we’re lakeside at golden hour or sipping brunch in the Vista, we’ll make something honest, relaxed, and real.