There’s an abundance of choice for engagement session locations in and around Norfolk, but I have five in particular that I return to again and again for couples that are stuck on location ideas. You’ll have heard of most, if not all of them, but maybe not considered their beauty as a backdrop for your own photo session. Well, let me inspire you! I’ll take you from Norwich to the coast, and showcase some of my favourite engagement sessions for you, just to prove how stunning this county really is.
For those of you that plan on a short visit to Norfolk for your session, but maybe don’t live locally, you’ll also be pleased to discover that there’s often so much more to enjoy in these locations mentioned below, both before and after your session is complete.
So, where shall we begin? It seems like an obvious choice, but…
1. Holkham Beach
This is the proposal spot in Norfolk. It’s a favourite of holiday-goers, yes, but actually quite often ends up being the spot so many of my own couples get engaged in. And if you’ve been before, you’ll understand why. The beauty of this location is vast in its surroundings, with tall trees enclosing the private sand dunes, making it a diverse spot to have a photo shoot in, too. Consider checking out some of my own sessions at Holkham, such as Tash & Dean, who got incredibly lucky with a silky warm sunset to set the scene of their session.
To really make the most of this location, be sure to take some time to enjoy Holkham Hall beforehand. It’s a jewel in the Norfolk crown, and has an exceptional restaurant nearby, the Victoria, to make a reservation for dinner in when our time is over. I absolutely encourage my couples to make a real date night of their sessions, and there couldn’t be a more perfect way of pulling that off.
Keep in mind that parking is paid for at this location.
2. Holt Country Park
Holt Country Park is a 100-acre woodland on the outskirts of the market town of Holt, North Norfolk. I’d say that it’s at its most beautiful at Autumn, particularly early November, however it’s great for photo sessions all year round depending on the vibe you’re looking for. Harriet and Scott had their session here, and despite it being a rather dull grey day, the colour and warmth of the leaves from the trees added so much to their photos that you’d hardly have missed a sunset.
When you’re done with your session at Holt Country Park, be sure to spend the evening in Holt itself. Book yourself a dinner at Byford’s or grab a pastry and a coffee from the Two Magpies bakery before you arrive. And much like the location above, this also has a paid car park.
3. Elm Hill & Norwich
I’ll level with you – shooting in the centre of Norwich isn’t for the faint hearted! If you go for a busy time of day, you will be in and amongst people. Your best bet is to go for early mornings or late evenings (in the summer), when the crowds are tucked up in bed, still. However, those that choose to brave it, it’s well worth it. Elm Hill, in particular, is my favourite spot to photograph in and around the whole city. This location is so stunning and lost in time, that it’s even been used on professional sets for actual movies! There’s a romance in the cobbled lanes and wonky buildings that makes it the perfect backdrop for people looking for something different than sand or trees, like Wanda and Thomas did.
And whilst I feel this is a fairly obvious point, there’s tonnes to do both before and after your session in the city. My particular favourite? I’d grab pizza at the Warwick Arms by Luca, or eat delicious authentic pasta at Yard, followed by a drink at the Wallow. Parking, you ask? You’d be pleased to know you can actually have 3 hours of free parking at the TK Maxx on the edge of the city centre. It’s about a 10/15 minute walk into the bustle of shops and restaurants, but easy enough if you want to save a few quid.
4. Winterton Beach
For couples that can’t make their way to North Norfolk to enjoy the beauty of Holkham Beach, you get a very decent alternative along the East Coast with Winterton Beach. The dunes in particular are wonderful backdrops for photo sessions. And, in my experience, it’s often a much quieter location than the former. You can make the most of your time together by exploring the surrounding coastline and visiting the seals at Horsey Gap, or by enjoying the Norfolk Broads and the many pubs on its doorstep. One of my favourite sessions at Winterton was from Emma and James, who were total naturals in front of the camera.
5. Great Yarmouth Seafront
A fun alternative location for couples that want energy and colour throughout their session. By enjoying the kitsch and chaos that Great Yarmouth seafront has to offer – in the arcades, grabbing ice cream, stopping by the Pleasure Beach and more – you’ll spend little time worrying about being in front of the camera. This location won’t be for everyone, and I get that. But if you open up your mind and embrace it, you’ll end up with some seriously fun photos.
So, what do you think? Hopefully this gives you an idea of what you might want for your own shoot – and when that idea is in place, be sure to reach out to me to consider me as your photographer for it. You can find out everything you need to know about what I offer right here, and then use my contact form to get in touch when you’re ready.
Speak soon,
G x
