Eno River Engagement Photos Durham NC

It’s no secret that Fancy This Photography loves Eno River engagement photos Durham NC. So, when Minesh called and said he wanted to propose to Anita somewhere in nature, we suggested Durham’s beloved Eno River State Park. I told Minesh, who recently moved to the area from Austin, Texas with Anita, about the Eno River’s gorgeous scenery and nearly 30 miles of trails. I even did a little pre-proposal research.

Yes ma’am, this Durham NC wedding photographer played location scout! Just call me Nancy Drew. I found a cool rock situated in the middle of the Eno River where Minesh could propose on a hiking trail off Cole Mill Road. Like a river flows surely to the sea, Minesh agreed that this romantic rock was the perfect place to pop the question.

At this point in my photography career, I have participated in quite a few surprise marriage proposals! Less than ten, but more than five. I love capturing proposals because there's a James Bond 007 feeling to them. Plus, I get to see people really, really, really happy.

Keep scrolling to witness Minesh’s surprise proposal to Anita and their Eno River engagement photos Durham NC.

Eno River Engagement Photos Durham NC

The weather was beautiful and sunny on the day of Minesh’s surprise proposal to Anita. We parked at the Fews Ford access located at 6101 Cole Mill Road. Pro tip: park all the way at the end of the parking lot near the trailhead. There are so many local hidden-gem Eno River hiking trails for romantic dates, surprise proposals and engagement photos. That’s another reason why I love Eno River engagement photos Durham NC. Even though lots of couples take photos at the Eno River, everyone’s photos look completely different in the end because there are plenty of unique and beautiful trails. Besides, no trail along the Eno River ever looks the same from day to day.

Beauty in Every Season

As a Durham NC wedding photographer I may be biased but, I believe the Eno River is a beautiful engagement photo backdrop in every season. The Eno River trails and parks are full of greenery and vibrant natural colors in spring and summer months. During fall, the river’s surface reflects stunning images of trees filled with red, yellow and orange leaves. The Eno River is even romantic during the winter months. I especially love the contrast of leafless white sycamore branches reaching up to touch a crystal blue sky.

I dressed up like a hiker in order to capture Minesh’s surprise proposal incognito. The skies were clear and bright when I sat down beside a tree across from the designated “surprise proposal rock”. Rays of sunshine sparkled on the Eno River’s pebble-filled water as Minesh and Anita approached the rock. I hid behind an enormous tree and snapped photos secretly while Minesh got down on one knee.

Picture-Perfect Picnic - Eno River Engagement Photos Durham, NC

One thing I love about Minesh and Anita’s Eno River engagement photos is how natural they look on camera. You can tell that hiking and packing picnics are activities that this couple is well-seasoned in. It’s authentic, and that my friends is my number one piece of advice when it comes to picking a location to take engagement photos. Your engagement photo shoot location should be someplace you both frequent often, a space that you feel comfortable and at ease in. Although Minesh and Anita only recently discovered the Eno River State Park in Durham, nature is a big part of their relationship. No matter where they live, Minesh and Anita surround themselves in nature by taking hikes and sharing picnics together. 

I’m not sure how Minesh did it, but both him and Anita wore the best outfits for these Eno River engagement photos. Earth-tone color shirts, crisp denim blue jeans and stylish boots looked perfect alongside the river’s edge. I love that they kicked their shoes off and had a picnic during our engagement photo shoot! How sweet is that little blue gingham picnic blanket and picnic backpack? Swoon.  

Swinging Bridge Eno River Engagement Photos Durham NC

The swinging bridge is definitely one of my favorite places to take Eno River engagement photos Durham NC. I often hike to this fun spot with my husband Jason, daughter Prudence and dog Willow. The suspension bridge can be found in the woods of Cox Mountains (no jumping while on the bridge!). But don’t let the word mountains scare you. Except for a few steep hills, these riverside trails are relatively flat and easy to walk on. That said, I wouldn’t recommend wearing high heels if you’re taking Eno River engagement photos!

Where the swinging bridge crosses the Eno River is a very popular area for hiking, fishing and picnics. People come here to hop rocks, enjoy nature and wade in the shallow waters of the Eno River. The State Park was once home to the Eno, Shakori and Occoneechee tribes who lived along the river. Keep an eye out for arrowhead artifacts washed up along the shore!

Q: Best advice for planning & capturing a proposal?

A: Be prepared for something to go awry. Something small always happens. But, the fun part is knowing that you will have a fiancé by the end of it. For Minesh and Anita’s surprise proposal, the designated “proposal rock” was more submerged in the water because it rained the day before. But like the Eno River, we just rolled with it.

Fancy This Photography’s Top 5 Locations in the Triangle for a Proposal

Aside from the Eno River (duh), these are my top five locations in the Triangle for a surprise proposal.

No. 1: American Tobacco Campus

No. 2: Somewhere with a view of downtown Durham (we love that urban city life!)

No. 3: A special restaurant and/or hole in the wall that the couple frequents often

No. 4: Alley Twenty Six (the actual alley, not the restaurant and bar)

No. 5: Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The Eno River isn’t the only local place with beautiful outdoor scenery for photo shoots. Click here to view Siera and Michael’s Raleigh Rose Garden engagement photo session.

Photographer // Fancy This Photography

Venue // Eno River State Park