Everything You Need to Know Before Your Session
Forsyth Park engagement photos are perfect for couples who want their session to feel romantic, timeless, and unmistakably Savannah.
With its iconic fountain, moss-covered oak trees, gardens, walking paths, and surrounding historic homes, Forsyth Park gives us so much variety without requiring us to travel all over the city. We can walk in one direction and create classic Savannah portraits beneath the oak trees, then turn a corner and have a completely different background.
It is one of my favorite Savannah engagement photo locations because it offers that iconic Savannah feeling while still giving us enough space to create a gallery that feels varied and personal.
Before choosing Forsyth Park for your engagement session, here is everything you need to know about timing, crowds, outfits, parking, dogs, and pairing the park with another location.
Why Choose Forsyth Park for Your Engagement Photos?
Forsyth Park is one of those locations that instantly tells a story.
When someone looks at your photos, they know you were in Savannah.
Of course, we have to take a few portraits near the famous Forsyth Park fountain, but the park offers much more than that one recognizable view. Throughout your session, we can use:
- Moss-covered oak trees
- Green gardens and open areas
- Tree-lined walking paths
- Historic homes surrounding the park
- The fountain and surrounding architecture
- Quiet corners that feel more natural and intimate
Because the park is so spacious, I can keep you moving throughout the session and create plenty of variety. You will not receive an entire gallery that looks like it was photographed in one exact spot.
Movement is also a huge part of the way I photograph couples. We will walk, laugh, interact, and explore together instead of standing in one place trying to figure out what to do with your hands.
The Best Time for Forsyth Park Engagement Photos
The time of day you choose can completely change how your Forsyth Park engagement session feels.
I personally love photographing Forsyth Park in the morning, but morning and evening sessions each have their own advantages.
Morning Engagement Sessions at Forsyth Park
Morning sessions are my favorite option for couples who want a quieter and more intimate experience.
Earlier in the day, the park is typically less crowded, parking can be easier to find, and we have more freedom to photograph near the fountain and other popular areas. The light can also be soft and dreamy, which creates a romantic glow without the afternoon activity happening around us.
Depending on the season, morning temperatures may also be cooler. That can make a big difference during Savannah’s warmer months, especially when we will be walking throughout the park.
A morning session may be the best choice for you when:
- You prefer more privacy
- You feel nervous being photographed around crowds
- You are planning a session during a warmer month
- You want soft, dreamy light
- You want an easier parking experience
Evening Engagement Sessions at Forsyth Park
An evening session gives us warm, golden light that feels romantic and glowy. I absolutely love the look of golden-hour engagement photos, especially beneath the oak trees.
However, the park is usually busier during the afternoon and evening. We may need to work around visitors, people walking their dogs, tours, events, or other photo sessions.
This is completely manageable. I am used to finding clean angles, moving around crowds, and making a busy public location look much more private in your final photographs.
Still, couples who are more reserved or uncomfortable with an audience may feel more relaxed during a morning session.
A Note About Saturday Sessions
Saturdays can be especially busy at Forsyth Park because of tourism, local events, and the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
The market currently operates every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. throughout the year, so certain areas of the park may have more activity during that window. s not mean we cannot schedule your engagement photos on a Saturday. It simply means we need to plan your timing and meeting location carefully.
For couples hoping for the quietest possible experience, a weekday morning will usually give us the most flexibility.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park has a naturally romantic and timeless look, so I recommend choosing outfits that complement the environment rather than competing with it.
Neutral and soft colors photograph beautifully against the park’s greenery, historic architecture, and oak trees. You do not need to match each other exactly. Instead, choose colors and textures that coordinate.
For example, one person could wear a soft neutral while the other wears a slightly deeper complementary color.
Flowy dresses are especially beautiful at Forsyth Park because they add movement to your photographs. When you walk, turn, or interact with your partner, the fabric creates an effortless and romantic feeling.
Some outfit ideas that work beautifully at Forsyth include:
- A long, flowy dress with a button-down shirt
- Soft neutrals mixed with muted colors
- Linen or lightweight fabrics
- A dressier outfit for the fountain and historic homes
- Classic pieces that will not feel overly trendy in a few years
Comfort is still important. You should feel like yourselves and be able to move, walk, and sit comfortably throughout the session.
Bring Comfortable Shoes for Walking
Forsyth Park is large, and I like to keep my couples moving so we can create different backgrounds and a full, varied gallery.
When you plan to wear heels, I highly recommend bringing a comfortable pair of flats or sandals. You can wear those while we walk between locations and change back into your heels when we are ready to photograph.
This will make the experience much more comfortable, especially when we pair Forsyth Park with a nearby Savannah location.
You can also bring a small bag for your extra shoes and personal items. I will help keep everything together and out of the photos while we are shooting.
Can We Pair Forsyth Park With Another Location?
Absolutely! I actually love pairing Forsyth Park with another nearby location because it gives your engagement gallery even more variety.
Forsyth provides the greenery, oak trees, and iconic fountain. A second location can introduce cobblestone streets, historic architecture, colorful homes, or one of Savannah’s romantic squares.
Some of my favorite locations to pair with Forsyth Park include:
Monterey Square
Monterey Square is located within walking distance of the park and is one of my favorite Savannah squares. It gives us more historic architecture and a quieter, intimate atmosphere while still feeling cohesive with Forsyth.
The Armstrong House
The Armstrong House is another beautiful nearby option. Its architecture can give your session a more refined and editorial look while still feeling connected to Savannah’s history.
Jones Street
Jones Street is a great choice when you want quintessential downtown Savannah photographs. The historic homes, brick streets, staircases, and greenery give us a different look from the open park.
Lafayette Square or Whitefield Square
Lafayette Square and Whitefield Square are also beautiful possibilities for couples who want to explore more of Savannah’s Historic District.
We do not need to visit every location during one session. Before your engagement photos, I will help you select the combination that best fits the look and feeling you want.
You can also explore more options in this journal entry about the best Savannah engagement photo locations.
Should We Wear Two Outfits?
When we are using Forsyth Park and a second location, I recommend choosing one outfit for each setting.
For example, you could wear a romantic, flowy outfit at Forsyth Park and change into something more polished or casual before heading downtown.
I usually plan approximately 10 minutes into the session for an outfit change. We will choose a practical changing location and organize the timeline beforehand so the session still feels relaxed.
When your entire session is at Forsyth Park, two outfits are still possible, but one carefully planned outfit may be enough for a shorter session.
Can We Bring Our Dog?
Please do!
I love when couples include their dogs in their engagement photos. They are part of your family, and including them makes the session feel even more personal.
I recommend bringing a friend or family member who can help with your dog. We can begin with a combination of photos that include your dog, then have your helper take them for a walk while we finish the couple-only portion of your session.
Bring:
- A leash that coordinates with your outfits
- Treats or a favorite toy
- Waste bags
- Water, especially during warmer months
- A friend or family member to help
Your dog does not need to be perfectly trained or look at the camera during every photograph. Some of my favorite images happen when couples are interacting naturally with their pets.
Do We Need a Photography Permit at Forsyth Park?
A typical engagement session with a couple, one photographer, and minimal equipment does not generally require us to reserve the park or request exclusive access.
The City of Savannah’s film guidance notes that permits may be required for larger crews, more extensive equipment, filming on public rights-of-way, or situations requiring exclusive use of a location. gement sessions are intentionally simple and movement-focused. We are not setting up chairs, decorations, large lighting equipment, or blocking access to the public.
However, permitting requirements can change or depend on the size and setup of a production. Any session involving a large team, elaborate setup, or exclusive use should be confirmed with the City of Savannah in advance.
How Long Do Forsyth Park Engagement Sessions Take?
The amount of time we spend at Forsyth Park depends on whether it is your only location.
For a session entirely within Forsyth Park, approximately 30 to 45 minutes gives us time to walk, explore different backgrounds, and create a varied gallery.
When we are pairing Forsyth with another location, we may spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes inside the park before heading to the next area. We can also include time for an outfit change between locations.
Your session will not feel like we are racing from one spot to another. I will create a plan beforehand so we know where we are starting, which areas we want to use, and how we will transition to the next location.
Is Forsyth Park the Right Engagement Location for You?
Forsyth Park may be the perfect choice when you want:
- An iconic Savannah setting
- A mix of greenery and architecture
- Romantic oak trees and natural movement
- Several different backgrounds in one location
- The option to walk to another Historic District location
- Engagement photos that feel classic and timeless
It is especially beautiful for couples traveling to Savannah for their session or getting married in the city. The park creates engagement photos that immediately feel connected to the place where this season of your story is happening.
Forsyth is one of those locations that says, “We are getting married in Savannah,” without needing to say anything at all.
Planning Your Forsyth Park Engagement Session
The best engagement sessions are not only about choosing a beautiful location. They are about creating an experience where you feel comfortable, connected, and able to enjoy this season together.
I will help you select your session time, coordinate your outfits, choose a second location when needed, and create a plan that allows us to use Forsyth Park beautifully.
You do not need to arrive knowing how to pose or what to do. I will guide you through the entire experience while leaving room for the genuine, candid moments that make your relationship yours.
Forsyth Park will always be one of my favorite places to photograph couples because it gives us a little bit of everything. We can create the iconic fountain photos, walk beneath the oak trees, find quiet garden areas, and then head into downtown Savannah for a completely different look.
My biggest recommendation is to choose the time that will make you feel the most comfortable. Golden hour is beautiful, but when privacy is important to you, a quiet morning session may help you relax and enjoy the experience so much more.
And, of course, bring your dog. That part is not negotiable.
Explore my Portfolio to see more Savannah engagement sessions, or inquire to begin planning your own Forsyth Park engagement photos.
