How to Plan a Cozy Fall Engagement Session at Nichols Arboretum
Ann Arbor, Michigan
If you’re planning a fall engagement session in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Nichols Arboretum is a great place to consider. It has the kind of quiet, natural landscape that makes autumn portraits feel cozy and safe. With wooded trails, textured grounds, and the open expansiveness of the park, it’s a beautiful place to create engagement photos that feel warm and timeless. From parking, to wardrobe choices, to finding the quietest spots in the park, Emma and Alex’s session is a great example of how to plan a fall engagement session at Nichols Arboretum.
Start with the Lower Entrance for Easy Parking
One of the most practical things about Nichols Arboretum is that parking can be simple if you know where to start. We the Lower Entrance, had lots of parking space and good visibility to meet up, which made the session feel smooth right from the beginning. That kind of convenience matters, especially if you’re arriving with outfit changes, props, or just a little pre-session excitement.
If you’re planning a session here, I’d recommend choosing an entrance ahead of time and leaving a time buffer so you can arrive without stress even if traffic gets congested.
Expect a spacious park with Plenty of Quiet Spots
Nichols Arboretum is surprisingly spacious, so even though it’s a popular location, the options aren’t limited. There are a number of spots that feel private and relaxed. For engagement sessions, that’s a huge advantage. The quiet trails make it easier to interact naturally, and create photos that feel intimate and joyful rather than overly staged.
Don't worry if the flowers are no longer in bloom
One of the best things about an October session at Nichols Arboretum is that the landscape still has a lot to offer, even though the peak bloom season is over. The famous peony garden just a memory for Emma and Alex’s session, but the dried remnants of the once-lush garden had a crisp, structured look that felt very October. The trees took over for color instead! In other words, the location still photographs beautifully even as the season changes.
Choose outfits that match the season
Emma and Alex’s clothing choices worked especially well for this setting. Emma wore a warm brown undershirt and a midi-dress with a copper-and-blue paisley print, lovely in autumn! Alex wore a maroon sweater with dark blue jeans, which complemented Emma's upscale casual look and fit the season naturally.
When planning a fall engagement session, I always recommend choosing outfits that feel coordinated, comfortable, and seasonally appropriate. Earth tones, deep reds, browns, rust, blue, and other muted colors tend to work really well in fall.
Look for a quiet spot by the water
One of my favorite scenes from this session happened by the water, where we found a peaceful tree near the river. I love seated poses, but I especially aim to make them look uncontrived. The water’s edge gave us a more intimate setting and a reason to relax a while.
If you’re hoping for photos that feel soft and romantic, this is the kind of area to prioritize. Give yourself time to wander, slow down, and look for pockets of privacy rather than staying in one obvious spot the whole time.
Include a ring detail to create that engagement vibe
Emma’s ring has a brilliant blue emerald-cut center stone, which was so perfect with her dress! Make sure to take a few moments to get a few ring close-up images during the session. I love including a few with your brand-new ring as the focal point!
why Nichols Arboretum works so well for a fall engagement session
Nichols Arboretum works so well for fall engagement photos because it offers a balance of structure and softness. You have the beauty of a well-traveled Ann Arbor location, but also enough quiet space to make the session feel personal. It’s scenic without feeling overproduced, which is why it works well for couples who want their engagement photos to feel romantic and real. It’s also a great location if you want a session that feels cozy rather than overly formal. The October textures, the quiet trails, and the seasonal color all work together to create something that feels calm and beautiful.
Planning your own engagement session
If you’re planning an engagement session in Ann Arbor, Nichols Arboretum is worth a look. It offers a setting that helps couples relax and enjoy the experience.
I photograph engagement sessions in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan, and I’d love to hear what you have in mind for yours. Get in touch here and we can start planning!
