How to Turn Your Detroit Engagement Session Into a Date Night

Detroit Engagement Session Date Night

Engagement sessions should be anything but a mundane item on your wedding checklist. They’re an opportunity to celebrate your love story in a fun, relaxed setting while getting comfortable with being in front of the camera and building a rapport with your photographer. Let’s transform your Detroit engagement session into a memorable date night!

The Importance of an Engagement Session

An engagement session is more than just a photoshoot. It’s a chance to capture your authentic selves and get a feel for how you interact with each other and with your photographer (that’s me!). This experience is crucial for ensuring that your wedding day photos are relaxed, natural, and TRULY reflective of your personalities.

Making Your Detroit Engagement Session a Memorable Date Night

Transform your engagement session into a fun and exciting date night by connecting with your partner beforehand! Spend some quality time together discussing your expectations and what you’re looking forward to. Try and approach the session with a positive attitude, seeing it as a fun experience rather than a task to check off your wedding to-do list. After your photoshoot, continue the excitement by planning something special! Whether it’s a romantic dinner in one of Detroit’s renowned restaurants, a stroll through the bustling streets, or enjoying a live show, make the most of being together in this vibrant city. Lucky for you, I’ve put together a list of my favorite places to shoot at and the best things to do afterward in each part of Detroit!

Explore Detroit’s Vibrant Neighborhoods

Here’s a brief rundown of what each neighborhood has to offer, as well as a few of my personal recommendations on where to go!

Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit is the heart of the city, offering a mix of historic architecture and modern vibes. After your photoshoot, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants or catch a show at the Detroit Opera House!

Engagement Session Locations in Downtown Detroit:

My favorite engagement session locations in this part of Detroit would have to be along Woodward (the main street in the downtown area) around the Shinola Hotel, and then heading to Capitol Park, Campus Martius, or the top of the Z lot. I’ve even taken my wedding couples to these spots for portraits! This is such a great area if you want all of the beautiful buildings and classic street views Detroit has to offer. 

Where To Go For Your Date Night:

• Evening Bar (inside the Shinola Hotel)
• San Morello (inside the Shinola Hotel)
• The Brakeman (a local beer hall)
• Monarch Club (rooftop lounge above the Element Hotel)

Midtown

Midtown is perfect for couples who love arts and culture. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts or enjoy some local brews at a cozy pub. The lively atmosphere here will add a fun energy to your photos and your date.

Engagement Session Locations in Midtown:

I absolutely love taking my engagement session couples to Wayne State University, The Detroit Institute of Arts, and The Detroit Main Public Library. All of these spots have beautiful architecture and a romantic ambiance!

Where To Go For Your Date Night:

• The Whitney: This is Detroit’s most ICONIC mansion, so of course you have to visit after your engagement session. I recommend making reservations in the restaurant for upscale American cuisine or heading up to the third floor to Ghost Bar and ordering a Witching Hour martini. You won’t be disappointed!
• Grey Ghost: This is a modern spot for good food (order a steak!), beer, wine, and craft cocktails. 

Greektown

Greektown offers a vibrant, colorful setting for your photos, followed by delicious Greek cuisine and entertainment. It’s perfect for couples looking for a fun and culturally rich experience!

Engagement Session Locations in Greektown:

The hustle and bustle of Monroe Street is one of the best places to shoot in Greektown. The Greek culture and historic landmarks can’t be beaten! 

Where To Go For Your Date Night:

• The Greek: The most delicious contemporary Greek food with a great atmosphere 
• Astoria Pastry Shop: This spot has been open for FOREVER and is amazing! Perfect stop for dessert after your dinner at The Greek. 

Corktown

Corktown, known for its industrial chic vibe, offers quaint coffee shops and trendy bars – my favorite! After your shoot, relax with a craft cocktail or enjoy a casual stroll through this historic neighborhood.

Engagement Session Locations in Corktown:

This is definitely an up-and-coming area of Detroit, so there are lots of new restaurants and businesses being established – especially since Michigan Central has been renovated! So Corktown is a fun place for great street shots – perfect for my laidback couples. 

Where To Go For Your Date Night:

• Ottava Via: Italian cuisine served in a stylishly quaint, antiques-adorned space with the most romantic ambiance!
• Rooftop Lounge at the Godfrey Hotel: This is a brand new, super modern hotel in the area! 

Eastern Market

Eastern Market is a vibrant and eclectic choice for your engagement session! As one of Detroit’s most historic and colorful locales, it offers plenty of murals and street art, creating a lively and dynamic backdrop for your photos. Eastern Market is perfect for couples who love urban adventures and want their engagement session to reflect the energetic spirit of Detroit!

Engagement Session Locations at Eastern Market:

You honestly can’t go wrong with any spot at Eastern Market! I love shooting near the street art with all of the super cool industrial-looking alleys. 

Where To Go For Your Date Night:

• Eastern Market Brewing: The vibes are live music and house-made craft beer. Need I say any more??
• Vivio’s Food & Spirits: Their famous bloody marys alone are worth the visit, but the great pizza and fun atmosphere make it one of the best spots around! 

Complimentary Engagement Sessions: A Key Element of My Wedding Collections

In every wedding collection I offer, an engagement session is included as a complimentary, non-negotiable part. This isn’t just about capturing beautiful pre-wedding photos – it’s a fundamental step in our journey together. It allows me the opportunity to get to know you as a couple, understand your story, and see how you interact with each other. Similarly, it’s a chance for you to become comfortable with me, both as your photographer and as a part of your wedding journey. This session sets the stage for a more personal and relaxed experience on your big day!

Let’s Get To Planning Your Detroit Engagement Session!

Your engagement session in Detroit can be the perfect blend of capturing beautiful moments and enjoying a romantic date night. Choose a neighborhood that resonates with your style, and let the city’s charm add magic to your photos and your relationship. Enjoy this special time together, making memories in the city you love!

Want to see more Detroit engagement sessions? Click here! Then contact me so we can chat about how to make your engagement session the best date night!