7 Top Locations In Mt. Pleasant For Your Engagement Photoshoot

If you’re searching for the best spots for Mt. Pleasant engagement photos, you’re probably in that sweet in-between season—newly engaged, slightly overwhelmed, and wondering where the heck you should take photos that actually feel like you.

Mt. Pleasant has way more variety than people realize. From college nostalgia at CMU to beautiful river sunsets at Island Park, this little town shows up hard in spring and summer. And when you pair the right location with a date-night-style experience? That’s when your engagement session goes from “cute” to completely unforgettable.

7 Favorite Engagement Photo Locations in Mt. Pleasant, MI

As a Mt. Pleasant engagement photographer, I always tell my couples this: the best engagement photos aren’t about finding the prettiest location — they’re about finding the one that fits your story.

So whether you’re CMU alumni, golf-course regulars, coffee shop frequent flyers, or just want somewhere green and glowy in the warmer months, here are seven of my favorite engagement session locations in Mt. Pleasant (plus why they truly are a no-brainer in the spring and summer).

1. CMU Campus

If you met at CMU, tailgated together, or still yell “Fire Up Chips” unironically, this one’s obvious.

CMU’s campus is especially beautiful in spring when everything turns green again, and summer gives us those golden-hour brick-building glows. We can shoot by the seal, wander through tree-lined paths, or grab some casual walking shots near your favorite old hang out spots. I also love all of the blooms that peak during this time of year after everything defrosts from the winter season. 

2. Pohlcat Golf Course

Okay, this one is more niche, but if you and your partner love the golf course, this is a cute way to commemorate all of the memories you’ve had during a special time in your relationship! Summer evenings here are especially stunning. If you golf together, this becomes personal fast—bring your clubs, hop in a cart, or recreate your first date on the course.

3. Dow Gardens

Technically in Midland—but 100% worth the short drive.

Spring here is unreal. Tulips. Blossoms. Lush greenery. It feels romantic without trying too hard. Summer gives us full florals and dreamy shaded pathways that make portraits look straight out of a storybook.

If you want elevated, colorful, slightly whimsical engagement photos without making the trip to Holland, this is THE spot!

4. Island Park 

Island Park is low-key one of the most underrated spots for Mt. Pleasant engagement photos.

You get:

• Gorgeous river views
• Open grassy areas
• Bridges that feel very One Tree Hill
• That relaxed “let’s just hang out” energy

In late spring and summer, everything is green and glowy. It’s perfect for barefoot-in-the-grass, reading-a-book, picnic-style photos.

Maddy and Calen’s engagement shoot in a park is a beautiful reminder that you can make literally any spot feel like a movie. 

5. Kayaking on the Chippewa River Outfitters

Want something different?

Late spring and summer kayaking sessions are wildly fun and unique. Imagine golden light reflecting off the water while you two paddle down the river.

It feels like a date. Because it is.

6. Celebration Cinema 

Movie buffs? First date at the theater? Let’s recreate it.

Think:

• Popcorn
• Marquee lights
• Holding hands walking in

It’s nostalgic and playful—especially for summer evening sessions.

7. Downtown Mt. Pleasant 

Downtown gives us texture. From the brick walls, string lights, storefronts, crosswalk shots, this is where we can incorporate:

• Coffee shops
• Ice cream stops
• Window shopping
• Casual walking shots

It feels modern, effortless, and real.

Why Spring and Summer Are The Perfect Seasons For Engagement Photos

If you’re planning Mt. Pleasant engagement photos, spring and summer are honestly unbeatable.

Springtime gives you:

• Fresh greenery everywhere (literally)
• Blooming flowers (especially at Dow Gardens)
• Softer temperatures
• Less squinting, more glow
  

While Summer is great for:

• Long golden hours (more flexibility for schedules)
• Lush landscapes from all of those April showers
• Warm evenings for date-style sessions
• Barefoot, carefree energy

This time of year is perfect for couples that don’t want to freeze through their engagement session in February.

Spring and summer allow us to move, play, and build your session around experiences that don’t require bundling up or snow. 

Date Night But Make It An Engagement Photoshoot

Instead of just posing in one location, I always encourage the couples I work with to build it around things you actually do together.

Ice Cream Stop

Grab some soft serve, sit on a curb, laugh when it melts too fast.

Coffee Shop Run

Order your usual drinks. Sit by a window. Talk like you forgot I’m even there.

Mini Golf

Competitive? Perfect. Trash talk included.

Reading In The Park

Bring your favorite books. Lay out a blanket at Island Park. Make it slow and intentional.

Local Fair Date Night

Nothing beats the nostalgia of a late night ferris wheel ride with your lover, lemon shake up in hand, and wayyy to much $ lost on silly little fair games.

Want more fun engagement photos ideas? Don’t worry, I have more up my sleeve.

These little moments photograph beautifully because they’re real. And that’s what you’ll want to remember 10 years from now.

If you’re looking for a Mt. Pleasant engagement photographer who will help you:

• Choose the perfect location
• Build a personalized date-night-style session like Julianna and Carter did at the Muskegon Museum
• Time it for the best spring or summer light
• Feel natural instead of awkward
  

Let’s make this fun. Reach out here to inquire about your date night meets engagement photoshoot.