Hello there! We’re Alyse and Ben, New Orleans-based wedding photographers with a passion for capturing love stories in unique and beautiful settings. Today, we’re excited to share our insider tips for planning the perfect engagement session in the charming town of Covington, Louisiana. Whether you’re a fellow photographer or a couple looking for inspiration, this guide will help you make the most of this picturesque location.

Why Choose Covington for Your Engagement Session?

Nestled on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Covington offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. Its historic downtown, lush parks, and scenic waterways provide a diverse array of backdrops for engagement photos. As photographers, we’ve fallen in love with Covington’s versatility and romantic ambiance.

Best Locations in Covington

 Historic Downtown Covington

The heart of Covington is its charming downtown area, filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and beautiful architecture. Some of our favorite spots include:

• Columbia Street: This main thoroughfare is lined with colorful storefronts and vintage lampposts, perfect for capturing that small-town feel.
• Covington Trailhead: This beautifully landscaped area features a clock tower, gazebo, and vintage train car, offering a variety of photo opportunities in one compact location.
• St. Tammany Art Association: The exterior of this historic building provides a lovely backdrop with its classic architecture.

Bogue Falaya Park

This riverside park is a natural oasis right in the heart of Covington. We love it for:

• The iconic swinging bridge: A must-have shot for any Covington engagement session.
• Scenic river views: The Bogue Falaya River offers beautiful reflections and serene backdrops.
• Majestic oak trees: The park’s ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss create a romantic, Southern atmosphere.

Tammany Trace

This 31-mile rails-to-trails conversion is perfect for couples who love the outdoors. Near Covington, you’ll find:

• Tree-lined paths: Ideal for romantic walks and natural light filtering through the leaves.
• Rustic wooden bridges: These make for great framing elements in your shots.

Abita Springs

Just a short drive from Covington, Abita Springs offers additional charming locations:

• Abita Mystery House: This quirky attraction can add a fun and whimsical element to your session.
• Abita Springs Park: The park’s gazebo and large oak trees provide a classic Southern backdrop.

Weather Considerations

Covington’s subtropical climate means you’ll need to plan carefully for your engagement session. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

Spring (March to May)

• Pros: Mild temperatures, beautiful blooming azaleas and magnolias.
• Cons: Can be rainy, especially in April.
• Tip: Have a backup indoor location just in case of sudden showers.

Summer (June to August)

• Pros: Long days provide extended golden hour lighting.
• Cons: Hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
• Tip: Plan for early morning or late evening sessions to avoid the heat.

Fall (September to November)

• Pros: Cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage in late October/early November.
• Cons: Hurricane season peaks in September.
• Tip: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and have a flexible schedule.

Winter (December to February)

• Pros: Mild temperatures, less humidity, unique winter light.
• Cons: Shorter days, some locations may look less lush.
• Tip: Take advantage of the early sunset for beautiful golden hour shots.

Getting married in Louisiana? Check out our favorite venues:
NOPSI Hotel
Marigny Opera House
Hotel Peter and Paul
Il Mercato
Maison Lafitte
Old Ursuline Convent
Elms Mansion
Southern Hotel
The Ritz
Marche

Best Times of Day for Photos

As photographers, we always aim for the best light to make our couples look their absolute best. Here are our recommendations:

Golden Hour

The hour before sunset is our favorite time for engagement sessions in Covington. The warm, soft light creates a romantic glow that’s perfect for photos. In summer, this can be quite late (around 7-8 PM), while in winter it can be as early as 4-5 PM.

Early Morning

For early birds, the hour after sunrise offers similarly beautiful light. This is especially good in the summer months when afternoons can be uncomfortably hot.

Overcast Days

Don’t despair if the forecast calls for clouds! Overcast days provide soft, diffused light that can be very flattering. This allows for more flexibility in shooting times and locations.

Outfit Recommendations

Choosing the right outfits can really elevate your engagement photos. Here are some tips we share with our couples:

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Aim for complementary colors and styles rather than exact matches. For example, if one person wears a blue shirt, the other could wear a dress with blue accents.

Consider Your Locations

If we’re shooting in the lush green parks of Covington, colors like deep blues, burgundies, or soft pinks can provide beautiful contrast. For downtown sessions, consider more urban-chic outfits.

Bring Options

We always recommend bringing 2-3 outfit changes. This allows for variety in your photos and ensures you have options if something doesn’t work as well as you’d hoped.

Comfort is Key

Covington can be warm and humid, so choose fabrics that breathe well. Also, consider bringing comfortable shoes for walking between locations.

Accessorize

Don’t forget accessories like hats, scarves, or jewelry. These can add interest to your photos and are easy to add or remove for different looks.

Final Tips for a Successful Covington Engagement Session

Explore the area: If possible, arrive in Covington a day early to scout locations and get comfortable with the area.

Stay hydrated: Louisiana can be hot, so bring plenty of water, especially for summer sessions.

Bug spray: Don’t forget insect repellent, particularly if we’re shooting near the river or in wooded areas.

Permits: Some locations may require permits for professional photography. We’ll handle this, but it’s something to be aware of.

Relax and have fun: The most important tip of all! Your engagement session should be a fun experience that captures your love. Trust us to guide you, and don’t be afraid to be yourselves.

We hope this guide has given you a good overview of what to expect for your Covington engagement session. As local photographers, we’re always excited to share the beauty of this charming town with our couples. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand down Columbia Street or sharing a quiet moment in Bogue Falaya Park, Covington provides the perfect backdrop for your love story.

Remember, every couple is unique, and we’re here to tailor your session to your personal style and preferences. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us – we love collaborating with our couples to create truly personalized engagement photos.

We can’t wait to capture your love in the heart of Covington. Here’s to creating beautiful memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!