Scarritt Bennett Engagement Photos | A Gothic-Inspired Session in Nashville
When couples ask if I have any favorite engagement session locations in Nashville, Scarritt Bennett is always on my list.
It doesn't look like anywhere else in the city. The Gothic architecture, stained glass, stone archways, and quiet corners make it feel like you've wandered into another place entirely. For couples who love historic spaces or want something with a little more atmosphere than a park, it's hard to beat.
That's exactly why I suggested it to Milan and Alex.
A Gothic Engagement Session at Scarritt Bennett
Milan and Alex are from Nashville, but Scarritt Bennett wasn't somewhere they had a personal connection to before their session. They were looking through my location guide, and as soon as I suggested it, it just fit.
Milan wore a red and black mini dress with a black veil, while Alex wore gray trousers with a black shirt and suspenders. They looked completely at home against the dark wood, stone walls, and stained glass.
I love photographing couples who aren't afraid to make their session feel like them. There's no rule that engagement photos have to happen in a field at sunset. Sometimes the right location is a historic chapel with dramatic architecture and light pouring through stained glass.
Why I Love Scarritt Bennett for Engagement Photos
Scarritt Bennett has quickly become one of my favorite places for engagement sessions in Nashville.
The chapel is beautiful on its own, but what really gets me excited is the way the light moves through the building.
We photographed their session on a sunny spring afternoon, and the windows created these incredible pockets of light across the sanctuary floor. Some corners stayed dark while others were completely illuminated. I barely had to direct the light because it was already doing exactly what I wanted.
The architecture carries so much of the mood. The pointed arches, stained glass, carved wood, and long hallways all work together without feeling overdone.
It's the kind of place where you don't need much to create dramatic portraits.
My Favorite Photos From the Session
The image I keep coming back to was taken from below the chapel balcony.
Milan and Alex were standing together in front of one of the stained glass windows while I backed up as far as I could and photographed them from the lower level. The hanging lights between us added another layer to the frame, and suddenly everything lined up.
It's one of those photos that made me stop for a second after I took it.
I also loved photographing in the foyer. There's a chair near the entrance that immediately caught my eye, and I knew I wanted to use it before we left. At a few points I was flat on the floor, trying to find the angle I had in my head.
Occupational hazard.
One thing that surprised me was having access to the balcony. That opened up so many different compositions that you just can't get from the main floor.
A Natural Fit for My Style
As I've leaned further into Southern Gothic wedding photography, I've found myself drawn to places with history, texture, and interesting light.
Scarritt Bennett checks every box.
I photographed this session almost entirely with natural light. I wanted to keep the shadows deep and let the bright windows shape the images instead of competing with them. The result felt dramatic without feeling heavy.
The altar was beautiful, but some of my favorite moments happened away from it, where the sunlight broke through the windows and created bright spotlights against the darker walls.
Those little pockets of light were enough.
Planning Engagement Photos at Scarritt Bennett?
If you're looking for a location that's architectural, timeless, and unconventional, I'd absolutely recommend Scarritt Bennett.
The staff was wonderful to work with, and the property offers a surprising amount of variety without ever leaving the grounds.
Just keep in mind that Scarritt Bennett requires a photography permit, which was $150 at the time of this session. It's always a good idea to confirm current pricing and availability before booking.
If you're planning engagement photos in Nashville and you're drawn to historic architecture, dramatic light, or a moodier approach to photography, I'd love to help you find a location that feels like you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarritt Bennett Engagement Sessions
Do you need a permit for engagement photos at Scarritt Bennett?
Yes. Scarritt Bennett requires a photography permit for portrait sessions. At the time of this session, the fee was $150, though it's worth checking with the venue for current pricing.
Is Scarritt Bennett a good location for engagement photos?
Absolutely. Between the Gothic architecture, stained glass, stone details, and beautiful natural light, it's one of my favorite engagement session locations in Nashville.
What time of day is best for photos at Scarritt Bennett?
The chapel photographs beautifully during the day when sunlight pours through the stained glass windows. Outdoors on campus is most beautiful right at dusk. For this session, we photographed around midday on a sunny spring afternoon, and the light inside the sanctuary was incredible.
Is Scarritt Bennett LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes, Scarritt Bennett is LGBTQ+ friendly. I encourage every couple to ask venues directly about their policies so you feel comfortable and supported throughout the planning process. During my experience photographing here, the staff was welcoming, professional, and easy to work with.