Liz + Pete: Fort McHenry Engagement Session

Liz and Pete’s Fort McHenry engagement session pairs Baltimore waterfront paths and open space with relaxed portraits, fall color, and black-and-white frames. Several photos include a dog on the walk. Couples planning their own session should check park hours, pet access, parking, and the National Park Service’s photography rules before choosing a date.

A look at the session

The gallery moves between dark metal beams, the water’s edge, and tree cover. Liz and Pete walk, sit close together, laugh, and lean into one another; the photos vary between tight portraits and wider frames that leave room for the setting.

A dog appears in two of the path photographs, adding movement to the sequence. Other frames include an overhead portrait among rocks and driftwood, autumn leaves, and a wide black-and-white view beneath a tall metal structure.

That mix is a useful model for engagement photos: leave time to walk between backgrounds and let a few simple moments carry the story instead of repeating the same pose.

Planning Fort McHenry engagement photos

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is at 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230. The National Park Service says on-site public parking is available at no charge. The main visitor-center lot is limited, with a grass and gravel overflow lot; parking is first-come, first-served. Check the park’s current hours and directions before you go.

For still photography involving eight or fewer people, the NPS says a permit and fees are not required in most cases when every condition below is met. Commercial status alone does not change that test under current NPS guidance:

• The activity takes place in an area open to the public.

• The group uses hand-carried equipment only.

• The group does not request exclusive use of a site.

• The activity does not adversely affect park resources, values, or other visitors.

• The activity is not likely to create additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.

Fort McHenry’s Photography Quick Guide adds park-specific conditions: photography outside park hours requires a permit and depends on staff availability; cost-recovery fees for staff time may apply. Photography in the Star Fort Historic Zone is subject to entrance fees. The guide also prohibits posing on historic structures, climbing or sitting in trees, altering the grounds to set a scene, and interfering with other visitors. See the NPS filming and photography permit page or contact the park if your plan is unusual or you are unsure how the rules apply.

Bringing a dog

Fort McHenry allows pets in designated areas. Dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet; pets are not permitted in the Historic Zone, Star Fort, visitor center, or other buildings. If you want dog portraits, plan them in an allowed area and keep the path clear for other visitors. Check the park’s current pet rules before your visit.

Fort McHenry engagement photo FAQs

Where is Fort McHenry?

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is at 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230.

Do I need a permit for engagement photos at Fort McHenry?

For still photography involving eight or fewer people, the National Park Service says a permit and fees are generally not required when all conditions are met: the area is open to the public, equipment is hand-carried, no exclusive use is requested, visitors and park resources are not adversely affected, and no additional administrative costs are likely. Fort McHenry requires a permit for photography outside park hours; photography in the Star Fort Historic Zone is subject to entrance fees. Contact the park if your plan falls outside these conditions.

Can I bring my dog to Fort McHenry?

Yes, pets may visit designated areas on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the Historic Zone, Star Fort, the visitor center, or other park buildings.

Is parking available at Fort McHenry?

Yes. On-site public parking is available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The main visitor-center lot is limited, and the park also has a grass and gravel overflow lot.

For more ideas, read the Baltimore engagement photo guide or browse more engagement sessions.

Planning your own Baltimore engagement session? Contact Mantas Kubilinskas Photography to talk through the location and the current park rules.