Why Choose the MSU Gardens for Your Michigan Engagement Session

by Caitlin Maloney Photography

If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels romantic, elevated, and effortlessly timeless, the Michigan State University Gardens in East Lansing might be the perfect setting for you. As a Michigan wedding and engagement photographer specializing in classic, sophisticated, and artistic imagery, I’m always drawn to locations that combine natural beauty with refined design—and the MSU Gardens deliver exactly that.

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Michigan

Tucked away in East Lansing, the MSU Gardens are one of Michigan’s most stunning outdoor spaces. Every corner of the gardens feels intentional—lush blooms, sculpted hedges, ivy-covered walls, and romantic archways that transport you far beyond the Midwest.

It’s the kind of location that feels European in spirit yet effortlessly Michigan at heart. Whether you’re envisioning a golden-hour session surrounded by flowers, a summer evening stroll through manicured paths, or rich fall tones against the gardens’ architecture, the MSU Gardens are endlessly photogenic.

Why I Love Photographing at the MSU Gardens

I’ve photographed engagement sessions across Michigan, but the MSU Gardens remain a favorite for couples who want their photos to feel both natural and refined. The variety of textures and backdrops—cobblestone paths, vibrant florals, reflective ponds—make it ideal for creating classic yet elevated photos without needing to travel far.

For my couples, I aim to create imagery that feels effortless and emotional, blending fine art composition with candid moments. The gardens provide a cinematic setting for that balance—soft light filtering through the trees, a gentle breeze through the flowers, and space for you to truly connect and be yourselves.

My Tips for a Flawless Engagement Session

1. Dress intentionally. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style while complementing the natural tones of the gardens—think neutrals, soft pastels, or elevated fabrics like linen or silk.

2. Plan around the light. The gardens truly shine at sunset, and that warm glow gives your images a fine art, editorial look. I recommend shooting in the late afternoon and evening.

3. Add variety. Bring a second outfit to change into for both a casual and more formal style.

4. Relax and enjoy it. I’ll guide you through natural, effortless posing so you can simply be in the moment together.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re planning your Michigan engagement session and love the idea of a setting that’s lush, romantic, and classically beautiful, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Get in touch via the Contact link.

Frances Park

Frances Park is on the west side of Lansing, about 20-25 minutes from MSU. There are bathrooms and easy, free parking on site. No permits needed. There is a gorgeous rose garden, river overlook, pergolas, and wooded nature paths. You can also go directly down to the Grand River. This park is amazing is summer once the roses are in bloom and in fall when the trees along the river have turned and you can see their reflections in the water. I absolutely love how shoots turn out at this park.

MSU Lewis Landscape Arboretum

Located on the south of MSU’s campus are possibly my favorite gardens in all of Michigan. In spring, summer and fall, the gardens bloom with dahlias, hydrangeas, roses and more. There is an English garden, a pergola, a few ponds, and a mini apple orchard and vineyard. You can get so many different looks in just this one garden! Bonus is there is a tiny parking lot right on site, so you don’t have to walk far to the location. Only down side is there are no bathrooms anywhere nearby so if you are doing an outfit change, it has to be in your car. This garden rivals other gardens in the Detroit area that charge hundreds of dollars in fees. There are no logos or Sparty statues around, so it even works for non-Spartan alum :) . There is no shade at this garden, so it only works for golden hour sessions or on cloudy days.

MSU Central Campus

Central campus is great for all four seasons! There is shade in this area along the river, so the light is a little more forgiving than the arboretum if shooting outside of golden hour. Parking at the main library is free in the evenings, though it can be more difficult to find a spot. Bathrooms are open during business hours in the library too. There aren’t as many flowers as the arboretum, but the leaves look incredible, especially in fall. There are evergreens for winter. The riverwalk and bridges look beautiful in photos, and the botanical gardens are right next to the library. There is a lot of walking in this area, so its a great spot for a casual outfit.

MSU North Campus

MSU North campus is by the Union and the old dorm buildings. The old dorm buildings provide for such gorgeous architecture, which makes an elegant background. There are also beautiful blooming trees, bushes and flowers on north campus. Bathrooms are in the union to change but parking is a little trickier. Beaumont Tower is right across from the Union too, but can become really busy, especially during graduation season. It’s easy to do a more formal outfit on north campus and then change into a casual one for central campus.

Rotary Park

If you are looking for a beach/water summery vibe, but don’t want to drive to a lake, Rotary Park in downtown Lansing has a beach along the river! It gets a great sunset and I love how the photos turn out. It’s right on the river trail so there are lots of little nooks and a cool bridge to use too. Parking is super simple but unfortunately there aren’t public bathrooms for changing. This spot can be combined with shots at the Capitol building/downtown Lansing. Couples often start with a formal look a the Capitol and change into a casual one for the beach.

MSU Children’s Garden and Horticulture Gardens

These gardens are so beautiful in summer! There isn’t any shade, so shooting at sunset is imperative, and the roses are in bloom in summer only. There is a cute little bridge and pond, a red brick path, hanging flower baskets, and beautiful roses everywhere. It’s a great summer spot for a session. Parking is super easy right on site but unfortunately no bathrooms.

Downtown Lansing and the Capitol Building

The Capitol building provides an elegant backdrop for photos and looks best dressed up. Parking isn’t too bad (you can park on the street right out front at a meter) but there are no bathrooms. Do a formal look here and then move to Rotary Park for a casual one! This location is also great in early spring/late fall when there aren’t leaves on the trees since there is beautiful architecture to use as a backdrop.

Old Town

For couples wanting a spot with a lot of color and a cute downtown vibe mixed in with a bit of nature, Old Town is perfect. Brightly colored buildings and the river trail make for fun photos. There aren’t many flowers, but the colorful buildings give the images a pop. There isn’t any shade, so golden hour or a cloudy day work best. Parking is easy (there’s a large lot on site) but no bathrooms for changing.

This weekend I took over 2,000 photos and had 3 engagement sessions and 3 family portrait sessions! This is a typical weekend for a photographer in October. We photographers joke that October for us is just like April for accountants....every one would like a service at the same time and so we have to jam pack our weekends so that all of our clients can get that fall color for their photos.

While we had to reschedule Erica and Grant's first session due to rain, the second date ended up being perfect- sunny and not too cold! People always ask me what to wear, and Erica and Grant chose the perfect outfits- solid, textured sweaters in earth tones. Erica also threw a scarf over her sweater for a third, different look!

I love how these turned out-- you can't beat the fall color on MSU's campus! Even if you aren’t alumni, I always recommend MSU’s campus for it’s beautiful gardens. As long as you don’t take pictures with Sparty, no one can tell you are on campus ;) .

Since Annie and Austin both attended MSU and even got engaged on Michigan State's campus, it was only fitting for them to have their engagement photos taken there. We started at the arboretum and then made our way over to Beaumont Tower. I love how these turned out, and can't wait until their wedding at Lovett Hall in Dearborn next month!