Sugarcreek MetroPark Photos & Engagement Session Location Info
June 7, 2024
Sugarcreek MetroPark Description
This Bellbrook Ohio park, Sugarcreek MetroPark is beautiful and large. It is quite a drive southeast of Dayton. The exciting and diverse areas to photograph are located well within the park. Reaching them can take up most of your session time. It can take 15-30 minutes each way. Give yourself plenty of time when using this Dayton engagement session location. Hot and humid days can present additional challenges here as there isn’t much of a breeze deep in the wooded areas of the park.
While It is a pretty place for photos, I recommend engaged couples shy away from this. At most other Dayton parks, varied locations are quickly and easily reachable.
- Address: 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305
- Permit Requirement: A daily or yearly permit is required for photo sessions at Sugarcreek MetroPark
- $50 charge due to time commitment
- Osage Orange Tunnel
- Large beautiful creek
- Hiking trails
- Close the many parts of the Dayton area
- Plenty of entrances and parking
- Reasons You Should Choose: The number of possibilities for backdrops is endless.
- Reasons To Not Choose: There is a considerable amount of hiking to get to the creek and to the Osage Orange Tunnel.
- Warning: Permit required
TIP: I suggest not choosing Sugarcreek MetroPark due to the incredible time it takes to reach anywhere great.
TIP: If you identify as LGBTQ, consider hiring me. I am an LGBTQ-friendly and inclusive wedding and engagement photographer in Dayton, Ohio.
If this MetroPark is not your style, take a peak at Carriage Hill MetroPark in Huber Heights Ohio.
My First Same-Sex Engagement Photos In Dayton’s Sugarcreek MetroPark
In September 2020 I photographed this great same-sex couple at Sugarcreek MetroPark in Bellbrook, Ohio. These two ladies and their dog did great. Although Sugarcreek is my least favorite park in the system, they chose to shoot there. I treat all couples the same, but with two men or two women, there are certain posing styles that I like to use. The traditional poses don’t always work or look right for Dayton’s same-sex engagement photos. I adapt what I do to fit the couple I am photographing.
We had a great 2 hours hiking around this southern Dayton area park due to its large size and long walking trails. I was able to capture so many great engagement photos on this late summer day. I wish I could share them all right here. The dog’s bandanna was a nice touch. “I love my mom” is what it said. Thank you to these two fun ladies for a very nice evening. I love photographing a couple’s love. I would love to photograph your LGBTQ wedding and engagement. Love is love!!
At this park, there are plenty of places to enjoy a leisurely picnic, horseback ride, hike, or even see what can be discovered as you hike through tall grass prairies, woodlands, and the scenic collection of oak trees. The most “famous” area of this park is the beautiful osage orange area. On your way through the park, take note of the variety of habitats as well as the tall grass prairies. They can provide great backdrops for your photos.
Thanks to Five Rivers MetroParks for having such amazing parks and habitats that support diverse wildlife and ultimately diverse groups of people.
If this MetroPark is not your style, take a peak at Carriage Hill MetroPark in Huber Heights Ohio.
More About Sugarcreek MetroPark
Sugarcreek MetroPark is one of those places that feels like stepping into a totally different world, even though it’s right here in Dayton. Every time I photograph a couple or a family there, I’m reminded why I keep coming back. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and it has this quiet magic that just makes people relax. If you want photos that feel natural, earthy, and full of soft, warm light, Sugarcreek never disappoints.
One of my favorite things about this park is how many different looks you can get in such a small area. You’ve got the tall, whispery grasses that glow like crazy at golden hour. You’ve got those huge old trees—some of them over 500 years old—that make you feel tiny in the coolest way. The trails wind through forests, open fields, and those moody little pockets of shade that make perfect spots for intimate, close-up shots. It’s basically a photographer’s playground.
The Three Sisters Trees
The Three Sisters trees, although declining, are always a hit. There’s something special about them—almost like you’re standing in front of local legends. Couples love cuddling up under the branches or walking hand-in-hand between them, and it always creates a really grounded, romantic vibe. Then there’s the boardwalk area, which is great for movement shots. Walking, spinning, laughing—everything looks better with a soft green backdrop behind you.
Golden hour at Sugarcreek is next-level. The way the light pours through the trees or hits the tops of the fields is honestly something I could shoot every single day and never get tired of. It’s warm, flattering, and makes every photo look instantly more cinematic. Even on cloudy days, the park has this calm, moody tone that photographs beautifully.
What I love most, though, is how people act when they’re here. Something about the quiet trails and open spaces just makes everyone loosen up. You stop worrying about the camera. And that’s when the best photos happen—the real smiles, the quiet moments, the little looks you don’t plan.
Sugarcreek MetroPark is one of Dayton’s great parks. If you’re looking for a location that feels calm, natural, and effortlessly beautiful, this place nails it. Every time. Just be sure to give yourself a lot of time to get into the park.
Check out all of recent and past engagement session blog posts and galleries here!
