If you want engagement photos that feel like you hopped on a plane to Europe without actually leaving Oklahoma. Philbrook Museum engagement photos might be exactly what you’re looking for. The Italian-inspired architecture, formal gardens, stone staircases, fountains, and so much greenery make Philbrook one of my favorite places for an engagement session in Tulsa. Katie and Aidan wanted something with a loosely editorial feel while still feeling like them, and wandering around the gardens together basically turned their session into a little date night in Italy… just conveniently nestled right in the heart of Midtown Tulsa.
Philbrook Museum Engagement Photos With All the European Vibes
The Philbrook is one of those locations where we really don’t have to do much to make your photos interesting. Every corner gives us something different! We can use the architecture for those more editorial, pulled-back portraits, wander through the gardens for something a little more relaxed, and play with all of the staircases, stonework, fountains, and perfectly manicured greenery. It seriously feels like we’re walking around the gardens of an Italian villa.
I also love that Katie and Aidan kept their outfits simple and neutral because it worked so well here. Their looks didn’t compete with the location and gave us room to create a mix of those classic, slightly editorial portraits and the fun, movement-filled photos that actually feel like them. And of course, I had to pull out some film! Between the warm tones, greenery, and old-world feel of Philbrook, this location was basically made for it.
Planning Your Engagement Photos at the Philbrook Museum
Because Philbrook is such a popular photography location, there is a little planning involved before your session. Engagement sessions in the gardens require your photographer to reserve a photography permit. Currently, sessions during regular museum hours are $75 per hour, while after-hours sessions are $300 for two hours.
One important thing to know is that the photography permit covers the gardens only. It does not give us access to photograph inside the museum, interior photography requires a scheduled event. But honestly, there is so much to work with outside that we can create a ton of variety without ever needing to go indoors. If your vision is romantic European gardens mixed with a little editorial date-night energy, it’s hard to beat this spot.
From Philbrook Museum Engagement Photos to an OSU Wedding
Katie and Aidan’s story started the summer before college when they met while working as lifeguards. And now they’re getting ready to graduate and get married! Aidan proposed at the Lake Hefner Lighthouse in Oklahoma City, which made it even sweeter since it was somewhere they had visited on one of their first dates.
Next up, I’ll get to photograph their wedding at St. John Catholic Student Center on Oklahoma State University’s campus during the Christmas season, and I seriously cannot wait. They’ll be married by Father Kerry Wakulich, who gives some of my absolute favorite wedding homilies. There’s also a fun personal connection there, my husband knew Fr. Kerry during his undergrad years at TU! Between the newly remodeled church, Christmas season, and these two, I’m already counting down.
Planning Your Own Tulsa Engagement Session? Hire Me As Your Tulsa Wedding Photographer!
Your engagement photos don’t have to feel like an hour of standing around and posing for the camera. Pick a location you love, dress up a little, make a date out of it, and let’s create something that actually feels like the two of you. If you’re dreaming about Philbrook Museum engagement photos with European garden vibes, a little editorial inspiration, and plenty of room to just have fun together, I’d love to help you plan it! Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
