The Hermitage Hotel


Choosing a location for your engagement photos is a big decision. Do you want it to be fun? Do you want it to be sentimental? Do you want it to be timeless? When Mady + Josh reached out about scheduling their engagement photos and casually mentioned wanting to do them at The Hermitage Hotel, I was ECSTATIC. It encompasses all of those things!


With rich history, beautiful architecture and timeless touches throughout, The Hermitage is a perfect spot. Do you want to take your photos here? Read these tips to help plan your perfect shoot.


  1. Time it accordingly. Nashville is well, Nashville. Regardless of if you're shooting at Hermitage or not, make sure you know how much time it will take you to get to your location, what time you want to begin shooting and what the sun looks like at that time.
  2. Park appropriately. Street parking is LIMITED. There's a garage for valet, or there is a lot located on the same street, diagonally from the hotel. This is where I recommend parking! It's easy to get in and out of, and not too costly. About one-tenth of a mile walk to the front doors of the hotel.
  3. Lighting. What time of year is it? If the sun sets around 4:30, you might want to begin shooting around 3 to ensure you have plenty of light. If you're shooting during the summer months when sunlight is more plentiful, I would recommend waiting until 6 or 7pm to begin to capture that beautiful golden hour lighting between the buildings on the street.
  4. Where to go once you're there. I like to begin on the front sidewalk. Get some fun shots of your couple with the front doors and the awning with the sign in the background! Then I like to move indoors. You'll walk up the stairs and find yourself in the lobby. Turn left again, and walk up more steps and through the French doors. You'll find yourself in a beautiful Veranda with the dreamiest natural light. This room is your showstopper-- use it to best of your ability! After maximizing your shots in the veranda, head back downstairs towards the front door, but stop short and turn left. There's a cool hallway leading to a restaurant! The lighting is fun and unique. Great spot for some dramatic shots. After that, I like to wrap up by heading back outside and crossing the street. Let's get some perspective and context with wide shots. You'll be fighting traffic and hotel guests being dropped off in the background, but it's WORTH it.
  5. What you should wear. Neutral + soft colors are your friend. Whites, tans, blues, greens, pinks. It'll all look great with the beautiful colors this venue has to offer.


There you have it! This is a place where timelessness meets modern romance. So if you're a bride trying to decide where you should take your photos or a photographer trying to come up with a location guide, add The Hermitage Hotel to your list. I promise, it'll be worth it! And once you post it on instagram, tag me (@baileymariephotos) so I can see the magic you create.


With love,

BM