Just over five acres in the middle of Uptown, with a skyline that looks close enough to touch. It is the easiest place in Charlotte to be a couple in a city and still feel like you have room to breathe.
I am an Asheville photographer, and I travel to Charlotte for sessions: 130 miles, about two hours and ten minutes each way. What follows is how I would plan your session here, built from what the county and the city's visitor bureau say about the place.
Romare Bearden Park is at 300 S. Church Street. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation describes it as just over five acres, with waterfalls and a misting area in the warmer months and a large grassy area for relaxing. The city's visitor bureau adds winding walkways, benches among the greenery, and rose-lined paths with the skyscrapers rising behind them.
From a Stories by Esi session
Three ways to use the park
The water is the obvious draw. A colorful water feature with towers behind it makes a clean, graphic frame, and the mist can catch backlight on a warm evening. We would play with it from a little distance first, wide and quiet, then come close for the in-between moments: a hand on a back, a laugh, someone fixing a collar.
The lawn is for slowness. Spread out, lie down, let the skyline sit above you. Walking paths are for movement: I like to have couples walk toward me, away from me, and then simply talk while I stay a few steps behind.
Water and waterfalls: graphic, cool, best in warm months
The lawn: relaxed and open, easiest place to be unposed
Garden paths: soft green framing, good for walking frames
Street edges: stone, glass and signs for a more city feel
Seasons and light here
The county notes that the waterfalls and misting area run in the warmer months, so a cold-weather session means a quieter, drier park. That is not bad. Winter gives bare branches, crisp air and long low light, and the buildings frame it well. In summer, plan for evening, when the heat eases and the towers go warm.
Because the park sits among tall buildings, the sun can disappear earlier than the sunset time suggests. I would arrive early, walk the park, and decide where the last good light will fall before we start. Overcast days work here too: soft light, saturated greens, and glass that reads silver.
From a Stories by Esi session
Game days and permits
The Charlotte Knights play at Truist Field across the street and Bank of America Stadium is about a block away, per the visitor bureau. On game days the area fills with people. I would check both schedules before we pick a date and aim for a non-event day or an early morning.
As of October 2026 I could not find an official page that describes photography permits for Romare Bearden Park. The county's park system uses forms for weddings and special events, and its business office can tell you whether a portrait session needs anything. Check current rules with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, 980-314-1000, before booking.
Good to know
Before we go
Address
300 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202Official info
Size and features
Just over five acres, with waterfalls and a misting area during warmer months and a large grassy area.Official info
Permits
No official photography permit page found as of October 2026. Check with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, 980-314-1000.Official info
Questions
Asked and answered
Is Romare Bearden Park good for engagement photos?
Yes, if you like a city setting with green space. You get water, lawn, paths and the skyline in one place, so we can vary the mood without driving anywhere.
Will the water features be running?
The county says the waterfalls and misting area operate in the warmer months. In colder months, plan for a drier park and ask the county for current status.
Do you live in Charlotte?
No. I live in Asheville and travel to Charlotte, about two hours and ten minutes by car. We would plan the timing around that.
Tell me who you are, what you love, and the season you're in. I read every word.
I'm based in Asheville and travel to Charlotte for sessions, elopements and weddings. Tell me where you are, and travel details come with your collections.
