7 of the best Locations for Peak District Couples Shoots
What are the top Peak District locations for Engagement and Wedding Photography in 2025?
I absolutely love the Peak District!
I have spent so many hours walking these paths, climbing these cliffs, and exploring the great outdoors.
Fortunately, my misspent youth has not gone to waste, and all my experience in this stunning part of the world can now be put to work in a new way!
All the things I love about climbing in the Peak, also make it the ideal backdrop for engagement, couples, and wedding photography. The Peak District offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes. From dramatic gritstone edges to tranquil river valleys, this breathtaking national park truly has something for everyone.
That said, the place is massive, with so many potential backdrops and locations to visit. So my goal with this blog is to help you discover the perfect setting for your photos while ensuring the experience is relaxed, natural, and unforgettable.
1: Winnat’s Pass: Iconic Backdrops for Peak District Couples Shoots
Winnat’s Pass is a natural starting point for anyone looking for dramatic Peak District engagement photography. Towering limestone walls line a winding road, creating a cinematic feel that photographs beautifully.
It sits just outside the village of Castleton, right where the Dark Peak meets the White Peak. Overlooking Castleton, Mam Tor, and the Blue John Cavern, it’s especially good for couples who crave a sense of adventure.
While the uphill walk can be a challenge, it helps keep the area from getting too crowded—though on sunny weekends, you may still find a fair number of visitors. Visiting during a weekday or at sunrise can make it feel even more secluded and serene.
2: Curbar Edge: Sunset Magic for Engagement and Wedding Photos
Curbar Edge is one of my favourite places to shoot in the Peak District. It’s a straightforward walk from the Curbar Gap car park and boasts breathtaking views over the Derwent Valley. I’ve spent countless hours here, both for climbing projects and scouting photography locations, so I know exactly where we can escape the crowds and soak in the landscape without interruption.
As the sun begins to set, the gritstone edge lights up from across the valley, and provides an ideal backdrop for romantic couples shoots. It’s no wonder Curbar Edge is renowned among Peak District wedding photographers and adventure-seeking couples.
3: Dovedale: Picturesque Rivers and Rolling Hills
Dovedale sits in the southern part of the Peak District, known for its gentle river, lush greenery, and the ever-popular stepping stones. There’s a main pay-and-display car park near the stepping stones, though it can get busy - especially on weekends and holidays.
If crowds are a concern, consider arriving early or late in the day for a more chilled out shoot. If the water level is high, or if you fancy a different viewpoint then heading up the nearby Thorpe Cloud offers sweeping views of the valley below.
You’ll capture images that feel both expansive and intimate. For couples looking for a quieter alternative nearby, Wolfscote Dale or Milldale can also be wonderful options, offering similarly beautiful scenery with fewer visitors.
4: Baslow Edge: A Tranquil Alternative for Engagement and Couples Shoots
Close to Curbar Edge but typically quieter, Baslow Edge boasts similar panoramic vistas over the Derwent Valley. It’s ideal for those seeking a calm, secluded spot without compromising on breathtaking views.
The Eagle Stone, located a short distance from the edge, offers an alternative backdrop to mix things up on couples shoots too.
5: Stanage & Burbage Edge: A Classic Peak District Gritstone Experience
Stanage Edge is another must-mention for Peak District engagement photography. It’s one of the longest gritstone edges in the area and easily accessed near Hathersage. Stanage is famous among climbers and photographers alike for its sweeping views, and sunrise or sunset shoots here can be absolutely epic.
The nearby Burbage Edge is similarly stunning, but be aware that these are two of the most visited locations in the peak district, so if you’re at all camera/performance shy then we may need to be a little more conscious of where exactly we choose to shoot!
6: The Roaches: Dramatic Peaks for Adventurous Couples
Located on the western side of the Peak District near Leek, making it an especially convenient spot for those traveling from Manchester or Stoke.
The Roaches is known for its rugged, toothy rock formations that create a striking silhouette against the sky. The steep but brief walk up from Roaches Gate (or nearby roadside lay-bys) rewards you with some of the most dramatic backdrops available for Peak District couples shoots.
A personal favourite location here is this gnarled old tree across the road with views over the valley.
7: Padley Gorge: Enchanting Woodland for Intimate Couples and Engagement Shoots
Nestled near Grindleford in the Peak District, just down from Burbage Edge - Padley Gorge offers a lush, mossy woodland that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Burbage Brook meanders through the trees, creating small waterfalls and picturesque stepping stones - ideal for couples who want a more adventurous, storybook feel to their photos.
While it’s not as dramatic as the open gritstone edges, Padley Gorge delivers a soft, romantic atmosphere perfect for Peak District engagement and couples photography. Be prepared for slightly uneven, potentially slippery paths, and consider aiming for a weekday session to enjoy a bit more peace and quiet in this popular spot.
Planning Your Peak District Engagement or Wedding Shoot
With more than 15 years of experience hiking, climbing, and photographing these landscapes, I can guide you to each location’s hidden gems and advise on the best times of day for ideal light. While I can’t promise clear skies and blazing sunsets, I can promise a fun, relaxed session that makes the most of whatever the weather has in store.
Winter conditions, for example, can transform spots like Winnat’s Pass and Curbar Edge into breathtaking snowy wonderlands - an unforgettable setting for couples who want something extra unique. Even a touch of frost can add a beautiful element of drama to your photos.
Ready to Book Your Couples or Engagement Shoot in the Peak District?
So that completes the list! If you’re inspired by these Peak District engagement photography locations and want to start planning your session, I’d love to hear from you.
Feel free to get in touch or explore my photography packages to see how we can tailor a session that suits your style against some of the most unforgettable backdrops the UK has to offer.