Tara and Jackson wanted some fun bar engagement photos as they prepare for their wedding, and I was so honored I was able to take these for them! We visited two locations during their Detroit engagement photoshoot. Our first stop was at Willis Show Bar in Detroit. We rented the bar so we get it all to ourselves, and the staff was amazing to work with!

Where to Take Bar Engagement Photos

It can be tricky finding a places to take bar engagement photos in Detroit. It’s important to contact several bars to learn their rules and regulations. Some places allow you to come anytime they are open, as you do not interrupt the guests. Some bars request photos may only be taken during the first hour of opening. In downtown Detroit, there are a few other locations like the Apparatus Room and the Detroit Club that allow engagement photography with a fee. One of the bars in downtown that allows you to rent the space is Willis Show Bar, which is what we used for this shoot.

The best part about taking engagement photos at a closed bar was having it all to ourselves. We did not have to worry about maneuvering around guests, and we could move around furniture and control the lights as needed.

Willis Show Bar

Willis Show Bar is a historical bar located in downtown Detroit. Started in 1949, the bar still has unique features like a stage behind the bar and fun lighting on the ceilings. The bar was closed a few times in the 1950’s and 70’s and reopened again in 2018.

Detroit Engagement Photography

Detroit has so many great locations to offer for engagement and wedding photos! If you’re looking for other locations to take photos, check out my post “Places to Take Engagement Photos in Downtown Detroit.” At Savvy Shoots, our goal is to make the wedding process easier for you. We offer engagement sessions with every wedding package.

If you are looking for Detroit engagement photos, contact us today to start planning our dream engagement session!