The Top 10 Dallas Engagement Photo Locations

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is my most popular engagement session setting! It’s location in central Plano makes it really accessible to the DFW metroplex, and the park/trail itself is so large that there’s a wide variety of beautiful spots and locations. It’s the perfect natural setting – with tall grass, green trees and occasional wildflowers!

Website: https://www.plano.gov/1397/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve
Address: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Best Time to Photograph: 1 Hour Before Sunset
Crowd Level: High

Stem and Light Studio

The Stem and Light Studio greenhouse is one of my absolute favorites outside Dallas! The studio rental includes access to both an indoor studio with classic backdrops and an abundance of natural light, while the outdoor area provide a greenhouse as an elegant backdrop. The greenhouse is also a really great rain option if your engagement session gets rained out!

Website: https://stemandlight.com
Address: 370 Anderson Ranch Rd, Waxahachie, TX 75167
Best Time to Photograph: 1.5 Hours Before Sunset
Crowd Level: Private

White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake is an awesome option for Dallas proposals, engagements, and even bridal sessions! I’m obsessed with the image above – who wouldn’t want a few sailboats in the background of their engagement photos??

Website: https://www.dallasparks.org/235/White-Rock-Lake
Address: 8300 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Best Time to Photograph: 1 Hour Before Sunset
Crowd Level: Medium

Turtle Creek Park

Turtle Creek Park is central to the downtown Dallas area! I love the way this location incorporates both a nature aspect, and an elegant urban vibe. Plus, when fall comes the trees start to change to the most gorgeous colors, pictured above!

Website: https://turtlecreekconservancy.org/
Address: 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219
Best Time to Photograph: 2 Hours Before Sunset
Crowd Level: Low

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is my favorite Dallas winter engagement session location! The gardens are gorgeous year round regardless of the weather, and the plants are always beautifully maintained! Plus, in November and December the addition of Christmas lights makes the entire arboretum even more magical!

Website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Best Time to Photograph: 9AM in Spring and Summer, 4PM in Fall and Winter
Crowd Level: Medium

Your Venue!

I debated adding this one in here, but if you’re searching for an engagement session location – consider the place you’ll say “I do!” Bonus points if you book your photographer in advance and get to schedule your session approximately a year out from the wedding day, so you’ll have a good idea of what the light will look like day of.

Prairie Creek Park

This park’s waterfall is a super unique and special backdrop! I highly recommend visiting this park on a week night, since weekends tend to be crowded due to its small size. If you get the place to yourself, your memories can look epic like this!

Website: https://www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/park-descriptions-locations
Address: 2400 W Prairie Creek Dr, Richardson, TX 75080
Best Time to Photograph: 2 Hours Before Sunset
Crowd Level: Low

Rockledge Park

Rockledge Park is a fun option for its variety of shooting options. You’ll not only have access to a wide open field with the beautiful lake view above, but also to some super epic rock formations that surround the beach itself!

Website: https://rockledgepark.com/
Address: Rockledge Park, 3600 Pilot Point, Grapevine, TX 76051
Best Time to Photograph: 1 Hour Before Sunset
Crowd Level: Low

Prather Park

I’m dying to do a fun basketball or tennis session at this park, it has it all! You’ll have access to some lovely pathways to take fun, traditional portraits like the one above, as well as incorporate a fun activity for the two of you to do together!

Website: https://www.hptx.org/565/Prather-Park
Address: 4500 Drexel Dr, Highland Park, TX 75205
Best Time to Photograph: 1.5 Hours Before Sunset
Crowd Level: Low

Las Collinas Mandalay Canals

Visiting the Las Colinas area feels like a short trip to Europe! The Italian architecture gives a more formal feel to the images, and I’m obsessed with how romantic the setting is. You can even rent a gondola to travel through the canals that wind around Lake Carolyn!

Website: https://www.irvingtexas.com/things-to-do/mandalay-canals/
Address: 215 Mandalay Canal, Irving, TX 75039
Best Time to Photograph: 1.5 Hours Before Sunset
Crowd Level: High

Related and Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should engagement photos be taken?

Ultimately, we can schedule your engagement session at any point before your wedding day. However, I highly encourage that you book your session at least 1 month in advance to ensure you have enough time to book hair and makeup appointments, plan your outfits, and have the best experience possible! 

I have couples who choose to do their session immediately after getting engaged (so they have that good Instagram content for months to come!) while others prefer to wait until closer to the wedding day.

2. What is the best color to wear for engagement photos?

Did you know that the outfits you choose will have a HUGE impact on how your pictures turn out at the engagement session?? It’s true! They help you set the tone, separate from the background, and coordinate with your person.

Aim for lighter colors! While the surroundings and my edits will be bright and airy regardless, if you are wearing dark clothing it can create a distracting dark hole which can take away from the style of the photos. Additionally, neutrals. are. the. bomb. You really can’t go wrong with pairing several neutral tans, greys and nudes together!

3. How many photos do you usually get at engagement shoot?

This answer varies greatly depending on the experience my couples choose, the length of shoot time, and the number of locations we visit. On average, couples can expect to receive between 50 and 200 images from their session with me!

Still searching for a photographer for your session?

I’m Karina, a Dallas engagement photographer who would love to help you celebrate and remember this special time period in your life! Reach out below🥰