So, are you starting to plan your engagement session? How exciting! Well, you’re in the right spot. Hey, I’m Gaby, a DFW Dallas photographer since 2016, and I’m here to share a few locations that I love and are my go-to spots in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. But before I share these, if you want more tips about planning your engagement session, check out my blog [insert link here].
Now, back to the locations. Here are my favorite spots in Dallas, but I always tell my couples to think outside the box and challenge me to find new spots.
ROMANTIC LOCATIONS
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is perfect for a lush, floral backdrop. The vibrant colors and beautifully manicured gardens provide a stunning, romantic setting for engagement photos. It’s a classic choice that’s hard to beat.
Adriatica Village
Adriatica Village in McKinney is a charming spot that looks like a European town. With its cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and picturesque pond, it’s perfect for couples seeking a unique and romantic setting reminiscent of a fairytale.
Westlake
The Chapel at Palacios in Westlake, Texas, offers a picturesque and romantic setting for engagement sessions. Inspired by the quaint stone architecture of a Spanish villa, this European-style venue provides a serene backdrop with its waterfront views and lush greenery.
Flippen Park
Flippen Park in Highland Park, Dallas, is a hidden gem for engagement sessions, offering a blend of natural beauty and timeless elegance. This charming park features a picturesque gazebo, a serene reflection pool, and lush greenery, providing a variety of romantic backdrops for couples. Whether it’s the soft golden hour light filtering through the trees or the tranquil ambiance of the fountain, Flippen Park captures the essence of love in every frame. Its central location and serene atmosphere make it a favorite among photographers and couples seeking intimate and memorable engagement photos.
URBAN LOCATIONS
Winspear Opera House
For a touch of elegance and architectural beauty, the Winspear Opera House is an excellent choice. Its modern design and stunning glass facade provide a sophisticated backdrop that exudes class and style.
Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center features a beautiful garden with modern art sculptures, ideal for a more sophisticated look. The combination of art and nature creates a refined and elegant backdrop for your engagement photos. (fee is required )
Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas is a vibrant and energetic backdrop for engagement sessions, perfect for couples who love an urban, modern aesthetic. Its city streets, towering skyscrapers, and bustling atmosphere create a dynamic mix of textures and moods, from sleek glass facades to charming brick walls and graffiti art. The interplay of shadows and city lights adds depth and drama to photos, making every shot feel alive and contemporary. With its urban energy and endless visual variety, Downtown Dallas offers a stylish, cosmopolitan setting that beautifully captures the excitement and romance of a couple in love.
LOCATIONS WITH A VIEW
Grapevine Lake
Grapevine Lake offers a serene and picturesque setting for engagement sessions, combining natural beauty with tranquil waters. The lake features rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing a unique backdrop that evokes a coastal feel, reminiscent of beach destinations. Couples can enjoy the golden hues of sunset reflecting off the water, creating romantic lighting perfect for intimate portraits.
Tandy Hills
Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth is a beautiful, hilly landscape filled with native grasses and wildflowers, offering a peaceful and natural backdrop for engagement sessions. Its gently rolling terrain and scenic trails provide a variety of angles and textures for photography, creating a rustic, outdoorsy vibe. Note that there is a fee for professional photo sessions.
White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake offers beautiful natural scenery, especially during sunset. The tranquil water, surrounding greenery, and picturesque trails create a serene and romantic environment for your engagement photos.
Trinity Groves
Trinity Groves offers stunning views of the Dallas skyline, especially at sunset. This area is perfect for capturing the beauty of the city along with a vibrant, contemporary vibe. The restaurants and shops also provide interesting backdrops and a lively atmosphere.
NATURE + GREEN LOCATIONS
Murrell Park
Murrell Park, located on the shores of Lake Grapevine, is perfect for couples who love nature and water views. The park offers beautiful lakeside scenery, lush greenery, and peaceful trails. It’s a wonderful spot for capturing both intimate and expansive shots with a natural, relaxed atmosphere.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Located in Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is perfect for a natural, rustic feel. With its vast open fields, wooded areas, and scenic overlooks, this spot is ideal for couples who love the outdoors and want a more laid-back, natural setting.
Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a beautiful and versatile setting for engagement sessions, especially if you love softer, romantic vibes mixed with lush gardens and historic charm. It spans about 120 acres and includes 23 specialty gardens, offering a wide variety of backdrops—from rose gardens, koi ponds, and serene paths to Japanese gardens and native forest boardwalks. (fee is applied)
Davis Park
Davis Park in Dallas / Highland Park is a quaint, charming green space that offers a relaxed vibe for engagement photo sessions. With its winding paths, shaded benches, and lush creek-side views, it strikes a lovely balance between natural beauty and neighborhood intimacy. The playground and tree canopies create softness, while the open walkways allow light to play through in pretty ways—especially during golden hour.
ONLY IN TEXAS
Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards are great for a Western, vintage vibe with its historic buildings and cobblestone streets. This location offers a unique, nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for couples who want something a bit different and full of character.
Bishop Arts
An engagement session in the Bishop Arts District offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere full of personality and charm. With its colorful murals, eclectic shops, and cozy cafes, this neighborhood captures the perfect mix of urban creativity and laid-back romance. Every corner has a unique backdrop—from artistic walls to vintage storefronts—making it ideal for couples who want playful, dynamic photos that reflect their individuality and love story.
“ONLY YOU” PHOTO IDEAS
In-studio session
Doing an engagement session in a natural light studio is perfect for couples who love a clean, timeless, and elegant aesthetic. The soft, even lighting enhances skin tones and creates a romantic glow, while the controlled indoor environment ensures beautiful results no matter the weather. With minimalist backdrops and bright, airy spaces, natural light studios let the focus stay on you and your connection—capturing genuine emotion in a simple, refined way that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
Hotel Vibes
Investing in a hotel room for your engagement session instantly elevates your photos with a trendy, chic aesthetic. Stylish interiors, luxurious textures, and curated décor create a modern, editorial vibe that feels effortlessly romantic. From cozy moments on the bed to elegant shots by large windows or in marble bathrooms, a hotel setting offers variety and sophistication—all in one space. It’s the perfect mix of intimacy and style, giving your session a fashionable, high-end feel.
Coffee shop date
Choosing your favorite coffee shop or restaurant for your engagement session is such a sweet and sentimental idea. It adds a personal touch and tells a piece of your love story—especially if it’s where you had your first date or shared countless laughs together. The cozy, familiar setting helps you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera, while the warm ambiance, soft lighting, and candid moments over coffee or dinner create authentic, romantic images that feel uniquely yours.
Remember, your engagement session is about celebrating your love story. Have fun with it and let your personalities shine through. Whether you choose a chic urban setting or a romantic garden, the most important thing is that your photos reflect who you are as a couple. Take the time to plan and prepare, but also be open to spontaneity. Some of the best moments are the ones you didn’t plan for.
I can’t wait to capture this special moment for you. Happy planning, and let’s create some beautiful memories together!
