Top 15 Austin Engagement Photo Spots
You’ve done it! You or your partner popped the question, and now you’re engaged. A huge congratulations to you both. One of the first things when it comes to wedding planning is finding your wedding photographer. Your photographer is a crucial part of your wedding, as they help plan, document, and hype you up for the day. They also help you photograph your engagement photographs prior to your wedding.
Many wedding photographers offer a complimentary engagement session with your package. This session can be used in many different ways: your save-the-dates, in your wedding decor, but also for your home. It is an opportunity to show off your personality! Having been a wedding photographer in Austin since 2016, I have a handful of go-to spots depending on the vibe you and your partner are looking for. Here are my top 15 favorite engagement photo locations in Austin, Texas.
Urban-Focused
1. Auditorium Shores / Butler Park
Why it’s great: Auditorium Shores and Butler Park is the best blend between urban and greenery. With the Austin skyline as your background, this is a great location to use for engagement photos to showcase the city.
2. South Congress
Why it’s great: South Congress is one of the more notable neighborhoods in Austin. With plenty of shopping at both big and small-name shops, the strip has so much to offer. There are plenty of interesting murals and textures, which look great in photos.
3. Downtown Austin – Second Street District
Why it’s great: In the heart of downtown, Second Street District has some of the most notable places in Austin: Proper Hotel, Lambert’s, ACL Live, Northshore Building. I especially recommend it at night when the lights are lit up!
4. Clarksville Neighborhood
Why it’s great: This is actually my favorite neighborhood in Austin – I would live there in a heartbeat. Clarksville is a well-established neighborhood just minutes from downtown. Walking through the neighborhood, there are some beautiful spots that are less crowded: Josephine House, Jefferey’s, and Medici Coffee are just some of my favorite places to stop. Pro tip: the golden hour is beautiful there.
5. Downtown Austin – Seaholm Area
Why it’s great: Seaholm was originally a powerplant, so you get a really good mix of industrial and nature, thanks to the City of Austin. There is a large open field right at the front that is not too busy, which could be great to set up a picnic.
6. Georgetown Square – Georgetown, Texas
Why it’s great: Ever watch the show Gilmore Girls and wish you could live in Stars Hollow? Welcome to Georgetown. Around a 30-45 minute drive north, this town has a well-established downtown with plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and more. Visit during the holidays, and there is plenty of Christmas decor.
Nature-Focused
7. Circle C Park
Why it’s great: If I could only do engagement sessions at Circle C Park, I would be a happy gal. The park does a great job of having a well-manicured trail but also contains that beautiful tall golden grass that looks amazing during golden hour. If you’re looking for that Pinterest photo, this is it.
8. Sekrit Theatre
Why it’s great: Sekrit Theatre’s greenhouse is famous on the internet. People around the world have seen photographs from this spot, but have no idea it’s tucked away in a neighborhood in far east Austin. It truly is a secret! I love doing proposals, elopements, and engagement photos alike there. Note: there is a fee to shoot at Sekrit Theatre.
9. Enchanted Rock
Why it’s great: Around 2 hours away from Austin is Fredericksburg, Texas. Known for its German food and wineries, it is also home to Enchanted Rock, a pink granite mountain. Remember, we live in Texas, not Colorado, so we have slim pickings for mountain views! I love doing sunrise sessions here when it isn’t too crowded. Bring comfy walking shoes, because this is definitely a hike to remember.
10. Redbud Isle
Why it’s great: Situated off Lake Austin Boulevard, Redbud Isle is an off-leash dog park that has front row seats to Lake Austin. It has some of the most beautiful, vibrant trees there due to its proximity to the water, and you can see it fully at the end of the park.
11. Common Fords
Why it’s great: Up in North Austin, Common Fords Park is a secret gem. It’s incredibly popular during the summertime, with access to Lake Austin and a dock to jump off of. However, it is also a great spot for photographs, with huge fields and big skies.
12. Boardwalk / Townlake Trail
Why it’s great: Part of the 13-mile loop that is Townlake Trail, the boardwalk covers around 2 miles from South Congress up through East Austin. Bring your pup along, and it is a great spot to capture quintessential Austin photos.
Modern
13. Laguna Gloria
Why it’s great: Laguna Gloria… sigh, what a beauty. Part of the Contemporary Museum, Laguna Gloria is a trip to France off of Mopac. With a beautiful garden, lakeside view, and a great deck, Laguna Gloria is sure to guarantee timeless photographs. Note: There is a fee to shoot at Laguna Gloria.
14. Commodore Perry Estate
Why it’s great: Commodore Perry is notably famous for a reason. Built in 1928, this Italianate major was recently updated with new landscaping, a pool, and a three-story Inn in the established neighborhood Hyde Park. When I think of high-end perfume commercials, I picture Commodore Perry (or Versaces, but one is quicker to get to). Note: There is a fee to shoot at Commodore Perry Estate.
14. Le San Michelle – Buda
Why it’s great: Tucked away in Buda, is a hidden gem. La San Michelle is a wedding venue that is inspired by the “Old World Styles” of Europe. The courtyard on its own is gorgeous, with a fountain to make a wish in and plenty of iron railings. There is a little Texas twist to it, with aloe and agave plants in the garden. It’s a beautiful, unique venue that most people wouldn’t think about.
Is there a spot that you love or want to shoot at? Let me know in the comments!
If you’re getting married and would like to shoot with me, please reach out below:
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