The Best Session Locations in Dallas | Dallas Wedding Photographer

One of my very favorite parts of the wedding experience is engagement photos! I LOVE getting to spend time with my couples in such a casual and stress-free session, which is why I gift all of my brides & grooms with a complimentary engagement session. That’s how much I love these sessions!

I’m asked fairly often for location suggestions for sessions, so I thought I’d give you my top few locations in Dallas. This list is my no means exhaustive – there are so many gorgeous places in Dallas, it would be impossible to list them all! If you have a question about a location not listed here, just ask! If I haven’t shot there before, that’s okay – I’m always up for a new adventure! Looking for a location for a different type of portrait session? These are my recommendations for senior portraits, family portraits, and anniversary sessions, too!

I know that choosing a location (as well as outfits, hair & makeup, and accessories!!) can be stressful, which is why I send all my clients a Style Guide to help them prep for their portrait session so that the experience can be fun and stress-free, the way it should be!

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Prairie Creek Park

Prairie Creek Park is one of my favorites because of the fields with trees that are stunningly backlit and so romantic! There is a pretty waterfall and during the spring there are fields of wildflowers.

Because the park is so spread out, I often encourage clients to follow me & drive from location to location in the park That way, we can take advantage of the diversity of the park without walking miles!

Address: 2400 W Prairie Creek Dr, Richardson, TX 75080
Fees: None
Parking: Free
Outfit Changing Location: Car
Session: Julie & Jake, Caitlin & Sam, Bailey & Ethan

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Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park features over 14 acres of gorgeous landscaping along Turtle Creek. Depending on the season, the park often has lots of florals and color! Because this park is used by photographers often, I suggest scheduling a weekday session to avoid crowds.

Address: 4601 Lakeside Drive, Highland Park, TX 75205
Fees: None
Parking: Free street parking
Outfit Changing Location: Car
Session: Brad & Rachel, Katie & Nick

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White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake is so conveniently located and offers so many diverse spots to shoot that it’s hard to say no to! The lake is over 1,000 acres, and features nearly 10 miles of trails. So, as you can imagine, we have tons of options for where to shoot.

One of my favorite locations is on the southwest side of the lake because it’s easily accessible, not too busy, and features lots of variety (trees, pathways, and docks for shots on the lake)!

Fees: None
Parking: Free; I usually have clients park in the public lot past the Filter Building.
Outfit Changing Location: Car
Session: Christopher & Cari, Jeff & Michelle, Lauren & Andrew

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Dallas Arts District

The Dallas Arts District is a gorgeous area with lots of diverse backgrounds (just look at Rachel & Tyler’s engagement session!). Modern architecture, the iconic Winspear Opera House with its large reflecting pool, the infamous Meyerson Symphony Center, and Wyly Theatre are all conveniently located within one block on Flora Street, giving us tons of options for beautiful images!

Address: 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Fees: None
Parking: Limited free street parking on Floral Street, Paid parking available at Hall Arts Garage, or other parking options can be found here.
Outfit Changing Location: Car
Session: Rachel & Tyler, Nicholas & Samantha

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Southern Methodist University

Oh, do I love SMU! The white columns, red brick, stunning landscaping, and abundance of lovely trees on the Boulevard make it an absolutely gorgeous backdrop. It’s definitely one of my absolute favorites.

Bring a comfy pair of shoes, because there are so many great spots at SMU & the Meadows Museum that we’ll wander around quite a bit!

Address: 6101 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205
Fees: None
Parking: Depends on the day of the week. I usually suggest parking in the Binkley Garage, or looking for parking on the SMU Visitor Parking map here.
Outfit Changing Location: Meadows School of the Arts Restrooms
Session: Hannah’s Bridals

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Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Arbor Hills is a gorgeous outdoor location, and is one of my absolute favorites. The 200-acre park has so many great spots for photos, including lush fields, a flowing creek, and plenty of shade from trees. You can read more about the preserve here.

I always suggest clients bring a comfy pair of shoes if they’re wearing heels for their photos – we do lots of walking at this location. But trust me, it’s worth it!!

Address: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Fees: None
Parking: Free; park in the circular lot in front of the Preserve at 3875 E. Huron River Dr, Plano, TX 75024
Outfit Changing Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Restrooms
Session: Hannah & Jermaine, Doug & Dyann

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Dallas Arboretum

The Arboretum is always a GORGEOUS place for engagement photos. It is cared for meticulously, and always has gorgeous blooms to add color and vibrancy to your photos!

Keep in mind that the Arboretum does not permit guests to change clothes on property, so it’s best to stick to one outfit. The Arboretum is open from 9 am – 5 pm. While most of my sessions start two hours before sunset, I usually suggest clients who select the Arboretum to begin their session at 9 am when the sun isn’t too high and the Arboretum isn’t too busy!

Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 | dallasarboretum.org
Fees: $15/person; free with membership*
Parking: $15; free with membership*
*I have a membership, so clients do not need to pay for me, only for themselves
Outfit Changing Location: The Arboretum does not permit outfit changes.
Session: Ashley & Brian, Nolan & Rachel

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The Lumen Room

The Lumen Room is one of my all-time favorite locations. In fact, it’s where Matt and I chose to do our family photos this year! They have lots of furniture options for a variety of images, there’s no need to reschedule if the weather is poor, and there is an easy place to change outfits. The studio feel and the beautiful lighting make for a unique and gorgeous engagement session!

Address: There’s one in Fort Worth, Dallas, & Plano – so pick your favorite! (Mine is the White Room at the Dallas Location).
Fees: $75/per hour
Parking: Free Street Parking Available
Outfit Changing Location: Lumen Room Restrooms
Session: Lindsay & Brandon, Kelli’s Bridals, Laura’s Bridals