When planning a wedding, there are so many things to do and planning and preparing for your engagement session is one of the first steps. Between choosing outfits, selecting the perfect date/season, finding a location, there is so much to consider. Considering how many great locations there are for Dallas engagement photos, narrowing it down could present a challenge. But where is the best place to take engagement photos in Dallas?
As a DFW wedding photographer, I am often taking Dallas engagement photos at new and old locations, so I created this guide that includes some advice on how to make the most of your sessions as well as where to take engagement photos in Dallas.
Depending on the length of your session, it is entirely possible that we visit more than one Dallas engagement photo location. Many of these locations are not only great places to have engagement photos, but wedding photos made as well, if they are close to your Dallas wedding venue. These locations could also be great options for a proposal or wedding portraits following an City Hall wedding.
As a wedding photographer who takes many couples’ photos, I’ve curated this list of the best places for engagement photos in Dallas to help you narrow it down. Hopefully this will give you some ideas. If you’d like to talk more about having me take your DFW engagement photos, please get in touch!
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Engagement photos Dallas
Engagement Photo Locations Dallas
White Rock Lake
Address: 950 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
White Rock Lake is by far one of the most popular spots for Dallas engagement photos. The perimeter of the lake is huge and offers many different options including natural greenery and docks that extend out on the water. It is important to have a meeting point since it is so large, and there are plenty to choose from. I love Winfrey Point as I find it is the most versatile. It is important to keep in mind that White Rock Lake can get busy in the afternoons and on weekends. For this reason, I recommend a weekday session. If weekends are the only thing that work for you, consider a sunrise session. White Rock Lake is also great to combine with a second location at Dallas Arboretum given their proximity.
The Nasher
Address: 2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
The Nasher Sculpture Center is an ideal Dallas engagement photo session location in the heart of downtown. Its weeping willow tree that drapes over the famous water feature is one of my favorite locations for photos. The garden backs up to the museum, which is preceded by a large marble staircase covered in greenery. The photo opportunities here are endless, and I find myself still wanting more even after a 10 hour wedding day at this gorgeous locations. The Nasher does require advance purchase of a $300 photo permit, which is well worth it for this highly unique Dallas engagement photo location. Luckily, the Nasher is right in the middle of downtown Dallas, which means there are opportunities for photos on the city streets, at Klyde Warren Park, and many great hotels and bars.
The Nasher is also one of the best wedding venues in Dallas, as can be seen in this fall Nasher wedding.
Prather Park
Address: 4700 Drexel Ave. Highland Park, TX 75205
I consider this one of the lesser known gems in Dallas. Wooded and nestled by a creek in the Highland Park area, Prather Park offers a natural environment that is a perfect mix between organic and manicured!
Dallas Arboretum
Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Next to White Rock Lake, Dallas Arboretum engagement photos are my next most popular session. The arboretum is one of the best places in Dallas for engagement photos. Unlike White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum does require you to purchase tickets ($22) as well as parking ($12-15). The Arboretum is very photography friendly, and a popular spot for sessions of all kinds. For this reason, I recommend morning sessions because it tends to be less crowded earlier in the day. The Arboretum is only open from 9 am-5 pm, so I like to be there at 9 am when they open. Even though the Dallas Arboretum is outdoors, the place is so well taken care of year-round that even a winter session here is gorgeous. When most of the greenery in Texas is dead in the winter, the Dallas Arboretum is still thriving. Each season showcases a variety of flowers and decor that reflects the current time of year.
The Arboretum is conveniently right next to White Rock Lake, making these great locations to pair for a Dallas engagement photo session.
SMU Campus
Address: 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas TX 75205
College campuses are always photogenic, and not only is SMU no exception, but it is the poster child for gorgeous campuses. SMU campus is open to anyone, regardless of your association with the university. However, if SMU is your alma mater, it could make it all that more meaningful.
Rockledge Park
Address: 3600 Pilot Point, Grapevine, TX 76051
Rockledge Park is a great spot to catch the sunset and feature some amazing views in your Dallas engagement photos. Situated in Grapevine, this park has a coastal feel that is unique to Rockledge Park. From just seeing photos of this location, you might not guess that this was in Texas! While the cliffs along the waterfront are definitely the main event at Rockledge Park, there is also a good amount of natural greenery for a variety of photos and settings.
The Lumen Room
Address: Brannon Building, 4301 Bryan St., Unit 302, Dallas, TX 75204
A classic and clean studio session is a timeless choice that never goes out of style. It also offers furniture and backdrops for us to get creative with during your session. Not to mention, The Lumen Room would prove convenient in the event of rain on the day of your scheduled session. An indoor environment also provides privacy for you as a couple, which can be a pro if you are concerned about PDA! I think a natural light studio session can be a great standalone session, or a nice addition to second location.
Downtown Dallas Engagement Photos
Address: 1902 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
Downtown is a great choice for more urban style Dallas engagement photos. Additionally, its access to plenty of stylish hotels and bars provides plenty of possibility to turn your Dallas engagement photos into a fun experience.
Deep Ellum
Address: 3000 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Deep Ellum is a lively neighborhood in the heart of Dallas that is full of arts and culture. You’ll find plenty of murals and urban style backdrops.
Lakeside Park
Address: 4601 Lakeside Dr, Dallas, TX 75205
Trinity Groves
Address: 331 Singleton Blvd Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75212
Harbor at Rockwall
Address: 2059 Summer Lee Dr, Rockwall, TX 75032
This is the perfect place to catch the sunset in Rockwall. There is an adorable lighthouse that can give your session more of a coastal feel right in central Texas!
Winspear Opera House & Klyde Warren Park
Address: 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Flippen Park
Address: 4421 N Versailles Ave, Dallas, TX 75205
Nestled within one of Dallas’s most all around stunning neighborhoods, Highland Park, this Dallas engagement photo location is a popular choice. The park is well manicured and features a romantic gazebo that is popular for proposals as well as a beautiful fountain. This park is popular for sessions of all kinds, including Dallas engagement photos, senior portraits, surprise proposals, and family sessions. I recommend visiting on a weekday as it can get pretty busy on the weekends! The gazebo in particular is very busy and crowded, so we often have to wait for a turn.
Hotel Crescent
Address: 400 Crescent Ct, Dallas, TX 75201
Hotel Crescent is an elegant and sophisticated Dallas hotel and therefore perfect for a couple looking for a classically styled engagement session.
Note: Hotel Crescent does have a fee for portrait sessions.
Hotel Drover
Address: 200 Mule Alley, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hotel Drover is one of my favorite hotels in Fort Worth, and fitting for a couple who wants to show off their western style. Nestled in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this area is the epitome of western charm.
Tandy Hills
Address: 3325 View St, Fort Worth, TX 76103
Tandy Hills is a great location in Fort Worth that is natural and luscious, but still offers a view of the Fort Worth skyline as well as the sunset. Spring is my favorite time of year here when the wildflowers are plentiful and everything is green and bright! However, know that it is a popular spot for photo sessions and some days can be busier than others. A weekday at Tandy Hills will be much less crowded than a weekend. This location is ideal for sessions later in the day, not morning.
Fort Worth Botanical Garden
Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
The Fort Worth Botanical Garden is another well maintained garden that is gorgeous year round. The garden is huge, but my personal favorite location for engagement photos is the rose garden, featuring a grand staircase covered in lush florals and greenery.
Check out this wedding I photographed at Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Kimbell Art Museum
Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
The exterior of the Kimbell Art Museum is elegant and regal thanks to its all white archways reminiscent of Roman architecture. If you are including a more formal look in your engagement session, this location can contribute to a really sophisticated and regal styled session.
The Texas State Fair
Address: Parry Ave &, Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
The Texas State Fair is a Texas sized affair every fall in Dallas. The fun lights and colors of the fair are a great backdrop to a fun engagement session.
Downtown Fort Worth & Sundance Square
Address: 420 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Downtown Fort Worth engagement photo locations include:
- Sundance Square
- Bass Hall
- Tarrant County Courthouse
Texas Tulips
Address: 10656 FM2931, Pilot Point, TX 76258
Texas Tulips blooms annually in the spring just north of Dallas. That said, this is a seasonal setting that must be timed perfectly. Since it is a limited time, it can get crowded so I recommend a sunrise session.
Bluebonnet Field
Address: Various locations
This Texas staple would be perfect for any Dallas couple if we can time it just right. The bluebonnets bloom in the spring.
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Other Less Common Locations for Dallas Engagement Photos
Your Home
Something intimate and personal if you want a really natural style engagement session. This could be a casual addition to another location as well!
Your Favorite Date Spot
I always encourage couples to approach their engagement session as a typical date night. Your date could be a picnic, a night at the bar, a coffee date, or a visit to an art museum. Regardless, a date is a good way to relax your nerves (yes, you can have a drink) and make your engagement session a fun experience that showcases both of your personalities.
A Hotel Staycation
Many Dallas hotels are gorgeously decorated and make for a great photoshoot. It is important to note that many hotels have strict photo policies and some do not allow them at all. If an engagement session at a Dallas hotel is something of interest to you, be sure to let your photographer know well in advance so you can plan accordingly. Some of my favorite hotels:
Family Ranch / Farm
Many Dallas hotels are gorgeously decorated and make for a great photoshoot. It is important to note that many hotels have strict photo policies and some do not allow them at all. If an engagement session at a Dallas hotel is something of interest to you, be sure to let your photographer know well in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Rent a Fun Vintage Car for your Dallas Engagement Photos
This is a fun addition if you are going for a retro style session. My favorite local company for this is DFW vintage cars.
Book a Sailboat
Rent a sailboat on one of DFW’s many lakes for a nautical engagement session.
Your Wedding Venue
Many venues will include an opportunity for a photo session prior to the wedding day in your package. Not only are wedding venues naturally photogenic, but it is a great opportunity to explore the venue with your photographer as well. While it isn’t necessary for your photographer to visit the venue before hand, this may make some couples feel more comfortable.
Dallas Engagement Photos FAQs
When should we schedule our Dallas engagement photos?
Some of the busiest times for Dallas engagement photos are spring and fall due to the weather being more moderate at these times of the year. Summer is also popular, but a morning session is best before it gets too hot in the afternoon.
Many couples also love to use their engagement photos for their save-the-dates. Since save-the-dates are typically sent out around 6 months before the wedding and editing will take a few weeks, I would recommend aiming for 6-8 months out.
What is the benefit to scheduling an engagement session with your wedding photographer?
Many of my couples get nervous about being in front of the camera, and I totally get it. After your engagement session, you will feel like a pro and your nerves will be eased before the wedding day. I also love getting to spend time with you guys beforehand so we are familiar with each other!
Can you recommend and MUA who will do my hair and makeup for my Dallas engagement photos?
Of course, there are several local hair and makeup artists who do work for Dallas engagement photos that I can recommend.
What should we wear for our Dallas engagement photos?
- Lean into your location. For example, if you ar ehaving photos made in a field, stilettos won’t be the best option.
- Prioritize comfort while maintaining a stylish look. Take the time to try on your outfits beforehand and make sure you feel comfortable. If you are uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it will impace your session experience and the end result.
- Tailor your clothes! You would be surprised how much this can impact not only how your clothes look, but how you feel in them as well.
- Hire a hair and makeup artist. Hair and makeup shows up different on camera than in real life. Even if you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, I highly recommend hiring a professional HMUA.
How can we make our Dallas engagement photos unique?
There are endless ways to have less traditional engagement photos. We just need to get creative. I always recommend starting with your personalities and things that you enjoy as a couple! Some ideas:
- Bring champagne for popping and a pair of glasses for toasting
- Let your furry friend tag along (always bring someone else to watch them after)
- Include outfit pieces that show your personalities, ie: sunglasses, funky shoes, your favorite hat
- Do an activity together, ie: cook a meal, go on a hike, have a picnic, go to the beach, visit a record store, go to a museum, etc.
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