Austin Engagement Photographer | Photos By Yaz

Recently engaged and eager to start planning your engagement session? Struggling to find the perfect Austin location that fits your vibe? Exciting times ahead! Austin’s diverse scenery offers all styles, from Hill Country vistas to downtown hot spots. To help get your creative juices flowing, we’ve compiled this ultimate list of the Best Austin engagement session locations. Now let the fun begin as you explore all the possibilities and pick out the perfect spot to reflect who you are and celebrate your love story!

ARCHITECTURE | Best Austin Engagement Session Locations

1. Laguna Gloria (Reservation required) – A stunning location with beautiful gardens, breathtaking lake views, and elegant architecture, adds a touch of sophistication to engagement photos. With charming courtyards, picturesque sculptures, and a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, Laguna Gloria offers a variety of settings to choose from. Additionally, an inviting indoor room with a fancy blue couch provides a stylish option for photos, regardless of weather conditions.

2. Texas State Capitol – The Capitol building’s ornate architecture, intricate design elements, grandiose structure, and aesthetic appeal create stunning visuals. Additionally, the meticulously manicured lawns, towering trees, and iconic building itself lend a sense of majesty and romance.

3. Central Library – Austin Public Library – The grounds present a captivating blend of modern architecture and lush greenery. Located in the vibrant Seaholm District, it provides diverse surroundings from city hustle to tranquil spaces. Furthermore, it has a great view of the Butterfly Bridge.

Advice: Be mindful of joggers and bicyclists. 

4. Seaholm Power Plant – Its unique blend of industrial charm and modern elegance, provides a distinctive backdrop for engagement photos. Additionally, its location in Austin’s vibrant downtown district offers a mix of urban sophistication, creating a dynamic setting for photos.

Advice: There are usually people hanging out with their pets on the lawn.

5. Sekrit Theater (Reservation Required) – An enchanting setting for engagement photos with its multi-acre lush outdoor settings peppered with creative and antique artistic structures. Additionally, this unique venue is also home to a vintage truck, adding a touch of nostalgic charm to your photos. 

Advice: Bring bug spray

6. University of Texas – With its iconic UT Tower and famous blue door (now green as of 2023). The grounds in front of the McCombs School of Business offer a variety of picturesque scenes, blending architectural charm with lush greenery. For alumni, UT is a meaningful location that adds a personal touch to their love story. Moreover, the campus’ natural light and stunning Texas sunsets make for truly breathtaking images.

Advice: Be mindful of busy college students and the time of year. You may find a line forming around the favorite locations around graduation time for Senior portraits.

7. Commodore Perry Estate (Reservation Required) – This dreamy historic site, originally built as a country home, exudes European elegance. Its exquisite architecture and lush gardens create a captivating and timeless look for engagement photos.
Advice: Enjoy a cocktail at Lutie’s before your session.

8. Heman-Marion Sweatt Courthouse – Its historic charm, accentuated by stately lanterns and criss-crossed window panes, creates a timeless look. In addition, the surrounding trees frame each shot beautifully, adding a natural elegance.

MURALS | Best Austin Engagement Session Locations

9. Big Chiller Blues – The wall’s distinctive color and texture add a fun and bright element to photos, creating memorable images that stand out.

10. Tau Ceti – Austin’s tallest mural offers a captivating and lively vibe. The array of colors adds dynamic energy and artistic flair to your pictures. Moreover, its downtown location adds an urban charm and authenticity, making your photos stand out.

11. I Love You So Much – Its simplistic yet powerful message serves as a charming backdrop for engagement photos, creating a warm and affectionate atmosphere. Its location in the vibrant South Congress neighborhood adds a touch of urban authenticity to your pictures. Whether captured at sunrise or under the city lights, this mural infuses each shot with a unique Austin vibe.

12. Love from Austin – A cherished local emblem that embodies the city’s spirit. Its monochromatic design, simplicity, and elegance allow couples to stand out, creating striking engagement photos.

13. Greetings from Austin – An iconic spot for engagement photos, with its vibrant colors and retro postcard design. Situated at the heart of Austin, it encapsulates the city’s lively spirit and cultural richness. Great for if you’re having a destination wedding in Austin or if most of your guests are coming from out of town.

Downtown / Skyline and City | Best Austin Engagement Session Locations

14. Austin Convention Center Parking Garage – The location offers a unique setting for engagement photos, with its panoramic city skyline serving as a stunning backdrop. The urban aesthetics, combined with the glow of sunrise or the sparkle of city lights, create an enchanting atmosphere. Because of its accessibility, great views, and the ease of incorporating a sexy car, it’s a popular choice among couples seeking a blend of edgy romance and city charm.

15. Long Center – This architectural marvel, sitting atop a grassy hilltop across Lady Bird Lake offers stunning city views and architectural elegance.

16. Zilker Park – A charming oasis offering the best city view, the lake, and lush greenery. It’s also an ideal location if you want to include your dog.

17. South Congress Avenue (SoCo) – A vibrant tapestry of iconic landmarks and eclectic charm, making it a bustling stage for engagement photos. Here are a few of my favorite spots along South Congress Avenue.

Home Slice Pizza – A quirky and vintage vibe that offers mouthwatering pizzas.

South Congress Hotel – Offers modern architecture and unique Austin charm. Their black and white tile wall is also a South Congress Avenue staple.

Hotel San Jose – The landscape outside the hotel offers lush greenery with vines growing up the walls, a vintage white window, and a desert landscape in the foreground.

Austin Motel – A beloved local icon since 1938, this sign adds a distinct vintage charm to engagement photos. Its “So Close Yet So Far Out” message resonates with couples who’ve found their own special world in each other amidst the hustle of daily life. Equally at night, the motel’s vibrant neon lights create a magical, romantic glow.

Jo’s Coffee – Offering a unique, vibrant scene with its famous “I love you so much” mural. It also presents opportunities for casual and candid fall / winter photos with a warm cup of coffee.

Simona’s Coffee / Colton House Hotel (Reservation Required) – This boutique hotel exudes a unique charm and provides an elegant space with its stylish decor.

Near Water | Best Austin Engagement Session Locations

18. Mount Bonnell – Looking for breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Austin? Its scenic overlook, rising 775 feet above sea level, provides a beautiful scape that adds a touch of adventure and romance. While the following photo shows a misty morning, this iconic spot in Austin is known for its stunning sunsets. 

Advice: Opt for a weekday to avoid the crowds. 

19. Bull Creek District Park + Greenbelt – Offers serene waterways and lush greenery. The park is a favorite among photographers for its beautiful light during golden hour. Additionally, its sparkling waters and towering trees add an outdoorsy and adventurous spirit to the photos.

20. North Side of Town Lake near the Four Seasons – A dreamy engagement locale, blending urban and natural charm. Shimmering waters and a stunning skyline provide a picturesque backdrop bathed in a beautiful golden hue as the sun sets, creating a truly magical atmosphere. This location combines the best of Austin’s worlds, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking the best of both.

21. Retro Boat Rentals (Reservation Required) – Offers a unique, fun experience for engagement sessions. The retro boats provide a fun and nostalgic backdrop, adding a touch of whimsy to your photos. You get to enjoy the city’s skyline, creating a blend of urban and natural elements in your pictures. This engagement session is more than just photos, more importantly, it’s an unforgettable memory of cruising in a mid-century boat.

22. Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk – It’s not just the quintessential Austin skyline that makes this location so appealing, but also the lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge, adding a touch of nature to your photos. 

23. McKinney Falls State Park (Reservations Recommended)– With its sprawling rock faces, tall trees, and enchanting waterfalls, this State Park is a magical setting for photos. The leaves change in autumn and there’s a gorgeous spot overlooking the waterfall in lower falls. Additionally, in the spring, this location offers fields of wildflowers. Most importantly, the park is dog-friendly. 

24. Austin’s 360/Pennybacker Bridge – An iconic structure, coupled with panoramic views of Austin’s skyline and the Colorado River. Whether capturing a romantic sunset or a playful daytime shoot, this locale exudes a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. Furthermore, the bridge’s popularity as a local landmark adds a touch of authenticity and connection to the city.

Advice: You’ll need comfortable shoes for the short but steep hike.

25. Mueller Lake Park – Offers vibrant sunset hues and serene lake views. The park’s diverse grounds, from lush greenery to urban industrial vibes, cater to various styles and moods. There’s a trail around the lake, a single willow tree, and a unique shade structure covered in vines. The park is also dog-friendly.

Gardens + Fields | Best Austin Engagement Session Locations

26. Circle C Park – Located in Southwest Austin, the park’s abundant foliage and golden sunlight make for the very best Pinterest-perfect engagement photos. Additionally, in the spring the fields are full of Bluebonnets. 

Advice: Watch out for disc golf players.

27. Brushy Creek Lake Park – Nestled just north of Austin, its stunning natural light and picturesque trails along the water make it a dreamy setting. In the spring, you can find endless fields of Bluebonnets. 

28. Richard Moya Park – The park’s mature pecan trees create a natural cathedral, where sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a magical, soft glow perfect for a sunset session. The historic bridge, spanning over Onion Creek, adds a timeless charm and a scenic setting to your photos.

29. Mayfield Park – Provides a fairytale-like setting for engagement photos. Its enchanting gardens, vibrant peacocks, and charming vintage cottage create a scene that’s both romantic and unique. As the golden sunset bathes the park, it brings an ethereal quality to photographic images. 

30. Zilker Botanical Garden (Reservation Required) – Its lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene waterfalls create a picturesque location. The garden’s diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for unique and beautiful shots. 

31. Mattie’s Austin – Its elegant southern charm, lush greenery, and the playful presence of local peacocks create a unique and vibrant stage. The spacious porch and magical filtered light offer endless possibilities for timeless and effortless shots. Whether you want a fun-loving atmosphere or a romantic setting, Mattie’s encapsulates it all.

32. Waterloo Greenway Park and Moody Amphitheater – offering a picturesque backdrop of lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and the meandering Waller Creek. There’s also plenty of minimalist walls for the more modern couples.

Vineyards of Fredericksburg (Reservation Required) – Fredericksburg’s many vineyards provide a romantic backdrop for engagement photos, with their sprawling vines, rustic charm, and breathtaking Texas Hill Country views. Plus, the opportunity to celebrate your engagement with some of the region’s finest wines is a delightful bonus. Some of my favorites are:

• Augusta Vin
• Baron’s Creek Vineyards
• Signor Vineyards 
• Becker Vineyards

OTHER | Best Austin Engagement Session Locations

Your Home – There’s no place more special than where you spend most of your time. If you’re seeking something deeply personal and comfortably intimate, a home engagement session could be just right for you. Imagine capturing your love story within the walls of your shared space, where countless memories have been created. There’s a special kind of warmth in photos taken in the kitchen where you cook together, the living room where you share laughter or even the backyard where you enjoy quiet moments. This setting invites authenticity, but most of all, there’s an undeniable simplicity and elegance in celebrating your love exactly where it lives every day.

However, if you’re not a fan of your kitchen/home decor, check out Airbnb, Vrbo, or PeerSpace. There are many beautiful and unique homes available to rent for your engagement session, so you can find the perfect space to reflect your style and personality.

Your Wedding Venue – There’s a reason you chose your wedding venue whether it’s the beautiful architecture, the lush greenery, or its unique features. Furthermore, having your wedding venue as your engagement session location can also help you decide on your favorite photo spots for the wedding day. 

Your favorite place to hang out — Whether it’s a movie theater or your favorite taco stand, these are always fun and create a unique narrative to your story as a couple.

Still Having Trouble Deciding?

If you have access to a unique location, such as a stunning private estate, a family ranch, an exclusive country club, or even a luxury resort, consider using it for your engagement session. It will make your photos truly one-of-a-kind. Brainstorm and ask around in your personal and professional network to see if anyone knows of a place that would be perfect for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for permission, even if it seems unreachable. You can also explore options like Airbnb, Peerspace, Vrbo, or other property rental sites.