The Best Engagement & Portrait Photo Locations in Dallas-Fort Worth

Curated by SHOTS BY LC

The location you choose for your photo session sets the tone for your entire story. Whether you’re newly engaged, celebrating a milestone, or simply documenting the season you're in, the right backdrop can turn a photo into a lasting memory. My photography style is warm, cinematic, and rooted in authenticity. That means I gravitate toward spaces that allow for genuine connection, natural movement, and emotional depth.

Here’s a curated list of my favorite engagement and portrait locations in Dallas-Fort Worth. These spots complement my editing style and have been handpicked for their lighting, textures, and ability to frame your story with beauty and intention.

Locations That Reflect Love, Light, and Legacy

Scottish Rite Cathedral - Downtown Dallas (SHOTS BY LC FAVE)

An architectural gem featuring elegant columns, intricate detailing, and timeless grandeur. This historic landmark offers a stunning backdrop for couples wanting a regal or formal look. Its light stone facade photographs beautifully in both sun and overcast skies, making it ideal year-round.

Rockledge Park - Grapevine (SHOTS BY LC FAVE)

Golden hour at this lakefront park hits different. Rocky cliffs, wind-blown moments, and sunlight dancing on the water create an unforgettable setting. ($10 entrance and $50 travel fee apply)

Cedar Ridge Preserve - Dallas/Duncanville

If you’re looking for earthy tones, open fields, and that raw connection to nature, this is the spot. Especially gorgeous in the fall. A favorite for adventurous couples. *Not available on Mondays

Hall of State -Fair Park, Dallas

Bold, symmetrical, and dramatic in the best way. The Hall of State is known for its grand limestone structure, Texas-style engravings, and long staircases that add depth and drama to any session. It’s perfect for couples who want something elegant yet grounded in local history. Bonus: it’s especially beautiful around golden hour when the light hits just right. *NOT available during State Fair season - State Fair sessions are available for an additional $200

Lakeside, Prather, & Davis Parks - Highland Park, Dallas

These parks are beautifully nestled together and feature bridges, gentle creeks, and soft greenery. Understated, natural, and filled with movement. Perfect for storytelling.

Trinity Overlook Park - West Dallas

A peaceful public green space with sweeping views of the Dallas skyline and the Trinity River floodplain. The architectural shade structures offer clean lines and interesting depth for framing your shots, while the open space gives room to breathe, move, and capture authentic connection. It’s perfect for couples who want something modern, scenic, and unmistakably Dallas — without the crowds of more popular parks.

Mandalay Canal -Las Colinas, Irving

Venetian-inspired architecture meets soft water reflections and ivy-covered paths. This romantic spot is a dream for dressier outfits, formal engagements, or just a slow, sweet walk at sunset.

Tarrant County Courthouse & Sundance Square - Downtown Fort Worth

From the romantic architecture of the Tarrant County Courthouse to the cozy charm of nearby Sundance Square, this location offers the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy. We often begin around the cobblestone corners of the Square before making our way to the courthouse steps — timeless, cinematic, and stunning in every season (especially in the rain).

Trinity Park - Fort Worth

A staple location with soft backdrops, tall trees, and a wide-open feel. From bridges to trails, it offers a mix of nature and structure that works well for all seasons and all couples.

Kimball Art Museum - Fort Worth

For couples who love clean, editorial imagery, the neutral tones and structured lines of this minimalist architecture provide a stunning canvas for romantic portraits.

Prayer Gardens - North Richland Hills

This space is peaceful, faith-filled, and symbolic. It features three wooden crosses, soft trails, and a striking stone archway. It’s perfect for couples who want their love to reflect something deeper.

Arlington Hall - Turtle Creek, Dallas

A historic estate with Greek Revival architecture, white columns, and tree-lined walkways. It’s effortlessly elegant and ideal for classic portraits with a timeless look.

Airfield Falls - Fort Worth

A hidden waterfall in the middle of the city, surrounded by native plants and winding walkways. It’s the largest natural waterfall in the DFW area and gives a fresh, unexpected backdrop for nature lovers or couples wanting something serene and unique.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Sleek lines, stone steps, and flowing water create a visually striking setting that feels cinematic and moody. Ideal for couples who want something bold yet peaceful, with built-in movement and texture.

Fabrication Yard - Dallas

A graffiti park that’s ever-changing and vibrant. If you’re going for bold, urban, or artsy, this spot offers color, edge, and a creative canvas you won’t find anywhere else.

Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas (Fair Park)

Botanical gardens, winding paths, and seasonal blooms — plus a butterfly house. Dreamy, natural, and elegant. This space is ideal for softer storytelling and earthy tones. (Entry fees apply)

Downtown Fort Worth Post Office

A lesser-known architectural gem. Think stone arches, clean lines, and a neutral palette that photographs beautifully. Perfect for couples who love historic buildings with character but want to avoid crowded locations.

Additional Locations to Consider

While I don’t currently have photo examples from these spots, they’re all beautiful options I’m open to exploring with you based on your style and vision. Each offers its own charm and could be the perfect backdrop for your engagement or portrait session.

• Bishop Arts District (Dallas) – Trendy, colorful, and full of small-town charm with a modern twist.

• Fort Worth Stockyards – Western, historic, and full of rustic character.

• Deep Ellum (Dallas) – Artsy and urban, with bold murals and a creative street scene.

• Skyfall Park (Dallas Design District) – A modern playground with bright murals and quirky, fun vibes.

A Note from Me to You

While this guide highlights some of my most-loved locations, I’m always open to shooting somewhere meaningful to you. Whether it’s a cozy café where you had your first date, your family’s ranch, or that quiet trail only you two know about. If it matters to you, it matters to me.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Session

• Best time to shoot: Aim for golden hour, about 1–2 hours before sunset, for that soft and dreamy light you see in my portfolio.

• What to wear: Neutrals, earth tones, and solid textures photograph best with these settings and keep the focus on you.

• Don’t stress: I’ll guide you through everything. We’ll laugh, move, pause, and capture the in-between moments that make your story truly yours.

  
  

Locations I DO NOT Recommend

While I’m always open to your ideas, there are a few locations I generally don’t suggest due to logistics, safety, or overall experience. I want your session to feel smooth and enjoyable from start to finish, and these spots tend to present consistent challenges.

• Dallas Arboretum – While beautiful, this location requires paid entry, photography permits, and has extremely limited parking. It’s often crowded, making it difficult to find quiet, meaningful moments.

• Fort Worth Botanic Garden/Arboretum – Similar to the Dallas Arboretum, this location has entry fees, permit requirements, and heavy weekend traffic. It’s beautiful, but not always practical.

• White Rock Lake (Dallas) – A massive park with multiple entrances and parking lots. It’s very easy to end up in different areas, which can cause delays and confusion. It's also quite busy, which limits privacy during your session.

• Tandy Hills (Fort Worth) – Although the view is lovely, this location now requires a permit and there have been reports of a hostile individual in the area, especially toward photographers. Safety is always a priority, so I currently advise against this one unless circumstances change.

• Klyde Warren Park (Dallas) – While centrally located, it’s very crowded and lacks quiet or private areas. Street noise, foot traffic, and limited photo angles can make this a difficult spot to shoot in without distraction.

Destinations (Outside DFW)

These are breathtaking locations I haven’t had the chance to shoot at yet, but would absolutely love to. If you're planning something bold, intimate, or scenic beyond Dallas-Fort Worth, here are a few dream spots I’d be thrilled to travel for. While I don’t currently have examples from these places, they align beautifully with my style and vision. Travel fees apply to cover time, mileage, and lodging where needed.

• Prada Marfa — Marfa, Texas

  ADDITIONAL FEE: $600

  A sculptural art installation in the middle of the West Texas desert, known for its surreal aesthetic and editorial feel. A true minimalist dream.

• Monahans Sandhills State Park — West Texas

  ADDITIONAL FEE: $750

  Massive sand dunes that move with the wind. Golden, textured, and perfect for barefoot sessions, flowing dresses, or elopement-style portraits.

• Hamilton Pool Preserve — Dripping Springs, TX

  ADDITIONAL FEE: $700

  A limestone grotto with emerald water, shaded cliffs, and Hill Country magic. Ideal for couples who love nature and don’t mind a little adventure.

• Caddo Lake State Park — East Texas

  ADDITIONAL FEE: $750

  Spanish moss, still waters, and a slower pace. This mystical cypress swamp feels like something out of a Southern novel — peaceful, moody, and wildly romantic.

• Big Bend National Park — Southwest Texas

  ADDITIONAL FEE: $1000

  Mountains, desert, rivers, and skies that go on forever. For the couple who wants to hike, explore, and document something unforgettable. This is Texas on another level.

If you’re ready to book your session or want to talk through your ideas, reach out here. I’d love to dream and plan alongside you. Your story is already beautiful. Let’s capture it that way.