Engagement sessions are a wonderful way for couples to celebrate their love and capture their unique story before the big day. While classic spots like parks and museums popular choices, stepping outside the traditional frame can result in stunning and memorable photos that truly reflect who you are as a couple. If you’re looking to break away from the norm, here are some engagement session locations that might just inspire you.

Downtown Views

Rooftop views always make for a great backdrop and San Antonio has some great ones! Below is one of my favorite sessions where we transitioned from sunset to nighttime. I used flash to create some unique lighting which was such a fun and creative experience! Shout out to Demi & Luis for being down to try anything! Also no one was injured standing in the street LOL!

Date Night – Bar Scene

Another fun idea, a bar or restaurant! We can beat the heat in the summer months by being inside, relax with a few cocktails and can also be extra special if we can photograph at the place you met! This session was taken at Devil’s Whiskey Distillery in downtown San Antonio. (Shout out to them!). Not every place is as accommodating so to pull something like this off may require planning, calling ahead, etc to ensure we can have our session! Shout out to Erica & Joseph for this fun idea and session!

Festivals, Carnivals and… Wurstfest?!

One of Alyssa and Miguels traditions as a couple is to attend Wurstfest in New Braunfels every year. So that is exactly what we did for their engagement session! This was so fun and super challenging as a photographer, BUT the results were perfect and perfect for them! It’s also the ULTIMATE third

wheel experience LOL. We even took a romantic ferris wheel ride together 🙂

Things to consider for a location like this:
– Pick a less popular day if you can, like a weekday
– Pack light as a photographer, for this session I had my camera, one lens, one off camera flash and a friend to help me place the light.

Gear: Canon R5, RF 28-70 Lens
Lighting: Godox V1, MagMod modifiers

While I pride myself on taking great photos, no matter where we are, a great location can make your photos that much better! There are so many great locations in and around San Antonio, below are my favorites spots for photos! This is all based on my experience and opinion – I’m always open to exploring more places! If nature is more of your vibe, check out my blog with my top 5 nature spots!

Eilan La Cantera – San Antonio, TX

If I had to pick ONE favorite location, it might be here. The colorful buildings and architecture makes it feel like you’re no longer in San Antonio. The buildings provide great shade as well for optimum lighting. The complex is large so there are plenty of spots for photos!

Additional fee: None
Accessibility: Easy, stairs or elevators are available to move up and down the levels.
Cons: None really. It can be a popular place for photos during Spring and Fall.

McNay Art Museum Grounds – San Antonio, TX

A historic San Antonio location! The main grounds host beautiful sculptures, a fountain, pond and the mansion as the perfect backdrop!
Additional Fee: $30 for grounds photography, Courtyard is also available but requires reservation and $200 fee.
Accessibility: Easy
Cons: More rules to follow, but they are not dealbreakers! Just takes a little more planning on our part 🙂 Grounds are open until 6 or 7pm depending on the year and close promptly at those times.

The Pearl – San Antonio, TX

A classic San Antonio location! With a mixture of industrial vibes plus the river and nature, you never run out of backgrounds here! It does get busy in general with events going on, restaurants and shopping so I prefer weekday evenings for sessions at the Pearl.
Additional Fee: None
Accessibility: Easy
Cons: It’s a popular place for photos during fall and spring, it can get very busy!

Parking Garages Roof Tops – Anywhere Downtown!

One of my absolute favorite vibes, especially for couples! Something about the skyline view that just gets me! I have my favorite garage in town, pictures below!
Additional Fee: Pay to park in the garage if you prefer, or you can park elsewhere and walk!
Accessibility: Easy, parking garages have stair and elevator access.
Cons: None really. I do find it best to park in the actual garage, I was once kicked out of one that we walked into 🙂

Landa Library – San Antonio, TX

A hidden gem!  Beautiful garden area that looks gorgeous in Spring plus the historic library building with interesting architecture and plenty of spots for unique photos!
Additional Fee: None, but a permit is required ahead of time
Accessibility: Easy
Cons: Not really a con, but does require more planning ahead of time to acquire the permit and ensure no other events are going on.

Where is your favorite spot? Let me know in the comments below!

While I pride myself on taking great photos, no matter where we are, a great location can make your photos that much better! There are so many great locations in and around San Antonio, below are my favorites nature settings for photos! This is all based on my experience and opinion – I’m always open to exploring more places!

Cibolo Creek Nature Center – Boerne, TX

A summertime favorite, this place has access to the creek if you want to dip your toes in for some fun nature photos!  There is also ample are for great nature photos with the trees and grasslands.  

Additional fee: $25 photo permit (I cover the cost)
Accessibility: Easy/Medium, depending on if you want to get in the creek
Cons: None really. The creek section is popular so we may have to wait our turn to get some photos on the stepping stones.

Joshua Springs Park and Preserve – Comfort, TX

One of my absolute favorite places!  It has a little bit of everything:  Hills, water, pathways, grassland and sunset views.  
Additional Fee: None
Accessibility: Easy
Cons: None!

Phil Hardberger Park – San Antonio, TX

A favorite location!  Centrally located and easy to get to, I love shooting here!  Lots of overgrown fields and trees! 
Additional Fee: None
Accessibility: Easy
Cons: It’s a popular place for photos during fall and spring, it can get very busy!

Overlook Park – Canyon Lake

This location is beautiful, providing access directly to Canyon Lake!  With beautiful sunset views, its an amazing place for photos!  If you want to take photos by the water there is some hiking involved.  The terrain can be rocky but is ok to navigate.  Bring comfortable shoes and water if taking photos here during summer months. 
Additional Fee: None
Accessibility: Easy to Difficult, depending on the spot
Cons: The park closes promptly at sunset, no exceptions. It can get busy with swimmers and fishing by the water.

Madla Park – Scenic Loop

A hidden gem!  Grasslands, hills and an epic view if you’re willing to do a little hiking!  Its a beautiful place for photos!  Bring comfy shoes for walking if you want to go to the top.
Additional Fee: $25 photo permit (paid by me)
Accessibility: Easy to Difficult
Cons: Very limited parking, weekday evenings would be best. The hike up the hill isn’t too bad but more difficult to navigate with littles.

Where is your favorite outdoor spot? Let me know in the comments below!