Best Locations for Maternity Photos in Austin, TX
Have you been planning your Austin maternity session but can’t quite figure out where to go? As a local Austin maternity photographer, I’ve got you covered with this complete list of all the best locations I’d recommend, including public parks, gardens, mansions, and even a crazy cool abandoned movie theater.
Looking for maternity session locations outside of Austin instead? Here are my faves in New Braunfels & San Antonio!
4 Tips for Your Austin Maternity Photoshoot
Before I dive into all the beautiful maternity session locations in Austin, I thought it would be helpful to give you a few practical tips that’ll be helpful to keep in mind when planning your session. Doing photoshoots in Austin can be a little different than somewhere smaller like my hometown of New Braunfels, since many spots in bigger cities come with certain permit requirements, fees, etc. So here are 4 things to keep in mind when prepping for your Austin maternity photoshoot to make sure it’s as smooth & stress-free as possible!
1. Budget for admission & photo fees
Depending on the location you select for your shoot, you might need to budget for two different fees: admission fees and photoshoot fees. Certain locations such as parks, gardens, and estates may require you to pay an advance fee in order to take photos on the property, and it’s important to pay attention to this so you don’t end up accidentally getting fined. You can usually find photo fee schedules listed on park websites, but I’ve also included applicable fees for each location in the list below.
In addition to special photography fees, you may need to pay admission or parking fees for public places. They’re usually not super expensive, but I like to make sure to mention it beforehand so you’re not surprised when you arrive and have to pay for parking and/or entry!
2. Watch for private vs. public property
On the note of admission and photography fees, it’s also important to do research into your preferred location to see if it’s private or public property. Most gardens and parks are managed by the city and open to the public at any time, but privately-owned properties such as mansions, estates, or ranches might only have specific times that are open to the public. Private properties are more likely to charge a higher photography fee, ask you to reserve a time slot, or book a reservation in advance—so be sure to check out their website beforehand (I’ll help you with this as well). We wouldn’t want to show up to our shoot only to find out the property is closed or inaccessible because we didn’t get a reservation in advance!
3. Be aware of crowds
If you want your maternity session to be fairly intimate, you’ll probably want to do your photoshoot earlier in the morning, on a weekday vs. a weekend, and/or find a location with more privacy. Being in a big city means you’ll definitely deal with crowds of both locals and tourists, so you have to be a bit more intentional about avoiding them if privacy during your session is important to you! I’ll be more than happy to help you find a place where we can enjoy peace and quiet, and where you won’t have to worry about being around too many people while you’re trying to enjoy your session :)
4. Plan for traffic
Finally, you’ll want to account for traffic when planning out your day + travel to your session. The amount of traffic obviously depends on the time of day, day of the week, season, location. . . but in general it’s smart to plan for at least a little bit of traffic + leave for your shoot earlier than you need to. I absolutely do not want you to feel rushed getting to your session; I’d much prefer you get there early and wait a little bit so that you can be in a calm, excited state of mind heading into your shoot. After all, these photos are a celebration of such a beautiful and emotional time in your life—you deserve to be fully present in the moment.
Where to Take Maternity Photos in Austin
Austin truly has SO many incredible maternity photo locations, so I’ve divided the 18 reccs I have for you into a few sections, based on the type of place you’re looking for: parks, mansions & estates, gardens & greenhouses, and other unique locations. If you already know what kinda vibe you’re envisioning feel free to skip straight to the section you’re looking for!
Prefer to have your maternity session in-home for a more cozy, intimate vibe? I’ve got a full guide to preparing for your in-home session that you can read here.
Parks
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Admission Fee: $5
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
Nestled right on the waters of Lake Austin, this park is perfect for anybody who wants to dip their toes in the water, take a stroll on the beach, or have a cutie little picnic beneath the trees. If you wanna cool off on a hot day, the kayaks and paddle boards might be calling your name!
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: Varies; permit needed from APARD
Reservation Required? Yes
If you’ve ever wished you could take photos under palm trees but thought it was impossible in Texas, think again—this 23-acre nature preserve is home to vibrant gardens, historic buildings, and even. . . peacocks that just casually hang out by the ponds? It’s a random little tropical oasis in the middle of the city and is full of so much charm that would make for the perfect maternity photo backdrop.
St. Edwards Greenbelt
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
Speaking of random little oases. . . St. Edwards Greenbelt is a hidden gem that transports you from the hustle & bustle of the city into a lush park boasting a flowing stream, small waterfalls, and beautiful country views. Feel free to bring your pup along for the fun since this area is dog-friendly and has plenty of open space for children (furry or not) to run around.
Mueller Lake Park
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
30 acres of lush green landscapes, scenic lakeside views, tree-lined shores, and picnic spots galore—what more could you ask for in an Austin maternity photo location? It’s easy to picture a sweet mama and her soon-to-be little one strolling by the water and simply being present in nature, or even popping over to the Greenway for gorgeous wildflowers, plant gardens, and quiet prairies.
Red Bud Isle
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
If you’d prefer a small park that doesn’t get too crowded and has a bit more of a private feel, Red Bud Isle offers just enough space to walk around and enjoy the peace & quiet of nature without going too far from the city. You’ll find beautiful views of the Colorado River along this short 0.5 mile loop, and plenty of solitude around the small island park.
Bull Creek Greenbelt
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
Bull Creek Greenbelt is a great spot to add to your itinerary if you’re already taking photos at St. Edward’s Park, as the Upper Greenbelt begins at the park itself. Depending on how much you want to explore, you can also start the trail at the intersection of Adirondack Trail & Spicewood Springs. The trail is open year-round and takes you through a few small creek crossings, swimming spots, and all around tranquil creekside locations where you can admire the views.
McKinney Falls State Park
Admission Fee: $6
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
McKinney Falls State Park is a little bit further outside of Austin, but is SO worth the drive if you’re up for it. With towering cypress trees, rocky terrain, limestone ledges, creekside views, and, of course, waterfalls, this park is seriously one of the most beautiful spots in the greater Austin area. There are nine miles of trails to explore, and you’ll be rewarded with picturesque scenery no matter where you go.
Auditorium Shores
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
You might be familiar with the Auditorium Shores urban park as a setting for many of Austin’s concerts and festivals—and it also makes for a fabulous location for maternity photos in the city. The greenery is super spacious and you get great views of the city skyline, but it can also get pretty crowded. So if you’re craving more peace and quiet away from large groups, this may not be the ideal location for your session.
Mansions & Estates
Laguna Gloria
Admission Fee: $10 for adults
Photo Fee: $150
Reservation Required? No, but advance ticket purchase is encouraged
Want to feel like you’ve been magically dropped into the Italian countryside—except you didn’t have to sit on a plane for hours to get there? Laguna Gloria is the most gorgeous estate just five miles from downtown Austin, featuring the prettiest sculptures, tranquil wooden pathways, a cozy cafe and visitor center, and a dreamy villa that actually hosts weddings and private events. It’s a total dream come true for anybody who’d like to embrace the beauty of nature, admiring artwork and fascinating history along the way.
Barr Mansion
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: Starting at $150/hour
Reservation Required? Yes
More European-countryside vibes coming your way. . . Barr Mansion is straight out of a dream with its sprawling greenery, manicured gardens, contemporary design, and endless little nooks and crannies that make for stunning photo backdrops. This mansion is a wedding venue on the weekends, but is open for photoshoots from Monday-Thursday between the hours of 10am and 4pm!
Gardens & Greenhouses
The Greenhouse at Driftwood
Photo Fee: $600-$1,000
Reservation Required? Yes
The Greenhouse at Driftwood is one of the pricier options on this list with a pretty high photo fee, but you’ll see why as soon as you step onto the property—it’s pure magic. The property features not one but two whimsical greenhouses, enchanting gardens, and greenery from the tropics as well as the desert (who doesn’t love palm trees and cacti in one place?).
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Admission Fee: $15 for adults, $8 for youth ages 3-17
Photo Fee: $100-$250
Reservation Required? Yes
For those envisioning a dreamy, ethereal maternity shoot, there’s no better place to make it happen in Austin than the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Just 12 miles southwest of downtown, this nearly 300-acre property thrives in the spring and summer months with an array of brilliant wildflowers. From deep bluebonnets (Texas’ state flower!) to bright primroses, the colorful fields are absolutely magical as a backdrop to maternity photos. There’s even a visitor center where you can grab lunch and/or a wildflower guide on the day of your session!
Zilker Botanical Garden
Admission Fee: $6 for adults, $3 for youth ages 3-17
Photo Fee: $50
Reservation Required? Yes
Last but certainly not the least of our garden options is Zilker Garden, aka 28 acres of picturesque landscapes full of little koi ponds, colorful flowers, bright greenery, waterfalls, and pathways that are just begging to be explored. Not only is the scenery beautiful everywhere you look, there are also themed gardens that you can check out such as the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, the vibrant Rose Garden, and the Taniguchi Japanese Garden.
Other Landmarks & Unique Locations
Commons Ford Ranch
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
Mamas looking for a more rustic, country vibe will love Commons Ford Ranch, the perfect place for a laid-back session along the shores of Lake Austin. This ranch has quite a bit of history with native tribes in the area, which is really cool to learn about before you take your photos here. You’ll have access to a bit of wilderness area as well as a boat dock, swimming area, and plenty of spots for a cozy lakeside picnic.
UT Campus
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
Not into the public park or garden vibe? Consider taking your maternity photos on the UT Austin campus, where you’ll find the most breathtaking architecture and Beaux Arts-style buildings that set a gorgeous scene for photos. Some of my favorite spots on campus include the Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall and the UT Tower!
Pennybacker Bridge
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: None
Reservation Required? No
Pennybacker Bridge is THE place to be if you picture the striking city skyline in the background of your maternity photos. Also known as the Austin 360 Bridge for its 360-degree views of the area, it boasts panoramic scenery of the rolling hills of Hill Country, the Colorado River, and the skyline all at the same time—and all that’s required to get to the top is a quick 10-minute hike. Golden hour & sunset are a total dream come true from this spot!
The Lumen Room
Photo Fee: Starting at $75/hour
Reservation Required? Yes
Bright and flattering natural light? Check. Contemporary decor and design? Check. Cozy, in-home vibes without the stress of actually. . . cleaning up your home? Check. I’m obsessed with the Lumen Room and its gorgeous furniture, spacious layout, and clean backdrops for a more minimalist + intimate vibe than any of the public locations on this list. Renting out the studio is easy and you’ll have total privacy the entire time.
Loving the idea of studio maternity photos? Here are a few other studios I love in Austin & San Antonio that would be fabulous for your session.
Sekrit Theater
Admission Fee: None
Photo Fee: Varies; see fee table here
Reservation Required? Yes
Sekrit Theater is such a one-of-a-kind spot to take photos of any kind in Austin, offering this super cool abandoned movie theater that’s evolved into an absolutely gorgeous wedding & event venue. You’ll feel like you’re starring in your own little fairytale with the lush gardens, fish ponds, whimsical greenhouse, chandelier tree (!!), and a variety of other unique props available for you to use. Obsessed with this one!
How to Plan & Prepare for Your Maternity Session
There’s SO much more to your maternity session than just picking the right location—you’ll also need to plan your outfits, the vibe you’re going for, pick a time & date, and decide if you want to incorporate any activities! To take all the hard work off your plate, I’ve put together a guide dedicated to how to plan & prepare for your maternity session that you won’t want to miss.
Austin Maternity Photography Packages
Hi friend, I’m Madison—but you can call me Madi since we’re friends now :) Family, maternity, and newborn photography are my passions, and I’ll never get tired of documenting sweet families during different stages of their lives. Life goes by fast, and there’s nothing more valuable than having these moments to look back on and pass down to future generations of loved ones.
My maternity photo packages in Austin start at $650 for a full 1-2 hour session, and includes all the best images from your session delivered in a personalized gallery. I absolutely offer payment plans to make the cost of your session more accessible to you, so don’t hesitate to ask about that in your inquiry—get in touch here and we’ll start planning maternity photos you’ll find so much joy looking back on for the rest of your lives.
