Whether your dream maternity session involves snuggles inside your own home with steaming cups of coffee in hand, a leisurely stroll through a local park as you delight in the smell of fresh-cut grass, or a light hike on a scenic trail in the woods, New Braunfels has an abundance of fabulous location options to choose from. As a New Braunfels maternity photographer who spends all her time exploring both familiar and new locations with her clients (and her own loved ones), you’ll never catch me running out of recommendations!

In this guide, you’ll find a list of my favorite locations for maternity photos in New Braunfels—including spacious parks, iconic local landmarks, and even a studio—as well as a few of my best tips for choosing the right one for your unique session.

Know that I’ll always prioritize location suggestions that fit your one-of–a-kind vision and represent who you truly are, rather than just telling you to go to the “prettiest” place, or to the spot where it seems every dang family in the area took their Christmas card photos.

Because let’s face it: the aesthetics of your backdrop don’t matter one bit if you don’t feel comfortable to be yourself in front of the camera; in the atmosphere you’re in.

Let’s get right into it, shall we?

Looking for locations closer to San Antonio, instead? Pop over to my guide to the Best Locations for Maternity Photos in San Antonio!

Why I Love New Braunfels for Maternity Sessions

Before I let you in on all my go-to locations in New Braunfels, let’s talk about why it’s such an amazing place to take your maternity photos in the first place! And yes, I may be totally biased because I live here. . . but that just means you can count on me to give you the down-low on all the best places, based on my real experience—maybe even a few lesser-known spots, too ;)

The beautiful scenery

I know, I know—when you think of a small city in central Texas you probably don’t think “I bet they have the most STUNNING landscapes!” But that’s where you’re wrong, my friend!

New Braunfels has a surprising amount of natural beauty to offer, given that it’s so close to multiple big cities. Home of the Comal River (which actually runs entirely within city limits), New Braunfels also has easy access to the Guadalupe River—meaning you get a ton of beautiful river scenery throughout the city. Both rivers offer picturesque nature views, scenic lookouts, and viewpoints you can visit, and we’ve even got these super cool underground limestone caves that you can walk through!

All that to say, don’t count us out when it comes to sightseeing—the quiet trails, tranquil riverside scenery, and plethora of nature reserves + parks will have you falling in love with this little city I call home.

The outdoor activities

Along that same note, New Braunfels is known for its incredible outdoor rec opportunities, mostly thanks to the two rivers that run through it! We have 41 local parks, many that are within walking distance of the downtown area, and honestly it’s all super duper inviting.

You can go tubing on the Comal River or “the Guad,” as the Guadalupe River is lovingly called by locals, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming. . . can you tell we have a ton of awesome water-based activities?

And if you’d prefer to stay on land during your maternity session (I don’t blame you, some of these activities may be a bit more strenuous than you’re looking for!), there are tons of opportunities for park walks and hikes of all kinds.

Charming local shops to explore

Want to take your maternity session to your favorite restaurant, or a cafe you love to visit on Saturday mornings together? Maybe to a diner you’ve always wanted to visit for lunch? New Braunfels has plenty of adorable local cafes, eateries, and shops that we can explore during your session, if nature isn’t quite your thing.

Where to Take Maternity Photos in New Braunfels

Now I’ll get into what you came here for: all the best places in New Braunfels for your maternity photos.

1. Wurstfest Park Grounds

If you’re local to the New Braunfels area, then you’ve probably heard of Wurstfest. And if you’re not familiar, Wurstfest (aka “sausage fest”) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating Oktoberfest and the city’s German heritage, held every November along the Comal River. It’s a total blast, and the park grounds just so happen to make for an amazing location to take maternity photos, too! As the client, you’ll pay a $100 fee to rent out the space for an hour, and we’ll be free to explore as we please. The grounds are located in Landa Park (which I’ll talk more about as a whole a little later), near the Landa Street entrance.

2. The Downtown Room

Prefer to have your session in a cozy, beautifully lit indoor space? Look no further than the Downtown Room! This stunning studio is nestled right in the heart of downtown New Braunfels (hence the name), and is the perfect alternative for families who love the idea of a homey feel to their photos without the stress of tidying up their own space. Packed with charm, the studio comes ready to use with an abundance of natural light, stylish decor, and comfy seating—the whole place is incredibly thoughtfully designed and really blends the historic feel of the building with modern furnishings. They’ve even got two dressing rooms that you can use, making those mid-session outfit swaps totally seamless. The Downtown Room is SUCH a gem to have access to. Plus, having a dedicated indoor spot in town is such a gift during rainier/colder seasons especially!

3. Dry Comal Trail

If you and your love thrive on being out in nature + want to incorporate that into your session, the Dry Comal Trail is a must-visit spot. Tucked along Dry Comal Creek, this picturesque 2.25-mile loop is the dream setting for a tranquil, nature-filled session where you can soak in the fresh air, listen to the birds flying around you, watch for wildlife, and simply be present in quality time together. You’ll get a good mix of landscapes along the trail, from dense oak forests to open savannas dotted with cacti. I recommend hitting the trail in the early morning, if possible, to beat the daytime Texas heat, but there are definitely a good amount of shady spots that you can hide under as needed.

4. Torrey Park

Craving a quiet session away from crowds? Torrey Park is a hidden gem just north of Cypress Bend that I’d def recommend considering. It’s a quaint neighborhood park that may be small, but trust me—you’ll have plenty of space to explore, meander, even unwind beneath the trees (how fun would a little picnic in the grass be?). With shaded picnic tables, beautiful walking paths, and plenty of wildlife, it’s the dream spot for a super laid-back session with a chill vibe. Dogs welcome, so bring your four-legged babies along!

5. Landa Park

Landa Park is a total New Braunfels classic, offering more than 50 acres of breathtaking green space and endless opportunities to have fun outdoors + embrace the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re looking to cool off in the Comal with kayaks, paddleboards, or a quick dip, or prefer to stay dry and want to explore the walking trails + picnic areas, Landa has something for everyone. Hiking trails included—there are two in Panther Canyon if that’s more your vibe! This park looks beautiful at any time of year, but it reallyyyy shines in the fall months—the changing leaves reflecting off the water are simply stunning, and the temperatures will have dropped enough to be comfortable rather than too hot/dry. It’s such a gorgeous place to soak up that last bit of warmth before the winter months bring cooler weather, while making the most of the outdoors and celebrating the wild + beautiful season of life you’re in.

6. Fischer Park

Next up let’s talk about Fischer Park, which is the largest park in New Braunfels, spanning over 60 acres. This expansive green space is packed with photo-ready spots for your maternity session, with two miles of scenic walking trails, a couple of fishing ponds, and a hilltop with unbeatable views over New Braunfels (especially at sunset). Bonus points if you bring a picnic to munch on while you drink it all in! And if you have any kiddos already, they’ll love the colorful playground + interactive splash pad with fountains, sprayers, and misting toys that’ll keep them entertained for hours on end.

7. Cypress Bend Park

Cypress Bend Park is a beaut of a location along the Guadalupe River, boasting over 100 acres of lush, tree-covered space and sandy shoreline. This park has everything you could need for a fun and relaxing maternity session out in nature: easy water access if you feel like dipping your toes in to get some relief from the Texas heat, spots to go fishing, shaded pavilions for a picnic break (bring out the cheeseboard & non-alcoholic bubbly!). . . you get the picture. The pier is just begging to be the backdrop of some gorgeous maternity photos, plus it’s handicap-friendly, which is amazing for those with accessibility needs. Fun fact about Cypress Bend Park: it actually has 10 waterfront cabins you can rent, so if you’re looking for a little stay-cation, why not spend the night by the river and enjoy the lush woodlands as much as you can?

8. Faust Street Bridge

I know we’ve gone through a lotttt of parks in this list so far. . . now I’ve got something a little different for you. Faust Street Bridge is a great option if you’d like a bit more of a unique backdrop for your maternity photos, stretching over the Guadalupe River as a long-time New Braunfels favorite for both visitors and locals alike. The antique iron structure and scenic river views make it such a cool and one-of-a-kind place for your session, as well as the peaceful area underneath the bridge where you can set up a picnic, go for a walk, or enjoy the breeze coming off the river. There’s plenty of parking nearby, making it easy to access and explore—just keep in mind that it can get pretty busy on the weekends or when the weather is cool enough to be out and about. Weekdays and early mornings will be give you the best shot at quiet, interrupted moments!

BONUS: Your own home/property

I’m a total sucker for maternity photos where you’re in your own home, cuddled up in the kitchen you’ve spent so long cooking in together, or maybe on that couch you saved up for for so long. Nothing beats the intimacy and comfort of being in your own space that you’ve dedicated so much love and care to curating, so it only makes sense to consider it for your maternity session. Be sure to check out my guide to preparing for in-home photos if this feels like more your vibe!

How to Plan & Prepare for Your New Braunfels Maternity Photos

Feeling excited for your maternity session yet?! I hope so! I know that figuring out the actual details of your session can feel like a whole overwhelming task to take on, but don’t worry: I’ve got you covered with my ultimate guide to planning & preparing for your maternity shoot. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to make your session breeze, from the best time of day for dreamy lighting to tips for choosing which room(s) of your home you’d like to use. Check out the full guide here if you're ready to plan an effortless session that feels like you.

Hiring Your New Braunfels Maternity Photographer

And when the time comes to find the perfect photographer to document it all—the big moments holding your sonogram or your pregnancy announcement, the gentle kisses as you walk hand-in-hand through the home you’ve oh-so-lovingly created together, and every moment in between—I’d love to be there for you. Reach out about your New Braunfels maternity photography here, and let’s see if we’ll be a good fit, yeah? Can’t wait to give you photos to remember these precious days by; promise you won’t regret it.

Best Locations for Maternity Photos in New Braunfels