My 5 Favorite Austin Engagement Session Locations

I consider shooting engagement sessions one of the biggest perks of my job as an Austin wedding photographer! It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know you and your partner so you feel completely comfortable when the big day arrives. And with Austin’s one-of-a-kind vibe, there’s a location to fit every personality and vision. Today, I’m sharing my favorite Austin engagement session locations I’ve visited with my couples!

Favorite Austin Engagement Session Locations

Home or a Favorite Local Haunt

My favorite engagement session locations are the ones that feel like home to the couple. Sometimes, that’s a dive bar, a park with their pets, or even their home! It can be any place that makes them feel like themselves.

The LAST thing I ever want to do is ask a couple to meet me somewhere out of their comfort zone because it won’t allow them to relax and showcase their personalities. For example, the worst thing to do with a shy couple is photograph them on a busy street!

Maggie and Kevin wanted to split their engagement session between their favorite cocktail bar and their home, and I was all about it! They grabbed drinks and went on a date while I hung around and snapped candid shots. Then, we returned to their house for cuddles with their kitty in their living room and a backyard hang with their pup. This also allowed them to change their outfits for a more casual feel! Everything felt organic and 100% them.

So, my number one favorite spot to shoot a couple is their home or favorite spot. However, if you don’t want to use your home or are coming from out of town, I have several spots I love. 

Eberly Austin

Eberly rents out its space in one-hour increments for a fee. You’ll get the whole restaurant to yourselves to grab a drink, play your favorite music, and relax! The vibe is sexy, moody, and ideal for couples wanting to let loose together in a beautiful, private space. Another perk? It’s indoors, so we won’t have to contend with soaring Austin temperatures.

For Kristyn and Chris’ and Katie and Jon’s sessions, we had to grab a few shots in the stylish bar area. I’m obsessed with the green tile and modern lighting! The vintage-inspired tile floor also adds a chic touch. I love incorporating lots of black-and-white photos into my clients’ Eberley galleries to amp up the moodiness.

The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria 

Like Eberley, Laguna Gloria rents out one-hour time slots. This spot is just quintessential Austin! Lush greenery surrounds a 1920s-era villa overlooking Lake Austin.

It’s a primarily outdoor space, so I recommend hitting this one earlier in the day when they first open. However, there is also a small indoor room we can use that is stunning with green walls and black-and-white checkered floors. Additionally, there’s an onsite bathroom for changing and a café where we can grab a snack afterward!

Pro Tip: Combine Eberley and Laguna Gloria since they’re so different! If you book a two-hour session with me, we can do both.

Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park 

This engagement session location is always gorgeous but really shines at sunset in the fall or spring. The lighting is idyllic! There’s a beautiful, tucked-away field that I love to visit with couples. It’s perfect for those who want a playful outdoor session in a peaceful, quiet location. 

While this could easily be a one-and-done location, I also love combining it with a bar or restaurant to create a dynamic gallery for my clients!

Mattie’s Austin 

If you and your partner are early birds, you can’t go wrong with Mattie’s Austin for your engagement session! They allow outdoor photography shoots in the morning before they open at 11:00 AM (on weekends). It’s a great space with iconic Austin oak trees and the famous Mattie’s peacocks. The historical home also makes a beautiful backdrop!

I loved how Jaclyn and Davis had two distinct vibes for their Mattie’s engagement session. They dressed in casual date-night attire for photos in front of the house. Then, Jaclyn changed into a romantic floral maxi dress for photos in the field behind the restaurant.

Does one (or more!) of these Austin engagement session locations speak to you? Connect with me, and we’ll plan a dreamy session to showcase the unique love you and your partner share!