The Salt River
Location: Mesa, AZ
Photo Pass: $8 Tonto National Forest Pass per car, acquired in advance off-site
Colorful mountain views behind the river, green trees surrounding. We'll need to be mindful of river levels, as it's drier during winter, and can be crowded on weekends during the summer. This one is borderline desert scenery, but I feel that the green trees/river grasses and overall color scheme mix it up enough to make the list!
Venue at the Grove
Location: South Phoenix
Photo Pass: I have free exclusive access as a preferred vendor!
Hands-down the greenest area in all of Phoenix, this wedding venue is the perfect secluded spot for photos! The first photo was taken at the beginning of June, the second photo was the second week of April with the main trees half full with leaves, and the third was with the front hedges in the third week of March as the rest of the trees were bare. The pecan trees are bare from mid-December through the beginning of April, but the green grass and the additional trees and shrubs around the property make it gorgeous year-round. The grounds are closed for seeding mid-June through September, and session availability is subjective to their wedding schedule.
The Farm at South Mountain
Location: South Phoenix
Photo Pass: $125 for two hours, purchased, scheduled and approved in advance at the Farm Kitchen
The second-greenest area in all of Phoenix, the Farm is the perfect sweet spot for photos — you can even grab some food and have a picnic date during our shoot if you choose! It's best visited on weekdays to avoid the large weekend crowds, and the grounds are open mid-September through June during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The above photos were taken from 2-4 p.m. in October.
Sahuaro Ranch Park
Location: 9802 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ
Photo permit: $25 per day paid ahead of time to the Glendale Historical Society, check blackout dates
This property boasts year-round palm trees on its large front lawn and small citrus groves, a large midwestern style brick historical ranch with a wrap-around porch, and seasonal rose blooms
Parking Garage City Skyline
Location: Next to Herberger Theater downtown Phoenix
Photo Pass: No pass required, $5 per car to enter
The parking garage allows for next-level views of some of downtown Phoenix's finest architecture, the best spot to get a modern, big city feel. For even more urban photo locations, see my other blog here.
Historic Heritage Square
Location: 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required, meter and garage parking available
The Rossen House Museum is a victorian-style home on grounds with blossoming trees and some green grass. The Science Center provides concrete backdrops and minimalistic stairs for a modern look (and some shade).
Tempe Town Lake / Tempe Center for the Arts
Location: 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281
Photo Pass: No pass required, I can direct you to the free parking lots!
Tempe Town Lake is the perfect spot to take full advantage of the sunset. It's full of interesting architecture along with the Tempe city skyline and iconic bridges. This spot is really popular with locals and tourists alike, so expect to share the sidewalk with walkers, bikers, and beach-goers.
Manistee Ranch Park
Location: 5127 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
Photo Permit: $25 paid in cash, in person, in advance to the Glendale Historical Society office at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Permit must be worn while on property.
This large, midwestern style house has a huge large lot out front filled with palm trees, with a small citrus tree grove out back, farm equipment on display, a long walkway with full vines (best during summer, fall)
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Location: 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Photo Permit: None! Parking is free in the dirt lot on property.
This property has an indoor shop with large outdoor picnic lawn, perfect for couples looking to add some cozy moments with some drinks/snacks. The property is also surrounded by fields we're free to use — the rows of olive trees look great pretty much year-round. Their availability is based on any other events they may have happening on-property. Best to call ahead and confirm!
Blok Studios
Location: Downtown Phoenix, Van Buren East
Photo Pass: Studio space rentals are $130 for two hours (about an hour and 30 minutes of shooting)
This minimalistic, urban space is absolutely perfect for all types of sessions. There are several pull down neutral backdrops available as well as natural light through the windows.
Studio House AZ
Photo Pass: Studio space rentals are $110 for two hours per room. Click here for options.
These natural-light filled spaces are ever-changing. There's a room that's different every season, as well as several staples that never change. Talk to me about which spaces work best for engagements! The room shown here is the Atrium.
Your home!
The perfect way to add a personal touch to your session. If your home together is close to your heart (and it has great natural light), talk to me about creating some magic in your own space!
