Firstly, what are bridals? I like to describe them as like senior portraits, but in a wedding dress. It's a one-on-one session with the bride and her photographer before the wedding. Here's a few reasons why you should have one!
You get to wear your dress more than once! I meannnn who wouldn't want that? Especially since wedding dresses can be one of the biggest costs in the wedding budget.
It's the perfect time to have a trial run with your hair/makeup artists. A lot of HMUAs include this in the package you'll book with them, so may as well get in front of the camera ;)
More photos! Wedding days go by in a flash. While I always strive to get several photos of the Bride on the wedding day itself, there will be more variety with an entirely separate session.
You get to wear your dress more than once. I know, I know. I already mentioned that in the first bullet point. But for real, why not get your money's worth and feel like a goddess?
Now the reason you're likely visiting this blog: the locations!
When you're in quite a few wedding planning groups on Facebook, you tend to see a lot of the same questions. The most common one I've read recently is, "Where are good spots to take Bridal portraits?"
It just so happens that I know a few spots...
After 13 years photographing the most gorgeous couples on the planet, here are my recommendations for bridal photoshoot locations in Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Fee: $30 photography permit (2 hours) + admission for photographer ($12) + client(s) ($12/person) | Previously had been $75 for 2 hours and 3 admission tickets |Last photo pass will be given no later than 2 hours before closing time. Photo passes are NOT valid for the rain forest conservatory.
Reasons to LOVE it: FWBG is the oldest major botanic garden in the entire state. There are 109 acres of manicured natural beauty to choose as a backdrop. Personal favorite spots are the Lower Rose Garden (first photo below), the Fuller Garden (second photo), the Japanese Gardens. The gardens are absolutely stunning year round.
TCU Campus/Robert Carr Chapel
Fee: None! TCU campus is public, though you'll need to be getting married in the chapel to have access inside. Otherwise, the grounds are open.
Reasons to LOVE it: The golden hour sunshine is EVERYTHING! Mature trees provide shade and the architecture around TCU's campus is lovely.
Fee: None
Reasons to LOVE it: The Water Gardens are located downtown Fort Worth and are absolutely stunning in the evening. If you're more into urban vibes than floral gardens, this is the spot for you. The area does get crowded, so be aware.
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Kimbell Art Museum, Museum District Fort Worth
Fee: None
Reasons to LOVE it: The architecture! The light! The location! Need I say more? It's such a classically beautiful spot.
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Bass Hall, Downtown Fort Worth
Fees: $225 for sessions inside the main area, $350 for inside the theater/stage itself
Free inside the main area for couples who already have their event/wedding booked there, $150 for theater/stage access even with an event booked. Due to the popularity of the space, permits will be granted only on weekdays during business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stage access is extremely limited and may not be guaranteed. There are no day-of options. Sessions can last up to an hour and a half (which includes getting ready and scouting time). Staff has the right to interrupt and end portrait session (without refund) immediately if the session is deemed inappropriate or defaces the venue in any way.
Reasons to LOVE it: Bass Hall is probably one of the most well known buildings in all of Fort Worth. It's perfect for any art lovers and the halls are bathed in gorgeous, soft sunlight. There are plenty of banisters/stairs and even the outside is stunning with its white marble and golden angels.
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Fee: $250 for 3 hours
Reasons to LOVE it: The Woman's Club is a historic mansion situated near downtown and feels almost like the best kept secret in DFW. There is a large ballroom with floor to ceiling windows, a large hall with harlequin floors, antique furniture, lovely staircases, chandeliers, and the outside spaces are just as stunning--large arched windows, quiet courtyards, and a small reflecting pool.
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West 7th, Fort Worth
Fee: None
Reasons to LOVE it: West 7th has it all! Graffiti, vibrant walls, murals, Trinity Park, and the iconic West 7th bridge.
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Sundance Square, Downtown Fort Worth
Permit: Free, but written permission is required. You can get a permit from Sundance Square's website. Simply download, fill out the needed information, then email it back to them. Bring the signed permit with you to your session in case security stops you.
Reasons to LOVE it: There are so many gorgeous spots all within walking distance of the Square itself. When the fountains are on, it takes it to another level! There are plenty of nearby parking garages that are free on weekends. It's the perfect spot for urban portraits.
The 4 Eleven, South Main District, Fort Worth
Fee: $200/hr Monday-Thursday, scheduled around their event calendar.
Why You'll LOVE it: If you're looking for an industrial venue, this is the one. Exposed brick walls, sharp lines, backlit garage doors, indoor and outdoor use.
Clark Gardens, Weatherford
Fee: $100 (single session during business hours, Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), $200 (single session after hours), guests will need to pay admission ($10/adult, $8/senior, $5/child). Dressing rooms are available by reserving in advance.
Reasons to LOVE it: Florals, fountains, and shaded trees galore! I've found that Clark Gardens are less busy than the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and the Dallas Arboretum.
Fee: $250/hr with a 2 hour minimum
Reasons to LOVE it: This sophisticated two story mansion is filled with window light, vintage seating, decor, accents, and has a ton of space to utilize. It's the ultimate space for vintage luxury.
The Dallas Arboretum Fee: No permit required, but admission is required for every person ($22 for non-members, free for members) Tips: Photography is only allowed after 9 a.m. and if you're a photographer planning on bringing tripods/flashes/reflectors/props, you're limited to 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for sessions. Changing clothing in the Arboretum is NOT allowed, though they do offer a VIP changing suite available for $300.
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Nasher Sculpture Center, Downtown Dallas
Fee: $300 minimum per half day. Facilities are rented in half day (4 hours) increments
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Mandalay Canals - Las Colinas, Irving
Fee: $50 and can be acquired by reaching out to www.dcurd.org/property.use.permits
Why to LOVE it: Waterfront views, Italian architecture, gorgeous stairs, not too crowded, gondola rides
White Rock Lake
Fee: $Free.99
Reasons to love it: Open fields, docks, and cotton candy skies at sunset.
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Texas Discovery Gardens, Fair Park, Dallas
Fee: $150 (no dressing room needed) $175 (dressing room access)
$500 (after hours access from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday only)
Free if you're hosting your wedding there.
ALL photoshoots must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. Permits are in 2 hour increments and will be given only during the hours of 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday-Sunday). Any additional guests at the session will need to pay entrance fees to the gardens.
Reasons to LOVE it: Gorgeous golden hour light in the evenings, lush greenery, a literal butterfly conservatory, and plenty of shady trees.
I'm sure you recognize Lara from her bridal session at The Mason (shared above). We were originally going to shoot her bridal portraits here at the Discovery Gardens, but there were tornado warnings and heavy rain that day. Attached below is the garden itself on her wedding day.
A&M Gardens, Azle
Fee: $100 for 2 hours, which includes use of the Bridal Suite. Free for couples who have their wedding booked there.
Reasons to LOVE it: The owners have taken such good care of this little gem. The gardens are sprawling and feature fountains, pergolas, a backlit ceremony area, bridge use, and looks gorgeous all year round.
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Classic Oaks Ranch, Mansfield Fee: $125/hr + $50 for use of the bridal suite. Photoshoots can be booked Monday-Thursday between 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Permit includes the use of the horse barn/guest entrance, outdoor gazebo, main hall, patio, and suites.
Reasons to LOVE it: Classic Oaks is THE place for brides wanting something rustic. Huge oak trees dapple the property that spans across rolling fields. The outdoor gazebo is backlit for that oh so perfect golden light. The barn inside boasts a massive wooden staircase and hearth.
Fee: $500 which includes 3 hours of venue use and bridal suite access. For couples who area already booked for their wedding, there is no fee. Sessions must be booked in advance and are only allowed Monday-Thursday at either 4-7 p.m. or 5-8 p.m.
Reasons to LOVE it: A stunning little chapel backed by open fields, tiny waterfalls, a small pond that's well landscaped, and plenty of greenery. It gets excellent light and looks gorgeous even on stormy days.
Indoor Photography Studios (The Lumen Room, Studio Fort Worth, Omorfia Room, etc).
Reasons to LOVE them: Studios are fantastic options if the weather gets bad or the heat is too much. Most studios have a ton of different props (chairs, tables, sofas, etc.) and moving backdrops.
Woo! That was a long one. If you made it to the end, I'm sending you internet high fives. This list will be updated over the next few wedding seasons.
Some venues don't have photos attached either because I haven't personally photographed there yet, or because I have only shot weddings/engagements there so far.
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