October is almost here, and that means…the holidays are coming. With that comes family picture time and Christmas cards. We decided to knock ours out back in July, but fall really is such a great time to take family photos. The temperatures should be a little cooler outside, and the fall leaves will be so pretty at so many spots. Luckily, Memphis has so many great hidden gems that are just perfect for family photos.
As a bonus if you have young kids, schedule them at the time they’re usually happiest, pack snacks for afterwards, and pick a spot where they can play afterwards. We took ours at Memphis Botanic Garden, and I truly love them so much! The location was so pretty, and the colors worked so well. Leighton and Amelia picked the dresses out, and the girls picked out their own shoes too. I love that they decided to go fancy. How fun! When we all got done taking pictures, we got popsicles at the garden and then played at My Big Backyard for a couple hours. It was perfect. Keep reading for my favorites spots around Memphis for family photos.
1.) Dixon Gallery & Gardens– The tulips bloom in March and April, so if you get a chance to make it those months, it is worth it for the gorgeous blooms! And if you can’t make it until later, don’t worry, there are still tons of gorgeous blooms all throughout the gardens.
2.) Memphis Botanic Garden – You see me sharing about the Botanic Garden all the time. It is a favorite of ours. They are constantly adding new exhibits, and the garden is so diverse. They have tons of cedars, magnolia, fountains, and other gorgeous areas that are the perfect backdrop for family pictures. They also have their stunning cherry trees in March and April. And when you get done, let the kids run about My Big Backyard and grab lunch at their cafe. The Botanic Garden has a lot of fun events year-round, too – so check out what sceneries they have at different times of the year!
3.) Shelby Farms Park– My favorite park in Memphis, Shelby Farms is great for family pictures. This park has grown even more over the years and has so many great areas. You can get pictures by the lakes, by the trees and wildlife or even by the trails. Then let the kids run around and play afterward.
4.) Memphis Brooks Museum of Art – Brooks Museum is such a pretty building, and it connects to Overton park too if you’re looking for some greenery also.
5.) Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park – This almost 13,000 acre area borders the Mississippi River. There are so many great photo spots among the wooded areas and overlooking the water here.
6.) Overton Park – Next to Brooks Museum, this park is filled with trees and pretty spots all throughout. It is perfect for quick, family pictures, and then having a picnic and letting the kids play.
7.) Hinton Park – Our favorite park in Collierville. This hidden gem has a paved walking trail around a lake and some other wooded areas with trails too. They have gorgeous trees, and we have been taking family photos here for years. Bonus, when you finish, the kids get to play at their favorite park!
8.) Collierville Greenbelt Trail – This trail is paved and surrounded with pretty trees. There are even some spots where it looks like there are pretty tree tunnels. This is such a pretty spot, but also a quick and easy one to get to so you can get in and out with some great pictures!
9.) Mud Island Park – From the Memphis bridges to the Mississippi River to the boats and even South Bluffs, you would have had a hard time NOT finding a fun spot for family pictures! Whether you are looking for a more urban atmosphere or a more wooded area, there is a great background for everyone!
10.) Rhodes College – Built in 1925, this historic building has so much character. The building is gorgeous and situated on a beautiful lawn with plush trees.
11.) Wolf River Greenway– If you haven’t been here, you would be surprised at how pretty it is! It is perfect for family pictures with gorgeous trees and rivers. There is even a “beach” that would super cute for family pictures.
When do you usually take your family photos each year?
