Photo locations · Family · Memphis

Best places for family photos in Memphis

Planning family photos in Memphis? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.

family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
Where to shoot

12 places to shoot family photos & videos in Memphis

01

Memphis Botanic Garden

Best gardens
750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117 · East Memphis · Outdoor

A 96-acre garden with more than two dozen themed areas, from a Japanese garden and rose garden to a hydrangea trail. The wide variety of plantings and bridges make it a top choice for engagement and bridal sessions.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightMorning or golden hour; azaleas and irises peak in spring
PermitPaid admission or entry; arrange professional sessions with the venue in advance.
AccessEast Memphis off Cherry Road with on-site parking
SeasonSpring and early summer for peak blooms
02

Overton Park

Most iconic
1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 · Midtown · Outdoor

A 342-acre Midtown park containing the Southeast's only urban old-growth forest, plus meadows, gardens, and formal walkways. The ancient woods and elegant landscaping offer both wild and refined backdrops.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightGolden hour in the meadows; dappled light in the Old Forest
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessMidtown off Poplar Avenue with multiple lots; accessible paths
TerrainForest trails and open lawns; varied footing
03

Dixon Gallery & Gardens

4339 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38117 · East Memphis · Outdoor

A 17-acre estate with formal English-style gardens, woodland paths, and seasonal displays surrounding an art gallery. The manicured gardens and spring tulips make an elegant, upscale backdrop.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightGolden hour across the formal gardens; tulips peak March–April
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessEast Memphis off Park Avenue with on-site parking
SeasonSpring tulips and summer blooms are peak
04

Shelby Farms Park

6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, TN 38134 · East Memphis / Cordova · Outdoor

One of the largest urban parks in the country, with a lake, wildflower meadows, forests, and open trails. The expansive natural scenery suits relaxed family and engagement sessions.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightGolden hour at Hyde Lake and the open meadows
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessEast side with multiple lots near the Visitor Center
TerrainMeadows, lakeshore, and paved paths; some walking
05

Tom Lee Park

corner of Riverside Dr & Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 · Downtown / Riverfront · Outdoor

A redesigned Mississippi riverfront park with sculpted landforms, gardens, and sweeping views of the river and sunset. The open riverfront and modern landscaping make a dramatic, scenic backdrop.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightSunset over the Mississippi River
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessAlong Riverside Drive downtown with nearby parking
TerrainFlat paved paths and gentle landforms; accessible
06

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

1934 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 · Midtown / Overton Park · Indoor

A Beaux-Arts museum within Overton Park with a columned facade, grand steps, and elegant galleries. The classical architecture and adjacent park grounds provide formal, sophisticated backdrops.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightAfternoon on the exterior columns and steps
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessIn Overton Park with nearby lots
Group sizeCouples and small groups on the steps and grounds
Show all 12 places
07

Mud Island River Park

125 N Front St, Memphis, TN 38103 · Downtown · Outdoor

A riverfront park on a peninsula in the Mississippi with a scale-model River Walk and open skyline and river views. The water features and downtown vistas suit modern, scenic portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSunset toward the river and Hernando de Soto Bridge
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessReached by the monorail/bridge from downtown; nearby parking
TerrainFlat paved paths and water channels; accessible
08

Court Square

62 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 · Downtown · Outdoor

One of Memphis's oldest parks, a downtown square with a Victorian fountain, mature trees, and historic surrounding buildings. The classic fountain and tree canopy make a charming urban backdrop.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightGolden hour around the fountain and under the trees
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessDowntown on Main Street along the trolley line; nearby garages
TerrainFlat paved paths and lawn; accessible
09

Crystal Shrine Grotto (Memorial Park)

Most unique
5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119 · East Memphis · Outdoor

A whimsical man-made cave and folk-art grotto set in a landscaped cemetery with ponds, bridges, and rockwork. The one-of-a-kind crystal cave and gardens offer an unusual, artistic backdrop.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightSoft daylight; the grotto interior is dim and needs added light
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessEast Memphis off Poplar Avenue with on-site parking
TerrainPaved paths, bridges, and a low cave; some uneven ground
10

Lichterman Nature Center

5992 Quince Rd, Memphis, TN 38119 · East Memphis · Outdoor

A 65-acre urban nature center with a lake, boardwalks, forest, and meadow habitats. The natural woodland and lakeside settings suit serene, nature-forward portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSoft morning light or golden hour by the lake
PermitPaid admission or entry; arrange professional sessions with the venue in advance.
AccessEast Memphis off Quince Road with on-site parking
TerrainBoardwalks and natural trails; mostly accessible
11

Rhodes College

Campus
2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112 · Midtown · Outdoor

Rhodes has one of the most photogenic campuses in the South, with Collegiate Gothic stone buildings, arched cloisters, and shaded quads that look straight out of an older Europe. The gray limestone and ivy read beautifully in soft afternoon light, and the leafy lawns give you room to spread out. It is a natural fit for graduation portraits and polished, timeless photos.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightLate afternoon, when the stone facades warm up and the quads fall into gentle shade
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessCampus visitor parking off North Parkway; walkable paths between buildings
Good to knowA working college, so plan around class schedules and busier weekday hours
12

University of Memphis

Campus
3720 Alumni Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152 · University District · Outdoor

The main campus mixes brick facades, open greens, and modern plazas that give graduates plenty of backdrops to choose from. Landmarks like the columned entrances and campus signage make for classic cap-and-gown photos, while the wide lawns handle bigger family groups with ease. Weekday mornings and quieter breaks between terms are the calmest times to shoot.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightMorning light across the greens before the campus fills up
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessVisitor and garage parking on campus; broad accessible walkways
Group sizeComfortable for large graduation and family groups on the open lawns

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From the Snappr network

Snappr family photos from cities across the world

A look at family photos our photographers have delivered, so you know the standard before you book.

Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of family photos delivered by the Snappr network
A sample of family photos from the Snappr network

Still need a photographer?

Snappr photographers are available in Memphis to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.

Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Shooting family photos in Memphis

It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.

Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.

Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Memphis. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.

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