Engagement Spots
East Valley
Lost Dutchman State Park
Location: 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ
Photo Pass: $50 permit + $7 vehicle fee.
What to Expect: Towering rock formations, dirt trails, and saguaros.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Location: 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Tree-lined paths, lakes, tall grasses, and a small patch of saguaros. Busy in fall.
Water Users Recreation Site
Location: Tonto Basin, AZ 85553
Photo Pass: $8 Tonto National Forest Pass required
What to Expect: Salt River access with wadeable water, sandy banks, and mountain views glowing at sunset.
Canyon Lake
Location: AZ-88, Apache Junction, AZ
Photo Pass: $8 Tonto National Forest Pass required
What to Expect: Towering rock formations, lakeside views, and docks. Best on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Location: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ
Photo Pass: $25 per person + $50 photo permit
What to Expect: Scenic walkways, tree canopies, a suspension bridge, and greenhouse settings. Beautiful year-round.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Location: 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required; call ahead.
What to Expect: Olive tree rows, cotton fields (November), and picnic areas near a charming restaurant.
Central Phoenix
Venue at the Grove
Location: 7010 S 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
Photo Pass: $100 for two hours (free for my clients!)
What to Expect: Shady tall trees and year-round green grass maintained by the grounds crew. Sessions are available on weekdays during the day or weekends when there are no events.
Papago Park
Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Desert red rock scenery with small ponds, palm trees, and tall grass. Crowded on nice-weather weekends; flat trails for moderate walks.
Desert Botanical Garden
Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required; standard admission fee applies (free with a city library culture pass). Reservations required.
What to Expect: Diverse desert plants, unique architecture, and traveling art exhibits. Check ahead for path closures during events.
Historic Heritage Square
Location: 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Victorian-style Rosson House, blossoming trees, green grass, and modern backdrops from the Science Center.
Tempe Town Lake
Location: North Shore Beach, Tempe, AZ 85281
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Iconic bridge and skyline views over the water, with access to Tempe Center for the Arts for architectural shots.
Downtown Phoenix / Roosevelt Row
Location: 201 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Urban cityscapes, historic buildings, and vibrant murals in Roosevelt Row. Ideal for coffee shop or bar-themed sessions.
West Valley
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Location: 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ
Photo Pass: $7 per vehicle
What to Expect: Mountain backdrops with saguaros, perfect for sunsets. Short walks to photo spots.
Sahuaro Ranch Park
Location: 9802 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ
Photo Pass: $25 per day via the Glendale Historical Society
What to Expect: Historic buildings, citrus groves, palm trees, and expansive lawns.
Sedona
Cathedral Rock
Location: 500 Back O Beyond Rd, Sedona, AZ
Photo Pass: $9 per car
What to Expect: Stunning red rock views after a steep 1.2-mile hike. Busy on weekends; shuttles mandatory Thurs–Sun.
Crescent Moon Ranch
Location: 300 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ
Photo Pass: $11 per car
What to Expect: Easy access to Cathedral Rock views, water features, and fall foliage.
Bell Rock
Location: SR 179, Sedona, AZ
Photo Pass: $10 per car
What to Expect: Short hikes with stunning views, even without climbing the rock. Busy on weekends.
West Fork Trail
Location: 1703 Shady Ln, Sedona, AZ
Photo Pass: $12 per car
What to Expect: Creekside forest views, accessible year-round. Full hike not necessary for photos.
Prescott
Watson Lake
Location: 3101 Watson Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: $3 per car for parking
What to Expect: Stunning granite rock formations reflected in the lake, grassy picnic areas, and scenic hiking trails. Best at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
Lynx Lake
Location: 4505 Forest Service Rd 611, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: A serene lake surrounded by pine trees with dock access and open grassy areas. Great for woodsy, rustic vibes.
Granite Mountain Trailhead
Location: 3773 Iron Springs Rd, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Rugged rock formations, desert wildflowers in spring, and stunning sunset views over the mountain. Moderate hiking required to access some views.
Downtown Prescott / Whiskey Row
Location: Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Historic charm with rustic brick buildings, saloon-style storefronts, and tree-lined streets. Great for urban shots with a vintage vibe.
Goldwater Lake
Location: 2900 S Goldwater Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: $3 per car for parking
What to Expect: A peaceful lake surrounded by towering pines with picnic areas, docks, and open meadows. Perfect for quiet, intimate sessions.
Thumb Butte Trailhead
Location: Thumb Butte Rd, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: $5 per car
What to Expect: Iconic views of Thumb Butte with scenic trails and desert foliage. Ideal for adventurous couples willing to explore short trails.
Prescott National Forest
Location: Various locations; check for access points
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Endless possibilities with forested landscapes, wildflowers in spring, and golden aspens in the fall. Best for couples wanting a true nature backdrop.
Courthouse Plaza
Location: 120 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: A classic setting with a beautifully manicured lawn, shaded walkways, and historic courthouse architecture. Ideal for elegant and timeless photos.
Groom Creek Schoolhouse & Park
Location: 17485 S Senator Hwy, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: A quaint park with a rustic schoolhouse, surrounded by tall pines and open spaces. Great for cozy, nostalgic vibes.
Peavine Trail
Location: Sundog Ranch Rd, Prescott, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: A wide, flat trail with stunning rock formations and views of Watson Lake along the way. Perfect for couples who enjoy walking together during the session.
Flagstaff
Snowbowl / Aspen Corner
Location: 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Aspen trees, mountain views, and vibrant scenery. Snow-covered in winter, lush in summer.
Buffalo Park
Location: 2400 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Expansive grass fields surrounded by mountains and trees. Easy, flat walks.
Lockett Meadow
Location: 5075 US-89 N, Flagstaff, AZ
Photo Pass: $5 per car
What to Expect: Tall grasses and mountain views. Rocky road access requires a high-clearance vehicle.
Tucson
Tohono Chul Gardens
Location: 7366 N Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, AZ
Photo Pass: $15 per person
What to Expect: Desert garden paths, cacti, and greenhouse settings. Busy on weekends.
Barrio Viejo
Location: 436 S Convent Ave, Tucson, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Colorful adobe-style homes, rustic textures, and greenery.
Saguaro National Park East
Location: 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ
Photo Pass: $20 per car
What to Expect: A 10-mile scenic loop with iconic desert views and wildflowers.
Sabino Canyon
Location: 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Catalina Mountain views surrounded by cacti and desert brush.
Windy Point (Mt. Lemmon)
Location: 930 Catalina Hwy, Mt. Lemmon, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Iconic overlook views perfect for sunset sessions.
Middle Bear Campground
Location: Middle Bear Pullout, Mt. Lemmon, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Mountain views with tall trees and grassy fields.
Gates Pass
Location: 6400 W Gates Pass Rd, Tucson, AZ
Photo Pass: No pass required
What to Expect: Short walk to 360-degree views of the desert. Best at sunset.