Growing up in Huntsville, I never paid much attention to how beautiful this city is. Now, as an adult (and a family photographer in Huntsville!), I’ve developed so much more appreciation for what Huntsville has to offer. Through lots of trial and error, we’ve curated a list of our favorite spots to take photos in the area, from Decatur’s Delano Park to Hays Nature Preserve in Owens Cross Roads. At the top of the list is a place that we think deserves its own entire post: The Huntsville Botanical Garden. Here are just a few reasons why we believe the Botanical Garden is the best photoshoot location in Huntsville.

1. It’s beautiful!

First and foremost, it has to be said: this location is absolutely gorgeous. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, you can always expect beautiful scenery.

2. The wide variety of photo locations

We consider the Botanical Garden one of the best photo locations in Huntsville because it is so versatile. Whether you’re looking for the open space of a field, the structured beauty of an aquatic pavilion, or the eye-catching colors of seasonal flowers, you can find the perfect spot at this location. We love their permanent installations, like Teledyne Terrace and the space behind Murray House, as well as their rotating seasonal exhibits.

3. Kid-friendly photoshoot location

Many Huntsville family photo locations are beautiful, but not necessarily ideal for families with energetic kiddos. Luckily, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is designed for the whole family. When we work with families, we like to go at their pace—if the littles want to take a break to run around, we’re all for it! Environments like this one are great for keeping the kids entertained and engaged in the photo session, with or without breaks.

(If you’re nervous about taking family photos with littles, check out this post next for our tips on how to prepare them!)

4. The clean & accessible facility

When looking for the best photoshoot location in Huntsville, it’s easy to only pay attention what looks the best. While aesthetics absolutely matter, people often overlook the importance of a clean, accessible facility. On those hot Alabama days, we’re so thankful for the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s air-conditioned Guest Center!

At the Guest Center, you can also find clean restrooms, wheelchairs available for use, and refreshments available for purchase. Throughout the Garden, the pathways are made up of a variety of materials. Typically, we stick to locations near paved pathways (perfect for strollers or wagons)! Read more about their Safety & Accessibility here.

These are just a few of the reasons why we believe the Huntsville Botanical Garden is the best photoshoot location in Huntsville, particularly for couples and families. If you’d like to see more images from sessions at this location, we recommend this post, this post, or our portfolio.

Your family’s admission to the Garden is included in the cost of your session with us. If you’d like to visit on your own, note that you will need to either purchase tickets when you arrive, or become a member. For more information as you plan your trip to the Botanical Garden, visit their guide.