Best Family Photo Locations in Las Vegas
Picking a location is one of my favorite parts of planning your session! Las Vegas has way more to offer than people realize when it comes to gorgeous backdrops. Whether you’re drawn to lush green mountains, dramatic red rocks, or that classic desert feel, I’ve got spots for all of it. Below are some of my go to locations, but don’t worry if you’re not sure which one fits your family best. I’ll help you narrow it down based on your style, your kids’ ages, and even the time of year, so we land on the perfect spot together.
Lush Green Mountains
Joshua Tree Overlook
This is one of my favorite mountain spots, and the best part is it’s really two looks in one. From the main viewpoint, you get those gorgeous, sweeping mountain views with nothing competing for attention, just layers of peaks as far as the eye can see. Then we can move in a little closer toward the mountains and pick up some beautiful Joshua trees in the frame too, which adds such a fun, textured, “we’re really in the desert” feel. I love using both spots in the same session so you walk away with a nice mix, some clean and classic mountain shots, and some with that iconic Joshua tree silhouette mixed in.
High Desert Meadow
If you’re looking for a little relief from the Vegas heat, this spot is it. We’re still in true desert landscape, but being closer to the mountains means cooler temps and a really refreshing change of scenery. There’s an open field here, which makes it perfect for families with multiple kids or extended family sessions since everyone has room to spread out, run around, and just be themselves. Parking is close by too, so there’s no long trek involved, just an easy, comfortable session with gorgeous mountain views as the backdrop.
Aspen Creek Bed
Tucked right into the heart of Mount Charleston, this spot feels like a little hidden escape. We’re walking through a creek bed surrounded by aspens and pines, with just a peek of the mountain peak in the distance. It’s lush and green through winter, spring, and summer, and come early fall, the aspens turn the most gorgeous shade of gold, easily one of my favorite times to shoot here. Because the space is a little more intimate, this spot is perfect for couples, smaller families, or seniors sessions where we want that quiet, dreamy, tucked-away feel.
Cathedral Rock Picnic Area
This spot has a little bit of everything, mountain peaks, pines, and aspens all in one beautiful setting. There’s a paved sidewalk that gets us most of the way in, with just a little walking from there to reach the best spots, so it’s accessible but still feels like a true mountain escape. It’s especially lovely for couples, smaller families, and seniors sessions looking for that quiet, scenic mountain backdrop.
A quick note: because this is a public picnic area, I do need to secure a permit before booking your session here. If this is the spot calling your name, just let me know as soon as possible so I can get that taken care of in time!
Lee Canyon Meadow
This meadow is one of those spots that has a little something for everyone. It works beautifully for families of any size, and you get gorgeous views of Mummy Peak and the surrounding mountains, all framed by tall pine trees. It can be a busier location since it’s so popular, but it’s worth it, and every once in a while you might even catch a glimpse of wild horses making a special cameo. There’s plenty of shade if you want to cool off, or we can soak up the sunshine if that’s more your speed. Either way, this spot has so much beauty to work with.
Red Rocks
Bonny Springs
This spot has so much personality packed into one location. You’ve got Joshua trees, a unique dry creek bed, and the Spring Mountains beautifully lit up in the background. During the wetter parts of the year, the desert landscape really comes alive with color, which makes every season feel a little different out here. It’s a great fit for families, couples, and seniors, and honestly it’s one of those spots that just photographs beautifully no matter what.
A couple of things to keep in mind: Bonny Springs is a popular spot, so weekends can get busy. And because the sun dips behind this part of the mountains a little earlier, we’ll plan to start your session a bit earlier than you might expect to catch those gorgeous rays before the sun dips behind the ridge.
Spring Mountain Flats
This one is a personal favorite of mine, and once you see it, you’ll know why. It’s open desert with the occasional Joshua tree dotted throughout, and the Spring Mountains make for the most stunning backdrop. It’s a quiet spot with just a short walk to get there, which makes it feel like a little escape without a lot of effort. Because of all that open space, it works beautifully for families of every size, including extended family sessions where you need room to spread out and just have fun together. If your family loves to laugh, play, and interact with each other, this is the spot that’s going to bring all of that to life.
Hidden Spring
If you really want to show off the red rocks, this is your spot. Tucked back into the Calico Basin area, there’s a natural spring that flows through here and completely transforms the landscape. We’re talking beautiful trees, dark green bushes, tall grass, and so much life — it honestly doesn’t feel like Las Vegas anymore. The area is compact but packed with so many different looks and backdrops, which means we get a ton of variety without having to go far. Just keep in mind there’s a bit of a walk to get there, but I promise it is completely worth it. This spot works beautifully for families and seniors.
Valley of Fire
If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the spot for you. Valley of Fire is one of those locations that genuinely takes your breath away — bright, bold red rocks and incredible views that photographs just don’t do justice to until you’re actually standing there. We have six different photography locations to choose from inside the park, so we can pick the backdrop that fits your session perfectly.
This spot works beautifully for all types of sessions, and it’s truly one of those once in a lifetime kind of locations. Just keep in mind that this one requires a permit, so the earlier you let me know this is where you want to shoot, the better! It takes a little extra planning, but trust me — it is so worth it.
Classic Desert
Jean Lake
If you want wide open, barren desert with stunning mountain views as far as the eye can see, this is your spot. Jane Lake is a giant flat open space that catches the most beautiful sunset colors — we’re talking golden hour magic at its best. One of my favorite things about this location is that we can actually drive right out onto the lakebed and park at our shooting spot, so there’s zero walking involved. Just a little bumpy ride to get there, which honestly makes it part of the adventure. Because of all that open space, this spot is especially great for big families and extended family sessions.
The Fossil Beds
Think of this spot as the lakebed’s more adventurous sibling. You’ve got that same wide open desert feel, but with beautiful rock structures winding through the landscape, giving the whole area an almost maze-like look. It adds so much visual interest and texture to photos without taking away from that classic desert vibe. This spot works really well for families who want something a little more unique and layered than a flat open space, while still keeping that wide open desert feel.
Lush Desert Escapes
Desert National Wildlife Refuge
This is honestly one of my favorite places to visit and photograph, full stop. It’s a true desert oasis, green grass, giant trees, and soft creekside textures all fed by a natural spring, sitting right alongside that classic warm desert landscape with the mountains in the distance. We’re talking rustic fences, grassy pockets, rows of trees, and so much quiet beauty packed into one location. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t feel like Las Vegas at all, and that’s exactly why I love it.
I’m also really proud to be among a small group of Las Vegas photographers who have received permission to shoot here, so it’s a spot not everyone gets access to. Most of the trails are wheelchair accessible too, which makes it a wonderful option for seniors or smaller families who want something a little more intimate and special.
Wetlands Park
If you’re on the east side of town, this one is a gem. Wetlands Park is full of beautiful giant trees, tall water grasses, and accessible trails that make it a great fit for just about any type of session. It’s got a lush, serene feel that really doesn’t look like Las Vegas at all, which is exactly what makes it so special.
One thing to keep in mind: this location requires a permit, so if this is the spot you’re feeling, let me know as early as possible so I have plenty of time to get the request submitted and we’re all set before your session date!
Juniper Ridge
This one is for the adventurous souls. Tucked away in a remote high desert landscape, Juniper Ridge sits about 10 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas valley, which makes it a dream location during the warmer months. The scenery is stunning, juniper bushes as far as the eye can see, beautiful pines, and views that honestly stop you in your tracks. It’s quiet, it’s remote, and it feels like a world away from the city. This spot is perfect for families who want a little adventure, couples looking for a quieter and more intimate setting, or seniors who want something truly unique and memorable.
Studio & Home
The White Space
If you’re looking for a comfortable, climate controlled session away from the elements, The White Space is my go to studio recommendation. Located in downtown Las Vegas with its own parking lot, it’s easy to get to and fully accessible for everyone. The space itself is bright and airy with beautiful windows, and the cozy colorful couches give sessions such a warm, lived-in feel. It’s especially great for families with young kids since everyone stays contained in one comfortable room with plenty of space to move around — plus there are bathrooms right there, which is always a win with little ones.
I’m proud to be a preferred photographer at this location, and I’d love to shoot your session there! You can learn more about the space at thewhitespacelv.com.
The Landing Space
Located near the airport with its own parking, The Landing Space is such a beautiful studio option. It has gorgeous floor to ceiling windows that fill the space with soft, warm natural light, plus a lovely arch that adds such a beautiful, classic touch to your photos. The studio also comes with props to help make your session feel warm and personal. If you’re looking for a studio experience with a little extra elegance, this is it.
In-Home Sessions
Sometimes the best backdrop is your own home. In-home sessions are perfect for families who feel most comfortable in their own space, and honestly, that comfort shows up in every single photo. Whether it’s the kitchen, the living room, the primary bedroom, the nursery, or even outside in your own backyard — wherever your family naturally gathers and has fun, that’s where we’ll shoot. We can make it as cozy or as lively as you want. In-home sessions are also a wonderful option for newborns and for couples looking for something a little more intimate and personal.
