The Best Spots To Take Hermann Park Engagement Photos

For Texans getting ready to tie the knot, taking Hermann Park engagement photos is as obvious as saying, “I do!” Over the years, hundreds of couples have chosen this grand park in the Museum District as the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos. With 445 acres of beautiful gardens, walkways, and lakeside scenery, this iconic park has something for everyone.

In fact, it might even be overwhelming for couples trying to decide on just one setting for their special engagement session. The options available for Hermann Park engagement photos make this historic estate the ideal location to commemorate your engagement. 

The McGovern Centennial Gardens

One of Hermann Park’s premier attractions is McGovern Centennial Gardens. Opened in 2014, this 15-acre garden features a gorgeous reflection pool, several smaller gardens home to various plants and flowers, and a beautiful 30-foot garden mount. The mount contains a spiraling path to its peak, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery.

As mentioned earlier, the McGovern Centennial Gardens contain several smaller gardens, each with its own unique trees and flowers. Taking photos at McGovern’s Centennial Gardens will allow you to capture a diverse set of photos all in one engagement session.

McGovern Lake

Just south of McGovern Centennial Gardens is McGovern Lake. ABC 13 once called the eight-acre lake “the sparkling jewel that anchors the park,” and it’s hard to disagree. The entire lake provides a backdrop for intimate engagement photos. On the weekends, visitors can rent pedal boats to go out onto the lake, which could create a whimsical vibe for your photos. Both the lakeshore and the lake itself provide incredible settings for Hermann Park engagement photos.

Japanese Garden

Hermann Park is also home to the Japanese Garden, a 5½-acre garden filled with unique fauna unlike any other in the city. Cherry and apricot trees—accompanied by meandering walkways, rivers, and Koi ponds—span the garden as far as the eye can see.

In the spring, the garden is a wedding photographer’s dream. The cherry blossoms typically bloom between March and April, so if you haven’t taken your engagement photos already, the next few months might give your special day the special backdrop it deserves.

The Japanese Garden is also home to lotus flowers, bamboo canes, and sunbathing swans, making it a Houston photo destination unlike any other. 

Marvin Taylor Trail

All of the above-listed spots are relatively close together, so couples could theoretically visit them all during one engagement session. However, if you find yourself with extra time, it might be worth your while to visit the Marvin Taylor Trail.

At two miles long, this curving, S-shaped trail runs all the way through Hermann Park and is wide enough to accompany bikers and joggers alike. A canopy of oak trees flanks both sides of the trail, providing a breathtaking scene for moodier photos.

What Next? Say Yes!

Said Yes Studios offers engagement sessions, pre-wedding photoshoots, and elopement photography. And of course, we also offer wedding day photography and videography packages so you can turn the happiest moments of your big day into family heirlooms that can last for generations. 

Getting married soon? Congratulations! Reach out to our team and book your Hermann Park engagement photo session today!