Mayfield Park, Zilker, and Auditorium Shores: Austin Photo Locations Compared
Austin has plenty of places for engagement photos, and three come up again and again. I'm a destination wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas, and below I compare them using what the City of Austin and Austin Parks Foundation list. These are not rankings. Each suits a different kind of session.
The permit rule that covers all three
The City of Austin requires a photo permit for professional and posed portrait sessions at certain parks. The permit is listed at $50 per 2 hour session, and it covers Auditorium Shores, Mayfield Cottage and Gardens, Mt. Bonnell at Covert Park, and Zilker Metropolitan Park. Sessions can be booked no more than 30 days ahead and no later than 4:30 p.m. four calendar days before. I explain the rules in Austin Park Photo Permits: What Couples Need to Know. The city's source is the photo permit overview.
Mayfield Park
Mayfield is a small, quiet park. The city lists it at 23 acres, at 3505 W 35th St, open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. A cottage built between 1860 and 1880 sits on the grounds, and peacocks roam the park. If you want a garden feel with an old cottage, this is a good fit. The city notes that event rentals are required for weddings, so a ceremony is a separate process from a photo session. See the Mayfield Park page.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker is large. The city lists it at more than 350 acres, and Barton Springs Pool is listed at 68 degrees year round. That size gives you options: open lawns, trees, and views of the area. It also means more people, so go early. See the Zilker park page.
Auditorium Shores
Auditorium Shores is at 900 W Riverside Dr, on the water. Austin Parks Foundation has a page with details at austinparks.org. This is a good choice if you want water and a city view in the same frame. Check the city calendar, since events can take over the area.
Mt. Bonnell
Mt. Bonnell at Covert Park is also on the city's permit list. I only know it from that list, so check with the city for current details before you plan around it.
How to choose
Want gardens and a historic cottage? Mayfield. Want space and variety? Zilker. Want water and a city view? Auditorium Shores. When in doubt, tell me the feel you are going for and I can suggest the best fit.
Other options
State parks have their own fees and rules. See McKinney Falls State Park Engagement Photos and Enchanted Rock Engagement and Elopement Planning Guide. For wildflowers, see Bluebonnet Engagement Photos Near Austin.
To plan a session, send a note through my contact page.
Ready to talk about your day?
Send me a message through the contact page with your date and location, and I will get back to you. If you want more Austin wedding and engagement ideas, follow me on social media. And if this guide helped, please share it with a friend who is planning a wedding.