7 of the Best Places to Take Family Photos in Nashville

Nashville is full of charming spots that make the perfect backdrop for family photos. Whether you’re capturing your little ones’ giggles or a family milestone, there are so many beautiful places in Music City to consider. 

As a Nashville family photographer, I love to help families find the perfect location to reflect their personality and style. Here are some of my favorite places to take family photos in Nashville, including the historic Belle Meade Plantation and the scenic Cheekwood Estates!

1. Belle Meade Plantation

A Nashville landmark, the Belle Meade Plantation is a beautiful venue that offers a perfect blend of Southern charm and natural beauty. The large columns of the mansion, the expansive grounds, and the gorgeous oak trees make it a classic choice for family photos in Nashville. The plantation’s historic architecture adds a timeless feel to your photos, while the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings create a serene atmosphere.

Belle Meade also has a lovely mix of open fields and shaded areas, which is ideal for creating a variety of shots. Whether you’re looking for elegant portraits in front of the historic mansion or candid shots in the gardens, this location offers plenty of versatility. It’s a fantastic spot for families who want a more refined and classic look to their photos.

2. Cheekwood Estates and Gardens

If you love flowers, gardens, and scenic views, Cheekwood Estates and Gardens is an incredible place for family photos. The 55-acre property offers a wide variety of settings, including manicured gardens, wooded areas, and stunning views of the rolling hills of Nashville. From the vibrant blooms in the spring to the colorful foliage in the fall, each season offers a different backdrop to suit your family’s personality.

One of the things I love about Cheekwood is that it allows for both intimate, close-up shots and wide, panoramic images. The carefully curated gardens make for a beautiful, peaceful environment, and the backdrop of the historic mansion adds a touch of elegance. Whether you’re posing in front of the fountain or exploring the gardens, Cheekwood’s beauty never disappoints.

3. Radnor Lake State Park

For families who love the outdoors and want a more natural, peaceful setting, Radnor Lake State Park is an excellent choice. The park’s tranquil waters, wooded trails, and wildlife make it feel like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still being just minutes from downtown Nashville. This is a fantastic spot for families who want a more relaxed, laid-back vibe for their photos, with lots of opportunities for candid shots as you explore the park together.

The park’s lush greenery and peaceful surroundings make for a stunning backdrop, especially during the golden hour when the light hits just right. Plus, the variety of locations within the park—such as the lake, forest, and open meadows—means you can have a range of photos that capture the essence of your family.

4. Centennial Park

Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s most popular and versatile locations for family photos. The iconic Parthenon is the focal point of the park and provides a dramatic backdrop for your family portraits. The park also has wide-open spaces, perfect for letting kids run around and capture those candid moments. Whether you’re taking photos by the Parthenon or enjoying a peaceful walk by the pond, Centennial Park offers a beautiful, classic setting for family photos in Nashville.

During the spring and summer months, the park’s lush green lawns and vibrant flowers add an extra layer of beauty, while the fall brings stunning foliage that enhances the park’s charm. It’s an ideal spot for families who want a mix of natural beauty and iconic Nashville landmarks in their photos.

5. Percy Warner Park

If your family enjoys the outdoors, Percy Warner Park is a great location to capture the beauty of nature. With over 2,700 acres of woodlands, open fields, and scenic trails, it offers an abundance of locations for family photos. Whether you’re walking through the forest or standing on a bluff with a view of the rolling hills, Percy Warner Park provides the perfect setting for family portraits that highlight the beauty of Nashville’s natural landscape.

The park also offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families who want a more intimate photo session. I love the variety of settings, from wooded paths to wide-open meadows, and the chance to incorporate the natural beauty of the park into your photos.

6. The Gulch

For a more modern, urban vibe, The Gulch is a trendy Nashville neighborhood that offers a unique backdrop for family photos. The area is full of cool murals, chic storefronts, and vibrant street art, which makes for an edgy, colorful setting. If you love the idea of incorporating Nashville’s urban charm into your family photos, The Gulch is a fantastic choice.

The vibrant street art and colorful murals provide an artistic and fun element to your photos, while the sleek, modern architecture offers a more contemporary feel. This location is perfect for families who want something a little different, with a mix of city vibes and artistic flair.

*I would highly recommend photographing at the Gulch early in the morning NOT in the afternoon or the evening (because of the crowds)

7. Nashville Ellington Ag Cultural Center

And finally, my most requested and popular location to shoot at is the Nashville Ellington Ag Center.

This location is perfect for families looking for variety and beauty in every season: bursting florals in spring, rich colorful foliage in fall, a peaceful snowy charm in winter, and lush greenery in summer. It’s no surprise this is my most popular and frequently requested spot for family sessions!

Schedule Your Family Photos in Nashville!

No matter what style or vibe you’re hoping to capture from your family photos in Nashville, the city has a wealth of stunning locations to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of Belle Meade Plantation or the natural elegance of Cheekwood Estates, there’s something for every family in Music City. 

If you’re ready to schedule your family photo session, reach out to me! I’d love to work with you to create beautiful memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer