As a Northern Virginia family photographer, I have my go-to photoshoot locations in Northern Virginia. I aim to find locations that provide gorgeous light, texture, are accessible and safe, and will feel romantic (my ultimate style!).

Some of these locations are better in early morning, some are preferable closer to sunset. Factors that go into whether a location is better for morning or evening are usually light and crowds. When it comes to family sessions, I prefer to photograph in a location that is not crowded as to minimize distractions. I also strongly suggest early morning sessions since children tend to be at their peak happiness of the day; however, not all locations are optimal in early morning.

I’m hoping this list will help you pick your location for your next photo session. Below are my favorite photoshoot locations in Northern Virginia.

Photoshoot Locations in Northern Virginia

Bon Air Rose Garden

Bon Air Rose Garden is easily one of my favorite photoshoot locations in Northern Virginia. Why? I’m a sucker for florals, and this garden is always stunning! Bon Air Rose Garden is overall what I would consider an “easy” location, making it a great spot for family photos. First, no permit is required. Secondly, parking is ample and directly in front of the garden, making walking minimal. The garden is not tiny, but it’s not large. It’s usually doable to have multiple photoshoots happening at the same time.

I prefer the light at Bon Air Rose Garden in evening, but the garden can get a little crowded in early spring. Photographing here in early morning is doable, but I would probably recommend it during peak bloom in early spring so you have a lot of options for roses.

Lastly, I love Bon Air through the end of spring and early fall. The roses typically begin blooming in early May and will have a few blooms until early October – making it a great option for quite a few months! Check out this beautiful newborn session at Bon Air Rose Garden.

Manassas Battlefield

Manassas Battlefield is a solid location choice because it has a lot to offer. I love the look of the tall grass because it adds a beautiful texture to photos. This park has a very wide-open look, making images quite bright and airy. However, the aesthetic can change on a foggy morning, as you can see from the photos below! Manassas Battlefield is one of my favorite fall locations since the surrounding trees provide lovely foliage. The park is also quite large, so there is no issue if there are multiple photo sessions happening at one time.

Manassas Battlefield does not require a permit and is a great location for either morning or evening – making it another “easy” photoshoot location in Northern Virginia! There is a parking lot near the visitor’s center, and then you can walk to the field you would like to photograph in. Check out this Manassas Battlefield family session.

Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is such a classic spot. This is also a location with a lot of textures because Old Town has cobblestone streets and brick walls. I love the way the light comes through the trees in early morning! If you want to photograph near the water, I would recommend beginning right at sunrise or heading down there at sunset since it can get very bright and wide open. However, the neighboring streets are a good place to hang while the sun is a little brighter.

I prefer Old Town Alexandria in early morning for the light and to avoid both vehicle and foot traffic – you’ll have more flexibility. Definitely wear comfortable shoes since there are a lot of cobblestones! Again, no permit is needed for this location. Check out this maternity session in Old Town here.

Jones Point Park

I love Jones Point Park because there are quite a few different spots you can document at this location. There is a wide open field, tree-lined paths, rocky beach, and historic white lighthouse. Because of these different locations within the park, you’ll be able to get a lot of variety in your gallery and have space to move and work.

No permit is needed for Jones Point Park, but you will do a bit of walking. If you are bringing young children, I would definitely recommend bringing a stroller.

Great Marsh Estate

The Great Marsh Estate is a stunning location for a maternity session. With a historic-looking manor, tree lined path, portico, stone steps, and ethereal sunset light, you’ll easily fall in love. I love the Great Marsh Estate for an evening photo session. This location does require a permit, but you’ll have private access to the property while you’re there – making for a relaxing and enjoyable session! This location is in Bealeton, VA, so it is a bit farther outside the city. I usually recommend families not travel for more than 30 minutes in a car to a location, so this is another reason I love this location for maternity sessions. You can see an elegant maternity Northern VA maternity session here.

And there you have it – my favorite photoshoot locations in Northern Virginia! Check out my favorite photoshoot locations in DC and best photoshoot locations in Maryland, too!

Northern VA Family Photographer | Marie Elizabeth Photography

Marie is a Northern Virginia Family Photographer and specializes in a luxurious, full-service portrait experience. From planning your session to delivering custom fine artwork to your home, Marie takes care of all of the details. All Marie Elizabeth Photography clients are pampered with included professional hair and make-up and an array of whimsical dresses from the client wardrobe. Marie then will create exquisite works of art, such as heirloom albums and fine art matted prints to grace your home and lay your legacy.

Interested in both a maternity and newborn session? Marie offers a luxury membership to best document that first year with your little one. With perks such as birth announcements and album credit, the luxury membership is the perfect way to remember this special time. Reach out to learn more.