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The Dallas Arboretum is one of the prettiest sights you can visit in Dallas. Whether you are just visiting town for the weekend or you've lived here all your life - The Arboretum never gets old. It's a "must-see" spot.
As a Dallas wedding and portrait photographer, you bet The Arboretum is one of my frequent stops. I'm there so often that it crossed my mind to set up a tent and stay the night there when I have back-to-back bookings 2-3 days in a row- lol. (Don't do that, it's against the rules.)
As beautiful as it is, The Dallas Arboretum is HUGE! If you are adventurous and want to discover the garden at your own pace - close this tab. Like right now. This post is a "spoiler".
But if you are visiting to take photos, it's best to know what to do, where to go, and where you can find everything - so you can maximize your time there as well as hit all the gorgeous spots.
The Dallas Arboretum has been blooming and giving its visitors a visual festival all year long since 1984. The gardens are built on 66 acres of land, including the DeGolyer Estate and Alex Camp House within.
From wedding celebrations to surprise proposals, evening concerts to workshops - The Dallas Arboretum has been home to the Dallas community and visitors worldwide.
Even though I haven't been to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, I've heard so many good things about it from my friends with kids. Doing some research, I discovered they have everything that would make a perfect day in the gardens with your kids - from story times to puppet shows, a discovery lab, an edible garden, a kaleidoscope, and so much more!
For more information about the Dallas Arboretum and to plan your trip, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
photography policies at the arboretum
tips for the best experience
11 - Picnic area near A Woman's Garden
12 - Koi fish pond near A Woman's Garden
13 - Overlook to the Sunken Garden
14 - The Sunken Garden
15 - Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill
16 - Pathway behind the Concert Lawn
17 - Pathway near the Camp House
18 - Fountain at the Camp House
19 - Crape Myrtle Allee
20 - Lay Family Garden
GATE 1 - MAIN ENTRANCE
Gate 1 is the main entrance to the Dallas Arboretum located on Whittier Avenue and the one closest to all the photographic structures. The ticket booths are a short walk from the parking lot. This is the entrance I prefer to start my sessions at as it is closer to all my favorite gardens. I usually start photographing near the Margaret Elizabeth Johnson Color Garden and make my way around through A Woman's Garden, towards the Concert Lawn, from there up to the Camp House, and then back to Gate 1.
On the weekends, I have seen vendors who sell anything from handmade jewelry to slushies. You can enjoy your trip by grabbing a quick bite or drink before you start your adventure. If you'd rather have a sit-down meal or sip a glass of wine and watch the beautiful views, The Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace is near this entrance.
Gate 4 - Parking Garage Entrance
As the parking lot at Gate 1 can get full quickly, you'll have a better chance of finding parking faster at the parking garage. The staff will direct you on where to go, and each floor has an elevator to the walkway that connects the garage to the Gate 4 entrance from underground. With Texas getting way too hot during summer, this is where I usually prefer to park, so by the time I get back to my car from a session, it's not like a sauna in there, LOL!
Margaret Elizabeth Johnson Color Garden
You'll walk by this area on your way to A Woman's Garden. As the Arboretum changes seasonally, during springtime, you can see a sea of tulips and other flowers throughout the year. It's a big area, so finding a spot to take photos will not be a problem. The images above were taken in the areas near this garden - so if you walk the loop surrounding the garden, you'll see all of the spots above that are perfect for photos.
Path to DeGolyer
The DeGolyer Estate is one of the two wedding reception locations I've worked at. The building is not only surrounded by my favorite gardens but also has pretty architecture in every corner. Facing White Rock Lake, you can find that navy blue window; facing the Rose Garden, you can find the gated entry; near the Margaret Elizabeth Johnson Color Garden, you can find the stairs with the pergola that seasonally gets covered with vines.
Nancy's Garden
Nancy's Garden is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies. The lighting during the day will be harsh - not many open shades to use - but both early in the morning, and late afternoon before closing time will have the best lighting. This garden also changes seasonally. While in spring time it hosts pretty flowers, towards fall it hosts those gigantic greeneries (that I have no idea what they're called, LOL!).
The Poetry Garden
The Poetry Garden is a hidden gem right beneath A Woman's Garden. You can find this garden by following the staircase across from the navy blue windows of The DeGolyer. It's a lovely secluded garden with little foot traffic, so if y'all are shy of others watching you while you do photos, this might be the perfect spot to start the session and break the ice.
The Secret Garden
I have no idea what the official name of "The Secret Garden" is - I just like calling that. The spot is actually very easy to find, yet doesn't get much attention from the visitors, so it gives somewhat of privacy for those who want to take photos away from the eyes. The stone bench makes a great prop, and the fact that you can still see the bench from the garden across gives layers of greenery to add depth to your photos.
Stairway to DeGolyer
This staircase is right across from the pathway between the two pools of A Woman's Garden. As the stair itself makes a great backdrop with the infamous navy blue windows of the DeGolyer, on your way you can find many more pretty backdrops for your photos.
Stairway to the Sunken Garden/DeGolyer
This staircase is a short walk from the one above, closer to the Arch at A Woman's Garden - across from the infinity pool. It's easy access to the DeGolyer and the Sunken Garden's entrance. The same staircase will also take you to the Rose Garden and the Crape Myrtle Allee if you keep walking straight ahead past the DeGolyer.
A Woman's Garden
This garden is probably the crowd favorite, A Woman's Garden. From every angle, you can find something beautiful for your photos' background. The garden will look different every season, and whether it's decorated with colorful blossoms or the calmness of winter, I can do photos here year around.
Picnic area near A Woman's Garden
This nice little greenery area is, again, easy to find but doesn't have foot traffic. It's perfect for picnic dates, lying on the grass to watch the clouds, reading, or just watching White Rock Lake.
Because it has few shading options, the ideal time to use this area for photos is early or late afternoons.
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1409 Botham Jean Blvd. #237 Dallas, TX 75215
Visits by appointment only.
TEL: 469-500-4121
Wed-Sun: 10 am - 7 pm
Tara Arseven is an all-inclusive Dallas, TX-based wedding and portrait photographer that offers wedding, destination wedding, elopement, engagement, surprise proposal, boudoir, family, business portrait, and fine art photography services.
