One of the first questions I get after a family books their maternity session is:

“Where should we take our photos?”

The good news? Jacksonville has no shortage of beautiful outdoor locations. Whether you’re dreaming of windswept beaches, towering oak trees, or golden fields at sunset, there’s a location that perfectly matches your family’s style.

As a Jacksonville maternity photographer, I help every client choose a location that complements their vision, wardrobe, and personality. Here are five of my favorite places for outdoor maternity sessions, each offering something completely unique.

1. Guana Beach

Best for: Coastal, airy, romantic portraits

If you love soft neutral tones, endless dunes, sea oats, and dreamy sunsets, Guana Beach is hard to beat. Unlike many of Jacksonville’s busier beaches, Guana feels quiet and untouched, creating a peaceful backdrop that keeps the focus exactly where it belongs – on your growing family.

I especially love Guana for barefoot maternity sessions with flowing dresses. The light here is absolutely magical during the final hour before sunset.

Perfect if you love:

• Beach sunsets
• Soft neutral colors
• Natural, organic images
• Wind-blown movement

2. Alexandria Oaks Park

Best for: Classic Southern charm

Alexandria Oaks is one of Jacksonville’s hidden gems. Massive oak trees draped with Spanish moss create an incredibly timeless backdrop that’s beautiful year-round.

If your vision includes elegant dresses, warm golden light, and a classic Southern feel, this park photographs beautifully. It’s especially gorgeous during spring and fall when everything feels lush and vibrant.

Perfect if you love:

• Spanish moss
• Large oak trees
• Romantic Southern scenery
• Classic portraits that never go out of style

3. Camp Milton Historic Preserve

Best for: Open fields and golden hour

Located on Jacksonville’s westside, Camp Milton has become one of my favorite maternity session locations. The wide-open fields catch the sunset perfectly, creating that gorgeous golden glow every expecting mama dreams about. The preserve also offers tree-lined paths, wooded trails, and rustic scenery, giving us plenty of variety without traveling to multiple locations.

This location feels peaceful, spacious, and beautifully natural.

Perfect if you love:

• Golden fields
• Sunset sessions
• Rustic elegance
• Plenty of variety in one location

4. Congaree & Penn

Best for: Lush landscapes and a refined, countryside feel

If you’re envisioning a setting that feels tucked away from the city, Congaree & Penn offers a truly unique backdrop. With sprawling oak trees, seasonal fields, charming fences, and thoughtfully maintained grounds, it creates a timeless, editorial feel that’s perfect for maternity portraits. The property offers incredible variety, allowing us to capture multiple looks without ever leaving the venue.

Because Congaree & Penn is a private farm, a $150 photography permit is required for portrait sessions. For many families, the exclusive setting and breathtaking scenery make it well worth the investment.

Perfect if you love:

• Rolling fields and countryside charm
• Elegant, natural landscapes
• A private, exclusive location
• Beautiful variety in a single session
• A peaceful setting away from the crowds

5. In Your Own Home!

Best for: Meaningful, relaxed, and truly personal portraits

Some of the most beautiful maternity sessions don’t happen at a park or beach – they happen right at home. If you have a spacious backyard, mature trees, a charming garden, or simply a place where your family loves to spend time together, it can become the perfect backdrop for your session. Choosing your own property adds a layer of meaning that no public location can replicate. Years from now, your photos won’t just remind you of your growing family – they’ll remind you of the place where this chapter of your story began. Plus, there’s nothing more convenient than stepping outside your own door, especially if you have little ones joining the session.

Perfect if you love:

• Meaningful locations with personal memories
• A relaxed, stress-free experience
• Little ones staying comfortable in a familiar space
• Privacy without crowds or distractions
• Images that tell your family’s unique story

How to Choose the Right Location

When helping my clients decide, I usually ask a few simple questions:

• Do you picture yourself barefoot on the beach?
• Are you drawn to large oak trees and lush greenery?
• Do you love open fields with glowing sunsets?
• Is convenience important with little ones joining the session?

There’s no wrong answer, it’s simply about choosing a location that feels like you.

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Planning Your Jacksonville Maternity Session

Outdoor maternity sessions are typically scheduled between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully visible while you’re still comfortable enough to move around with ease.

Every maternity session includes location planning, wardrobe guidance, and access to my client wardrobe, so you never have to wonder what to wear or where to go. My goal is to make the entire experience feel effortless so you can simply enjoy this fleeting season before your little one arrives.

If you’re looking for a Jacksonville maternity photographer who will guide you through every step – from choosing the perfect location to creating artwork for your home – I would love to help you celebrate this incredible chapter.