Are you interested in planning your engagement portrait session at Jungle Gardens in Avery Island, Louisiana? Filled with lush landscapes and Southern charm, Jungle Gardens is a popular location for engagement photos located just 30 minutes outside of Lafayette. If you’re hoping to find a romantic, natural backdrop for your engagement session, look no further!
What do you need to consider when planning your engagement session at Jungle Gardens? As your photographer, I want to ensure your photos showcase the beauty of this unique location. I know this location like the back of my hand (check out another gorgeous engagement session I shot there) and I’m excited to guide you through the planning process! Keep reading for my top tips to help you prepare for a stress-free portrait session at Jungle Gardens.
1. Choose a Date with the Seasonal Foliage in Mind
What’s the best time of year to plan your engagement session at Jungle Gardens? My answer is—it’s beautiful all year round, so you’ll just need to decide which season will give you the look you have in mind! With 170 acres of greenery, this location is stunning all throughout the year, featuring natural details like gravel roads and tranquil waterways.
Springtime introduces beautiful colors when azaleas, irises, and wisteria bloom, especially in March. In the summertime, greenery and lush foliage steal the show, with the moss-covered oaks taking center stage. In the fall, the trees explode with autumn colors like yellows, oranges, and reds. For winter photoshoots, flowers like camellias and Japanese magnolias are in bloom. This unique mix of seasonal foliage creates a picturesque setting highlighting Louisiana’s natural charm.
2. What to Wear for Jungle Gardens Photos
What should you wear for your portrait session at Jungle Gardens? Engagement photos are meant to capture the natural chemistry between you and your partner, so what you choose to wear can help complete the picture! To complement the rustic ambiance of Jungle Gardens, I recommend attire with a relaxed yet elegant vibe like my couple Macey and Max (shown here) chose for their engagement session. Opt for a long, flowy dress to enhance the magic of the location, and consider bringing a more casual outfit for moments of intimacy and movement.
Soft and creamy clothing colors work well when springtime flowers or fall foliage will be prominent in the background. During the summer and winter months, brighter outfits can complement the neutral backdrop of Jungle Gardens’ famous mossy oaks. Don’t worry about being too “matchy-matchy” with your partner—it’s all about outfits that complement versus matching exactly.
3. Choosing the Right Time for Your Engagement Session
What’s the best time of day to capture dreamy engagement photos at Jungle Gardens? For optimal lighting and ambiance, I recommend starting your portrait session at least three hours before sunset. This timing allows us to capture golden hour as it illuminates the gardens, giving your photos a dreamy glow. Sunset happens at different times in different seasons, so I’ll give you a recommended start time when we are planning our session together! No matter what time of year you choose for your photoshoot, you’ll need to arrive before 5:00 pm so you can get a photography permit from Jungle Gardens (keep reading for more details on that).
4. Practical Items to Bring for Your Portrait Session
Is there anything you need to remember to bring with you? Since Jungle Gardens is a true outdoor location, you’ll want to be prepared with some practical items to make things easier during your engagement session. Be sure to bring along some comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you plan to explore on foot. The trails are gravel, so it can be hard to get around in heels! Remember to pack some bug spray to ward off mosquitoes as well.
Want to add a special touch to personalize your engagement session at Jungle Gardens? Consider bringing props like white umbrellas, champagne bottles to pop, or picnic baskets to encourage natural moments of romance and connection between you and your partner. For those looking for an even more relaxed and laid-back vibe, you could bring along a refreshing beverage from one of Louisiana’s drive-through drink shops for an extra layer of fun. If you’re worried about posing in front of the camera, interacting with props and giving yourselves something “to do” can help. One of my strengths is helping every couple feel super comfortable and my direction will help your nerves melt away!
5. How to Get Your Photo Permit at Jungle Gardens
Is there an entrance fee to take engagement photos at Jungle Gardens? Yes—you’ll need to purchase a $50 photography permit at the gift shop when you arrive. This permit grants full-day access to the entire property and ensures a seamless photography experience throughout your session. You’re allowed up to four people plus the photographer with this pass. They don’t take reservations for photo shoots, so there may be other people around, but the permit lets the staff know you’ve paid to be there and helps us remain undisturbed for a seamless engagement session experience.
You can check out these FAQ’s from Jungle Gardens if you have any more questions about how the photography permit works.
If you’re ready to plan your engagement session at Jungle Gardens, I’d love to chat more about being your photographer! Feel free to get in touch or read more about what it’s like to work with me. Let’s create beautiful moments together amidst the natural splendor of Louisiana’s hidden gem.
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