Family Photos in Eugene, Oregon

Finding the perfect spot for family photos can be a challenge, but in Eugene, Oregon, you’re in luck. With its mix of urban, natural, and rustic settings, there are countless places to take family pictures in Eugene, Oregon that will make your photos truly special. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, Eugene offers a variety of beautiful backdrops for family sessions that suit all styles and preferences.

As an experienced family photographer in Eugene, I understand how important it is to choose a location that aligns with the vision you have for your photos. When you work with me, I’ll help you select the ideal spot based on your family’s style, personality, and the mood you want to convey. With my knowledge of the best local locations, you can be sure we’ll find the perfect backdrop for your shoot, ensuring your photos reflect the unique story of your family.

To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 locations that will help you capture your family’s unique personality and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Your Own Home

There’s something incredibly special about having a family photo session at your own home. They are always some of my favorite sessions. Your property is where so many of your family’s memories are made—whether it’s a garden, backyard, or a cozy corner of your home. The familiarity and comfort of being in a space you know and love allows everyone to relax, which often results in more natural, genuine moments.

Having a session on your property also allows for complete personalization. You can incorporate elements that are meaningful to your family, whether it’s a favorite tree, a swing set, or a special room that holds sentimental value. The connection to the space will make the photos even more personal and meaningful. Plus, the convenience of staying at home can make the session feel more laid-back, without the stress of traveling to a different location.

Whether you’re capturing moments with the kids in the garden or a cozy family portrait by your front door, your own property offers an intimate and unique backdrop that no other location can provide.

2. Richardson Park Junction City, Oregon

Located in Junction City along the shores of Fern Ridge Lake, Richardson Park is a hidden gem for family photos. This location offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, waterfront views, and a relaxed atmosphere. The park features expansive green fields, lovely water vistas, and towering trees, creating a calm and scenic backdrop for your session. I have several great open field spot near Richardson Park that I love to shoot at.

The vibe here is tranquil and spacious, ideal for families who want to be immersed in nature. Whether you choose to capture photos by the lake, among the park’s grassy meadows, or under the shade of the trees, Richardson Park provides a variety of stunning settings. It’s also a great place for families with children to explore, as there’s ample space to roam and enjoy the surroundings.

3. Spencer Butte Eugene, Oregon

If you’re looking for a spot that offers stunning views and a more rugged, natural vibe, Spencer Butte is a great option. This iconic Eugene landmark is known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Willamette Valley, and even the Cascade Range on clear days. It’s a bit of a hike to the top, but the views are always worth it.

A family photo session at the top of Spencer Butte offers a dramatic backdrop, perfect for families who love the outdoors and want a more adventurous feel for their photos. The hike to the summit can be a fun activity for the whole family, and once you reach the top, the views are sure to make for incredible photos. The varied terrain also allows for multiple photo opportunities, from forested areas to open spaces with expansive views.

If you’re after a location that highlights Eugene’s natural beauty and adds a sense of adventure, Spencer Butte will not disappoint.

4. Elijah Bristow State Park Dexter, Oregon

Elijah Bristow State Park, located just outside of Dexter, is a peaceful natural setting perfect for family photos. The park features miles of scenic trails, wetlands, and wide-open spaces, providing a variety of backgrounds to capture your family’s special moments. With its abundant wildlife, towering trees, and expansive meadows, it’s a location that offers both rustic and serene vibes.

The quiet, wooded areas give off a tranquil, secluded feel, making it ideal for families looking to be surrounded by nature. There are also several spots along the park’s trails where you can capture your family walking or exploring together. Elijah Bristow State Park offers a more intimate, untouched atmosphere, perfect for families who love the outdoors and want a natural setting that feels peaceful and timeless.

For families who want a unique and scenic spot just outside Eugene, Elijah Bristow State Park is a great option.

5. Dorris Ranch Springfield, Oregon

For a charming and rustic backdrop, Dorris Ranch offers an ideal location for family photos. This historic farm is nestled in the heart of Eugene, providing a beautiful, open space filled with orchards, wooden barns, and fields that feel timeless and serene. The rustic vibe of Dorris Ranch is perfect for families who want a countryside atmosphere that still feels close to home.

The orchards, with their rows of hazelnut trees, provide a unique and picturesque setting for family portraits, particularly in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. The old barns and farm structures add a touch of character and history to your photos. Whether we’re shooting among the trees, near the barn, or in the open fields, Dorris Ranch offers endless photo opportunities.

6. Owen Rose Garden Eugene, Oregon

The Owen Rose Garden is one of Eugene’s most beautiful and serene spots for family photos. Located along the Willamette River, this garden offers a stunning array of roses in every color imaginable, making it a vibrant and romantic setting for your family session. Whether in full bloom or quietly resting in the off-season, the garden offers a picturesque backdrop year-round.

The combination of lush greenery, colorful flowers, and the gentle river nearby creates a peaceful, elegant atmosphere. It’s perfect for families who want a more traditional, floral backdrop without straying too far from nature. The garden’s winding pathways and vibrant flower beds offer endless photo opportunities, with the blooms adding pops of color to your photos.

The Owen Rose Garden is an ideal choice for families looking for a colorful and peaceful location that captures the beauty of Eugene’s natural surroundings.

7. University of Oregon Campus Eugene, Oregon

The University of Oregon Campus offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty, making it a great spot for family photos. With its stunning architecture, sprawling lawns, and mature trees, the campus provides a variety of settings that can suit a wide range of styles. Whether you want the classic collegiate feel with grand buildings in the background or prefer a more natural vibe among the campus’s gardens and open spaces, this location has it all.

The iconic Mckenzie Hall and the majestic Knight Library provide striking backdrops for families who prefer an urban or architectural setting. On the other hand, the campus’s lush gardens, like the Cascade Garden, offer a more tranquil and botanical feel. The campus is vibrant and full of life, making it an excellent choice for families who want a mix of historical and natural elements in their photos.

For a location that combines elegance, history, and natural beauty, the University of Oregon Campus is a great choice for your family photos.

8. Mount Pisgah Arboretum Eugene, Oregon

If your family loves the outdoors and enjoys the beauty of a forested setting, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is the place to be. Located just outside of Eugene, this 209-acre natural area is filled with walking trails, diverse plant life, and scenic vistas, providing a variety of backdrops for your family photos. The arboretum’s rich forests, meadows, and wetlands offer a peaceful and natural setting, ideal for families looking to showcase their love for nature.

The location’s expansive views of the surrounding hills and valley provide a dramatic backdrop for family portraits. You can also capture moments among towering trees, along the tranquil creek, or on the wide open meadows. The changing seasons bring different textures and colors to the landscape, allowing for a fresh feel at any time of year. Whether you prefer a wooded, earthy vibe or an open meadow shot, Mount Pisgah Arboretum offers plenty of variety.

For families who enjoy the great outdoors and want their photos to reflect the beauty of the natural world, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is an excellent choice.

9. Downtown Eugene

For a more urban vibe, Downtown Eugene offers a dynamic backdrop for family photos. This area is filled with vibrant street art, unique architecture, and eclectic urban spaces, making it perfect for families who want their photos to feel lively and modern. The combination of colorful murals, historic buildings, and bustling streets gives your photos a fun and energetic feel.

There are plenty of opportunities for interesting photo compositions with the downtown area’s mix of industrial and contemporary spaces. You can capture moments with the city’s architecture or take advantage of the parks and open spaces scattered throughout the area. Downtown Eugene also offers great spots for coffee shop portraits or casual shots on the sidewalks, which can add a personal touch to your family photos.

If you’re looking for a location that’s stylish, lively, and full of character, Downtown Eugene is a fantastic choice for your family photo session.

10. Heceta Head (Florence, Oregon)

For families who want to venture out to the coast, Heceta Head in Florence, Oregon, is a stunning location that’s just a short 60-minute drive from Eugene. This breathtaking coastal spot is home to the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, which provides a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for your family photos. The lighthouse sits atop a bluff with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and sandy beaches below, making it a perfect location for capturing the beauty of Oregon’s coastline.

The surrounding forest and rugged coastline create a natural, untamed feel, ideal for families who want a more adventurous vibe for their photos. You can take photos along the rocky shore, in the lush coastal forest, or with the lighthouse as your backdrop. The combination of forest, ocean, and iconic landmarks ensures that your photos will be full of character and coastal charm.

Whether you’re drawn to the coastal views, the historic lighthouse, or the wild natural scenery, Heceta Head offers a stunning setting that’s just a short drive from Eugene for an unforgettable family photo session.

Bonus: Looking for even more Oregon Beach Venues? Check out this list.

11. Mary’s Peak (Outside of Eugene)

I’m adding this one as a BONUS because it’s definitely one of my favorites. Though a bit outside of Eugene, Mary’s Peak is a location well worth the drive for an unforgettable family photo session. At over 4,000 feet, it’s the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Willamette Valley, the Cascade Mountains, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The summit provides a dramatic and expansive backdrop that’s perfect for families seeking a majestic, wide-open feel in their photos.

The surrounding forests and meadows offer additional options for photos along the hiking trails or among the wildflowers in the summer. The views from the peak are particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, making it a great spot for capturing breathtaking moments with your family. If you’re up for a little adventure and want to add something extraordinary to your photos, Mary’s Peak provides a unique setting you won’t find anywhere else.

Eugene, Oregon, offers a wide range of stunning locations perfect for family photo sessions. From the peaceful beauty of your own property to the dramatic coastal views at Heceta Head, there’s a backdrop that fits every family’s unique style and vision. Choosing the right location is an important part of ensuring that your photos reflect the personality and special moments of your family. As an expert Eugene family photographer, I’m here to help you select the perfect spot and guide you through the entire process, from start to finish.