5 Picture-Perfect Places To Take Family Pictures In Tucson, AZ

Hey, Gems! Are you still looking for the perfect place to capture your family pictures in Tucson? I totally get it. Choosing a location is one of the most important parts of planning your session. You’ll want to pick something that’s going to reflect your family’s interests and style, and that’s a lot of pressure. If you’re struggling, I’ve got you! As a photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the Tucson area and beyond.

Here are my top five recommendations on places to take family pictures in Tucson:

HoneyBee Canyon

First up, I’ve got to mention one of my personal all-time favorites: Honey Bee Canyon! It’s breathtaking beyond words. From towering saguaros to intricate rock formations, every inch of this place is picture-perfect. And don’t even get me started on the colors — wow! You’ll have so many unique backdrops to choose from, making each and every photo truly one-of-a-kind.

What’s really amazing about Honey Bee Canyon is that it’s suitable for everyone in a lot of way. For example, the hiking trail is easy-peasy. That way, even the youngest and the oldest members of your family can join in on the fun. Also, with plenty of space to spread out and relax, you can be sure that everyone will feel right at home in front of the camera.

Catalina State Park

Tohono Chul

Tohono Chul is a popular destination for visitors to Tucson, and there’s no question why! It’s known for its commitment to preserving the heritage of the Sonoran Desert, which is a cause I believe in 100%. That’s one reason why I’m over the moon when I get to bring a client here for a photo session!

The Tohono Chul covers 49 acres and features a variety of gardens, trails, and exhibits that showcase the diverse life of the Sonoran Desert. The name “Tohono Chul” means “desert corner” in the language of the Tohono O’odham people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Neat, right?

Today, visitors to Tohono Chul can explore a variety of gardens, including a cactus and succulent garden, a wildflower garden, and even a butterfly garden. It also features a desert ethnobotanical trail, which highlights the ways in which the Tohono O’odham and other desert peoples have used plants for food, medicine, and other purposes. 

Sanctuary Cove

Sanctuary Cove is the home of All Creeds Chapel, an awe-inspiring historical building that dates back to the mid-1900s. This place was preserved with the hope that all races and creeds could come together so they could meditate without the pressures of modern life. If that strikes a chord with you, why not have your next photo session there? 

In the 1970s, this was an extremely popular place to get married at. Hundreds of weddings took place here in the beautiful Arizona landscape during that time, and I can definitely understand why! After all, just look at the romantic slopes of the hills and the proud saguaros!

Just keep in mind Sanctuary Cove does not allow any dogs, so if you want to include your furry friend in the session, you might want to skip this one.

Empire Ranch

Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to Empire Ranch! It’s located in Sonoita, Arizona, and it’s a popular location for events such as weddings, business trips, and even film shoots. As a historic cattle ranch, this is the perfect session location if you’re looking for some rustic charm. I can’t say enough good things about the dreaminess of this spot. If you have time after the session, I definitely encourage you to stay a little while after the session to learn all about the historic significance behind the ranch!

Final Thoughts

From canyons to historical sites, Arizona truly has everything that we need to make your upcoming photo session unique and fun. I hope that this guide helped you narrow down your choices! From my experience, you really can’t go wrong with any of these Arizona locations. So, whichever one you choose, I’m confident that you’ll have a wonderful time and create some lasting memories. 

Are you planning your own family session and searching for a fun photographer? Learn all about the Family Experience and about how we can fill a gallery with the family pictures in Tucsont of your dreams!