Prom is a night to remember, filled with music, lights and glamour. However, there are special moments in between the chaos of getting ready and dancing the night away that are spent with close friends. Getting the perfect pictures and enjoying a fancy dinner are parts of the reason prom is such a special occasion. When else are floor-length sparkly dresses and elegant suits appropriate for high schoolers? Picture spots that are gorgeous enough to complement the outfits while conveniently located to delicious restaurants are a must to maximize time and enjoyment. Every spot has something different to offer, but they can be grouped into nature spots and suburban or city locations.
Nature
Arbor Hills
- Known for its hiking and running trails, Arbor Hills features a stone overlook with a rustic wooden pergola, golden fields and a winding creek, perfect for people looking for a spot with a variety of magnificent backdrops. It’s very well-known and often used as a spot for other shoots, including engagements, pregnancy announcements, homecoming and more!
Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney
- The Crape Myrtle Trails of Mckinney are named after their prominent attraction: Crape Myrtle trees. If you’re looking for a spot with rows of blooming flowers in hues of pink and red, this winding pathway is the place for you! They’re not currently in bloom, but it’s still a good place to take pictures, as the symmetrically-aligned rows of trees make for a pleasing sight.
Murrell Park
- Located in Flower Mound, this spot is a bit of a drive but makes up for it with its breathtaking lake shoreline. At golden hour, sunlight streams through the trees and reflects off of the water, brightening the surrounding landscape.
Creekwood United Methodist Church
- Creekwood United Methodist Church is situated on 16 acres of land made up of forests and a shallow lake. A rustic, red barn for more industrial photos and a beautiful garden with rows of flowers are also situated on the property. Wildflowers bloom on a hill overlooking the lake, and with the sun shining overhead, it creates the quintessential atmosphere for photos.
Flippen Park
- Flippen Park offers a serene fountain with turquoise waters and an ornate gazebo. It’s located in a cute neighborhood, so landscaping with seasonal shrubs and flowers line the sidewalks, making it an amazing location for stunning photos.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- The Botanical Gardens in Dallas live up to the hype. They have over half a million flowers, and spring is the opportune time to see the blooms. It features tons of different locations, including creeks, lakes, waterfalls, a rose garden and so many flower fields. It’s further away in Dallas but next to lots of restaurants and attractions.
Erwin Park
- Trees form natural archways at Erwin Park, something typically found in fairy tales. Its wildflower fields are unparalleled, making it an ideal spot for dreamy photos. The small lake is situated in a sunlit clearing, allowing for the golden rays to illuminate the scenery.
Parkside Trail
- Parkside Trail has a huge wooden overlook above a stunning turquoise pond. You can stand on the platform or walk the trails to have the lake as a beautiful backdrop.

Haggard Park
- With a bridge that looks straight out of Mary Poppins, Haggard Park boasts a winding river that flows into a lake and a red-brick gazebo. It doesn’t have as much variety, but each component is picturesque!
Parker Rose Garden
- Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of roses at the Parker Rose Garden, but the trails and old wooden barn provide a country-like environment for photos. Its stunning surrounding golden fields rival one of the most well-known locations, Arbor Hills.
Prairie Creek
- Definitely a special location, Prairie Creek presents a breathtaking view of waterfalls flowing over a stone dam. The surrounding foliage makes a flawless backdrop for prom photos, especially for adventure-lovers.
Suburban/city
Adriatica
- Arguably the most popular location for prom photos, Adriatica Village, modeled after a Croatian fishing village, exhibits stone archways and red-bricked-roofed buildings. Situated on a little island, Bella Donna Chapel is its most famous building and often used for weddings. When the sunlight reflects off of the turquoise water, it almost feels like you’re in Europe.
The Crescent Hotel
- This hotel has a breathtaking interior design with floor-to-ceiling windows, intricate white light structures, luxurious gold details and a dark stone floor that creates an atmosphere of opulence. Its lobby already provides a photo-worthy location, but the grand fountain right outside is another option!
Downtown McKinney
- Downtown McKinney is known for being a historic district composed of boutique stores, vibrant restaurants and preserved 19th-century architecture. The red-brick and metal fixtures offer industrial aspects while fountains, pavilions and stores incorporate a cozy, dreamy atmosphere. As a bonus, it’s easy to find free parking across various garages, lots and on the street.
Frisco Square
- Frisco Square features a grassy plaza next to a huge circular fountain. The historic buildings behind it make a pretty place for photos with a nice southern feel. The fountain is furnished with shallow steps to sit on, making posing easier. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Bar, Haywire and Crudo Taverna are amazing dinner options here.
Highland Park Villages
- The avenues of Highland Park Village are a blend of modern elements and picturesque walkways. The surrounding buildings all complement each other with red tiled roofs and stone archways, giving it a Southern California-feel. In the evenings, string lights shine bright and cast a glow on the atmosphere. There are lots of fine dining options here, including RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Dallas, Fachini and Cafe Pacific.
Legacy West
- Legacy West is the ultimate collection of wonderful photo locations and dining experiences. It’s a top shopping and dining destination where you’ll find lots of locations as well as dinner spots, including Toulouse Cafe and Bar, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Taverna. The area often has many seasonal displays of large floral walls as well as breathtaking oval fountains, making it a great place for prom photos.
The Omni Hotel in Frisco
- The lobby of the Omni Hotel is made of polished tan granite floors and modern light fixtures, making the building feel luxurious. The restaurant inside has a rustic design and serves classic, well-made comfort food, and it’s also near other places like Cane Rosso, Dee Lincoln Prime and III Forks. It’s right next to The Star, so if you want your photos to pay homage to the Friday night lights, you can stop by after!
Watters Creek
- Watters Creek is a cute little shopping area in Allen that is made up of a variety of restaurants and shops, most notably the Cheesecake Factory. It has a small field next to a creek lined with rocks and a pond right outside the restaurant, perfect for photos and food.
Hopefully this list will provide you with plenty of options to create lasting memories on the night of prom! Finding a gorgeous photoshoot location and delicious food add on to the festivities and create special moments with friends!