It’s no doubt that pregnancy is full of ups and downs, but documenting this time can be so meaningful! It’s an important part of your parenthood journey, and can serve as something special to do for yourself (since we both know you don’t do that enough, and it’ll be even harder to do after baby is born!) to celebrate how incredible you and your body are for growing a little human. Arizona provides some gorgeous backdrops for photos – and this guide will tell you about some of my favorite Phoenix maternity photo locations!

Phoenix Maternity Photo Locations

Whether you’re looking for red rocks, saguaros, golden hour sunsets, or honestly, all of the above, here are some of the best places for maternity photos in Phoenix and the surrounding area.

Papago Park

If you want classic desert scenery close to Phoenix, Papago Park is always a winner. The unique red rock formations, paired with some towering saguaros make it a gorgeous backdrop! The famous Hole-in-the-Rock is one of the most iconic spots for photos, but there’s also a small lake, a botanical garden, and more. Because it’s located so close to downtown, it’s also a really convenient option if you don’t want to spend too much time driving or hiking while pregnant. You get incredible views without the extra effort, making it one of the best Phoenix maternity photo locations.

Scottsdale Desert

When you think Arizona, the saguaro cacti probably come to mind – and the Scottsdale desert is the perfect place to find those epic views. The towering giants create such a unique backdrop, adding drama to your photos! Along with cacti, you’ll find desert washes, seasonal wildflowers, and mountains in the distance, all working together to give you the perfect maternity photos. The desert here really comes alive at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange. With the mix of textures and colors, the Scottsdale desert is a perfect Phoenix maternity photo location. 

Gilbert Riparian Preserve

For a softer, greener location (that still has a desert vibe), the Gilbert Riparian Preserve is a gorgeous choice! With trails that wind through the wetlands, ponds, and plenty of wildlife, it feels like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The variety here is incredible – with just a short walk, you can have backdrops of tall reeds, shaded trees, and reflective water. This spot is perfect if you want something that isn’t strictly a desert backdrop – the addition of water and greenery makes it a peaceful, calm setting for maternity photos! 

Salt River

For a Phoenix maternity photo location that combines desert views with waterfront views, the Salt River is hard to beat. The river winds through the desert landscape, surrounded by towering cliffs and mountains. At sunset, the light reflects off the water, creating an absolutely dreamy atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot the wild horses that roam the area! The Salt River brings a gorgeous mix of water and desert, and it’s a great spot for an adventurous maternity session.

Sedona

Okay, Sedona is a bit of a drive from Phoenix, but if you’re open to traveling a little for your maternity session, it’s worth the two hour trip! The red rock formations, vibrant sunsets, and stunning vistas make Sedona feel absolutely magical. Whether you’re standing on a cliff side or tucked into a quiet trail surrounded by juniper trees, the scenery is breathtaking. The landscape here is so different from the city, so it’s a really great choice if you want your maternity session to feel memorable and adventurous.

Lost Dutchman State Park

For a maternity session with epic mountain views, Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the best spots. The Superstition Mountains rise dramatically in the background, creating a backdrop that feels adventurous and timeless. The trails wind through wildflowers in the spring, golden grass in the fall, and iconic saguaros all year long. Lost Dutchman State Park is a location that really shows off the rugged beauty of Arizona, making it a great setting for a maternity session, and your photos will feel bold and dramatic!

 Choosing the Right Phoenix Maternity Photo Location

When it comes to choosing maternity photo locations, it helps to think about the kind of atmosphere you want for your images. While I love a good indoor shoot too, here in Arizona, nothing beats the outdoors! The desert light is so dreamy, the landscapes are gorgeous, and sunset brings out those glowing tones that will make your photos feel warm and timeless. 

There’s no right or wrong choice here – choosing the best Phoenix maternity photo location for you is all about choosing the one that’s right for you. Think about what kind of scenery you love. Do you want to be surrounded by saguaros, framed by mountains, or standing by some greenery? The great thing about Arizona is it’s possible to get all of the above, but to narrow down the best options, think about what kind of scenery you imagine for your photos! 

Another thing to consider is the overall experience – do you want something that’s close to home, or are you down to turn this into a little road trip? Do you want a location that’s quick and easy to get to, or are you down for a little bit more adventure? One of the most important things is that you’re comfortable, so think about this before deciding on a location for your maternity photos!

You might also decide to choose a spot that’s sentimental to you – if there’s a favorite park that you often go to or have memories from, something like that can make the session even more special. But, it can also be fun to explore somewhere completely new! 

Ready to Schedule a Phoenix Maternity Session?

Whether you want to head to the red rocks of Sedona or the banks of the Salt River, your maternity session isn’t just about documenting this moment, it’s about telling your story! The best way to love your photos is to love the experience of taking them. This should be fun, so I’ll be there to guide you through the process with tips for what to wear, advice about the best lighting, and I’ll be there to take the photos and make sure you have a blast. And of course, you’ll have photos that you’ll be able to look back on forever!

If you’re ready to schedule your maternity session, contact me!