A Photographer’s Guide to Mandarin & Switzerland: Jacksonville Couples Session Locations
I’m continuing my mission to get to know Jacksonville the only way a photographer really knows how—by scouting it for beautiful places to photograph my couples.
This time, I headed out toward Mandarin and the Switzerland area of Jacksonville, and I found three locations that each have a completely different feel.
If you’re looking for a couples or engagement session location that isn’t the typical Jacksonville beach session, these spots might be worth putting on your list.
Here’s what I found.
Mandarin Park: Waterfront Views & Marina Vibes
My first stop was an adorable little park in Mandarin.
And when I say adorable, I mean adorable.
The park had a cute pond, some charming little structures, and plenty of greenery. But what really caught my attention was that it sits right along the water with views overlooking a marina.
That combination gives you so much to work with.
You could start with some romantic portraits around the greenery and structures, then move toward the water for a completely different look.
I could especially see this being a great option for couples who want their engagement photos to feel relaxed and natural rather than overly posed.
There’s something about being near the water that automatically makes a session feel a little more laid-back.
And if your ideal date night involves walking around somewhere pretty, talking, and taking in the view, this kind of location could fit your relationship really well.
La Venture Grove: A Beautiful Jacksonville Wedding Venue
Next, I headed over to La Venture Grove in the Switzerland area of Jacksonville.
And honestly…
This place is stunning.
La Venture Grove is a wedding venue, and it has the kind of scenery that immediately makes you want to pull out your camera.
The property has a beautiful natural setting that feels romantic and timeless, making it an especially great option for couples who love the idea of having their engagement photos somewhere that feels a little more elevated.
If you’re already getting married at La Venture Grove, an engagement session here could also be a really fun way to get comfortable with your photographer and the camera before your wedding day.
But even beyond that, I love the idea of using a venue setting for couples photos because it gives you an opportunity to create something that feels intentional and editorial.
It’s definitely one of the places that made me stop and think, I could photograph SO many beautiful sessions here.
Alpine Grove: Rustic Charm & Massive Trees
My last stop was Alpine Grove, and this location had a completely different personality.
This one immediately gave me a more rustic feeling.
There were old buildings, massive mature trees, and beautiful natural surroundings. And, once again, it was right on the water.
That combination is what really sold me.
You have the rustic architecture, the huge trees, and the waterfront all in one location.
For a couple who wants their engagement photos to feel a little more relaxed, outdoorsy, and Southern, I could see this being such a fun fit.
And those massive trees?
As a photographer, I am always going to be drawn to massive trees.
They create so much depth and texture in photographs and can make portraits feel really cinematic.
Why I Love Finding Locations Like These
One of my favorite things about location scouting is finding places that don’t necessarily feel like a traditional “photo location.”
I don’t just want to find a pretty backdrop.
I want to find somewhere that gives my couples something to do.
A place where you can walk together.
Sit and talk.
Explore.
Take in the water.
Laugh.
Interact.
And forget that there’s a camera around.
That’s what makes a couples session feel natural to me.
And these three locations all offer something completely different.
