
Lullwater Park photos have a quiet, storybook feel that surprises most people who have never been. Tucked beside Emory University in Atlanta, Lullwater is a wooded preserve with a lake, a little waterfall wall, a swaying suspension bridge and a stone mansion that looks like a castle. It’s one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets for wedding portraits and engagement photos.
Below you’ll find Lullwater Park photos from a wedding portrait session, what each part of the park looks like in photos, and tips for planning your own Lullwater Park wedding or engagement portraits.
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About Lullwater Park
Lullwater is about 132 acres of woods, trails and water owned by Emory University, which bought the land from Walter Candler in 1958, per Emory’s Lullwater management plan. Candler Lake sits at its heart, and Lullwater House, the stone home of Emory’s president, overlooks the grounds. Visitors stay on the designated trails, and dogs must be leashed.
What Lullwater Park Looks Like in Photos
- The waterfall wall. Water spills over a wide stone wall into a shallow creek, giving you a bright, moving backdrop that works in color and in black and white.
- The suspension bridge. A narrow bridge hangs high above the creek and sways as you walk. It makes a dramatic frame lined with green on both sides.
- Lullwater House. The stone mansion, built from stone quarried on the property, has a castle-like look with its gables and chimneys.
- Candler Lake and the lawns. Open grass, tree-lined paths and the lake give you room to walk, laugh and relax between portraits.
Lullwater Park Wedding Portraits
These wedding portraits were taken after an elopement, when the couple came back to the place that meant the most to them. We started on the wooded paths and the lawn, then worked our way to the waterfall, the bridge and Lullwater House.
Wooded Paths and Candler Lake
The Waterfall Wall
The Suspension Bridge
Lullwater House
Lawns and Garden Paths
Details
Engraved rings add a personal touch you will wear for the rest of your lives, and they make a lovely detail photo.
Lullwater Park Engagement Photos
Lullwater Park is just as lovely for engagement photos. We have photographed engagement photos here too, and the same lake, waterfall and wooded paths that make these wedding portraits so pretty give engagement photos a calm, storybook feel.
The waterfall and the lakeside paths make natural backdrops for relaxed, candid moments, and the open lawns give you room to walk, laugh and settle in.
Planning Your Lullwater Park Photos
- Plan around the light. Within a few hours of sunrise or sunset, the light is softest and the paths are quietest.
- Pick a comfortable season. Spring, fall and winter are the most comfortable times for outdoor portraits in Atlanta. In summer, we recommend an indoor location.
- Consider a weekday. From Monday through Thursday, popular trails tend to be calmer, and weekday outdoor sessions include complimentary rescheduling for inclement weather, per our weather policy.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk. The waterfall, bridge and house are spread out, so bring shoes you can walk the trails in and change for portraits.
- Check the rules first. Lullwater Park may require permission or additional fees for professional photos, so it is worth checking with Emory before your session. We are happy to help plan the timing and route.
Lullwater Park Photos FAQ
Where Is Lullwater Park?
Lullwater Park, also called Lullwater Preserve, is next to Emory University in Atlanta.
Is Lullwater Park Good for Wedding and Engagement Photos?
Yes. The waterfall wall, suspension bridge, lake and Lullwater House give you several very different looks in one session.
Can We Get Married at Lullwater Park?
These portraits were taken after the couple’s elopement. For ceremonies or events on the grounds, check with Emory University directly.
What Other Locations Are Similar?
For more gardens, parks and water views, browse our favorite engagement photo locations in Atlanta.
Plan Your Lullwater Park Portraits
If Lullwater feels like your kind of place, we would love to help you plan it. Book a stand-alone wedding portrait session, learn about our Atlanta engagement photographers, see more from our Atlanta wedding photographers, or check our availability for your date.