Once you have kids, family photos are a necessary evil (getting everyone camera-ready can take years off your life amiright?), and there are endless family photo locations in the Golden Isles. From a background of oaks, the marsh, or the ocean, consider the locations below if you’re a local or want photos taken while visiting the area. They’ll make for some stunning images that look straight out of a magazine.
The stables are beautiful, with a lake on-site surrounded by oak trees that would be perfect for family photos. They require you to pay a fee to have photos taken on-site.
Contact them for information:
(912) 434-4760
info@thestablesatfrederica.com
You won't be disappointed with so many picturesque views within the park that houses Fort Frederica National Monument, including the fort, the old barracks, and countless majestic oaks covered in Spanish moss.
Since it’s a National Monument, you must pay a fee to have photos taken here. It’s $50 for 1-11 people. View fee information here.
Once the entrance to Retreat Plantation, the Avenue of the Oaks is now the grand entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club. Follow the drive around the magnificent double row of 160-year-old live oak trees which create the Avenue of the Oaks. One of the perks of this location (aside from how beautiful it is) is that it’s free! No need to pay any fees. Just meet your photographer there and have them start clicking away.
View photos and more information here.
Mallery Park is another stunning location that’s also FREE! The park section we recommend for family photos is on the right-hand side if you’re coming from Pier Village (the opposite side of Mallery street as the playground and ball fields).
View photos and information here.
Goulds Inlet is the northernmost tip of the East Beach area on St. Simons Island. While we wouldn't recommend swimming at this beach, we'd absolutely recommend it for family photos. If you can round up your family for sunset photos, even better. Note that there's limited parking at Goulds Inlet, so keep that in mind.
View photos and information here.
Gascoigne Bluff is on the west side of St. Simons Island. Here you'll find the perfect backdrop of live oaks covered in Spanish Moss
View more information here.
The Cloister Chapel is a picturesque chapel located on the grounds of The Cloister at Sea Island. Tucked away under oak trees, it looks like something out of a fairy tale. Note, Sea Island is only accessible to guests staying at the Sea Island Resort and Sea Island Club members only.
Driftwood Beach is unlike any other beach in the area and might be the most popular location for family photos. No permits or fees are required, so taking your pictures here is free. If you can get your family’s act together early enough, you can’t beat sunrise photos on this beach (although sunset would be equally as impressive).
View photos and additional information here.
Jekyll Island’s historic district is on the grounds of the Jekyll Club. There are many locations for family photos, but a sidewalk near the water under moss-covered oaks at sunset would be our first choice.
You can find more information here.
The Horton House on Jekyll Island is one of the oldest buildings in Georgia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1743, The Horton House is one of the state's oldest standing tabby structure exteriors. The house once owned by William Horton is now a popular spot for photos.
View more information here.
Are there any family locations in the Golden Isles we missed? Or any local photographers that you’d recommend that aren’t listed? Let us know!