A family of four relaxes together in a lush greenhouse in Lancaster, PA
If you’re trying to come up with some location ideas for a winter photo session in Lancaster, PA I’ve got some great options for you! For the purposes of this post, I consider the winter months to range from December to March here in south central PA.
Winter time might not be considered the ideal season for a photo session but I encourage you to think outside the box. Perhaps you have a milestone you’d like to commemorate in photos such as a birthday, newborn or maternity photo session that happens to fall during the winter months.
Below I will share some creative ways to capture your family in the winter months that don’t necessarily involve braving the cold as well as some favorite outdoor locations. As a Lancaster family photographer and mom of three, I am committed to giving you a stress-free photo session experience. I am happy to provide guidance on location, wardrobe and timeframe for your photo session.
And without further adieu, here are some of my favorite winter photo shoot location ideas in Lancaster, PA starting with outdoors.
A family of three in the evergreens at Herr Disc Golf Park in winter time in Lancaster, PA
Outdoor Winter Photo Shoot Location Ideas
There are some beautiful outdoor winter locations here in Lancaster that include evergreen forests, fields and water and I will share some of the best outdoor winter spots below. A reminder that if you choose to do a photo session outdoors in winter time, layering and warm clothing is key! I offer 30 minute mini sessions in winter time for the purpose of keeping it short (and trying to avoid red noses and cheeks). Also something to consider is the start time for your session with ideal golden hour light being between 3:30-5 p.m. A morning session is also an option if you have young kids with late afternoon nap times but the drawback is that winter mornings tend to be colder than afternoons.
1. Overlook Park
Overlook Park has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and quiet during the winter months. It is especially beautiful after a snowfall. In addition there are plenty of fields of long dried grasses during winter that can make for lovely backdrops.
A father carries his son on his shoulders during a snowy winter photo session at Overlook Park in Lancaster, PA
A family walks through a field of dried grasses in wintertime at Overlook Park in Lancaster, PA
2. The Susquehanna River
In my opinion, anywhere along the Susquehanna River can make for a stunning backdrop during the winter months. You have the option of a dramatic overlook (Pinnacle Point Overlook and Breezy View Overlook are very accessible) as well as boat launch locations that allow you to get right next to the river. Depending on your location, the river is typically about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Lancaster. My personal favorite is the Columbia River Park which has views of The Wrightsville Bridge. When the river is frozen and covered in ice chunks it is quite beautiful.
A couple walks along the icy Susquehanna River during winter time.
3. Herr Disc Golf Park
This park is a lesser known location for photo sessions and one of my favorite winter photo shoot locations because of the huge evergreen forest. Golden hour light hits just right in this park. One thing to note is you will have an 8-10 minute walk from the closest parking lot over to the evergreen trees. It has a paved walking path which is ideal for families with strollers.
A couple and their dog take a walk at Herr Disc Golf Park in Lancaster, PA in wintertime for their maternity photo session.
4. Lancaster County Park
Lancaster County Park has a couple lovely field spots that get nice golden hour light in winter time. All are very accessible and you might even see some deer!
A family of four sits in a field surrounded by evergreen trees at golden hour in Lancaster, PA for a photo session.
5. Roland Park
Roland Park in Akron (20 minutes north of Lancaster) has a vast evergreen forest with the ground covered in bright green English ivy. There is a paved walking path through the middle. In my opinion the morning light is really beautiful here and the two photos below were taken in the morning.
A family of three pose for family photos in the evergreen forest at Roland Park in Akron, PA
Photo of a young woman in an emerald green gown in the snow at Roland Park in Akron, PA
6. Noel Dorwart Park
Noel Dorwart Park is small but has a small cluster of evergreen trees right off the parking lot and if you follow the path around to the left of the playground you’ll find some tall tufted dried grasses and a wooden walking bridge that make for some great photos. And if it’s not too cold out, your kids can enjoy the large wooden playground after your session (brand new as of 2026!)
A pregnant mama holds her growing belly in a field of tall dried grasses at Noel Dorwart Park in Lancaster, PA
A family of four plays together during their winter family photo session at Noel Dorwart Park in Lancaster, PA
7. Downtown Lancaster City
Last but not least, you will find that our little city of Lancaster has a lot of incredible spots for photo sessions in the winter time; from colorful murals to parking garage rooftops to hidden brick courtyards and alleyways to beautiful architecture around Central Market and the square, this spot is great for anyone looking for an urban backdrop for a winter photo session outdoors. And on the plus side, you’re never more than a block or two away from one of our amazing local coffee shops where you can warm up afterwards! My personal favorites are Square One Coffee, Cafe One Eight, New Holland Coffee Co., Denim Coffee Co., and Neighbors Cafe.
A family of four walks in front of Shot and Bottle in downtown Lancaster City during winter time.
A young couple walks around downtown Lancaster City in winter time.
Indoor Photo Session Locations
If you are not too keen on doing outdoor photos in the winter time, don’t fret! There are plenty of options for unique indoor locations in and around Lancaster: from greenhouses to local coffee shops and book stores to studio spaces. Perhaps you have a connection to a favorite local business that would allow you to take photos, or know of a beautiful Airbnb that could be rented for a short photo session. I am here to help brainstorm ideas to help find a space that works best for you.
1. In Home Photo Session
I am a big fan of in home photo sessions for many reasons. It is the place you spend most of your time and where your family is most comfortable. Winter is a time to naturally slow down and make indoor memories; whether you are welcoming a new baby or want to do an intimate maternity session in your home, I am confident that I can document your love and all the little nuances of family life with a beautiful documentary style photo session in your home. Let’s read books together, snuggle up on the couch, sip hot coca, play a favorite board game, have a pillow fight or perhaps a dance party. I’m here for it all!
Kids create art on a craft table at home while their parents sit and chat for an in home family lifestyle photo session in Lancaster, PA
A new family of five snuggles together on their bed for an in home family photo session.
A family of seven enjoys a slow morning making pancakes and having living room dance parties at their home in Lancaster, PA
2. Greenhouses
If you love plants and you want some lush greenery in your winter time photo session, I highly recommend this private heated greenhouse in Lancaster, PA. They do charge a fee for photo sessions but it is well worth it! There are several seating options from hanging wicker chairs to a couch to benches and lots of hanging twinkle lights and ferns.
Additional greenhouses that I have photographed in are Frey’s Greenhouse just outside Lancaster City and Hueter’s Greenhouse in York (also charges a fee for photos sessions)
A family of four pictured inside a lush greenhouse in Lancaster, PA
3. A Local Bookstore
If you love books, how about a photo session in a cozy book store? Two of my favorites here in Lancaster are Pocket Books and Nooks. A reminder to get permission from the owners in advance to take photos and try to go during slow times.
A couple snuggles up and reads together at Pocket Books in Lancaster, PA
4. A Studio Space
While I do not currently have my own studio space, there are several studio spaces available for rent in Lancaster, PA. The ones I am most familiar with are The White Room (pictured below), Leaf and Loft, and The Studio Collective.
Mother and son studio photo session at The White Room in Lancaster, PA
A couple hangs out in the urban lounge area of The White Room photo studio in Lancaster, PA
5. Amtrak Train Station
If you’re looking for unique architecture and nice light, the Amtrak Train Station in Lancaster is a great spot for a photo session. There are plants, large arched windows, wooden benches and mid-century style lighting. A couple things to note: you must ask permission to take photos. I always check in at the ticket booth when I arrive and the staff have always been friendly. I also check the train schedule to be sure to go during a non-busy time of day. You are not allowed to take photos down on the platform where the trains are boarding. I do not recommend this location for large or extended families.
A couple reads a newspaper at the Lancaster Amtrak train station for a photo session pregnancy announcement.
A couple reads the newspaper outside the Lancaster Amtrak Train Station announcing their pregnancy for a photo shoot.
6. The Hall at Safe Harbor
This beautiful indoor space in Conestoga is nice because it is large and offers two very different types of spaces. One is a cozy, dark and moody wood paneled room with a green velvet couch, leather chairs and fireplace and the other is a bright white hall with wood floors and big arched windows. Mondays are free for 1 hour photo sessions and there is a fee to photograph there on other days. View more information about The Hall at Safe Harbor here.
A portrait photo session The Hall at Safe Harbor in Lancaster County, PA
Mother and daughter play on an emerald green couch inside the Hall at Safe Harbor
And that’s it for my list of recommendations for your winter photo session in Lancaster, PA! I hope you’ll reach out soon if you’d like to work together.
Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!
