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Searching for the perfect place to take your family or maternity photos in Vermont? I’ve got 15 locations that I know you’re going to LOVE, from expansive farms to waterfront parks to alpine resorts! Can’t wait to see which one you end up picking!
15 Family & Maternity Photo Locations in Vermont
Fair warning before we start: while I’ve included a TON of incredible locations around Vermont that I think will be perfect for your family, I also have my own secret treasure chest of locations that I keep specifically for my clients. These mayyy or may not include a gorgeous flower farm in the spring, a few cool swimming holes, and a cozy Christmas tree farm in the winter. . . guess you’ll have to get a session on the books to find out for sure 😉
Best Easily-Accessible Locations
We’ll start off with my favorite locations that are easy to access and don’t require too much walking—meaning they’re great for any age and ability.
1. Shelburne Farms | Shelburne, VT
I grew up in Shelburne, so I mayyy be a little biased here—but I’ve seen time and time again that families ADORE this area just as much as I do! This historic farm is the perfect place for any family who loves getting outside, spending time in nature, and frolicking around a lakefront on a sunny day—maybe having a picnic, playing in the rocks, or finding cool sticks along a scenic shoreline. It’s super easy to park at the Inn and walk to the lake, orrr we can check out the barn, walking trails, and more. Shelburne’s got so many options to choose from depending on what vibe you’re searching for!
I photographed the sweetest family on the lakefront at Shelburne Farms earlier this spring, and mannn was it perfection. The warm sunshine, the gentle breeze coming off the lake, the rocky shores for the boys to goof around on. . . there couldn’t have been a better place to capture memories for this fun fam. Check out all the photos from their session here for more inspo!
P.S. To take photos at Shelburne Farms, you’ll need to fill out this application and pay a $50 photo fee.
2. Common Roots | Shelburne, VT
Who doesn’t love spending an afternoon meandering around a gorgeous farm with their fam, enjoying stunning scenery and breathing in the air filled with fresh soil?! Common Roots is another one of my fave farms in Shelburne, spanning 15 acres at the Farm at South Village, and 4 acres at Hubbard Park. Depending on the time of year you go, you might be surrounded by blooming sunflowers, lush green trees, fruits and vegetables. . . the works. It’s an adorable place to take some laid-back, country-inspired photos of you and your kiddos having a blast in a place that contributes SO much to the community.
3. Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe, VT
Craving a bit more of a mountain-luxury vibe than a muddy-soil vibe? No harm there! Trapp Family Lodge is a stunning resort in Stowe with sooo much gorgeous land to explore. With over 35 miles of wooded hiking trails throughout the property, you and your fam can admire the vibrant greenery and check out tons of native wildlife, plants, and wildflowers. You’ll have to pay for a trail pass for everyone, which typically costs between $10-15 per person.
4. Hard’ack Recreation Area | St. Albans, VT
Hard’ack is a great recreation area in St. Albans with all sorts of outdoor activities available—but unless you feel like hitting the slopes during your family session, we’ll stick to the scenic hiking trails and recreation fields. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the base of the grassy hill in the summer, bring a disc to toss around on the disc golf course, or bring your doggo to run around the dog park! The entire property is maintained SO beautifully and is truly meant for some high-quality outdoor family time in Vermont.
5. Mills Riverside Park | Jericho, VT
With over 200 acres of wildly picturesque hillside, vast grassy meadows, and hiking trails, Mills Riverside Park is a total gem in Jericho, Vermont. Inside of the park you’ll find a variety of woodland trails to explore, athletic fields for when your kiddos need to get out a burst of energy with a good ol’ game of tag, a cute little pond, a gazebo, and multiple picnic tables where you could enjoy a little mid-session snack. This park is open all year-round, from dawn to dusk—so no need to worry about snow stoppin’ ya from enjoying these gorgeous views.
And the best part? It’s dog-friendly!
6. Charlotte Beach | Charlotte, VT
Honestly, there’s nothing better than spending a day out on the lake with the people you love—dipping your toes in the water when you need to cool off, finding that perfect log to sit on as you watch your kiddos run around the shores, enjoy views of the mountains and boats out in the distance. . . ugh, don’t those nostalgic childhood vibes just warm your heart?! That’s exactly the type of mood we can create for your family photos at Charlotte Beach, a beautiful little beach in Charlotte with a variety of activities available. Dogs aren’t allowed, but you’ll have plenty else to focus on with the playground, disc golf course, picnic tables, you name it. You will have to pay a parking fee for the day, which ranges from $5-10.
7. Oakledge Park | Burlington, VT
Nestled on the southern shoreline of Burlington, Oakledge Park is def a favorite among both locals and visitors alike. With picnic tables galore, beautiful waterfront views, beach access, and 9 miles of biking paths, you’ll have such a fun time wandering around this historic park. A fab place to breathe in fresh spring air and enjoy relaxing time with SUCH peaceful views—especially at sunset. There’s a small parking fee to enter, and you could even play a little friendly (or not friendly, there’s no harm in a little family competition!) game of tennis on the tennis courts.
8. Maquam Barn & Winery | Milton, VT
Hundreds of acres for you and your littles to play the most EPIC game of tag ever. . . yes, please! The views from Maquam Barn & Winery are out of this freaking world, with lush tree-covered mountains way out in the distance and seemingly endless rolling green hills on the property itself. Plus, the classic red barn is SO perfect for farmyard-inspired family photos!
9. Your home
Okayyy this one isn’t technically a specific Vermont location, but I think it’s always worth considering having your family photoshoot down at your own home! I’m such a big fan of the cozy, intimate vibes you can get when you + your babes are snuggled up in the place you’re most comfy; the place you spend a majority of your time; the place you’ve made yours.
Wanna get a little inspo for your in-home family session? Check out this sweet, sweet backyard session, and this one that took place in their nursery, potting shed, and on the swing set!
Best Locations for Walking + Exploring
Next, I’ve got a few Vermont family photo locations that are suuuper dreamy for sessions, but do require a little more walking + exploring, if you’re down for it.
10. Mt. Philo | Shelburne, VT
Mt. Philo State Park has got to be at the top of this list—after all, it only boasts 200+ acres of stunning landscapes in the Lake Champlain Valley with gorgeous views of the Adirondacks. . . yeahhh, I thought that might sound good to you, too! This park located atop Mt. Philo (duh) offers amazing hiking trails, picnic areas, and spots that are perfect for simply admiring the beauty of nature around you. The walk to the summit is a 2-mile loop that takes a little over an hour to complete, if you feel like going on an adventure, and you’ll need to pay a $2-5 day entry fee when you get there.
This dreamy Mt. Philo Family Session stole my heart—wish I could chase sunsets with sweet families like this foreverrrr.
11. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge | Swanton, VT
I challenge you to say “Missisquoi” three times fast. . . lol. This wildlife refuge on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain is a stunning area with several hiking trails, flat terrain, and incredibly tranquil landscapes. You’ll probably see a good amount of wildlife along the way, so make sure your kiddos are watching out for flowers, birds, etc. as you go. And bonus points if you bring binoculars for an extra keen eye!
12. Shelburne Bay Park | Shelburne, VT
Shelburne should sound familiar to ya by now, yeah? While Shelburne Farms offers a gorgeous, well, farm property, Shelburne Park is a 100+ acre park with amazing lake + river access. If you and your family love to spend your summer days fishing or simply spending time by the water, this is an awesome option for you—plus it’s dog-friendly! Choose from multiple trails depending on the level of adventure you’re looking for, all of which are wooded and feature gorgeous views. Whether you wanna walk along a flat, gravel pathway that doesn’t require any effort, or head up a steeper section closer to the lake, there’s something for everyone at Shelburne Bay Park.
13. Rum Runners’ Hideaway | Smugglers’ Notch, VT
This 2.7 mile out-and-back trail takes you through a pristine, jaw-droppingly-beautiful mountainside reservoir, offering the perfect chance for a lil dip in the water on a warm day. Orrr you can opt for the quicker stroll from the Madonna/Sterling Base Lodge for a shorter adventure that still gets you amazing views! The main trail doesn’t usually get too crowded, so hopefully you’ll enjoy the views somewhat to yourselves.
Best Locations for Older Kiddos
Finally, I’ve got two more locations for ya that would probably be best for families with older kiddos!
14. Bingham Falls | Stowe, VT
Located near Stowe, this popular waterfall hike is superrrr low effort with a high reward. Just 0.5 miles total, the trail to the falls is quick but moderately-challenging thanks to the steep, slick portion of the trail at the bottom—especially if it’s recently rained. Definitely bring along your best hiking shoes with a good amount of tread to keep you and your kids safe!
15. Moss Glen Falls | Stowe, VT
Just a few minutes from Stowe, this is another short and super scenic hike to a beautiful waterfall, accessible via a quarter mile trail. Moss Glen Falls is actually the tallest waterfall in Vermont! Getting there is slightly easier than the hike to Bingham Falls, but just like that one, you’ll want to be careful as you near the falls in case of slippery rocks and trail debris.
Choosing a Vermont Family & Maternity Photographer
So you’ve finally got a location (or two, or ten) in mind for your Vermont family/maternity session, the next most important part is hiring someone to actually document the adventure for you! Whether you and your littles decide to take a sunset stroll along a quiet beach, take a hike to a cascading waterfall in the middle of the trees, or enjoy a laid-back picnic in the grassy field at a local park, these moments are ones you will want to stay in forever. . . and ones you deserve the ability to look back on, even when the memories fade.
Get in touch now to start planning your Vermont family or maternity photos—and don’t worry, I’ll be there to help ya choose the perfect location if you’re still stuck!
Wanna poke around a little more first? Go for it—here are some of my recent blog posts I know you’ll adore!
The Secret to Planning Fun, Stress-Free Family Photos
The Best Time of Day to Take Family Photos Outside
7 Family Photography Session Tips to Keep Kids Engaged
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May 23, 2025
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