Texas State Capitol Engagement Session | Tommy & Sophie
Tommy and Sophie’s Texas State Capitol engagement session was a gorgeous celebration of their love story, and their new life together in Austin! The Capitol Building is one of the most iconic places in the city, and its beautiful architecture created the perfect elevated backdrop for photos that feel both sophisticated and fun.
Why the Texas State Capitol Was A Perfect Location
Tommy and Sophie are originally from Southern California, but they met in Texas during college. When they decided to make Austin their home, they wanted their engagement session to reflect this new chapter of their lives. The Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin couldn’t have been a more fitting choice!
The Capitol grounds offer so much variety for engagement sessions. Inside, soaring ceilings, grand staircases, and beautiful details create a refined and historic setting. Step outside, and you’ll find manicured landscapes, old oak trees, and beautiful paths for a softer, more natural feel. Together, it’s a location that feels both grand and dynamic, which is really a true reflection of Austin itself.
For couples giving a lot of thought to an intentional and elevated engagement session, the Texas State Capitol has the kind of environment that feels truly elegant and timeless. Which is why this is probably our favorite place to shoot engagement sessions in Austin!
Inside Their Texas State Capitol Engagement Session
From the very beginning, Tommy and Sophie showed up ready to celebrate! Sophie even brought along a bouquet she designed herself, which added a romantic touch to the images and made the whole day feel like a preview of their wedding. Walking through the halls of the Capitol Building, they looked every bit like a bride and groom, and tourists along the way congratulated them with smiles and kind words. Those little interactions added a layer of joy that made the session feel even more special for the couple (and for us!).
What made this session extra special was the way Tommy and Sophie poured themselves into the day. They didn’t just show up for photos, but their intentional planning really helped to shape the session. They put thought into every detail (like Sophie’s handmade bouquet) and showed up ready to have fun. Their energy was contagious! They laughed, played off each other, and added their own ideas that made the session feel collaborative and authentic. That kind of presence turns good sessions into unforgettable ones, and theirs was exactly that.
Popping Champagne at the Texas State Capitol
To wrap up the session, we had a surprise tucked away for Tommy and Sophie…a bottle of champagne! And the best part? Just as Tommy went to pop it open, a double-decker bus of Austin tourists pulled up beside us. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The guide started a countdown: “3, 2, 1…” and in that exact moment, the cork flew, champagne sprayed, and the entire bus erupted into cheers.
What started as a private toast instantly turned into a celebration, and Tommy and Sophie were showered with love from complete strangers. It was spontaneous, joyful, and the best possible ending to their beautiful Austin engagement session.
“It really felt like they put their heart into making our engagement photos everything we could have ever dreamed of. I can't stress this enough, I could not be happier with how our photos turned out. They actually brought tears to my eyes!”
— Tommy + Sophie
Tips for Engagement Photos at the Texas State Capitol
As Texas wedding photographers, there are so many locations across the state we love to shoot at with our couples. Still, after spending time here with Tommy and Sophie, the Texas State Capitol has to be one of our absolute favorite places to photograph in Austin, and Texas as a whole! It offers so much diversity for photos and is one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll ever find. A few tips for couples considering this spot for engagement photos:
Plan for timing: We always encourage couples to think about timing when planning photos at the Capitol. Since it’s a location with regular visitors, early mornings or weekdays are ideal if you’d like quieter halls and fewer people on the grounds.
Be open to the moment: Tourists are usually kind and respectful, and often they’ll share in the excitement. It’s a unique experience to be cheered on by strangers, so have fun with it!
Allow enough time: With multiple floors inside and expansive lawns outside, the Texas State Capitol has endless corners to explore. A slightly longer session allows you to enjoy the full range of locations while feeling present, not rushed.
Elevate your details: The refined architecture of the Capitol Building pairs beautifully with an elevated style. For Tommy and Sophie, that meant custom tailored outfits and a handmade bouquet for a refined yet personal touch.
Indoor and outdoor options: The weather in Austin can be unpredictable, but the Capitol provides both indoor and outdoor settings, so you’ll have variety no matter the season.
It’s completely free: Unlike many elegant downtown Austin locations, there’s no photo permit or rental fee required to take pictures at the Capitol Building, which makes it an incredible option for couples who want something elevated without extra hassle.
The Texas State Capitol is a Dream Engagement Location
The Texas State Capitol is more than just a landmark, it’s a place that gives your photos both beauty and story. It’s a place where timeless architecture meets the charm of open grounds, giving couples the best of both worlds. The Texas State Capitol Building is absolutely ideal for couples who want engagement photos that feel elevated and timeless, but also uniquely tied to Austin.
For us as photographers, it’s a dream location because it truly has it all: history, light, scale, and charm. Every couple who chooses this spot walks away with images that feel both classic and one of a kind.
Planning your engagement session?
Tommy and Sophie’s Texas State Capitol engagement session was filled with joy and spontaneity! From the energy they brought to the session to the champagne toast that ended in cheers from a bus full of strangers, their session is one we won’t soon forget.
Having photographed here, we know the Capitol Building inside and out, from the quiet corners indoors to the best spots outside. If you’re considering the Texas State Capitol Building for your own engagement photos, we’d love to guide you through it and help create a session that feels just as memorable. We know this space well and would be honored to photograph your story here, so reach out and let’s chat!
If you’d like to see more of our work, check out this beautiful and joy-filled wedding at The Milestone Mansion.
