RACHEL LINDER
ATLANTA & SAVANNAH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

One of my favorite parts of being an engagement photographer in Atlanta is getting to introduce couples to Cator Woolford Gardens. Tucked away in Druid Hills, this 1920s Italian-style estate has become one of my go-to spots for engagement sessions, and for good reason.

I love Cator Woolford Gardens because there’s always something new to discover. From the sunlight filtering through the oak trees to the quiet garden paths perfect for casual walks together to those gorgeous stone fountains throughout the property, there are so many photo opportunities. While you’re just minutes from the heart of Atlanta, it honestly feels like you’re in your own little world there.

If you’re thinking about Cator Woolford Gardens engagement photos, I’m excited to share some of my favorite spots and tips I’ve picked up from photographing here!

Cator Woolford Gardens Engagement Photo Locations

When couples ask me about photo spots at Cator Woolford Gardens, I always tell them that’s one of the best parts. You get such variety without having to drive all over Atlanta. From stunning architecture to quiet garden paths, we can capture totally different looks within a short walk. I typically plan our route to hit the most photogenic spots while making sure we catch that gorgeous light in all the right places.

Here are our options for photo locations within the Gardens.

The Pavilion

This spot is honestly jaw-dropping. There’s something about those white marble columns that makes every photo look incredible. The string lights add such a nice touch, especially if we’re shooting later in the day when they start to twinkle.

The Courtyard

The stone courtyard sits at the bottom of this amazing staircase that’s perfect for photos. While it’s often used for wedding receptions, I love it for engagement sessions because we can use the stairs and surrounding architecture for some really elegant shots.

The Colonnade

This is one of my favorite spots to shoot! The pillars create these perfect frames for photos, and the way they blend with the gardens gives us that mix of structured and natural elements that looks amazing on camera.

The East Lawn

This is such a peaceful spot for more relaxed, candid photos. I often take couples here when they want some quieter moments together, and the light here in the late afternoon is absolutely beautiful.

The Hollow

This woodsy area is full of character. It’s a bit more rustic than other spots in the garden, which gives us a nice change of pace and some really natural, organic backdrops.

The Main Garden

This is where the magic happens for wedding ceremonies, but for engagement sessions, it’s perfect for those wide, sweeping shots that show off the whole property. The landscaping here is incredible—some of these plants have been here since the 1920s!

The Meadow

I love suggesting this circular lawn for more playful photos. Something about the open space just encourages couples to relax and have fun, and the surrounding trees give us beautiful filtered light throughout the day.

Best Time for Cator Woolford Gardens Engagement Photos

Picking the right time for your Cator Woolford Gardens engagement photos can make a huge difference in both your experience and your final gallery. As someone who has experience photographing couples here, I can tell you that each time of day and season brings something special to the table. While there’s no “wrong” time to shoot here, I do have some favorite spots for different times of year and lighting conditions that I’ve discovered.

Best Times of Day

Golden Hour 

If you’re flexible with timing, I always recommend scheduling your session about two hours before sunset. The gardens come alive with this incredible warm light that filters through the trees, and we can move through different spots to catch the best angles as the sun sets. Plus, it’s usually cooled off a bit by then (which is especially nice in the summertime!).

Early Morning 

Early birds, this one’s for you! Morning sessions here are actually a bit of a secret weapon. The light is soft and pretty, and the gardens are peaceful. We usually start right after sunrise to catch that gorgeous morning glow.

Seasonal Sweet Spots

Spring

Spring is probably the most popular time for photos here! The gardens are showing off with blooming azaleas and dogwoods, and the weather is usually that perfect kind of warm without being too humid. Just keep in mind that weekend dates in spring book up fast, especially in April!

Summer

Don’t let the Georgia heat scare you away! Summer sessions can be beautiful here, especially since there’s plenty of shade from those big oak trees. The gardens are lush and green, and those evening golden hour sessions give us the prettiest warm light.

Pro tip: bring a little towel and some powder for touch-ups. The Atlanta humidity is real!

Fall

Fall might actually be my personal favorite time to shoot here. The changing leaves add such beautiful color to the backgrounds, the temperature is perfect, and the autumn light has a special kind of warmth to it. October and November are particularly gorgeous, especially when the fall colors are at their peak.

Winter

Here’s a hot take: winter sessions at Cator Woolford are seriously underrated. The bare branches of the trees create these gorgeous architectural elements in photos, and the winter light can be absolutely stunning. Plus, you can wear those cozy sweaters and jackets without melting! 

Weather Considerations 

One quick note about the weather: while we’ll definitely reschedule if it’s pouring rain, don’t stress too much about overcast days. That soft, filtered light can actually be perfect for photos, and the gardens have plenty of covered spots we can use if we get a few sprinkles.

What to Wear for Your Cator Woolford Gardens Engagement Photos

Let’s talk about what to wear to really rock your Cator Woolford Gardens engagement photos! Having photographed countless engagement sessions, I’ve seen what photographs beautifully against all different types of backdrops. Most couples opt to bring two outfits: one dressier option and one more casual look.

For the Ladies 

That flowy dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion? This is your moment. Long, flowing dresses in solid colors or subtle patterns look incredible against the gardens and create beautiful movement in photos. Think soft fabrics that catch the breeze – but nothing so precious that you’ll worry about sitting on the stone steps or walking through the grass. 

Some foolproof options are a midi or maxi dress in neutral tones like sage green, dusty blue, or champagne. Or, go bold with deeper jewel tones that pop against the greenery. Just skip anything too bright or neon since those colors can reflect onto your skin in photos.

For the Guys 

Guys, you’ve got it a bit easier here! A well-fitted button-down shirt and nice pants are always a win. Navy, gray, and earth tones photograph beautifully and coordinate well with just about anything your partner might choose. 

For the dressier look, consider adding a sport coat (which you can always take off for more casual shots). For the laid-back outfit, a solid quarter-zip pullover or sweater works great. The key is making sure everything fits well. If you’re not sure about fit, err on the side of slightly more fitted rather than too loose.

Quick Tips

– Avoid tiny patterns or logos because they can create weird effects on camera.
– Iron or steam your outfits beforehand (trust me, it makes a difference!).
– Bring comfortable shoes to walk between locations. You can always swap into dressier shoes for photos.
– Consider the season! Light layers are great for spring/fall, and they give us more outfit options to play with.
– Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good, it shows in your photos!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cator Woolford Gardens Engagement Photos

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions leading up to your session.

Are there costs associated with Cator Woolford Gardens engagement photos?

One of the things I love about shooting here is that your session fee directly supports an amazing cause. The gardens charge $100/hour for photo sessions, which goes straight to the Frazer Center‘s programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. We can book up to two hours back-to-back, which gives us plenty of time to capture gorgeous photos in all the best spots.

What are Cator Woolford Gardens’ hours of operation?

While the gardens are open from sunrise to sunset daily, they host lots of private events (especially weekend weddings!), and we’ll need to officially book our photo time on their calendar. 

Once we pick a date for your session, I’ll work directly with the gardens to reserve our spot. I always try to schedule our sessions during the best light, typically closer to sunset or early morning when the gardens look extra gorgeous!

Is there parking available on-site?

Yes, there’s an on-site parking lot that fits about 90 cars. It’s super convenient, and we can easily pop back to the car if you want to change outfits or grab different shoes during your session.

Are there restrooms and changing areas within the gardens?

There aren’t any indoor facilities or restrooms available during photo sessions. I usually recommend coming dressed in your first outfit and bringing a large tote bag for outfit changes. Most couples use their car as a changing spot!

Can we bring our dog to the engagement session?

Your four-legged family member is absolutely welcome to join us! Just remember they’ll need to stay on a leash (county rules), and I recommend bringing someone along who can take them home after we get a few shots together. This way, you can fully relax for the rest of your session.

Do you also photograph Cator Woolford Gardens proposals?

Absolutely! They’re some of my favorite sessions to shoot. The gardens offer so many perfect, private spots for popping the question. I’ve got plenty of experience being “undercover” until the big moment, and then capturing all the joy that follows. 

Your Cator Woolford Gardens Engagement Photographer

I’m Rachel Linder, and after photographing couples at Cator Woolford Gardens, I can honestly say it’s one of Atlanta’s most special spots for engagement photos. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of the Pavilion or the quiet beauty of the garden paths, I’d love to help you create photos that feel natural and completely you. Ready to plan your Cator Woolford Gardens engagement session? Get in touch to check my availability!