What is Eden Gardens State Park?
Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, just minutes from the beaches of 30A, offers one of my favorite photography backdrops along the Emerald Coast. If you’re looking for a setting that isn’t the beach, this is one of my favorite alternatives. I recently captured a stunning maternity session here and I’m excited to share the experience, along with everything you need to know about planning your own Eden State Park photography session.
A look into this Maturity Session
This maternity shoot felt truly special. The mama-to-be wanted something different than the typical white sand backdrop, so we choose here. This session was shot in the spring time, so all the flowers and greenery looked amazing.











Eden Gardens State Park Photography Rules & Booking Info
Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, just minutes from the beaches of 30A, offers one of my favorite photography backdrops along the Emerald Coast. If you’re looking for a setting that isn’t the beach, this is one of my favorite alternatives. I recently captured a stunning maternity session here and I’m excited to share the experience, along with everything you need to know about planning your own Eden State Park photography session.
What you need to know.
Before jumping into the session highlights, here are some important things to know:
📍 Eden State Park Photography Map Access
The park is located at 181 Eden Gardens Road in Santa Rosa Beach. It’s easy to navigate, and there are plenty of scenic spots. Check the park map near the entrance or online ahead of time so you can plan your route.
💲 Eden State Park Photography Cost
The entrance fee is $4 per vehicle. Professional photography sessions require a permit. The permit is easy to secure and I handle this as part of my service. It helps support the park and keeps this space well-maintained for future sessions. Keep in mind there is a waiting period to get a permit, so these sessions need to be booked in advance.
📸 Booking Your Eden State Park Shoot
Here’s what goes into booking:
-
- I’ll coordinate the date and time and take care of the permit request
-
- Shoots are best during golden hour (sunrise or sunset)
-
- Dogs are allowed at Eden Gardens State Park, so if you want your pet to be apart of your photos, this is a great venue for that.
A Bit of History
If you’re a history lover, you’ll appreciate that Eden Gardens State Park was once part of the historic Wesley homestead, built in 1897. The home itself is open for tours and full of vintage Florida charm. It’s another reason this park stands out from typical photo locations.