If you have been looking for places for a photo session in Madrid, chances are Retiro Park has come up more than once. And for good reason. I photograph there regularly, I love it, and there is a reason it is one of the first places people think of when they imagine family photos in Madrid.

But one of the things I love about Madrid is that we can always count on more options.

There are beautiful gardens, quiet corners, historic buildings and completely different neighbourhoods all over the city, and sometimes choosing somewhere other than the obvious location can make a photo session feel that little bit more personal.

So, if you are planning a family photo session in Madrid and would like to look beyond Retiro, here are four places I really like.

El Capricho

El Capricho is probably the first place I would suggest if you are looking for somewhere beautiful but a little removed from the usual Madrid sightseeing route.

I have photographed family sessions here and absolutely loved it. The park is full of little corners that work beautifully for photographs, from tree-lined paths and greenery to more architectural backgrounds. It feels quite different from Retiro, and because it is not usually as busy, there is more room to let the session unfold naturally.

And that is particularly nice with families. Children can walk, run, explore and generally do what children do, while we move around and see what catches our eye. I don't like making a family session feel like a list of places where everyone has to stop and pose, so having plenty of different little spots within the same location is a big plus.

The light changes throughout the park too, which gives us lots to work with. And because I tend to scout locations on the actual day of a session, rather than deciding everything weeks in advance, I can adapt to where the light is nicest and what is happening around us.

If you want beautiful Madrid family photos without feeling like you are in the middle of the main tourist route, El Capricho is a very good option.

Campo del Moro

Campo del Moro has a completely different feel again.

The gardens sit just below the Royal Palace, so you get beautiful views and a very recognisable Madrid backdrop, but without the enormous scale of Retiro. There are formal gardens, greenery, paths and plenty of space to move around.

It does get visitors, of course, but in my experience it feels much less overwhelming than some of the more popular areas of Retiro. For a family or couple photo session, that can make quite a difference.

I also like the combination of the gardens with the Royal Palace in the background. You get that feeling of being very clearly in Madrid without necessarily having to photograph the same city landmarks everyone has already seen a hundred times.

For families who want greenery but also want a little bit more of the city's history and architecture in their photographs, Campo del Moro is definitely worth considering.

Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens and Jardines de Herreros Palacios

Now, a small disclaimer here: I haven't photographed a family session in these specific spots. I visited them recently and had the chance to explore them a little and fell in love with how almost private they feel (at least on a weekday), while having such charming corners.

Another disclaimer is that both of these gardens are inside Retiro, but they feel like their own little world. Cecilio Rrodríguez Gardens are more formal and enclosed, with beautiful greenery, paths and plenty of lovely details to use as backgrounds. Just before you reach them, you'll also find the Jardines de Herreros Palacios, which have some really cute corners and interesting little spots that could work beautifully for a photo session.

And then there are the peacocks.

When I visited, there were several wandering around, and the families and children there were absolutely fascinated by them. I can already imagine how much fun that could add to a family session. Of course, animals have their own plans and I would never promise a peacock appearance, but if they happen to wander into our path, I am definitely taking the opportunity.

One thing I would say is that I wouldn't describe these gardens as completely empty. I visited on a weekend afternoon and there were quite a few people around. Like anywhere in Madrid, the day and time you choose makes a difference.

I definitely want to go back and explore this part of Retiro properly. There is more here than I managed to photograph on this visit, and I think both the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens and the Jardines de Herreros Palacios could be lovely options for a future family session.

Quinta de los Molinos

Quinta de los Molinos is another location I really enjoy for family photography in Madrid, and I have already photographed sessions there.

What I like about it is that it has a very different personality depending on the time of year. The landscape changes considerably with the seasons, so the same location can look completely different from one session to another.

There are wide paths, trees, open spaces and lots of room for children to move around, which makes it a good choice for families who don't want a very structured session. I can follow the family rather than having everyone constantly stop for photographs, which is always my preference.

It also feels a little removed from the classic Madrid postcard locations. You are still very much in the city, but the photographs don't necessarily scream "we were at the famous place everyone visits", which can be lovely if you want something a little more relaxed and personal.

And, as with all my sessions, I like to see what the location is giving us on the day. The season, the light, the weather and even what is happening around us can completely change how I photograph the same place.

So, should you still have your family photos in Retiro?

Absolutely.

I really do love photographing families in Retiro. There is an incredible variety of backgrounds, beautiful light, huge trees, little paths, water, architecture and enough space to make every session feel different. It is popular for a reason.

But if you are visiting Madrid and would like something a little different, don't feel that Retiro is your only option.

El Capricho, Campo del Moro, Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens and Quinta de los Molinos all have their own personality, and choosing the right one really depends on what you are looking for. Some are better for a quieter atmosphere, some give you more architecture, some are particularly fun with children, and sometimes it simply comes down to which part of Madrid you would like to discover.

That is one of my favourite things about being a photographer in Madrid. I can help you choose a location that works for your family, rather than simply sending you to the most obvious spot.

And if you already have somewhere else in mind, tell me. I am always curious to explore another corner of Madrid.

Planning a family trip to Madrid? Get in touch and let's find a location that feels right for your family.