My Top 3 Senior Picture Locations Near Lancaster PA | Recommended by a Lancaster PA Senior Picture Photographer

My Top 3 Favorite Senior Picture Locations from the Class of 2026

Choosing the right location is one of the most exciting parts of planning your senior pictures. The location is a reflection of you in this exciting time of life. Different places can create different moods and vibes, and I love helping seniors find a spot that feels like them. From my Class of 2026 senior picture sessions in this past year, these three locations have completely stolen my heart. They’re beautiful, unique, and full of personality, but they also each come with a few scheduling and booking details that are helpful to know ahead of time.

Here’s why each location made my top three and what you need to know if you want to book a session at one of them.

1. Historic Shady Lane | Manchester PA

Historic Shady Lane is one of the most stunning venues in the York PA area and it easily earned itself the title of one of my all-time favorite senior picture locations. The gorgeous mansion, ivy covered stone walls, bridges over the small creek, and wide open spaces make every inch of this place feel special. My two favorite spots here are the greenhouse and the white pillared bandstand. The greenhouse has that soft, glowing light that makes portraits look dreamy and editorial. The bandstand adds this classic, timeless charm that I love photographing. Plus there are gorgeous stone steps leading to the bandstand so it's got a magical feel.

What to know about booking

Historic Shady Lane is a wedding venue, which means weddings take priority over portrait sessions. Most weekends are unavailable for senior photos, so weekday evening sessions work best here. The venue also requires advance bookings and has a rental fee of $79.50 per hour.

If this location is at the top of your list, we’ll want to reach out to their coordinator to make sure we can reserve the date you want.

2. Country Joy Flowers | Elizabethtown PA

Country Joy Flowers is a flower lover’s dream. For the second year in a row, this senior picture location in Elizabethtown PA has made it's way onto my favorite locations list. The farm is full flowers including hydrangeas, sunflowers, dahlias, and so many other seasonal blooms. There’s also a vintage truck, a small greenhouse, and my favorite feature, the eucalyptus hoop barn, which creates such a fun and unique backdrop. As it is in direct sun, this location is best during golden hour and can offer a beautiful sky.

One of the reasons this location feels so special is that Country Joy limits the number of photographers allowed at one time. Many flower fields get overcrowded, but this farm keeps things peaceful and intimate which makes for a relaxed, enjoyable session.

What to know about booking

Country Joy Flowers offers three rental options:
• 30 minutes for $30
• 60 minutes for $50
• 2 hours for $90

They require insurance from photographers which I already have, so you’re covered there. Reservations are required and fill up quickly, especially in peak bloom months. Sessions take place Tuesday through Saturday in the evenings, so planning ahead is important if this is the location you want.

3. Moonstone Manor | Elizabethtown PA

Moonstone Manor is another breathtaking wedding venue with gorgeous architecture and natural beauty. There’s the elegant mansion, the fountain, landscaped walkways, and a creek that runs across the property. Like Historic Shady Lane, it offers the perfect mix of structure and nature. And if you’re up for a little adventure, getting into the creek for photos always provides some of my favorites shots.

What to know about booking

Because Moonstone Manor is a wedding venue, weekends are usually off limits for portrait sessions. Weekdays work best, and sessions need to be booked ahead of time. The outdoor property rental fee is $79.50 per hour. If you want to use the inside of the manor as well, the rental is $159 per hour for access to both indoors and outdoors.

Moonstone Manor also requires photographers to be a registered PA business with insurance. I meet both of those requirements, so everything is already taken care of on my end.

If you’re a high school student near Lancaster PA and want senior pictures at one of these stunning locations, I would love to help you plan the perfect senior picture session. I have a full location guide, a style guide, and plenty of tips to help you feel confident and excited every step of the way. I'm ready to do this whenever you are.

Lancaster PA Senior Picture Photographer and Portrait Photographer

Serving Lancaster PA and surrounding Central PA areas