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UH | Life

15 Alternative Grad Photo Locations in Houston (Beyond UH)

Updated Published
Grace Tran Student Contributor, University of Houston
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UH chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Let’s be real — UH isn’t the ideal place to take graduation photos right now due to the ongoing construction. If you’re graduating in May, you might be in the same predicament as me: where do I take my graduation photos? Figuring that out can be hard due to the fact that popular photo spots such as the UH sign in front of the Cullen Performance Hall and the fountains aren’t exactly the most picture-esque right now.

Even if that’s the case, you shouldn’t let that hold you back from getting your graduation photos taken. Taking graduation photos is the perfect way to capture the moment when years of hard work finally pay off. Plus, Houston has plenty of beautiful and scenic places that are perfect for graduation pictures.

So don’t worry! Here are 15 picture perfect spots for graduation photos — that aren’t on campus.

graduation caps thrown in air
Photo by Vasily Koloda from Unsplash
  1. POST Houston
  2. Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park
  3. McGovern Centennial Gardens
  4. Japanese Garden
  5. Hermann Park
  6. Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens
  7. Buffalo Bayou Park
  8. Sabine Street Bridge
  9. Mercer Botanic Gardens
  10. Eleanor Tinsley Park
  11. Julia Ideson Library 
  12. Menil Park
  13. Mercer Botanical Gardens
  14. Clay Family Eastern Glades
  15. The Arches at Rice University

Take the time to celebrate how truly far you’ve come and let your light shine! If you were looking for ideas for where to take photos, hopefully this list gave you some inspiration. We’re so close Coogs, so don’t give up!

Grace Tran

UH '26

Grace Tran is a recent University of Houston graduate, aspiring writer, and passionate storyteller. She believes storytelling has the power to foster connection, challenge stigma, and help people feel seen. Gracie is passionate about mental health advocacy and encourages open, honest conversations about emotional well-being, identity, and the experiences that shape who we are.

Grace aspires to be a queer Asian Carrie Bradshaw. She writes for the wellness vertical and explores relationships, sex, mental health, identity, and the beautifully messy reality of navigating your twenties. She enjoys blending personal reflection with cultural commentary, whether she's unpacking dating trends, discussing self-growth, or examining the nuances of queer life. Her goal is to write articles that resonate with readers while offering representation, comfort, and a fresh perspective.

Grace aspires to build a career as a magazine and digital media writer, creating thoughtful, engaging stories that inform, entertain, and inspire meaningful conversations. She hopes to amplify underrepresented voices, especially within queer and Asian communities, while continuing to write stories that leave readers feeling understood, empowered, and a little less alone.

When she’s not writing, Grace is trying to navigate life as a twenty-something, collecting new experiences, and finding beauty in life's beautifully messy moments.