Sekrit Theater Maternity Photos: Austin’s Most Magical Photography Location

There are photography locations, and then there is Sekrit Theater. I’ve shot at a lot of beautiful places in and around Austin over the years, but this one is genuinely in a category of its own. If you’re looking for something truly special — something that feels more like a secret garden than a public park — this is it.

What Is Sekrit Theater?

Sekrit Theater is a private event and photography venue located in East Austin. It’s not your typical park or public space — it’s a one-of-a-kind property featuring a stunning sunken greenhouse with a checkerboard floor, lush climbing vines, eclectic outdoor spaces, a vintage school bus (yes, really), and grounds that feel like you’ve stepped into another world entirely.

The best part? You get the entire property to yourself for the duration of your session. No other photographers, no strangers walking through your shots, no sharing. Just us and this incredible space.

You can learn more about the venue at sekrittheater.com.

What Makes Sekrit Theater So Special for Maternity Photos

Where do I even start?

The Greenhouse

The centerpiece of the property is a gorgeous sunken greenhouse with old windows, beautiful natural light, and that iconic black and white checkerboard floor. It’s architectural, it’s dreamy, and it photographs unlike anything else in Austin. Every time I shoot here the images look completely unique because the light changes with the season and time of day.

The Vines

This is something I get genuinely excited about. The climbing vines on the outside of the greenhouse grow differently every single season — sometimes lush and full and green, sometimes bare and skeletal and interesting in a completely different way. It means no two sessions here ever look exactly the same, even if you’ve seen a hundred Sekrit Theater photos before.

The Eclectic Outdoor Spaces

Beyond the greenhouse, the grounds are full of interesting spaces to explore — brick walls, beautiful gardens, unexpected little corners that make for incredible photos. Oh, and a vintage yellow school bus that is surprisingly photogenic.

The Privacy

This is a big one. When you book Sekrit Theater, you have exclusive access to the entire property. No other visitors, no strangers walking through your maternity session, no competing for space. It feels incredibly luxurious and makes for a completely relaxed, unhurried experience.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The cost: Sekrit Theater charges a location fee — currently $130/hour for standard sessions and $150/hour for golden hour slots. I handle the booking for you so you don’t have to navigate that process yourself. Just let me know you’re interested and I’ll take care of it.

Do you need golden hour? Honestly, in my experience — no. Because of the greenhouse shade and the lush surrounding greenery, the light at Sekrit Theater is beautiful for a wider window than most outdoor locations. I typically book an hour or two before golden hour (or after sunrise for morning sessions) and the images are stunning. I have never booked a golden hour slot here and never felt like I was missing anything.

On rescheduling: This is important to know upfront — if you need to reschedule, you will be charged again for a new slot. Sekrit Theater’s policy is firm on this. In my experience shooting here, they have been gracious in genuine emergencies (there was a tornado situation once that they handled beautifully), but for general rescheduling, plan to pay the location fee again. So lock in a date you feel confident about!

The amenities: There is a bathroom and a changing area on site with AC and running water. Seriously — for an outdoor photography location, this is an incredible perk. You can arrive comfortably, change on site, and freshen up after your session.

One thing to bring: Bug spray. The lush greenery that makes this place so beautiful also attracts mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. Bring a good bug spray and apply before your session. You’ll thank me later. 🦟

Best Time to Shoot at Sekrit Theater

Spring, summer, and fall are absolutely magical when the vines are in full growth — the greenhouse practically disappears into the greenery and the whole property feels like an enchanted garden. If this is your vision, plan your session during warmer months.

Winter offers a completely different but equally beautiful look — bare vines, architectural details, more light through the greenhouse windows. It’s stripped back and stunning in its own way.

Morning and non-golden-hour sessions work beautifully here because of the shade the greenhouse and surrounding greenery provide.

What to Wear at Sekrit Theater

This location calls for something special. The architectural and ethereal quality of the space pairs beautifully with:

• Dramatic flowy gowns — the checkerboard floor and greenhouse windows create a stunning backdrop for movement and volume
• Sheer or lacy details — the way light filters into the greenhouse makes sheer fabrics absolutely gorgeous
• Bold colors — deep jewel tones, blush, sage, deep green all look incredible against the brick and glass

If you want to borrow something from my wardrobe collection, check out the client closet here. For Sekrit Theater specifically, I always encourage clients to go a little more dramatic than they think they need to — the space can handle it.

Is Sekrit Theater Right for Your Session?

Sekrit Theater is perfect if you:

• Want something truly unique and special
• Love architectural and garden-inspired settings
• Want complete privacy during your session
• Are comfortable with a location fee on top of photography fees

It may not be the right fit if budget is a concern — the additional location cost is real. But for clients who want something extraordinary, there is truly nothing else like it in Austin.

Ready to Book Your Sekrit Theater Maternity Session?

If Sekrit Theater is calling your name, I’d love to photograph you there — and I’ll handle all the booking details so you don’t have to. View my maternity photography portfolio here or contact me to check availability.

Want to compare all of my favorite maternity locations in and around Austin? Check out my full guide to outdoor maternity photo locations in Austin.

Jen Rizy is an Austin-based maternity and newborn photographer serving Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, and the greater Austin, Texas area.