The Mandalay Canals in Las Colinas offer something truly rare in DFW — a European-style waterfront setting with gondolas, cobblestone walkways, and stunning reflections that photograph like nothing else in North Texas.
Las Colinas's best-kept photography secret
Most DFW residents have driven past Las Colinas without realizing what's tucked inside — a network of canals modeled after the waterways of Venice, complete with gondola rides, stone bridges, and waterfront restaurants. For photography, it's one of the most unique and transportive locations in all of North Texas.
We've shot engagement sessions here where clients thought the photos looked like they were taken in Europe. The reflection of the canal buildings in the water, the warm evening light bouncing off the stone facades, and the sense of intimacy along the walkways create an atmosphere unlike anything else in DFW.
What makes Mandalay Canals so photogenic
- European waterway aesthetic — unique in all of DFW
- Stone bridges and archways — beautiful natural frames for portraits
- Water reflections — double the visual depth in every frame
- Evening lighting from the canal restaurants — warm and romantic
- The gondolas — available for sessions with advance booking
Best time to shoot here
Golden hour to blue hour is the magic window at Mandalay. As the sun goes down and the canal lights come up, the entire setting transforms into something genuinely magical. Weekday evenings are quieter and give us more freedom to move around the walkways without crowds.
Getting there
The Mandalay Canals are located in the Las Colinas Urban Center in Irving, TX — easily accessible from Dallas, Fort Worth, and all of Collin County. Parking is available at the Canal Centre and surrounding areas.
Book a session at the Mandalay Canals
This is one of our most-requested locations for engagement sessions. Reach out and let's plan something special.