13 Beautiful 40th Birthday Photoshoot Ideas (2025)

Looking for standout, beautiful 40th birthday photoshoot ideas? Your 40th birthday is a special one, that’s for certain. You’ve gotten past the point of caring so much about what others think of you, and instead, you care more about what you think of yourself. So to continually remind yourself of how amazing you are, why not commemorate your milestone by doing a beautiful 40th birthday photoshoot? Keep reading to discover a dozen beautiful 40th birthday photoshoot ideas that will capture your heart.

The keyword here is “beautiful.” Nowadays, families and individuals do photoshoots to remember each and every holiday and special occasion, but your 40th is a big deal. Make it stand out by taking your photos in a truly beautiful setting — and not one of the predictable places that folks stage their pics. Rather, consider renting a special Peerspace venue for the day and take those photos somewhere to remember forever. Peerspace can connect you to thousands of venues in hundreds of cities in several countries around the world, so you’re bound to find something that makes you feel truly happy. A dozen of which we’ll share with you ahead. Enjoy, and happy birthday!

1. Behold the glory of Red Rocks on a ranch in Sedona

Check out this conscious living ranch in the heart of Sedona! From the grounds of the mansion, you can see the gorgeous Red Rock formations that are at the top of so many bucket list vacation destinations. When you book this ranch through Peerspace, you get to enjoy the home itself and its beautiful exterior grounds.

The venue can accommodate 100 people, so you may want to take pictures and host your birthday party all in one stunning space. One thing we know for sure is you will want those red mountains to feature prominently in your photos and your memory.

2. Venture to Oklahoma City and an inspired Gatsby getaway

Should you happen to spend your 40th in Oklahoma City, OK, you could rent this over-the-top and breathtaking villa. Known as “Gatsby’s Gem”, this home’s lavish interior is modern and minimal, with luxury decor and furnishings.

But for the purposes of a beautiful 40th birthday photoshoot, you might be more drawn to the stunning exterior, which boasts a courtyard, a landscaped garden, and a pool. In fact, you may want to stick around after your shoot and book this space as your 40th birthday party venue! Imagine hosting a lavish dinner party here with all of your nearest and dearest.

You’ll definitely feel like one of the big-money players from The Great Gatsby when you book this stunning gem!

3. Marvel at stunning foliage in an NYC commercial space

For your 40th, if you can, by all means hop a private jet to the Mediterranean. If, however, you’re to remain stateside in New York City, book this lush but industrial restaurant for your photoshoot. It’s so pretty inside, you might want to stay and host your party there as well. So much natural light pours in that you likely won’t even need pro lighting gear — unless you want it, of course. It is, after all, your birthday!

A producer who booked this space for a production shared the following Peerspace review: “Space was as advertised. Great looking location. Shoot went off without a Hitch. Very Friendly team.”

Speaking of parties, check out these memorable 40th birthday party ideas to make the most of this amazing milestone!

4. Cozy up in a naturally lit creative studio in the Little Apple

Nothing says hygge like a studio reminiscent of Scandinavian design in Minneapolis. Decorated with natural materials in calming colors, this bright industrial warehouse is simply beautiful. We love the high ceilings, white walls, wooden floors, and amazing windows that bathe the space with sunlight. It’s just a pleasant, quaint place to stage your photos and to demonstrate just how blissful 40 finds you.

It also boasts tons of glowing Peerspace reviews! Like this one: “A beautiful space with lots of natural light. Kitty was so helpful with giving detailed instructions for entering the space and answering all my questions leading up to my rental period. Strongly recommend booking this studio!”

5. Create unforgettable memories in a gorgeous NOLA cottage

You can still be young at heart when turning the big 4-0, and the vivacity of New Orleans will never let you down. But face it, you’re statelier now, so you should consider taking your photos in this historical side hall Creole cottage to reflect your strength and wisdom. The home’s multiple rooms are simply exquisite — complete with all the ornateness that you could hope for from a Marigny booking. This is a highly Instagrammable property and an excellent selection for your photoshoot.

“This was a gorgeous space,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “Very easy communication and accessible. 10/10 would book again”.

6. Picture yourself at this art gallery in San Francisco

San Francisco has something for everyone, and this Telegraph Hill art gallery is no exception. To make your followers and family oooh and ahhhh over your beautiful 40th birthday photos, stage a photoshoot here in front of the piano or an artist’s lovely creation. A greenscreen, lighting, and backdrops are provided with the booking, and rumor has it that there’s a speakeasy nearby.

In the words of a Peerspace review: “This space was perfect for our filmed interview shoot! Chris was incredibly accommodating and responsive and the space was beautiful. Highly recommend!”

7. Go big at a historic Las Vegas mansion

At 40 years old, you might or might not be familiar with the wonder that is Liberace. He was — and some would say he remains — one of the most flamboyant and extravagant personalities of all time. For most of his performing life, the virtuoso played piano and resided in Las Vegas. On Peerspace, you can rent Liberace’s mansion.

This residence is nothing shy of amazing. It’s overflowing with Liberace’s glitz and glam. It’s also brimming with history — the celebrities who attended galas there include Ginger Rogers, Dolly Parton, and many, many more. This fantastic property is usually rented for larger-scale events, but there’s nothing that says you can’t have a truly beautiful 40th photoshoot at this historic and memorable wonder. Your Instagram followers are going to drool.

8. Grab drinks at an over-the-top botanical bar in London

Botanical paradise are the words we’d use to describe this stunning venue, where you could shoot incredibly beautiful birthday pictures. Peerspace has an international presence, and this London booking is right up there at the top of the visually stunning list. It’s a phenomenal place to shoot those photos if you’re on that side of the Pond. Think brocade padded seats, wisteria-draped ceilings, crystal glassware, and top, top, top-shelf liquor bottles for your background.

Planning someone special’s 40th? Then check out these creative 40th birthday gift ideas to wow them!

9. Sit back and relax at a modern Silicon Valley gem

If your style is more minimalistic and less over-the-top glam, this airy and luxurious residence in Los Altos Hills would be a fabulous place to shoot your beautiful 40th birthday photos. There’s no shortage of natural light streaming through the huge glass windows and walls, and modern metal accents throughout. The kitchen is bright white and immaculate. The outdoor patio overlooking the rolling hills is truly amazing and provides a space for reflective images.

But don’t just take our word for it, check out the amazing Peerspace reviews this home gets! Here is one example: “Immaculate, roomy, and boasts breathtaking vistas! We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect location!”

10. Make history at a pretty Philadelphia art gallery

Just a few blocks from the Liberty Bell, this art gallery is available to be rented hourly through Peerspace. It would make a lovely setting for your birthday photoshoot. The booking includes amenities like street parking, tables, and chairs, but if there’s anything else you need to source, contact the venue’s dedicated host, Zash. Like all Peerspace hosts, he can help you find vendors local to your venue, including everything from catering to A/V gear. Keep your photoshoot beautiful and ditch the stress by using your own concierge service!

And don’t forget to read reviews of this beautiful gallery. We especially love this one from a Peerspace user who held their own birthday party here: “I celebrated my 64th birthday here and it was unbelievable. Everyone had a great time, the staff was very friendly and helpful. My friends were so impressed with the gallery. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a great place to have a celebration of any sort this would be the ideal place to have it. I applaud you.”

11. Take a trip to Kansas for an exceptional dome home

If you’re going to Kansas City, consider taking your beautiful 40th birthday photoshoot in this elegant dome-shaped house. It was built in 1968 by an engineer named Bob D. Campbell, who is known for fantastic structural designs. The Campbell Dome House is decorated in a mid-century modern aesthetic, and there’s a courtyard full of mature tropical plants. As a bonus, there’s an in-ground swimming pool. If this sounds like your style, the home is available by the hour through Peerspace.

Unsurprisingly, this one-of-a-kind home enjoys equally stellar reviews! “Find a reason to rent the Campbell Dome House! This space is awesome and Jeffery is a great host.”

12. Enjoy Tudor luxury and acres of green space in Atlanta

Say you’re an outdoorsy person but you don’t want to shoot your 40th birthday pictures in a typical city park or botanical garden. This Atlanta acreage is the solution. Located in Decatur, the four-acre outdoor space includes a forest, gardens, a water feature, stonework, and a lake. You could use any of those as a beautiful natural background for your memorable pictures. The space is so vast that it offers countless opportunities for relaxed poses that reflect your laid-back personality. You can also enjoy the interior, which just happens to be a British-style luxury Tudor mansion!

13. Enjoy a lifestyle shoot in Chicago to show off your natural beauty

We love the idea of 40th birthday photoshoot ideas that let you celebrate, well, you! And that’s exactly what you get when you book this Wicker Park natural light studio in Chicago. It offers you plenty of furniture, backdrops, and props to utilize in your birthday shoot. And all that natural light streaming through the window will help show the world just how amazing you still look at the young age of 40.

Just check out what a professional photographer shared in a Peerspace review for this studio: “I love this studio! I come here several times a month and all my clients love the space.”

Peerspace brings 40th birthday photoshoot ideas to life

We hope you’re inspired by this list of 40th birthday photoshoot ideas to get out there and book your own photoshoot session. And when you do, be sure to book a stunning photoshoot location on Peerspace to bring it all together. Remember, with Peerspace, you not only get to book beautiful hidden gem spaces quickly and easily, but you can also rely on your venue’s local host to maximize your booking with extras. Catering, staffing, costumes, furnishings, you name it, they have your back.

Find unique photoshoot locations on Peerspace