PHOTOGRAPHY
My Favorite Engagement Photo Locations Around Puget Sound
If you're trying to decide where to take your engagement, couples, or family photos, you're in the right place.
As a Seattle area photographer, I've spent years photographing couples throughout Puget Sound, and I've learned that the right location can completely change the feel of your images. Some couples love mountain views, others want beaches, forests, or a spot that feels like the city. The best location is the one that feels like you.
Every place on this list is somewhere I've photographed myself and confidently recommend to my clients. I'll also share what makes each location unique, the best time of year to visit, and the types of sessions that work especially well there.
If you're one of my couples, don't worry about narrowing it down before we talk. I'll help you choose a location that fits your vision, the season, and the overall feel you want for your photos.
How to Choose the Right location
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "Where should we take our photos?"
The answer depends on what you love.
Do you picture yourselves walking along the beach at sunset? Exploring a forest trail? Watching the city lights come on? Maybe you want mountain views or somewhere that's quiet and a little off the beaten path.
When I help couples choose a location, I think about more than just the scenery. I also consider the season, how busy the location will be, where the best light is, and how much walking is involved. My goal is to recommend a place where you can relax, have fun together, and end up with photos that feel natural.
For the Romantic & Elegant
1. Green Lake Park
Green Lake is one of my favorite locations when couples want a little bit of everything without driving far from the Seattle. During the session, we can photograph along the water, under tall evergreens, on the walking paths, and in open grassy areas that glow during golden hour.
I especially love recommending Green Lake in the spring and fall when the crowds are a little lighter and the colors are beautiful.
Best for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Family photos
Best time of day:
About two hours before sunset.
2. Grand Forest, Bainbridge Island
If you're drawn to the quiet beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Grand Forest is such a fun place to explore together. The towering evergreens, winding trails, and soft light filtering through the trees create a peaceful setting that lets the two of you be the focus.
One of the things I love most about photographing here is how relaxed it feels. You're not surrounded by crowds or distractions, so it's easy to settle in, enjoy the walk, and forget the camera is even there. Those are usually the moments that end up being my favorites.
If you're already planning a day on Bainbridge Island, adding an engagement session is the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the adventure together.
Great for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Anniversary sessions
Photographer Tip: Earth tones and soft neutrals look especially beautiful against the rich greens of the forest.
3. Saltwater State Park,
Des Moines
If you can't decide between the beach and the forest, Saltwater State Park gives you both. One minute we're walking beneath tall evergreens, and the next we're along the shoreline with views across Puget Sound.
I love recommending this location because every session feels a little different. Depending on the tide, the weather, and the season, the scenery changes just enough to make each gallery unique.
It's especially beautiful in the evening when the light begins reflecting across the water.
Best for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Family sessions
Photographer Tip: Check the tide schedule before your session. A lower tide gives us more shoreline to explore.
Ideal for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Family sessions
Photographer Tip: Check the tide schedule before your session. A lower tide gives us more shoreline to explore.
4. Alki Beach
If you love being near the water but still want the Seattle skyline in your photos, Alki Beach is one of my favorite recommendations. It has a relaxed, coastal feel while still showing off one of the city's best views.
Sunset is when this location really shines. As the sky changes color and the city lights begin to come on, everything feels a little more magical.
If you're the kind of couple who enjoys walking hand in hand, grabbing ice cream afterward, or simply watching the waves together, Alki makes for such a fun evening.
Best for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Surprise proposals
Photographer Tip: Weekday evenings are usually much quieter than weekends, especially during the summer.
5. Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
Point Defiance is one of my favorite locations for couples who want options. Between the forest trails, waterfront views, gardens, and beaches, it almost feels like photographing in several different parks during one session.
It's especially beautiful in the spring and summer when everything is green, but I also love it in the fall when the trees begin changing colors.
Because there's so much variety, it's easy to create a gallery that feels unique without spending the entire session driving from place to place.
Good for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Family sessions
Nature lovers
Couples who want a variety of backdrops in one location
Photographer Tip:
Plan for a little extra time. Point Defiance is a large park with so many beautiful spots to explore, and allowing a few extra minutes between locations helps us create a gallery with incredible variety without feeling rushed.
I like this tip because it's something only a photographer who's worked there would naturally mention. It also subtly reinforces that you're intentionally planning the session to maximize your clients' experience, which fits your brand well.
For the Adventurous & Wild at Heart
6. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is one of those places that immediately reminds you why so many people fall in love with Washington. The waterfall is breathtaking, but there are also wooded trails and overlooks that add variety to your gallery.
Because it's such a popular destination, I usually recommend scheduling weekday sessions whenever possible. We have more room to move around, and it's easier to create photos that feel relaxed and natural.
If you don't mind a little mist from the falls, it's absolutely worth the trip.
Ideal for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Visitors wanting a true Pacific Northwest backdrop
Photographer Tip: Bring a light jacket, even in the summer. The air near the falls is often cooler than expected.
7. Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham
Whatcom Falls feels like one of Washington's hidden treasures. Between the historic stone bridge, rushing waterfalls, and forest trails, it offers so much variety without feeling busy.
It's one of my favorite places for couples who love nature but don't necessarily want mountain views or the beach. The scenery is timeless, and every season brings something different.
You'll definitely get your steps in here, but it's well worth it.
Best for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Adventure-loving pairs
Photographer Tip: Comfortable shoes are always a good idea since we'll be walking between several beautiful spots.
8. University of Washington Cherry Blossom Courtyard
For a few weeks every spring, this courtyard becomes one of the most beautiful places in the city. The cherry blossoms create an incredible backdrop that's soft, romantic, and unlike anything else around Washington.
Because the bloom only lasts a short time, timing is everything. I always keep a close eye on the blossoms each year so we can plan your session when they're looking their best.
It's popular for good reason, but with a little planning, it's absolutely worth it.
Good for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Spring portraits
Photographer Tip: Sunrise sessions are the best way to enjoy the blossoms before the crowds arrive.
9. Discovery Park
If you're looking for variety, Discovery Park is hard to beat. It's one of the locations I recommend most often because it gives us so many different backdrops in one session. We can start in the forest, walk through open meadows, and finish near the lighthouse with sweeping views of Puget Sound.
Because the park is so large, it never feels overly crowded, even during busy seasons. If you don't mind a little walking, it's a fantastic choice for couples who want their gallery to feel adventurous while still staying close to the city.
Nice for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Surprise proposals
Photographer Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. We'll walk a bit, but the variety of scenery is absolutely worth it.
10. Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park has one of the most recognizable views in the city, but it's also one of the most unique. Between the industrial structures, open lawns, and skyline views across Lake Union, it has a personality all its own.
I often recommend this location to couples who want something that feels a little more modern and a little less traditional.
The sunsets here are hard to beat, especially when the city begins reflecting across the water.
Best for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Iconic City Views
Photographer Tip: It's often breezy, so keep that in mind when choosing your outfit or hairstyle.
For the Chic & Classic
11. Willows Lodge
If you're looking for something elegant without feeling overly formal, Willows Lodge is one of my favorite hidden gems. The beautiful grounds, gardens, and charming architecture create a timeless backdrop that's beautiful in every season.
It's especially wonderful for couples who want a quieter setting with a refined, romantic feel.
Every corner of the property photographs beautifully, making it easy to create a gallery with lots of variety.
Great for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Anniversary sessions
Photographer Tip: Weekdays tend to be quieter, giving us more flexibility as we move around the property.
12. Downtown Sumner
Downtown Sumner has such a welcoming small-town charm. Between the historic brick buildings, tree-lined streets, murals, and local storefronts, it's perfect for couples who want their photos to feel relaxed and personal.
One of my favorite things about photographing here is that we can easily mix urban textures with nearby parks and greenery, giving your gallery plenty of variety.
If coffee dates and strolling through downtown sound like your kind of afternoon, you'll probably love this location.
Nice for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Lifestyle sessions
Photographer Tip: Early evenings usually have the nicest light while still keeping the downtown feeling lively.
13. Seahurst Park
Seahurst Park is one of those places that surprises people. It has beautiful shoreline views, driftwood, forest trails, and plenty of quiet corners that make it easy to focus on each other instead of everything happening around you.
I love recommending it to couples who want beach photos without some of the larger crowds you'll find at other waterfront locations.
Sunset is always my favorite time here.
Good for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Family sessions
Photographer Tip: If you're comfortable walking on the beach, bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
14. Lake Wilderness Park
Lake Wilderness Park is one of my favorite local locations because it offers so much variety in a relatively small area. Between the lake, wooded trails, docks, and open grassy spaces, it's easy to create a gallery that feels natural and timeless.
It's also a wonderful option if you want beautiful scenery without driving too far from home.
No matter the season, there's always something here that catches my eye.
Ideal for:
Engagement sessions
Couples
Family sessions
Photographer Tip: Fall colors here are especially beautiful if you're hoping for warm autumn tones in your photos.
Which Location Feels Most Like You?
The truth is, there isn't one perfect place for photos. The best location is the one that reflects who you are as a couple.
Some people are drawn to the mountains, while others picture themselves walking along the beach, exploring a quiet forest trail, or watching the Seattle skyline light up at sunset. That's why I don't expect my couples to have everything figured out before we meet.
One of my favorite parts of the planning process is helping you choose a location that fits your personalities, the season, and the overall feel you want your photos to have. Sometimes it's one of the places on this list. Other times, it's somewhere completely different that has special meaning to the two of you.
Wherever we end up, my goal is always the same. I want you to walk away with more than beautiful photos.
I want you to have an experience you'll genuinely enjoy and images that bring you right back to this season of your life every time you look at them.
If you're ready to start planning your engagement, couples, or family session, I'd love to help you find the perfect location.
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Thank you so much for considering me to be your wedding photographer! Once you fill out and send this form, I’ll check my availability for your wedding date and get back to you. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure I can provide every couple with the exceptional experience they deserve.
It’s also important to me that we’re the perfect match, so the next step will be a quick phone call to get to know each other better and see if we’re a great fit!
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