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14+ Best Photo Spots in Puget Sound

April 5, 2021

Wow! As a Washington wedding and elopement photographer, do I ever feel lucky to live in Puget Sound!

There’s no shortage of stunning backdrops and photo spots, whether you’re taking engagement photos, proposal photos, elopement photos, wedding photos, senior photos—you name it! From cool cityscapes to breathtaking natural scenery, the Puget Sound region has it all!

Where is Puget Sound?

Puget Sound is a region in the Pacific Northwest of Washington State. This area is known for its dynamic landscape and natural beauty with an abundance of bays, peninsulas, islands, flora, and fauna.

The Puget Sound region encompasses several communities. This includes the urban centers of Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett, as well as several other cities, counties, and islands. 

The Best Photo Spots in Puget Sound

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing happy couples in several of Puget Sound’s best photo spots, and I’d love to share them with you! There are also a few that I’d still love to check off my list—so if you’re looking for a Puget Sound photographer to capture your love is all its uniqueness, let’s chat

Green Lake Park, Seattle

Green Lake is a freshwater lake in Seattle, and the surrounding Park is beautiful! With a gorgeous body of water, plenty of green space, and countless species of trees and plants, it’s the perfect place for a photoshoot. I especially love all the little alcoves that act as a lovely variety of backdrops.

A handsome man kisses his partner's hand as they walk together during a photoshoot in Green Lake Park, Seattle.

If you’re able to visit in the fall, you’re in for a real treat, because the colors are incredible! 

Grand Forest, Bainbridge Island

Grand Forest on Bainbridge Island is decorated with bridges and trails that are perfect for a photoshoot. 

A woman with long red hair wearing a white dress and a flower crown looks down at her partner as he lifts her up in Grand Forest, Bainbridge Island, one of the best photo spots in Puget Sound.

Walk amongst impressive maples, cedars, firs and other greenery, then make your way to the nearby beach for a different but equally beautiful backdrop. 

Saltwater State Park, Des Moines

With a combination of both forest and ocean views, Saltwater State Park in Des Moines is a tough photo spot to beat! 

A man and woman hold each other during an engagement photoshoot in Saltwater State Park, Des Moines, with Puget Sound photographer Adina Stiles Photography.

One of my favorite things about photoshoots in Puget Sound is how many spots offer a variety of landscapes within a short walk. Saltwater State Park is a perfect example, with lush forests just steps away from driftwood-adorned beaches.

Alki Beach, Seattle

Another elopement photo hotspot in Seattle is Alki Beach

A couple kisses in front of the Seattle skyline at Alki Beach during a photo session with Adina Stiles Photography.

If the idea of taking photos on a rugged, rocky beach or picturesque dock with views of the ocean and Seattle skyline behind you sounds cool, then Alki Beach is the perfect place! It’s an amazing Puget Sound photo spot if you’re looking for an unbeatable mix of city and nature views, and definitely one of my favorites!

Point Defiance Park, Tacoma 

I absolutely love the many interesting backdrops that can be found in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. 

A man kisses his finace's hand while taking engagement photos at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, a beautiful photo spot in Puget Sound.

Ocean beaches, green walkways, cultured gardens, views of Mount Rainier, quaint gazebos and bridges, reflective ponds…Point Defiance Park has it all! It’s no surprise that it’s one of the best photo spots in Puget Sound.

Lake Wilderness Park, Maple Valley

Another naturally beautiful place for photos in Puget Sound is Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley. 

A man lifts his girlfriend as they kiss in Lake Wilderness Park, Maple Valley, while Puget Sound photographer Adina Stiles captures the moment.

With a lake, flowers, a forest, grassy fields, and scenic gardens, you can easily find an assortment of views all in one place. It’s a breathtaking place, and one of the photo spots in Puget Sound that I shoot at the most! 

Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham

Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham is like a scene from a fantasy movie! 

A man in a button-up shirt and woman in a red plaid shirt holding white flowers pose for engagement photos with Adina Stiles photography in Whatcom Falls Parks, Bellingham.

With a picture-perfect, old train trellis bridge all covered in moss and waterfalls that you can practically stand in, all nestled in a lush forest, Whatcom Falls Park is truly a sight to behold.

University of Washington Cherry Blossom Courtyard, Seattle 

As you can probably guess from the name, the University of Washington Cherry Blossom Courtyard is filled with cherry trees. When they bloom in the spring, it’s enough to take your breath away! 

A couple stands together in front of a beautiful cherry blossom tree at the University of Washington Cerry Blossom Courtyard in Seattle, one of the most popular photo spots in the Puget Sound.

With an undeniably romantic vibe, this UW courtyard is a very popular photo spot for mini weddings, elopement photos, and engagement photos. The peak bloom is usually in early April.

Discovery Park, Seattle

The largest city park in Seattle, Discovery Park, is the perfect place for photos of you and your sweetheart! 

A picturesque lighthouse along the beach in Discovery Park, Seattle, which is also one of the best photo spots in Puget Sound.

With classic Puget Sound views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, beaches, cliffs, forests, and more, Discovery Park does not disappoint. Don’t forget to visit the eye-catching lighthouse which adds an element of interest to any photo.

Gas Works Park, Seattle

Gas Works Park in Seattle offers an interesting combination of industrial and natural backdrops. Located on Lake Union, the park is decorated with green space and pieces from the former gasification plant that once stood here. 

The unique structures and history make it a popular place for photos in Puget Sound.

Willows Lodge, Woodinville

Willows Lodge in Woodinville is a gorgeous place for photos and events in Puget Sound, from large weddings to micro-weddings and elopements. Plus, you and your guests can stay right on the premise, which is so convenient! 

A newlywed couple kisses in front of beautiful gardens during their wedding Willows Lodge in Woodinville while Puget Sound wedding photographer Adina Stiles captures the moment.

I love when a venue offers it all—a place to sleep, get ready, have the ceremony, take photos, dine, and party. It’s such a time-saver and helps make your special day stress-free! 

Downtown Sumner

A couple smiles at each other as they walk hand-in-hand in downtown Sumner, a great place for a photoshoot in Puget Sound.

The downtown area of the City of Sumner is so quaint and picturesque! Brick buildings, mature trees, and cute lamp posts are framed by Mount Rainier in the distance. It’s an especially lovely place for engagement photos, as you and your sweetie enjoy a day out on the town.

Seahurst Park, Burien

Seahurst Park is another popular Puget Sound photo spot, with good reason! 

A couple sits on the beach together, smiling, at Seahurst Park in Burien for a Puget Sound photo session.

Beaches, ocean views, forests…what more could you need? Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for some incredible wildlife while you’re there! 

Boulevard Park, Bellingham

Boulevard Park in Bellingham is one that you have to see to believe! The long bridge that crosses the bay is the perfect spot for one-of-a-kind photos and sparks so much creativity. 

A couple stands on a bridge together for engagement photos in Boulevard Park, Bellingham, Washington.

It’s a photographer’s dream!

More incredible photo spots in and around Puget Sound

Here are some other beautiful places to take photos in Puget Sound that are worth checking out!

  • Kelly Park, Seattle
  • Paradise wildflower meadows
  • Pike Place Market, Seattle
  • Post Alley, Seattle
  • Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island
  • Seward Park, Seattle
  • Isaac Evans Park, Auburn
  • Marysville tulip and daffodil fields
  • Rockwood Farm, Snoqualmie
  • Canon Beach, Oregon 
  • Hug Point, Oreon
  • Sagle, Idaho
  • Thompson Falls, Montana
  • Snoqualmie Falls/Snoqualmie Falls Theatre
  • Snoqualmie Pass
  • Dash Point Park, Tacoma
  • Friday Harbor / Roach Harbor, San Juans
  • Gig Harbor
  • North Bend and Mount Si
  • Poo Poo Point, Issaquah
  • Franklin Ghost Town and Falls
  • Nolte State Park, Enumclaw
  • Flaming Geyser State Park, Auburn
  • Kanasket-Palmer State Park, Cumberlan

Puget Sound Photographers

If you’re looking for a photographer in Puget Sound who can not only help you choose the perfect location, but who can perfectly capture your love story, I would be happy to help! 


Let’s chat so we can get to know each other better and start planning an amazing photoshoot!

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