Best Engagement Photo Locations in Seattle

Finding Your Perfect Engagement Photo Spot in Seattle

One of the first questions I hear from newly engaged couples is: "Where should we take our engagement photos?" After shooting all over Seattle, I've built up a list of spots I keep coming back to -- places where the light, the scenery, and the energy just work.

1. Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens is one of Seattle's most photogenic locations, period. The combination of sandy beach, driftwood, and views of the Olympic Mountains makes it a dream for engagement photos. The best time to shoot here is about an hour before sunset, when the light turns warm and golden across Puget Sound.

Pro tip: weekday evenings tend to be much less crowded, which means more privacy for your session and fewer people walking through your shots.

2. Washington Park Arboretum

The Arboretum is gorgeous year-round, but it truly comes alive in spring when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom. The winding paths, stone bridges, and lush greenery create a romantic, almost fairytale-like setting. In autumn, the changing leaves add warm tones that photograph beautifully.

I especially love the Japanese Garden within the Arboretum for couples who want a more intimate, enclosed feel.

3. Discovery Park

Discovery Park offers incredible variety in a single location. You can start in a forest setting with towering trees, walk down to the lighthouse for dramatic coastal shots, and finish on the bluffs overlooking Puget Sound. It feels like three locations in one.

The lighthouse trail takes about 20 minutes to walk, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for the hike as part of the adventure.

4. Pike Place Market

For couples who want an urban, energetic vibe, Pike Place Market is hard to beat. The iconic sign, the flower vendors, the cobblestone streets -- it all adds up to photos that feel authentically Seattle. Early morning sessions (before 10 AM) work best here, before the crowds pick up.

5. Kerry Park

Kerry Park gives you the classic Seattle skyline with Mount Rainier in the background. It's a small park and can get busy, but the view is unmatched. Sunset sessions here are magical when the mountain is out.

6. Rattlesnake Ledge

If you and your partner are adventurous, the hike to Rattlesnake Ledge (about 30 minutes east of Seattle near North Bend) rewards you with sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascade foothills. It's a moderate hike -- about 4 miles round trip -- but the views at the top are worth every step.

7. Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park on the north shore of Lake Union offers a unique mix of industrial structures and panoramic city views. The kite hill is perfect for wide, open shots with the skyline behind you. It's especially beautiful during golden hour.

8. Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park is a hidden gem in north Seattle. The pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks leading to the beach is a great photo spot, and the beach itself offers driftwood and water views similar to Golden Gardens but with far fewer people.

Choosing the Right Location for You

The best engagement photo location is ultimately one that feels meaningful to you as a couple. Did you have your first date at a coffee shop in Capitol Hill? Let's shoot there. Do you spend every weekend hiking? Rattlesnake Ledge will feel natural and genuine.

During our pre-session consultation, we'll talk through your vision, your style, and what feels most like you. I'll help you choose a location and time of day that will give us the best light and the most relaxed experience.

Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?

If any of these spots sound like you, I'd love to shoot there together. Take a look at my engagement portfolio to get a feel for my style, and reach out whenever you're ready. We'll find the right spot and make it yours.