Planning your engagement session and searching for the best engagement photo locations near Seattle? You are in the right place. As a Seattle photographer, I always start by asking couples what feels like them. Some arrive with a clear vision, others simply want “somewhere pretty,” and both work beautifully. Washington State is packed with options for Seattle engagement photos from coast to forest, with little hidden nooks that photograph like a dream. Think fields, evergreen trails, beaches, overlooks, or an urban stroll downtown. If you are scouting proposal spots too, many of these locations double as perfect places to pop the question.
Before you choose, consider the vibe, season, and logistics. Some locations near Seattle require permits or have road closures, so it helps to check access and weather, and to keep a Plan B ready. Remember that your engagement session is about celebrating your story. Grand landscapes are wonderful, but the best images often come from a small pocket of great light and a location that supports real connection. Your photographer can help you narrow the list, handle permits, and shape a simple plan so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Now for my favorite locations around Seattle.
Engagement Photos at Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier can be a bit of trek from Seattle, but everything about it is worth it! From wildflowers to snow to stunning views directly from the parking lot, there is a lot to love about Mount Rainier for your engagement photos. Make sure to check in with your photographer on whether or not you’ll be hiking. Make sure to prep water, snacks, and a change of clothes so you can move easily. I’ll help you figure all of this out if we decide to shoot your photos on Mount Rainier.
Engagement Photos at Artist Point
Another location that can be a bit of a drive if your in Seattle proper, but worth every second is Artist Point in the Mount Baker region. Artist Point is the perfect engagement shoot for location if you’re not an avid hiker but want epic shots with a mountain. Most of the views you see in these photos were taken steps away from the parking lot or a relatively short and easy hike to location.
Engagement Photos at Ebey’s Land on Whidbey Island
Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island is one of the best engagement photo locations near Seattle, just a quick ferry ride from the city. The bluff trail overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, with beaches and prairies that give you multiple backdrops in one session. Sunset brings soft light and a breeze that adds movement to candid portraits. With easy access and short trails, Ebey’s Landing is perfect for Whidbey Island engagement photos that feel wild and romantic while staying close to Seattle.
Gold Creek Pond Engagement Photos
I’ll let the Washington Trails Association explain Gold Creek Pond best: A paved loop hike around a picturesque mountain pond atop Snoqualmie Pass. Easy, breezy, beautiful, Covergirl PNW. It’s beautiful through every season. I love Gold Creek Pond for engagement photos because it offers accessibility where other areas do not! Short little jaunt from Seattle, it’s a great place to gt out in the wilderness without having to hike.
Rattlesnake Lake Engagement Photos
Out in North Bend, Rattlesnake Lake beauty has been on my engagement photo list for ages. The lake itself will change our location due to it filling and empty as the seasons change. There are incredible views from every angle. If you’re ready for a hike, you can head to Rattlesnake Ridge. It’s a 2 mile hike to the top with an INCREDIBLE view of the lake and the mountains. This hike can be super popular so weekdays are recommended.
Engagement Photos at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a classic choice for Seattle engagement photos, especially if you love color and energy. Start under the iconic red neon sign, then wander to Post Alley for cobblestone shots. Early mornings or weekdays keep the crowds lighter and give you space to play with storefront textures, flower stalls, and peeks of Elliott Bay.
Smith Tower Engagement Photos
Smith Tower gives you charm and views in one stop, which makes it a standout Seattle engagement location. Start in Pioneer Square with brick streets and vintage storefronts, then ride the manual elevator to the Chinese Room and open-air Observation Deck for skyline portraits. Aim for weekday sunset for softer light and fewer crowds. Check ticketing, hours, and photo policies in advance, and bring a hair pin since it can be breezy up there. If you want engagement photos that feel classic Seattle, Smith Tower engagement photos deliver both story and view.
The Not-So-Secret Parking Lot Engagement Location
The photographer community loves this parking garage because it gives epic views of all the surrounding buildings without any obnoxious billboards or other distractions to take away from your engagement shoot. If these vibes would fit best for you, let’s chat about what time of year would be best!
Park Engagement Locations Near or in Seattle
Point Defiance Park:
A dog friendly space with endless options to make you feel super secluded without breaking a sweat. There are gardens throughout the park but I find myself in the fern-filled woods, in the middle of trails, and down by the water quite often.
You can either go down to Owen Beach, or a short drive over to The Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park for some views of the water
Luckily for us, the PNW is FULL of incredible options. Some of my favorites include:
Discovery Park:
Be prepared to walk through the many photo-opts at this location. As the seasons change, so do the backgrounds. You can even make your way down to the lighthouse on the beach. I’ll never get tired of exploring here.
Carkeek Park, Meadowdale Beach Park, Priest Point Park, Millersylvania State Park in Olympia, Gas Works Park, Chambers Bay.
A lot of these parks are great locations, rain, shine, or snow! Much like Point Defiance Park, some of them have the accessibility of getting down to the water, a view from above, or give you the “deep in the forest” vibes without actually needing to hike. This is why you hire the expert to help you decide on what type of location to choose. Contact me today, I’d be happy to help!
Now to highlight a couple of my fave parks, like this one: Golden Gardens!
If you like a ton of variety, I think this is the place for you. I like to start in Ballard for some urban vibes. Then, head to Golden Gardens Park for some fairy forest vibes. Ending your session at sunset on the beach.
Lincoln Park in West Seattle:
I believe the side by the water is the obvious spot when people think of Lincoln Park, however I do prefer the woods on the opposite end. Redwoods vibes with a lush forest? MY FAVE.
Ferry Boat Engagement Photo Session
A Seattle ferry boat engagement session gives you movement, skyline views, and pure Pacific Northwest mood in one outing. Board the Seattle to Bainbridge or Bremerton route for city departure shots, wind-in-your-hair portraits on the sun deck, and cozy candids inside by the windows. Plan a round trip at golden hour so you catch warm light on the way out and twinkle lights on the return. Walk on to avoid car lines, arrive 20 to 30 minutes early, and keep outfits layered with comfy shoes since it can be breezy. Weekdays are calmer, and a quick stop at the Bainbridge terminal can add a shoreline moment if timing allows. For couples who want classic Seattle scenery with a touch of adventure, Seattle ferry engagement photos are a perfect fit.
As you can see there are so many amazing locations in and around Seattle for your enagement pictures. As your Seattle wedding photographer, I will help find a location that fits you and your love story. Maybe it’s adventurous, maybe it’s right off the side of the road, maybe it’s downtown. Whatever it may look like, it will be a time to celebrate this fleeting and important moment in your love story.
Ready to book your engagement session? LET’S DO IT!
