We’re so thrilled to release our list of 25 STUNNING locations for engagement photos in Seattle! Planning your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of wedding photography. Unlike the wedding day, which moves quickly and is full of moving parts, your engagement session is a chance to slow down, celebrate this season of life, and capture portraits that feel authentic to you as a couple. The right location makes all the difference—it sets the mood, reflects your personalities, and creates a backdrop that elevates your love story.

Here in Seattle and across Washington State, we are spoiled with an incredible variety of locations. Within just a short drive, you can find dramatic mountains, peaceful forests, sandy beaches, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant urban landmarks. Whether you dream of a windswept coastal session at Ruby Beach, a romantic springtime stroll beneath the University of Washington’s cherry blossoms, or a timeless shot against the Seattle skyline at Kerry Park, there’s a setting that perfectly matches your vision.

At Original Weddings, we’ve spent years photographing couples in every corner of the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to be the best Seattle wedding photographers. We’ve learned which parks glow at golden hour, which gardens shine in spring, and which hidden spots are worth the extra hike for truly magical photos. This guide brings together our favorite locations—each one chosen not just for its beauty, but for how it photographs. As artists, we pay attention to light, composition, variety, and atmosphere, and these 29 spots consistently deliver stunning results.

In this post, you’ll discover a mix of iconic Seattle landmarks and lesser-known gems. Some are perfect for couples who love adventure—think mountain lakes, coastal cliffs, and alpine meadows. Others are ideal for a relaxed, romantic vibe, like cozy waterfronts, lush gardens, or historic city streets. For each location, we’ll share why it works so beautifully for engagement photography, the best times to shoot there, and practical tips to help you plan.

Your engagement session should feel like you. It should be a reflection of your love story, whether that means holding hands beneath cherry blossoms, sipping coffee in your favorite neighborhood, or running barefoot on the beach at sunset. Wherever you choose, our job is to make you feel comfortable, celebrate your connection, and create timeless images you’ll treasure forever.

So grab some inspiration and start dreaming—here are the 25 best places for engagement photos in Seattle and Washington State.

Kerry Park

Kerry Park is perhaps the most iconic engagement photo location in Seattle, famous for its sweeping view of the city skyline with Mount Rainier looming in the distance. From a photography perspective, the composition here is unbeatable: couples framed against a backdrop that tells the story of Seattle itself. The best light comes at sunset, when the city glows and the mountain—on clear days—appears ethereal in soft pink hues.

While the park is small and often crowded, experienced photographers know how to work angles to minimize distractions. A shallow depth of field can help blur background crowds while keeping the skyline sharp. Couples should be prepared for a quick session here, often paired with another nearby location for variety. Still, for that quintessential “Seattle” engagement shot, Kerry Park is unmatched.

Here’s a link to check out more engagement photos from Molly and Bill’s engagement session at Kerry Park!

Lincoln Park

Located in West Seattle, Lincoln Park offers both sweeping waterfront views and forested trails, making it one of the most versatile engagement photo spots in the city. Along the shoreline, driftwood logs and pebble beaches provide natural props and leading lines that guide the eye toward couples. Golden hour here is stunning, with the sun setting over the Olympic Mountains and casting a warm glow across Puget Sound.

Just steps inland, photographers can transition into wooded trails where filtered light through cedar and maple trees creates a storybook atmosphere. The variety allows couples to enjoy both airy beach shots and intimate woodland portraits in the same session. For quieter locations, the north end of the park is less crowded, giving photographers space to capture romantic moments without distractions.

Our Seattle wedding photographers have captured dozens of engagement sessions at Lincoln Park! We think you’ll love these photos for Ash and Chris, Rachel and Eric, and Sara and Grant!

Kubota Garden

Kubota Garden in South Seattle is a hidden oasis combining Japanese design with Pacific Northwest greenery. Waterfalls, koi ponds, stone bridges, and lush gardens create a tranquil setting ideal for engagement sessions. Photographers love the garden’s natural layers, which allow for framing couples with arching maples, bright azaleas, or dramatic rock features.

The garden is especially stunning in fall, when fiery reds and oranges set the landscape ablaze. Spring blossoms also bring bursts of color. Early mornings provide the best light and quiet atmosphere. Kubota Garden is free to enter, making it both accessible and breathtaking—a top choice for couples wanting unique, serene photos.

Just steps inland, photographers can transition into wooded trails where filtered light through cedar and maple trees creates a storybook atmosphere. The variety allows couples to enjoy both airy beach shots and intimate woodland portraits in the same session. For quieter locations, the north end of the park is less crowded, giving photographers space to capture romantic moments without distractions.

Our professional photographers love these images for Jennifer and Colin! We also think you’ll love Alora and Stephen’s Kubota Garden engagement pictures.

Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest green space, Discovery Park, offers sweeping variety for engagement photography. From sandy beaches and dramatic bluffs overlooking Puget Sound to meadows, forests, and the iconic West Point Lighthouse, the park provides endless backdrops. Photographers often recommend golden hour at the beach for soft, glowing portraits with the lighthouse in the background.

The park’s open meadows are especially beautiful in late summer when tall grasses sway in the breeze. Trails through the forest add intimate, shaded moments, while the bluffs offer dramatic wide shots with expansive water views. Discovery Park is ideal for adventurous couples who want their engagement photos to showcase the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Every Seattle wedding photographer has been to Discovery Park. We’ve been there 100 times! Here are some links to a few of our favorite engagement sessions: Lea and Andrew, Scott and Sasha, Rachel and Justin, David and Nicole, and Brianna and Vishnu.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park combines urban grit with sweeping city views, making it a favorite for creative engagement photography. The industrial structures provide unique backdrops with texture and history, while the grassy hills offer wide-open views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.

Photographers can capture playful, dynamic shots of couples running across the hills or romantic moments framed by the city at sunset. The park is especially stunning at twilight, when city lights sparkle across the lake. It’s an iconic Seattle location for couples who want a mix of industrial and romantic.

Cathy and Noah turned their engagement session into a picnic!

Seattle Center

Seattle Center offers vibrant, urban engagement photos with iconic architecture and colorful backdrops. The Space Needle looms dramatically above, while the Museum of Pop Culture’s shimmering exterior adds modern, artistic flair. Photographers can create dynamic compositions by pairing couples with reflective surfaces, bold murals, or playful fountains.

The location is especially versatile at twilight, when the Space Needle and surrounding buildings glow with lights. Couples who want their photos to feel lively, bold, and unmistakably “Seattle” will love this spot. While it can be crowded, a skilled photographer can find unique angles and tucked-away corners.

Jen and Steven took full advantage of their photography session at Seattle Center to show off the Space Needle!

Alki Beach

Alki Beach in West Seattle delivers classic beach vibes with an unbeatable view of the Seattle skyline. Engagement sessions here can capture playful barefoot walks in the sand, romantic moments by driftwood logs, and dramatic sunset silhouettes with the city in the background.

Photographers love the flexibility of Alki—wide-open beach shots, cozy pier photos, and even skyline portraits across the bay. Golden hour is the prime time, as the light hits the cityscape and reflects across the water. Alki can be busy, but the long stretch of beach makes it easy to find quiet spots. Here’s a recent session!

Seattle Waterfront Wedding Video

As Seattle wedding videographers, we also create wonderful videos for couples celebrating their engagements and weddings. Watch this wedding film for an example of what waterfront engagements and weddings look like near Alki Beach and other parts of Seattle!

Ballard

Ballard has a unique charm that blends maritime heritage with modern urban life, making it a versatile engagement photo destination. Along Ballard Avenue, historic brick buildings, twinkling string lights, and trendy storefronts create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and stylish. Photographers love using the textured walls and alleyways to frame couples, while wide shots capture the cozy, bustling character of the neighborhood.

Ballard is also home to breweries, coffee shops, and hidden murals that can add personality to an engagement session. Couples who love a more casual, lifestyle-oriented look often find Ballard perfect—it feels natural to stroll hand-in-hand down the streets, grab a coffee, or pose with vibrant backdrops that reflect their everyday lives.

Evenings here are especially magical, when warm lights from shops spill onto the sidewalks and create a romantic glow. For couples who want a mix of urban energy and neighborhood intimacy, Ballard offers endless possibilities.

Tori and Cole chose our Rustic Style for their engagement pictures!

Pioneer Square

Seattle’s historic heart, Pioneer Square, provides rich textures and timeless charm for engagement photography. Brick walls, ivy-covered alleys, and ironwork details create an old-world feel that’s perfect for urban romance. Photographers love the mix of moody alleyways and open squares, which allow for both intimate and dramatic compositions.

The area is especially beautiful in fall, when leaves add warmth against the historic architecture. Pioneer Square is perfect for couples who want their photos to feel timeless, artistic, and distinctly urban Seattle.

Wisteria Hall

Located in the Washington Park Arboretum, Wisteria Hall offers a blend of indoor and outdoor beauty. The hall itself is surrounded by landscaped gardens and blooming wisteria vines in spring, creating a romantic, floral setting. Photographers appreciate the mix of architecture and nature, with opportunities for both structured portraits and relaxed, candid moments in the gardens.

Wisteria Hall is especially popular in spring and summer, but its greenery makes it beautiful year-round. It’s a great choice for couples who want an elegant, polished look in their engagement photos.

Check out this blog with recent engagement photos from Wisteria Hall!

Seahurst Park

Seahurst Park in Burien is a hidden gem along Puget Sound, offering photographers a versatile mix of rugged shoreline, driftwood, and evergreen forest. The west-facing beach is particularly magical at sunset, when the sky glows in warm tones and the water shimmers with golden reflections. Low tide reveals tide pools and rocky textures that add visual interest to wide compositions, while the forest trails create cozy, shaded areas perfect for intimate close-ups.

The park’s variety allows for multiple looks within a single session—playful barefoot shots in the sand, dramatic silhouettes against the horizon, and woodsy portraits framed by ferns and cedars. Photographers should plan sessions during early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds and secure good parking. For couples who want a natural, adventurous feel without traveling far from Seattle, Seahurst Park delivers endless beauty.

University of Washington Arboretum

Part of the larger Washington Park Arboretum, the University of Washington Arboretum is especially beloved for its spring blossoms. Photographers flock here in April when cherry trees explode with pink and white petals, creating a magical, romantic atmosphere. Even outside of spring, the arboretum offers shaded paths, colorful gardens, and quiet nooks perfect for intimate portraits.

The mix of manicured spaces and wild areas gives photographers room to experiment with both structured and organic compositions. Morning light filtering through blossoms creates soft, airy images, while evening golden hour adds warmth and glow. Couples should be prepared for crowds during peak bloom, but the photos are worth the effort.

University of Washington Cherry Blossoms

Every spring, the University of Washington’s Quad transforms into one of the most magical engagement photo locations in Seattle. Dozens of Yoshino cherry trees bloom in unison, creating a canopy of delicate pink and white petals that feels like stepping into a fairytale. For couples, it’s an incredibly romantic and quintessentially Seattle backdrop; for photographers, it’s an opportunity to capture timeless, airy portraits filled with color and light.

The best photos are often taken in the early morning, before crowds arrive. At this hour, soft light filters through the blossoms, giving portraits a glowing, ethereal quality. Couples can be framed walking hand-in-hand beneath the arching branches, or posed among the fallen petals that blanket the ground like a natural carpet. Wide shots of the entire Quad show the breathtaking scale of the bloom, while close-ups use the blossoms themselves to frame faces in soft, dreamy detail.

Even though the bloom lasts only a few weeks (typically late March to early April), it’s worth planning around. Photographers should keep an eye on UW’s bloom tracker to schedule sessions at peak color. Because of the crowds, weekday mornings are strongly recommended, or late evenings when the light is golden and the atmosphere is quieter.

What makes the UW Cherry Blossoms so special is the fleeting nature of the experience. These photos don’t just capture a couple’s love—they capture a specific, magical moment in Seattle’s year. For couples who love spring and want their engagement photos to feel light, whimsical, and timeless, there may be no better backdrop than the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park blends modern art with natural beauty, offering unique engagement photo opportunities. Sculptures provide bold, creative backdrops, while open lawns and waterfront views soften the setting. Photographers love combining sleek, geometric art with candid romantic moments.

At sunset, the park glows with warm light reflecting off Elliott Bay, making it ideal for golden-hour sessions. Couples who want a modern, artistic twist on their engagement photos will find Olympic Sculpture Park both playful and stylish.

Olympic Sculpture Park Weddings

We think you’ll love seeing engagements and weddings in action! Take a look at this wedding video from the Olympic Sculpture Park!

Coal Creek Natural Area

Coal Creek Natural Area in Bellevue is a lush, forested park with creeks, ferns, and wooden bridges. Photographers love the sense of intimacy the forest provides—dappled light filters through tall trees, creating romantic, secluded spaces perfect for engagement sessions. The creek itself adds movement and texture to wide shots, and reflections in the water make for dreamy compositions.

This park is especially beautiful in spring, when fresh greenery blankets the trails, and in fall, when golden leaves add warmth. It’s less crowded than more popular Seattle parks, offering couples a more private, peaceful experience.

Juanita Bay Beach Park

Juanita Bay Beach Park in Kirkland offers a serene lakeside setting with docks, grassy lawns, and wetlands. The calm waters of Lake Washington provide reflective surfaces for romantic couple portraits, while the wooden boardwalks create natural frames and leading lines. Sunset sessions here are especially beautiful, with golden light shimmering across the lake.

Photographers also enjoy the wildlife and natural textures—reeds, willow trees, and wildflowers—that add softness to engagement images. The park is smaller than others, but its simplicity makes it easy to focus on the couple without distractions. It’s also a wonderful location for couples who want a natural yet convenient setting close to the city.

Edmonds Waterfront

The Edmonds Waterfront offers a charming coastal setting just north of Seattle. Wooden piers, sailboats, and sandy beaches create a nautical atmosphere perfect for romantic engagement photos. Photographers love the sweeping views of Puget Sound, especially at sunset when the sky glows pink and orange.

The waterfront also offers urban touches, like quaint downtown streets nearby, allowing couples to enjoy both seaside and small-town backdrops. For couples who want photos that feel relaxed, romantic, and tied to the water, Edmonds is a perfect choice.

Edmonds Waterfront Video

The Edmonds Waterfront is also a popular place for engaged couples to hold their weddings. Here’s a wedding video filmed by Original Weddings!

Rattlesnake Lake

Located near North Bend, Rattlesnake Lake is a favorite for adventurous engagement sessions. The wide, still waters reflect surrounding mountains, creating dramatic symmetry in photos. Driftwood stumps along the shoreline offer natural props and a rugged aesthetic. Photographers often capture couples barefoot on the shoreline or silhouetted against the setting sun.

Morning sessions are serene, with mist rising off the lake, while evenings deliver golden-hour glow. For couples willing to hike, nearby Rattlesnake Ledge provides panoramic views for epic wide shots. It’s an ideal location for couples who want their engagement photos to capture both intimacy and adventure.

When Taylor and Steven asked us for our opinion of the best places for engagement photos in Seattle, we suggested Rattlesnake Lake! And their photos turned out romantic and moody!

Gold Creek Pond

Nestled in Snoqualmie Pass, Gold Creek Pond feels like a mountain paradise just an hour from Seattle. This man-made lake is ringed by evergreens and snowcapped peaks, creating a jaw-dropping alpine setting. Photographers love the stillness of the water, which reflects both the mountains and the couple for dreamy, symmetrical compositions.

Gold Creek Pond is accessible year-round, but it shines brightest in summer and fall. Winter can be stunning as well, with snowy backdrops, though couples should be prepared for cold conditions. Because of its popularity, sunrise or weekday sessions are best for avoiding crowds. For couples wanting dramatic Pacific Northwest landscapes without a strenuous hike, Gold Creek Pond is one of the best choices.

Gold Creek Pond Wedding Video

Couples love engagement photos at Gold Creek Pond just as much as they love weddings and elopement photos there!

Deception Pass

For couples willing to take a short drive north, Deception Pass State Park is one of the most dramatic engagement photo locations in Washington. Towering cliffs, rugged beaches, and the iconic bridge create epic backdrops for adventurous couples. Photographers love capturing wide shots of couples framed against the bridge, or intimate portraits along hidden coves.

The park shines year-round, with misty mornings adding mood in winter and golden sunsets in summer. Because of its size, it’s easy to find quiet, secluded areas for private sessions. Deception Pass is ideal for couples who want their engagement photos to feel adventurous and cinematic.

IslandWood

Located on Bainbridge Island, IslandWood is an eco-retreat center surrounded by 250 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands. Engagement photos here feel peaceful and secluded, with bridges, boardwalks, and rustic architecture enhancing the natural beauty. Photographers love the serene atmosphere, where couples can relax and focus entirely on each other.

The mix of forest, fields, and water creates endless variety, and the soft natural light filtering through trees makes for romantic portraits. IslandWood is perfect for couples who want their engagement photos to feel both rustic and intimate.

IslandWood Wedding Video

IslandWood is also a terrific wedding venue located near Seattle. Our team of Seattle wedding videographers filmed this romantic film for Lucy and Jake’s wedding. You can watch the wedding video to see how beautiful your engagement photos can be at IslandWood!

Marketplace at Echo Falls

For couples who want rustic charm, the Marketplace at Echo Falls is a unique and picturesque engagement photo spot. With rolling greens, charming wooden bridges, and landscaped gardens, the location feels both elegant and natural. Photographers can play with reflections on ponds, frame couples under archways, or capture wide shots of open fields.

Golden hour at Echo Falls is especially magical, with long shadows and warm tones sweeping across the property. For couples who appreciate a mix of sophistication and natural beauty, this location delivers variety and charm. Photographers should check in advance about permits or availability, especially during wedding season when the grounds may host private events.

Mount Rainier National Park

For couples dreaming of epic, adventurous engagement photos, Mount Rainier National Park is the ultimate location. Towering peaks, alpine meadows, and wildflower-filled valleys create jaw-dropping scenery. Photographers can capture dramatic wide shots with the mountain as a backdrop, or intimate portraits among fields of lupine and daisies.

The park changes dramatically by season: wildflowers in summer, golden meadows in fall, and snow-draped peaks in winter. Because of its vastness, it’s easy to find quiet, secluded areas for private sessions. For couples who want photos that truly showcase the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier is unmatched.

Mount Rainier National Park Wedding Video

Many couples also hire a professional videographer in Seattle to film their engagement, elopement or wedding at Mount Rainier. Here’s an example of a Mount Rainier National Park wedding video!

Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is one of Washington’s most breathtaking coastal destinations, and it offers an unforgettable backdrop for engagement photography. Located on the rugged Olympic Peninsula, the beach is famous for its dramatic sea stacks, windswept driftwood, and moody Pacific Ocean waves. Photographers are drawn to the raw, untamed beauty of Ruby Beach, which feels both cinematic and intimate at the same time.

The towering sea stacks provide striking silhouettes, especially at sunset when the sky glows orange and pink. Couples can be framed against crashing waves or nestled among the weathered driftwood that lines the shore. Low tide reveals reflective tide pools that create mirror-like compositions, adding a dreamy dimension to wide-angle shots. For close-ups, the textures of driftwood, pebbles, and coastal grasses offer natural details that elevate the storytelling of the session.

Ruby Beach is particularly stunning in soft, overcast light, which adds to the moody, romantic Pacific Northwest aesthetic. On clear evenings, golden hour delivers a warm glow across the ocean, while twilight brings a mysterious, almost ethereal atmosphere. Photographers should plan around tide schedules, as some areas are more accessible at low tide, and couples should be ready for a short hike down from the parking area.

What makes Ruby Beach so special is its sense of adventure. Engagement sessions here feel like an escape—a chance for couples to wander barefoot in the sand, climb on driftwood, and soak in the vastness of the ocean. For couples who want photos that are dramatic, emotional, and uniquely Pacific Northwest, Ruby Beach is an extraordinary choice.

Be sure to check out the fully gallery of engagement photos at Ruby Beach for Reeghan and Cameron, and you’ll quickly see why we picked it for the list of the 25 stunning locations for engagement photos in Seattle!

Espresso Chalet

Made famous by its cameo in the movie Harry and the Hendersons, Espresso Chalet near Index is a quirky yet breathtaking location for engagement photos. Nestled at the base of Mount Index, the chalet offers jaw-dropping mountain views paired with a cozy, rustic vibe. Couples can pose with steaming mugs of coffee, framed by dramatic alpine peaks.

Photographers love the contrast of intimacy and grandeur—close-up moments feel warm and playful, while wide shots highlight the towering mountain backdrop. Here is an example of photos! It’s a unique location that combines Pacific Northwest charm with cinematic beauty.