The Best Places for Washington State Engagement Photos
Washington State Engagement Photos
It’s no secret that Washington is insanely beautiful. The state is bordered by rugged beaches on the west coast and vast deserts on the east side, with pine forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and more in between.
You’ll have no shortage of stunning spots for your session! To help you narrow it down, here are the best places for Washington State Engagement Photos!
Table of Contents
Mountain Locations for Washington State Engagement Photos
The mountains offer some of the best landscapes in the state, with some epic views. You don’t have to hike far for incredible scenery. However, if you want to, I’ll get my hiking boots!
Artist Point
Without a doubt, Artist Point is one of the most beautiful places around! After a scenic drive up the windy mountain road, you’ll end up at the parking lot of Artist Point - from there, you’ll see stunning views, with an easy trail that leads to more remote spots.
There are several trailheads beginning at this parking lot, including the 2-mile Bagley Lakes Trail that features wildflowers and two sparkling alpine lakes!
Diablo Lake
In the North Cascade mountains, you’ll find the turquoise blue waters of Diablo Lake. The mountain peaks tower above the glacial lake, making for a stunning backdrop for your engagement photos!
The water is most vibrant on sunny days in the summer when the glaciers melt into the lake.
Gold Creek Pond
Located less than an hour from Seattle, Gold Creek Pond is a popular spot for engagement photos in Washington State! A few steps from the parking lot, you’ll find a scenic lake surrounded by mountains, with a trail that goes around the pond.
This place is stunning year-round, and accessible in the winter! But, you may have to walk a little farther in the snow. Because of the low effort and high reward views, sunrise on a weekday is the best time for an engagement session here.
Beach Locations for Washington State Engagement Photos
The beaches of Washington are rugged and rocky, creating the perfect moody atmosphere! If you want to be by the water, here are the best places for engagement photos in Washington State.
Camano Island State Park
Camano Island is close to Seattle, making it a convenient location for engagement photos! There are tranquil trails through the forest and a coastline perfect for exploring - you can get in the water for kayaking or paddleboarding, or enjoy the views from the shore.
The park even offers cabin rentals, so you can turn your engagement session into a weekend getaway!
Deception Pass & Rosario Beach
Deception Pass is a gorgeous state park, and the most visited one in Washington! The rugged cliffs over the ocean make for a great spot to watch the sunset, and the rocky beaches and forested trails are picturesque and scenic.
Rosario Beach is right next to the state park, so you can visit both for your engagement photos! This beach is great for spotting tide pools and offers a grassy cliff over the water. Keep your eyes peeled for Orcas and porpoises passing by!
Ruby Beach
All the way on the west coast of Washington you’ll find Ruby Beach - a moody, rock beach with jagged sea stacks poking through the ocean. At low tide, you’ll be able to spot starfish and other marine life in the tide pools, and explore the beach!
Desert Locations for Washington State Engagement Photos
Did you know that along with the lush greenery the state is known for, there are also vast, unique desert landscapes in eastern Washington?
The Feathers
This is one of my favorite spots in Washington state! The Feathers are a geological wonder - a row of stone pillars that tower over the desert. Carved by floods during the Ice Age, The Feathers are a lesser-known location, perfect for a private photo session.
This spot is popular with rock climbers, and is easily accessible for engagement photos!
Horsethief Butte
Horsethief Butte is located along the Columbia River Gorge - the deep canyon separating Oregon and Washington State. The trail at Horsethief Butte wanders through a field of dry grass, with towering rocky cliffs surrounding it.
Below, you'll have views of Celio Lake and the plunging gorge around the Columbia River.
Juniper Dunes Wilderness
Named for the Juniper trees, this 7,000-acre region is remote, with no roads or maintained trails. The sand dunes can be up to 130 feet tall, and this is a unique spot to explore in eastern Washington! To get here, you’ll need a 4-wheeler to take you to the staging area off the highway, and from there you can take a day hike into the dunes.
Urban Locations for Washington State Engagement Photos
While I’m all about the wild beauty of Washington’s nature, there are also some gorgeous spots in the city that make a great backdrop for engagement photos.
Downtown Seattle
We can wander around the city in downtown Seattle, exploring the pier and snapping photos! There are plenty of scenic spots by the water, and coffee shops and thrift stores to look around.
If you’re a fan of urban scenery, downtown Seattle is one of the best places for engagement photos in Washington state.
A Studio
For a unique, totally customizable engagement session, book a studio! Getting photos taken in a studio is a lot more private than in an outdoor space where you have to navigate crowds, and you can relax and feel more comfortable knowing you don’t have an audience.
Discovery Park
This one isn’t exactly urban - but it is located in Seattle so I’m putting it on the list! Discovery Park is a great place for engagement photos if you want to stay close to the city but still experience some nature. You can also do multiple locations for your engagement photos, with a few in the city and a few at the park!
The trails take you through grass and wildflower fields and lush green forests, culminating in a beach side spot with a picturesque lighthouse and mountains in the distance.
Need Help Finding the Best Places for Washington State Engagement Photos?
As your photographer, my job is to hold the camera - but it’s also to make sure that you have a blast! That means helping you find the perfect spot to celebrate the new piece of bling on your finger.
READY TO CHAT ABOUT YOUR WASHINGTON STATE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?