Having your engagement session or elopement in a location that really speaks to you is important as you’re planning details with your photographer. You want those photos to be a reflection of who you are! And if you’re drawn to the mountains (aren’t we all?), then choosing from so many breathtaking spots can get overwhelming. Here’s my list of the best mountain photoshoot locations for your session, and some helpful tips for accessing them and preserving the area! My favorite spots are both in and out of my home base of Washington state – traveling for your shoot or elopement can make the experience that much more magical, so don’t let distance stop you from planning that perfect day!

Let’s start with Mt. Rainier, an absolute must-see here in Washington. Paradise, a subalpine meadow that blooms with wildflowers in the warmer seasons, is a particularly beautiful spot with great views of both Mt. Rainier and the Tatoosh Range. There are a ton of trails, so you can wander and really explore without straying from the paths and trampling the delicate flowers. If you’re looking for more high-up views, Pinnacle Peak will allow you to see Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, and Sunrise has 360 views of the Cascades that you can access during the summer months. Rainier really has everything – mountain views, old-growth forest, wildflower meadows, waterfalls. There are endless possibilities here for a truly amazing session!

Next is Artist Point, near Deming, WA. Artist Point is in the North Cascades, with 360 degree views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan as well as amazing views of the Cascades. This is an amazing winter destination for those looking for a good snowshoe hike – part of the road is closed due to snow, so it can be about a 4 mile round trip hike. The road is fully open during the warmer months though, and holy cow is it worth it for a mountain photoshoot!

Let’s jump down to California for a minute to talk about the next two spots. These are Taft and Glacier Points in Yosemite National Park. Taft Point has gorgeous views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, but is closed during the winter months. I especially love the sunset for a mountain photoshoot at Taft – the way the light shines through is just unbeatable. Glacier Point has a view of Half Dome, and is just stunning at sunrise. There are a few different hiking paths to take up to Glacier if you’re looking for a little more adventure. Glacier Point Road will get you almost all the way there, too. Plan accordingly around weather restrictions, as well as the planned construction in Yosemite for 2021 and 2022!

These spots are just the tip of the iceberg (tip of the mountain?) when it comes to picking out the best mountain photoshoot locations for your perfect elopement/engagement/adventure session. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with any outdoor mountain spot, but these are definitely my top ones. Promise me you’ll take me with you when you visit!