So you’ve recently gotten engaged – I’m sure I’m not the first to congratulate you, but I hope you aren’t sick of hearing it yet. CONGRATULATIONS! This is such an exciting time as you celebrate with your love and your friends and family. As you explore engaged life and step into the craziness of planning your wedding or elopement, taking time with each other to go out on dates and spend quality time together is so important. 

As your elopement and intimate wedding photographer, an engagement photo session is part of the package, and I love using this as a way to get to know the both of you before the day you get married, but also as a way to give the two of you a fun little date night (I’m your third wheel for this date, but I promise it’s still so much fun!). I’ve discovered a ton of amazing places for your engagement shoot, so I put together this short list of some the best Washington locations for your engagement session! 

1. Mt. Rainier

Rainier is a classic Washington spot, but I promise it’s not cliche! The views are incredible, and there’s more than just the mountain to explore if you’d like. Wildflower meadows, old growth forest, and more await! 

2. Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest park, it’s got beaches, cliffs, open meadows, sand dunes, forest groves to explore and take pictures at. There are great views of the Cascades, the Olympic Range, and the Puget Sound!

3. Artist Point

Artist Point is near Deming, WA in the North Cascades. The views from Artist Point are just breathtaking. This is a great place to make an evening of exploring and taking in the sunset!

4. Ruby Beach

It’s hard to pick a favorite of the best Washington locations for your engagement session, but Ruby Beach is definitely up there! Part of Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is famous for its driftwood piles and “sea stacks” (large rock islands). Exploring the tidepools can make this a really fun date – all colors of starfish, anemone, and crabs can all be found at Ruby Beach!

5. Deception Pass

Deception Pass connects the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are coves to explore, amazing cliffs, and the best sunsets! You can visit Cranberry Lake, take a hike on the bluffs, view wildlife like seals and sometimes whales. Goose Rock Summit has incredible views as well!

6. Downtown/Urban Seattle

A simple location like a garage rooftop can give you some amazing urban vibes for your engagement shoot! The skylines and urban backdrop are perfect if you’re more of a city dweller than a nature lover. Bring a pizza and turn it into a cute, laid back picnic date! A lot of my recommendations are out in the wilderness, but you don’t have to wander far out of the city for some amazing photos, especially if that doesn’t fit your personality as a couple.

7. Gold Creek Pond

Gold Creek Pond is at the top of Snoqualmie Pass, with a paved 1-mile loop trail for walking. It definitely looks more like a lake than a pond, but there’s the cutest picnic area to sit and enjoy the view and some champagne to celebrate your engagement!

8. Franklin Falls

Franklin Falls is an easy, one mile hike! There’s a viewpoint before you reach the falls, but you can get down to the base of the falls as well, and it’s so worth it! The trail follows the Snoqualmie River, which is also such a pretty view for photos.

Washington has some of the best spots to explore and enjoy. These are just a few of the best Washington locations for your engagement session that I love to have sessions at! Ask me for more info on any of these places when you’re deciding where to have your engagement session! I love coming up with new, creative ideas with my couples. Above all, your engagement photos should reflect who you are and your love for one another!