4 minute read
The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for couples looking for unique and stunning backdrops for their engagement photos. While your home will always be a great place to start for me, here are 15 of my favorite Seattle and Greater Seattle locations for engagement photos.
Permit requirements and fees are included to help you plan effortlessly. This blog post was updated Jan 2025 but note fees and info changes are not within our control. Most require at the minimum a $30 permit or/and a park pass like the Discovery pass. Please reconfirm while planning your session!
1. Discovery Park
- Features: Vast meadows, coastal cliffs, and stunning views of Puget Sound.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Sunset golden hour shots with a natural, serene vibe.
2. Pike Place Market
- Features: Cobblestone streets, neon signs, and vibrant flower stands.
- Fees: None for personal use.
- Ideal For: Iconic Seattle charm with colorful, urban backdrops.
3. Smith Tower (Rainy-Day Option)
- Features: Historic architecture, breathtaking city views from the Observation Deck, and the elegant Chinese Room.
- Fees: $200 an hour for professional photos. Please contact info@smithtower.com for details.
- Ideal For: Sophisticated, urban engagement sessions with iconic Seattle charm.
4. Volunteer Park Conservatory (Rainy-Day Option)
- Features: Lush tropical plants and Victorian glass architecture.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). VPC requires a special photo permit treating professional photography as a Wedding Ceremony. The cost is $170 for two hours’ use, even if it’s just for photos.
- Ideal For: Cozy indoor sessions with vibrant greenery.
5. Elliott Bay (Sunset Sail)
- Features: Romantic boat rides with skyline and Mount Rainier views.
- Fees: Charter rental fees apply.
- Ideal For: Elegant, nautical-themed photos.
6. Seattle Public Library (Rainy-Day Option with Caveat)
- Features: Unique modern architecture and dramatic lighting.
- Fees: Permit required; contact library administration. Caveat: SPL is VERY STRICT about access to professional photography here since it is a library. The best thing to do is to contact the admin for the most updated info. Scheduling your shoot during less busy hours may provide a more conducive environment and potentially simplify the approval process.
- Ideal For: Sleek, sophisticated indoor photos.
7. Gas Works Park
- Features: Industrial structures and panoramic skyline views.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Urban-industrial and cityscape backdrops.
8. The Great Wheel at Pier 57
- Features: Romantic gondola rides with stunning views.
- Fees: Standard ride fees ($16-$50 per person).
- Ideal For: Fun and whimsical sessions.
9. Mount Baker Beach
- Features: Quiet waterfront with views of Mount Rainier.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Washington Parks Department). $100 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Relaxed, scenic water photos.
10. Chihuly Garden and Glass (Rainy-Day Option with Caveat)
- Features: Vibrant glass art and reflective surfaces.
- Fees: Contact venue for details. While private, personal photography is normally allowed, bringing a professional photographer with you is viewed as commercial photography. Also, your photographer is likely not able to share any photos that include Chihuly’s artwork in their portfolio. The best thing to do is to contact pr@chihulygardenandglass.com directly to ask what your parameters are beforehand.
- Ideal For: Quinessential Dale Chihuly art and modern indoor vibe.
11. Kubota Garden
- Features: Japanese design, waterfalls, and colorful flora.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Nature-inspired, serene photos.
12. West Seattle’s Alki Beach
- Features: Sandy beaches and skyline views.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Laid-back, sunset beach photos.
13. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) (Rainy-Day Option with Caveat)
- Features: Bold architecture and colorful exhibits.
- Fees: Contact MoPOP for permit details at info@mopop.org – they normally allow personal photography without the use of tripods or flash. IT’s best to contact them if you want to do professional engagement photos there.
- Ideal For: Creative, contemporary vibes.
14. Washington Park Arboretum
- Features: Seasonal blooms and picturesque walking paths.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Natural, year-round beauty.
15. Georgetown’s Historic District (Rainy-Day Option)
- Features: Vintage brick buildings and quirky urban charm.
- Fees: None for public spaces; permits may be required for professional sessions. Please be respectful to the private businesses you wish to use for photos by asking for permission first, ALWAYS.
- Ideal For: Edgy, urban-chic photos.
16. Carkeek Park
- Features: Stunning Puget Sound views, forested trails, and a unique railway bridge.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Picturesque sunsets and a mix of beach and forest backdrops.
17. Olympic Sculpture Park
- Features: Modern art installations, waterfront views, and dramatic cityscapes.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Artistic, contemporary photos with a mix of urban and natural settings.
18. Jack Block Park
- Features: Stunning waterfront views, a secluded beach, and a pier with panoramic perspectives of the Seattle skyline.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Quiet, scenic sessions with urban and natural elements.
19. Lincoln Park
- Features: Expansive waterfront, forested trails, and picnic areas with scenic Puget Sound views.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Versatile backdrops with both natural beauty and waterfront charm.
20. Lake Union Park
- Features: Waterfront views, modern walkways, and proximity to historic ships at the Museum of History & Industry.
- Fees: Permit required for professional photography (Seattle Parks Department). $30 fee for professional photography.
- Ideal For: Elegant urban photos with a mix of water and architectural elements.
Whether you prefer sweeping views, lush gardens, scenic waterfronts, or quirky urban spots, there’s something here for every couple. Just remember to check permit requirements and plan ahead for a seamless, memorable photo shoot!
