Welcome to my list of the best Oregon engagement photo locations! Throughout my photography career, I’ve traveled far and wide around Oregon and SW Washington and compiled this list of stunning backdrops. These spots range from the Gorge, the coast, the mountains, and the city (with a few extras in between).
Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to practice getting comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day and to get comfortable with your photographer if you are booking the same person for both the engagement and the wedding. I highly recommend taking advantage of some of the locations that are a bit of a drive and making a day or weekend getaway out of it! Last year, I booked a couple’s session for myself, and we chose a location in the Columbia Gorge and stayed in Hood River to enjoy the breweries, wineries, and nearby hiking trails.
The biggest concern couples usually bring to me is that they don’t know how to pose in front of the camera. I’m here to assure you that almost everyone feels this way, and it’s my job to guide you through poses and prompts that will give you photos you love. It can also be fun to bring props to your session, such as a bottle of champagne to pop and celebrate your engagement, or lay out an elaborate picnic with a view. There are endless options and I’m all ears to make the engagement session of your dreams come true!
This list is comprehensive, so feel free to use these links to jump to the best Oregon engagement photo locations in:
Vancouver/Southwest Washington
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is probably my overall favorite of all the Oregon engagement photo locations. I feel like it’s the perfect embodiment of the PNW with the river and the greenery surrounding. No matter the season or the weather, we will create something magical here.
Rowena Crest + Tom McCall Preserve
Rowena Crest is heavenly during wildflower season (late April-May). This one is a bit of a longer drive, but SO worth it. Although all areas of the gorge are usually windy, it seems like this one is always the windiest. Nonetheless, I always make an effort to shoot here at least once a year because the land features are so different from the areas closer to Portland. It tends to be drier and have less trees, but the rock features are super interesting and Tom McCall Preserve itself is on the Rowena plateau. Take a closer look at photos taken during a wildflower engagement session at Rowena Crest here.
Hamilton Island
The Washington side of the gorge has quickly become a favorite of mine because of the taller cliffs you can see in Oregon in the background. Although a bit less green after the 2017 Eagle Creek fire, the scenery is stunning and bouncing back. The Hamilton Island trail can be muddy at times but is still very usable. Just be prepared if you’re coming in the spring or following recent rainfall. Check out this blog to see more from a September session on Hamilton Island.
Beacon Rock State Park
This location is less than 10 minutes from Hamilton Island. The day use area is just off SR-14 in Washington and has a ton of parking. You will need a Discover Pass to park here (photographers: I would highly recommend an annual pass if you plan on coming here more than 3 times in a year). There is a paved trail that goes through tall grass as well as some stunning oak trees. From some areas of the trail, you can also see Beacon Rock. There are a couple of nearby boat ramps that can also be used for water views.
Waterfalls
Latourell Falls is under an hour from Portland and requires very minimal ‘hiking’ to reach the falls. The lower falls pictured is a short walk from the trailhead, but there is a second upper falls if you’re up for a hike to get some more variety. Being careful to navigate slippery rocks, you can access the water beneath the falls and even get in if you’d like. Another nearby waterfall I would recommend is Wahclella Falls (though it will require a small hike as well).
Government Cove*
Government Cove is a very popular choice for Oregon engagement session locations. It’s only about an hour from Portland, making it a pretty easy drive without putting too many miles on your car. It will involve a short uphill walk, but there are a few different areas that offer different types of views. Government Cove features tall, mossy rocks and views of the Columbia Gorge. It has gotten quite busy over the last few years, however, there is always room in different areas of the peninsula. Check out some more photos and sessions from Government Cove here. *As of July 2024 this location has been closed. Hoping it opens again in the future!
Oregon Coast
The coast is one of the dreamiest Oregon engagement photo locations I can imagine. Firstly, it is a beautiful destination to make a trip out of. Secondly, as the lighting changes from harsh, mid-day sun, to golden hour, then to soft blue hour light, the photos change so much to provide variety.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a classic beach location. Whether you’re an Oregon local or traveling in for a destination engagement session, these will perfectly capture the essence of Oregon. In the summer, it will be very crowded here, so I recommend choosing this location on a weekday or even trying a sunrise session for softer lighting. You can also go quite a ways north or south from Haystack Rock and still be able to see it in your photos. Check out more photos from a Cannon Beach engagement session here.
Cape Kiwanda
I love Cape Kiwanda for its orange-toned rock features and the tidal area at the base of the cliffs. This location can give you a lot more variety because you can use the rocks, open beach, and find some grassy areas to offer all different colors in your session. We can also climb up Cape Kiwanda, but take note that many areas are now fenced off for safety. Within the areas available to the public, we can explore and take in the views!
Hug Point
Hug Point is a new favorite of mine. You’ll want to make sure you plan your session around the tide, because you won’t be able to access some of the best spots at high tide. The photos below were only taken on the south side because our session was scheduled at high tide. You can get photos with the open coast line, up close to the rock features, and with the trees atop the cliffs. With the side of the cliff, you can shoot here before golden hour and still get some shade for even lighting.
Mt. Hood
Timberline Lodge
The best time for engagement photos at Mt. Hood is going to be mid- to late-summer. Even in June, there is still a good amount of snow surrounding Timberline Lodge. There is easy access to photos like the ones below. You’ll drive up to Timberline’s parking lot, and you’ll immediately be greeted with these views. It will start out with a steep incline, but these views are very close to the parking lot. In addition to an engagement session here, Timberline Lodge also hosts weddings!
Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is a gorgeous location to give you both mountain and water views. It’s a very popular place in the summer for kayaking, paddle boarding, playing on the beach, and camping. Again, this location can get very crowded so it’s best to shoot in off-peak times such as early morning or weekdays. You can park very close to where these photos were taken, making it easy to get back to the car or change outfits.
White River West Sno-Park
When the snow melts for the season, we’re left with the rocky riverbed and mountain views. This is also a good location for a cloudy day or early in the morning with the direction the sun faces! It can be harsh at the evening golden hour angle.
Portland
Forest Park – Hoyt Arboretum
Forest Park is a crowd favorite for locals and visitors alike. I usually recommend the Hoyt Arboretum area and we can go from there. Near the main road, there is a pavilion and paved area where you can sit among the trees. If you follow the trail to the Redwood Observation Deck, there are several gorgeous areas to stop. The Redwood Deck can also be rented for intimate wedding ceremonies. I suggest shooting here before the sun starts setting because it can get dark quickly beneath all of the old growth trees. A great option would be to start at the deck, and work your way back up to the top as the sun lowers.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a classic Portland spot that includes a bit of historical architecture while also being surrounded by nature. The property also overlooks the city, so there is opportunity for another gorgeous backdrop (including Mt. Hood!) if the conditions are right. Since the view is off to the east, this can be a good location to shoot at in the morning. Right off the parking lot, there are trails that access forest park, only a few steps a way.
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park is a Portland staple when it comes to Oregon engagement photo locations. Beneath the St. Johns Bridge, this park has a lawn with paved paths winding throughout. You can get very close to the water here as well. Fall is one of my favorite seasons for engagement photos at Cathedral Park because of all the deciduous leaves changing colors! The classic photo beneath the bridge is stunning with the architecture that was built for bridge supports.
International Rose Test Garden
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is an expansive area in west Portland that has beauty year-round. The time frame I’ve found for roses is June-September. Earlier in the spring, it is lined with rhododendrons too. Parking can get crazy during peak-season weekends, so this is another location that I would aim for a weekday or a morning! This is definitely an iconic Oregon engagement photo location for Portland.
Pearl District
If you’re looking for engagement photo locations in the city, we can explore the streets of the Pearl District. It’s easy to find shade and shoot at any time of the day, but golden hour is always amazing as well, allowing sun to come through the trees and buildings in the background. To avoid traffic and people walking around, you may want to consider an early morning session.
Slabtown
With Slabtown being a newer area, the buildings and features are more modern. Although the photos I have to show for Slabtown are from senior sessions rather than engagement sessions, I can envision so many fun things for a couple here! You can enjoy a coffee together (and maybe even mix a coffee shop session in with this location) and walk through the streets of northwest Portland. To add some more variety to this location, we can walk up 23rd Avenue with the lively streets and romantic string lights hung in the trees.
Waterfront + Bridges
Along the Willamette River, there are several places that are great for photos. We could spend our session walking in a loop and crossing a couple of bridges. Tillikum Crossing offers a modern look. Other areas are the Eastbank Esplanade, OMSI Dock (views of the Hawthorne Bridge), or the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This is perfect for a couple who loves Portland and you want your engagement photos to show that!
Parking Garages
Rooftop parking garages have become a popular idea all over Pinterest. They are a fun way to mix a city engagement session with some stunning views as well. I usually recommend pairing a parking garage with another city location from this list. The photos below were all taken on the Crown Plaza parking garage, which is right next to Keller Auditorium and has views of the KOIN Tower. Just be cautious with parking garages, as I have heard of people being asked to leave depending on who is managing it. Definitely have a backup plan for areas like this that may or may not be fully open to the public.
Outside of Portland – Oregon
There are some great parks in the surrounding areas of Portland. If you live in the suburbs or would rather avoid going into the city, here are some of my favorite Oregon engagement photo locations. It’s important to note that some of these parks do not allow dogs or walking off-trail since they are designated as nature preserves. Always check their rules before planning to bring animals with you.
Powell Butte Nature Park – East Portland
Powell Butte on the east side of Portland is an amazing location with variety in the background options. There are grassy fields, forested areas, and miles of walking and hiking paths. These were shot during early-mid day, and even the direct sun made for gorgeous lighting among the trees.
Howell Territorial Park – Sauvie Island
This is a newer location for me and easily one of my favorites as well! Our session took place on a summer weekday evening, and we had the whole place to ourselves. The historical building is empty and not accessible to the public, but there is an orchard, a forested patch, tall grass, oak trees, and a porch to take photos with. For a morning session, you could get nice light coming in with a view of the bridge coming on to Sauvie Island. I think this is a hidden gem, to be honest!
Graham Oaks Nature Park – Wilsonville
Graham Oaks is by far my most popular choice for anyone who loves the look of tall, grassy fields. The grass is tall throughout the summer and gets cut as fall begins. Either way, this park always has beautiful areas whether it’s grassy or a background of trees. A short walk in, there is a big, beautiful oak tree that I always like to snap a few photos with. The whole area is very accessible, with paved paths for much of the way.
Canemah Bluff Nature Park – Oregon City
Canemah Bluff is nestled in a neighborhood in Oregon City, which then looks over the Willamette River towards I-205. Similar to many of the other nature parks, there is tall grass and a path that takes a loop through some different scenery. The thing I love about Canemah Bluff is that it has a view of the water from the main overlook. In the fall, this is a beautiful area with oranges and yellows in the forested area on the southwest side.
Stevens Meadows – Lake Oswego
Stevens Meadows is a very small area without much diversity in backdrops, but it also offers tall grass in the summer. The background features trees, and right outside the fence to enter there is a paved path and some larger trees. If this is the area you live in, it’s a great option to stay local. Since it’s smaller, it may also be less crowded.
Orenco Woods Nature Park – Hillsboro
Orenco Woods Nature Park is a pretty spot for all types of sessions. My favorite feature is the pedestrian bridge because it adds an element of urban and modern architecture to an otherwise very rural looking nature park. In the summer, there will also be some tall grass. There are also some big trees that offer shade on a bright, sunny day.
Orchard Park – Hillsboro
Orchard Park is a great place for cherry blossoms when they peak around late March. Aside from that, I love the boardwalk style bridge that goes over the wetland area. It can be busy with people walking, running, and out with families, but still a great one!
Vancouver / Southwest Washington
I am still working on growing this part of my list, but for the time being I have a couple of spots for you!
Lacamas
The Lacamas Lake and Round Lake region is gorgeous; it’s forested and has water views, as well as some grassy fields and wildflowers. Camas lilies bloom near Round Lake in early May. This is a sensitive habitat like many of the others on this list, so be respectful of the posted signs and not wander off-path.
WSU – Vancouver Campus
When class is out, the Washington State University – Vancouver campus has pretty natural areas with close access to parking.
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