Where to Take Your Engagement Photos
A little off the beaten path is one of Oregon's wonders - The Painted Hills! If you haven't gone, even if it's not for the photos, you need to plan a trip someday. The hills cannot be touched or walked on, but surrounding them during late spring and summer, are beautiful yellow flowers and the sunsets are phenomenal. You can never go wrong in this area for the beauty, but I always warn for the drive (although beautiful!), the heat and the potential of snakes in the area. It's a gorgeous - and free - location to visit for photos.
The best time to visit is May-September, but please note that the heat can be intense.
From Astoria to Brookings, you have so many options but a few of my favorites are within the beaches at Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Newport and Bandon. I always ask what is your main priority for shooting at the coast: are we looking for a sunset? Cannon Beach is amazing with it's cliff and rock formations. Hoping for tide pools? Let's go to Bandon. Wanting a boardwalk with sea lions? Newport is the place. Hoping for birds and driftwood with a fire on the beach> Lincoln City it is. I have so many ideas and places we can go depending on your vibe.
The Oregon Coast is available year round, but during the November -January months, there are 3 weekends with King Tides (heavy sneaky waves and high waves) and I will not shoot on the coastline for safety. Weather can be hit or miss anytime of the year, but it's usually 50-70 degrees and offers amazing views and areas for photos from Brookings to Astoria.
Just outside the city limits of Bend, La Pine and Sunriver, the Cascade Lakes Hwy takes you to multiple lakes, a meadow viewpoint of Bachelor and endless options perfect for any photoshoot, but especially magical for engagements. The lakes are crystal clear and perfect so swim in during the summer months, or stay and camp out there. It's worth the drive.
Open usually Memorial Day Weekend throughout the months of Summer with the chance of opening early, this makes for quite the beautiful area for lakes, mountain views, meadows, creeks and more.
Who doesn't love an excuse to dress up, go out on the town and visit one of the oldest buildings in Portland for your hotel engagement session. We have access to the lobby, hallways, elevator, out front, and the bar area. It's the most gorgeous location and they go all out for Christmas if you are into a Christmas engagement.
Year round availability with a $150 fee payable by the client - noted that I am insured to their standards.
The Painted Hills
The Oregon Coast
Cascade Lakes Hwy
The Benson Hotel
Somewhat tucked into the hills of Seattle, the Pike Place Market is so fun and a unique place for engagement photos. We can use the entire street, market shops inside, run a muck through Seattle and end up on the boardwalk. It's worth it - I promise.
This makes for a great spot year round, however, during peak Mariners and Seahawks seasons, or after major concerts, there can be a higher chance of crowding. There are so many options from the Pike St to the Boardwalk.
Chasing waterfalls IS always a good choice, doesn't matter what TLC says in this circumstance. Silver Falls at the South Parking Lot is one of the best hiking, viewing and scenic areas for nature lovers and those who aren't afraid to embrace true PNW flavor.
The trails and park are open year-round with the chance of closures due to weather and safety on the trails. I will always check due to current weather in the area before we venture out to make sure all the roads, trails and parking lots are open. In the late fall and winter months, there are potential for fallen trees and snow.
If you are looking for something without the distance, but with equal beauty, I highly recommend the Deepwood Museum and Gardens in Salem. The location is thriving with so much greenery and life, with twisting turns of opportunities for photos. Between old staircases, colorful flower gardens, antique lampposts, dense forests, and rustling leaves...this museum is the perfect place for any fairytale, secret garden or storybook engagement.
Beautiful anytime of the year, but especially Fall and Spring.
Bordering the town of Molalla, right before you reach the river, is a gorgeous wedding venue that can be used for FREE for my clients who want more of a western feel without having to drive all the way to Eastern Oregon. Surrounded by cows, and sometimes by long horn cattle, we have option to use inside and outside the cabin. It's rustic, western and full of creative options for any engagement. You can even catch an amazing sunset here.
Best times are weekdays during busy wedding season May-October, or anytime the rest of the year.
