Portland is home to many stunning locations. From dreamy natural landscapes to timeless rustic settings, there are endless backdrops for you to choose from to make this day uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite places to shoot a Portland engagement session.
Portland, the perfect mix of city and nature
You don’t have to travel far for the engagement session of your dreams! Here are six gorgeous locations in and near Portland.
Waterfront Portland
I always have a blast shooting couples at Downtown Portland’s waterfront! With the Willamette River as your backdrop, the Portland waterfront is perfect for those looking to blend industrial architecture with stunning natural beauty. Bonus – It’s dog and wheelchair friendly as well.
Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is a short 3-mile drive from downtown Portland. This little oasis in the city is perfect for couples looking for a forest engagement session without having to travel far. It also boasts several wheelchair-friendly trails, and dogs are welcome.
Cathedral Park
Located about 8 miles from downtown, Cathedral Park is one of my favorite Portland engagement session locations. While the highlight of this dog-friendly park is the absolutely stunning St. Johns Bridge, I also love the gorgeous riverfront views that never get old. Paved paths also line Cathedral Park, making this location accessible for those of all abilities.
Check out Emily and Dan’s gorgeous Cathedral Park engagement session here!
Jenkins Estate
I definitely recommend the Jenkins Estate for couples looking to incorporate both rustic architecture and the outdoors in their Portland engagement shoot! 13 miles outside of downtown Portland, the 68-acre estate includes many different gardens and timeless buildings. It’s accessible for all ability levels and you can bring your four-legged friends, too.
Champoeg State Park
30 miles outside of downtown Portland, I love Champoeg State Park for its combination of history and nature. With the historic Manson Barn and Farmstead, as well as gorgeous fields, forests, and riverbanks, you’ll remember your engagement session here for a long time. Dogs are welcome here and the park is accessible for those with disabilities.
Moulton Falls
For those wanting a cozy nature engagement session, I highly recommend Moulton Falls, 40 miles northwest of downtown Portland. There’s a majestic three-story arch bridge, beautiful volcanic rock formations, and gorgeous waterfronts, all surrounded by lush pine trees. Also, feel free to bring your furry friend with you! Unfortunately, this location is not the most wheelchair friendly.
The scenic Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a truly spectacular place to have your engagement session! Here are three of my favorite destinations in the area.
Latourell Falls
30 miles east of Portland, Latourell Falls is one of the most accessible and stunning destinations in the Columbia River Gorge. The 224-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery is absolutely incredible and easily accessible. Dogs are welcome here as well!
Check out Jenna and Max’s gorgeous adventurous winter engagement here!
Government Cove
Government Cove is 55 miles east of Portland, located right off Highway 30. The rocky cliffs combined with stunning views of the Columbia River and into Washington make for an incredible engagement photo shoot. This location is also wheelchair and pet friendly.
Rowena Crest
If you’re looking for a stunning overlook of the Columbia Gorge with a Horseshoe Bend vibe, then I highly recommend visiting Rowena Crest located 75 miles east of Portland. The highway cuts through the landscape and creates an absolutely picturesque loop, the perfect backdrop for a dreamy engagement session. It’s important to note that dogs are not allowed and it’s not the most accessible for those with mobility challenges.
The Oregon Coast, a Portland engagement photographer’s dream
With its dense forests, rugged coastline, and endless beaches, the Oregon Coast truly has something for everyone! Having your engagement session at any of these three destinations will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Hug Point
I am absolutely OBSESSED with Hug Point! From its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean to its rugged Sea Caves, this destination will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream. It’s 85 miles west of Portland and dog friendly. There is also a somewhat steep paved pathway to the beach.
Short Sand Beach
Short Sand Beach is 90 miles west of Portland and boasts gorgeous Pacific Ocean vistas as well as moody forest backdrops. It’s safe to say that this is a truly unique location to have your engagement photo shoot! Dogs are allowed, but It’s a half-mile hike from the parking lot to reach the beach, so it’s not the most accessible location.
See more from Alyssa and Jade’s Oregon Coast engagement session here!
Cannon Beach
80 miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is the most accessible coastal location on this list, with wheelchair access to the Pacific Ocean. This location is perfect for couples looking for a quintessential PNW beach backdrop with views of the iconic Haystack rock. You can bring your four-legged friends here too!
Check out Cheyenne and Cam’s Cannon Beach engagement session here!
Mt. Hood and its awe-inspiring vista
Mt. Hood is Oregon’s highest peak, making it the perfect backdrop for your engagement session. Check out three of my favorite locations featuring this iconic mountain.
Timberline Lodge
60 miles east of Portland, Timberline Lodge is a rad location for those looking to have an unforgettable engagement session. The towering Mt. Hood provides an absolutely majestic backdrop that will leave you breathless. There are several accessible areas close to the lodge, as well as plenty of opportunities to adventure off the beaten path. Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your four-legged friends at home.
See more from Sarah and Kyle’s Timberline Lodge engagement session here!
Trillium Lake
As far as Portland engagement session locations go, Trillium Lake is hard to beat. 60 miles west of the city, you’re treated to absolutely gorgeous views of Mt. Hood reflecting off of the lake! It’s dog friendly and, with many paved paths, accessible to all. It’s stunning in the winter, too. See what I mean by checking out Jamie + Alec’s engagement session in the snow!
White River West Sno-Park
Despite its name, White River West Sno-Park is a beautiful backdrop to your engagement session year-round. With forests, rivers, and the mighty Mt. Hood in the background, you’re guaranteed to have a magical experience. It’s 65 miles east of Portland and while not the most accessible, dogs are allowed in the park.
Check out Hailee and Eddie’s Mt. Hood engagement session here!
Bonus
Surprise! Here are two bonus Portland engagement session destinations that you won’t want to overlook.
Silver Falls
Silver Falls is a truly unique location to have your engagement photo session. 55 miles south of Portland, you’ll have all of the moody forest vibes, plus the opportunity to walk behind a waterfall! This destination also has several accessible areas and is dog friendly.
Smith Rock
150 miles southeast of Portland, Smith Rock is a bit of a trek to get to, but is definitely worth it. Its gorgeous river canyons are unforgettable and perfect for those looking to incorporate some climbing into their shoot. While this location is not friendly to those with mobility challenges, dogs are welcome.
See more from Shannon and Ryan’s rock-climbing engagement session here!
With so many unique and diverse destinations to choose from, be sure to consider Portland for your engagement photoshoot. And once you’ve chosen your dream location, check out my tips and outfit guide to ensure your day is as special as possible!
Ready to book your own Portland engagement session? Click on the link below to inquire!
