Looking for the best Oregon engagement photo locations? Don’t worry, this blog post has got you covered! Oregon is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the PNW. Seriously, we have it all! From towering waterfalls to sandy beaches, rugged coastline, red rock desert, lush green forests, and snow-capped mountains, this state is filled with so much natural beauty! Not only are these places fun to visit, but they also make a great backdrop for your Oregon engagement photos. So, if you’re recently engaged (or soon to be), keep scrolling to learn about all the wonderful locations you can visit for your Oregon engagement photo session.
Engagement Photo Locations in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is the perfect mix of city and nature. This city proves that you don’t have to travel far to have an engagement session in nature. Here are three of my favorite Portland engagement session locations in and around the city’s border.
Portland Waterfront
I always have a blast photographing couples at Portland’s waterfront! With the Willamette River as your backdrop, the Portland waterfront is perfect for couples who want an easy-to-access location with a bit of natural beauty. Plus, this location is also dog and wheelchair-friendly making it one of the most accessible Oregon engagement photo locations on this list.
Downtown Portland
If you are looking for more urban vibes for your Oregon engagement session, it doesn’t get much better than downtown Portland! Whether you want to stroll around your favorite neighborhood, or enjoy the skyline views from a rooftop bar, the city has so many options! And, with all these options, I’m confident we’ll be able to find a location that fits your style!
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 always welcome.
Columbia River Gorge Engagement Photo Locations
The Columbia River Gorge is a truly one of the most stunning regions in Oregon! It also is an amazing place for 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 is surrounded by lush greenery and is easily accessible making this an incredible Oregon engagement photo location. Oh, and the best part? Dogs are welcome here as well!
Check out Jenna and Max’s gorgeous Latourell Falls winter engagement session here!
Government Cove
If you’re looking for an Oregon engagement photo location with cliffside views of the river, this is the location for you! Government Cove is located just 55 miles east of Portland, right off Highway 30. The rocky cliffs combined with stunning views of the Columbia River and Washington make for an incredible engagement photo shoot location. This Columbia River Gorge engagement photo location is also ADA-accessible and pet friendly.
Rowena Crest
Want vibes similar to Horshoe Bend without traveling all the way to Arizona? If so, then you’ll definitely want to consider an engagement session at Rowena Crest. Here, you’ll get a stunning overlook of of the Columbia Gorge. From the top of the hill, you can see the highway cutting through the landscape creating an absolutely picturesque loop. The perfect backdrop for a dreamy engagement session if you ask me. Note, that dogs are not allowed at this location, so you’ll have to leave your pup behind.
Hood River Mountain
Hood River Mountain is a great spot if you’re looking for incredible views mixed with peaceful vibes. The rolling hills and open spaces are perfect for a low-key engagement session with a gorgeous backdrop. Whether you want to hike a little or keep things simple, the choice is your’s. Either way, this is one Oregon engagement photo location that will leave you feeling connected to nature in the best way!
Oregon Coast Engagement Photo Locations
With its dense forests, rugged coastline, and moody beaches, the Oregon Coast has something for everyone! You can’t go wrong with holding your engagement session at any one of these five destinations. But, if you want to make the most of these amazing Oregon engagement photo locations, the good news is that it is possible to visit more than one!
Cannon Beach
Located 80 miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is the most accessible Oregon Coast engagement photo location on this list. With wheelchair access, sprawling views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Haystack rock, this is one location that you have to visit at least once in your life! While Cannon Beach is one of the more popular engagement photo locations in Oregon, it’s views are unbeatable. If you want to include your pup in your engagement session, Cannon Beach is a great option as they are dog and pet-friendly as well.
Check out Cheyenne and Cam’s Cannon Beach engagement session here!
Hug Point
I am absolutely OBSESSED with Hug Point! From its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean to its rugged Sea Caves, this destination makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamworld. It’s 85 miles west of Portland and dog friendly, however, there is also a somewhat steep paved pathway to the beach meaning it may not be the most accessible Oregon engagement location on this list.
Short Sand Beach
Just a few minutes down the coast from Hug Point, Short Sand Beach boasts gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as well as moody forest backdrops. With it’s tree-lined cliffs set against the horizon, this is definitely one of the more unique Oregon Coast engagement photo locations! Note that dogs are allowed on the beach, but it’s a half-mile hike from the parking lot, so there is a little bit of a trek involved.
See more from Alyssa and Jade’s Oregon Coast engagement session here!
These first three locations are all located within a short drive of each other, making it a perfect choice for couples who want to visit more than one Oregon engagement photo location.
Oregon Cliff Side
Heading further toward the central Oregon Coast, you’ll see the landscape start to change. Instead of sprawling sandy beaches, you’ll start to see more dramatic cliffs and coastlines leaving you in awe. This location is one of my favorite Oregon Coast engagement photo locations and, while there is a bit of steep a walk to the cliffs, the views are totally worth it!
Cape Kiwanda
If you love ocean views and wide-open spaces, then Cape Kiwanda is for you! This location offers one of the best viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean, not to mention it also offers a variety of landscapes. From the sandy beaches to towering sand dunes and coastal cliffs, anywhere at Cape Kiwanda makes for an picturesque engagement session.
Mt. Hood, Oregon Engagement Photo Locations
Mt. Hood is Oregon’s highest peak, making it an iconic backdrop for your Oregon engagement session. Check out three of my favorite locations featuring this beautiful mountain.
Timberline Lodge
Set at the base of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge is a picture-perfect location for couples who want a mountain engagement photo session. The towering peak of Mt. Hood provides a seriously breathtaking backdrop! There are several accessible areas close to the lodge, as well as plenty of opportunities to adventure off the beaten path. You could even plan for a little staycation at the lodge and turn your Oregon engagement session into a weekend adventure.
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. With gorgeous views of Mt. Hood reflecting off of the lake, this is a location that is beautiful to visit any time of year! See what I mean by checking out Jamie + Alec’s engagement session in the snow! The day use area is dog-friendly and, with many paved paths, it’s accessible to all.
White River West Sno-Park
Despite its unique name, White River West Sno-Park is a beautiful backdrop to your engagement session year-round. With forests, rivers, and gorgeous mountain views, this is one Oregon engagement photo location that pretty much guarantees a magical experience. The park is located 65 miles east of Portland and, while it’s not the most accessible engagement photo location, dogs are allowed in the park.
Check out Hailee and Eddie’s Mt. Hood engagement session here!
Other Incredible Oregon Engagement Photo Locations
Moulton Falls
While not technically located in Oregon, I couldn’t leave this location off the list! Moulton Falls is actually located in Washington state, just 40 miles northwest of downtown Portland. The waterfall views here consist of beautiful volcanic rock formations surrounded by lush pine trees and a three-story arch bridge that you simply have to see for yourself! While this location unfortunately, is not the most accessible, they do allow dogs, so your furry friend can join you.
Silver Falls
Silver Falls is a truly unique location to have your engagement photo session. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to walk behind a waterfall, then you’ll definitely want to visit this spot. The falls are located 55 miles south of Portland, near Salem and you’ll get all of the moody forest vibes the PNW is known for!
Chateau de Michellia
Also located near Salem, Oregon is one of my favorite Oregon engagement photo locations. The Chateau de Michellia is a bit different from the other locations on this list in that it is a French-inspired chateau in the heart of Oregon. The property offers both indoor and outdoor spaces and, if you’re wanting European vibes for your Oregon engagement photos, this is the perfect place to visit! Note, that the chateau does charge a fee to visitors, so keep that in mind, when choosing this location for your Oregon engagement session.
Smith Rock
Can you believe that Oregon is home to desert landscape? Who would have thought the PNW (known for all it’s lush greenery and water) would also have red rock desert? 150 miles southeast of Portland, Smith Rock State Park is a bit of a trek to get to, but it is definitely worth it. The park is filled with gorgeous river canyons and is the perfect location for couples who want to include a bit of adventure or even go rock climbing during their session. While this Oregon engagement photo location is not wheelchair-friendly, dogs are welcome inside the park.
See more from Shannon and Ryan’s rock-climbing engagement session here!
As you can see there is no shortage of unique and diverse engagement photo locations in Oregon. The hardest part for many couples can be choosing a location! If you need help choosing an Oregon engagement photo location, I would love to help you find your dream location! Click on the link below to inquire!