May 13, 2022
Engagement Pictures
If you recently got engaged – first, woo hoo congrats!! Secondly, engagement pictures are probably on your mind and I bet you could use some help planning. I gotchu! When I got engaged in 2016, I went into planning mode pretty quickly and one of the things I was most excited about planning was my engagement pictures.
Engagement sessions and pictures are great for many reasons. Engagement photos capture a very unique and fleeting season of life. Your engagement session will help you get to know your photographer and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Your summer engagement pictures can be used for Save the Dates, displayed at your bridal shower/wedding, and will be timeless keepsakes.
Summer Photographs
Here in Washington State and in the Pacific Northwest, I highly suggest doing your engagement pictures in the summertime. In Washington, that means between the months of late June and early September. I may be a little biased but I believe that Washington has the best summer’s in the whole country.
Washington has a moderate climate, aka you won’t sweat through your clothes or freeze in that sundress. We have longgg days and incredible sunsets. Washington an insane amount of location variety but Washington’s beaches are usually my client’s first choice for summer engagement pictures.
Beach Engagement Locations in Washington State
Washington State has almost 160 miles of coastline. This means there’s no shortage of amazing beach engagement locations! There are soft sandy beaches, sea stack dotted coastlines, and some incredible vista overlooks.
Let’s dive (get it, dive, because beach? haha!) into my favorite 3 locations and why they’re my favorites!
Ruby Beach
Wooo weee Ruby Beach is SOMETHING ELSE. I’ve written many blogs about this place and why it’s so special. This beach is otherworldly. If you’re anything like me your first glimpse of it from the parking lot will leave you giddy and in awe. Unfathomably large sea stacks, driftwood as far as your eye can see, and dark sand contrasted against large white waves. You’ve really just got to see this place for yourself! Not only is this beach a stunning location for summer engagement pictures, but it also’s easily accessible, has simple free parking, and requires no permits for engagement sessions. This is easily my favorite beach and my client’s #1 choice!
ALSO, Ruby Beach allows dogs, unlike many other Washington Beaches.
Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach is another exceptional choice for summer engagement photos. This beach is similar to Ruby Beach in that it has stunning sea stacks, tons of driftwood, and is quite rugged! This beach hosts a famous Washington hike called Hole in the Wall that can be a really fun adventure for an engagement session.
Rialto Beach requires a national parks pass to park in the parking lot. The main beach access is quite easy and doable for most folks. The hike to Hole in the Wall is a little more strenuous and requires some more planning.
Cape Disappointment & Deadman’s Cove
Another woooo weeee type of place haha! My husband and I took a day trip to this park in March of 2022 after he convinced me to “check out another park instead of always going to Ruby Beach.” I’m really glad he suggested exploring a new location because Cape Disappointment and Deadman’s Cove are amazing!
Cape Disappointment is a 2000 acre state park located in the extreme southwest corner of Washington. There’s A LOT to see here but for engagement pictures, I suggest Deadman’s Cove and Waikiki Beach.
Deadman’s Cove is a small inlet tucked away from the main part of the park. My first glimpse of it left me laughing with joy haha 10/10 recommend this hidden cove. Waikiki Beach is a much bigger beach with views of giant coastal rocks and a historic lighthouse. It is possible to visit both locations for an engagement session!
Cape Disappointment requires a Discover Pass or the purchase of a state parks day pass.
Beach Engagement Photo Locations
There ya have it, folks! My favorite 3 Washington State beach engagement photo locations! Any of these locations would be an incredible setting for your summer engagement pictures!
Washington State beach Engagement Photographer
Looking to book your own engagement session? I’d love to chat about the post location for you and plan your engagement session! Click here to chat
WANTING MORE ENGAGEMENT SESSION INSPIRATION?
Need some session inspiration before you book your own? Check out the blog posts below!
PREPARING FOR YOUR PHOTO SESSION: 5 TIPS FOR COUPLES PHOTOSHOOTS
GABBI & HARDY’S ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS ON THE WASHINGTON COAST
TALON + PAYTON’S ROMANTIC RUBY BEACH ANNIVERSARY PICTURES
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