Fall in Seattle is pure magic, especially when you share it with someone who makes your heart flutter. When Renee and Jake first reached out about their engagement session, they knew exactly the vibe they wanted—casual, authentic, and reflective of their genuine selves. We landed on the Washington Park Arboretum, just minutes from downtown Seattle. And from the first snapshot, everything clicked into place.

(Be sure to scroll down for 6 more scenic Seattle spots for your engagement photos!)

Meet Renee and Jake: A Quiet Connection at First Sight

Engagement sessions really come alive when couples share their stories with me, and Renee and Jake didn’t disappoint. Before we met up, I asked them both about the early days of their relationship. Their answers made me smile and helped guide the warmth and intimacy of their shoot.

Renee recalls seeing Jake for the first time, noticing his “super recognizable blue coat,” and feeling butterflies in the best way. She had confessed to a mutual friend that she found Jake cute, and by the very next day, there he was—approaching her and sparking a connection she hadn’t expected. In Renee’s words, “He met up with me multiple times that week and really made a point to see me; I thought it was really special.”

Jake, though shy by nature, learned through a friend’s text that Renee had taken notice of him. He described feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, but once he talked with Renee, it all felt easy. “Lucky for me,” Jake told me, “She was very easy to talk to from the moment we started speaking. I felt comfortable with her from the get-go. I remember the first night after we hung out, I left with butterflies.” I think it’s safe to say that a double case of the butterflies means it’s the real deal.

Showcasing Nature’s Cozy Embrace at Washington Arboretum

Our session landed on one of those quintessential fall days that photographers dream about—cool, cozy, and moody. The Arboretum’s trees still held traces of gold and red, and the ground was dusted with leaves as if nature itself was offering us the perfect backdrop.

The Arboretum is one of those spots that feels relaxed and comfortable—just like Renee and Jake’s relationship. They wanted their photos to reflect their true selves, and this natural setting provided the perfect space for them to be exactly who they are: playful, at ease, and so genuinely happy together.

Fall Romance at the Washington Arboretum

As we started the session, Renee playfully pointed out Jake’s coat—not the original blue one from their first meeting, but still symbolic of their beginning. I loved their easy-going nature and spontaneous laughs. We kept things simple, walking the trails, pausing on rustic wooden bridges, and finding hidden spots beneath towering trees.

The Washington Arboretum offers a variety of scenery—from romantic archways of trees to winding paths lined with ferns. It’s a place that naturally brings out genuine interactions between couples, and Renee and Jake embraced that completely. They wanted their engagement photos to capture their true selves: casual, affectionate, and completely comfortable with each other.

Making Your Session Relaxed and Real

Engagement photos should reflect who the couple truly is, and Renee and Jake’s session felt like a casual stroll through the park with old friends. They laughed easily together, sharing gentle teasing and inside jokes, and their genuine affection came through in every candid moment.

Jake says his favorite part about being with Renee is how comfortable and relaxed he feels when they’re together. “We can talk about anything or nothing at all, and we still make each other laugh more and more every day. I love that whenever I come up with a joke, no matter how dumb, it’ll always get a laugh out of Renee.”

Renee echoes this feeling of ease. “I can say literally any stupid thing that pops into my brain, and it feels so freeing. We laugh a lot, and it’s therapeutic. Jake never judges me—he’s the funniest person I know.”

More Scenic Engagement Locations Around Seattle

While Renee and Jake chose the beautiful Arboretum, Seattle is full of stunning locations perfect for engagement sessions. Here are a few favorites to inspire couples looking for that perfect spot:

Discovery Park

With its stunning views of Puget Sound, expansive meadows, and peaceful forest trails, Discovery Park blends wilderness beauty with city convenience. The iconic West Point Lighthouse makes a dreamy backdrop for romantic, windswept photos.

Gas Works Park

For couples who love urban charm mixed with scenic views, Gas Works Park is hard to beat. Situated on the north shore of Lake Union, its industrial structures, grassy hills, and panoramic city skyline create a unique setting for photos that feel both playful and romantic.

Golden Gardens

Golden Gardens offers sandy beaches, lush greenery, and striking sunset views. It’s an ideal spot for laid-back couples looking for photos that capture the warmth and beauty of Seattle’s waterfront.

Kerry Park

It’s a classic—but Kerry Park never disappoints. Offering postcard-perfect views of downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier on clear days, this small viewpoint has become an iconic backdrop for romantic photos.

Rattlesnake Lake

A short drive from Seattle, this spot is perfect for adventurous couples. Moody lakeshore views and nearby forest paths make it special year-round.

Kubota Garden

This lesser-known gem is perfect for intimate sessions, featuring tranquil ponds, charming bridges, and beautiful Japanese garden elements.

Choosing the Right Photo Location for Your Love Story

What makes a location perfect isn’t just how scenic it is; it’s how well it fits your story as a couple. Renee and Jake’s choice of the Washington Arboretum perfectly matched their desire for a laid-back, natural setting that allowed their personalities to shine.

As your photographer, my biggest tip is simple: pick a place that feels like you, and I’ll handle the rest! I want your session to be as fun, beautiful, and stress-free as possible.

Congratulations, Renee and Jake!

A special thanks to Renee and Jake for being genuine, relaxed, and totally themselves during their fall Arboretum session. Their warmth and authenticity brought out the best in every photograph. Wishing you both a lifetime filled with laughter, love, and endless adventures together!