When Valeria reached out and asked for “warm, romantic engagement photos” in Portland with “two different vibes at two different locations,” I knew exactly where I wanted to take her and her partner, Wyatt. Especially when I heard that their wedding would be “garden themed,” I immediately planned to start at Portland’s International Rose Test Garden.
The Rose Garden is one of best places for engagement photos in Portland. Just minutes from downtown, the flowery oasis is peaceful, romantic, and bursting with colors.
Taking engagement photos at Portland’s Rose Garden is a fantastic choice for several reasons:
- Beautiful Floral Backdrop: With over 10,000 roses in bloom, the garden provides a vibrant and romantic setting. The variety of colors and textures adds depth to your photos.
- Iconic Portland Location: The garden is one of the city’s landmarks. It’s perfect for couples who want a meaningful connection to Portland in their engagement photos.
- Diverse Settings: Beyond roses, the garden has scenic walkways, terraces, and views of Mount Hood. These different backdrops offer a mix of close-up and wide-angle photo options.
- Romantic Atmosphere: The peaceful, intimate environment makes it a perfect location to capture romantic moments. It’s a natural oasis in the heart of the city.
- Perfect for Nature Lovers: For couples who enjoy the outdoors, the garden highlights a love for nature. It’s an ideal spot to reflect that connection in your photos.
A different vibe: Heading to the Pearl District for engagement photos with an urban feel
I have been itching to take flash photos in an instagrammable cocktail bar forever, so I was super excited that Valeria and Wyatt were game to try it. We started our shoot in one of my favorite little corners of Portland’s Pearl District before making our way to Two Wrongs to try some of their signature cocktails.
This section in the Pearl District is one of few areas that really came alive during the pandemic. The city began to prioritize outdoor seating, and I’m really happy that it stuck on this section of 13th. No cars are allowed, and I love how walkable and effortlessly cool this area is. With a healthy mix of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and local stores, this neighborhood feels really “vibey” at all times of the day.
My very favorite bars to pop into here are Two Wrongs, Pink Rabbit,and Fools and Horses. My rules for shooting in these kind of locations are:
– Ask in advance if photos are allowed
– Let staff know you’ll be taking photos, and that they can tell you any time if you need to stop
– Go in during non-peak hours, when the place is as empty as possible
– Avoid taking photos of other patrons, even if they’re in the background
– Buy drinks, and tip well!!
You ready to take your engagement photos in Portland? Let’s talk!
