Seattle Winter Photo Locations | Mackenzie Grace Photography | Seattle Wedding Photographer

 

Okay, we didn’t have time to brace ourselves this year —

Winter has come. December hits every year and I seriously start to question if I really like living in the Pacific Northwest or not.

Is snow really that pretty?

Is the 58643 layers I’m about to put on really worth it?

Should I really be spending so much money at Starbucks? (the answer to all 3 is always yes)

But if you’re here despite the seasonal depression and frigid temperatures, looking to get out there and have a couples photo session, or even looking for your Seattle winter wedding venue, what’s up my people!

These locations I am about to give up to you are ones I find myself returning to time and time again for a nostalgic, timeless, and authentic feel to couples photos.

 

01. Gold Creek Pond

 

 

Located just a 45 min car ride east of Seattle in Snoqualmie Pass (chains required in the winter).

Arriving to the parking lot after the pothole littered road seems uneventful, but just a short walk reveals the lake and snowcapped peaks.

Being such an easy drive that delivers such stunning views is one of my favorite reasons to come to this spot for a winter photo session! It means cuddling close with your lover, snow ball fights, possible hot cocoa, and a full snow day like you used to have in high school.

TIP: bring a blanket to use as a prop & a change of clothes to drive home in after your session to stay warm

 

02. Rent a Studio

 

Living in the PNW we know it’s hard to be out and about in the winter months in the daytime, but add the early setting sun to that and it’s not likely to want to go out after 4pm!! (I know I don’t)

So why not just cut the crap and rent a studio for your winter couples session or intimate winter wedding!!!

You’ll be warm and cozy the whole time and will have so much time to try funky posing and to use props! Plus most studios in the Seattle area (Neuhaus Seattle featured right) have daylight lightbulbs to combat the early darkness for even photos!

TIP: bring something special from home that you love to do together to personalize your session

 

 

03. Rattlesnake Lake

 

 

I know, I know, this location is pretty well known, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be one of my favorites!! It was one of the first hikes I went on when I moved to Washington State and it’s what made me fall in love.

Another short drive up i90 brings you to this 4 mi ledge hiking trail and lake in North Bend.

Over-populated, yes.

During the weekday at sunrise? Almost no one.

Because it’s freezing! But a crisp early morning adds to the romance right? And the light that reflects off the lake is perfect for a playful winter couples session or intimate winter elopement.

TIP: bring shoes that you can get a little dirty and run around in, I always have my couples climb on the stumps and the terrain isn’t flat!

 

04. Occidental Square — Pioneer Square (at night)

 

So along with the colder temperatures December brings Christmas with it. That might be it’s only redeeming quality? I go back and forth.

But Christmas and the holidays means romance is in the air and everyone is looking for someone to hold on to! Ask any girl, the guys come out of the woodworks singing “ride me like a reindeer” (which is a new sexy Christmas carol i’m working on)

I digress, every year around the holidays they dress up Occidental Square in Pioneer Square with wrapped and hanging lights and trees.

It is the perfect holiday wonderland that gives us so many options for a playful and nostalgic and vintage styled winter couples session.

 

 

05. Columbia & 1st Parking Garage

 

 

Have you seen my Instagram? Then you’ve seen this same Pioneer Square adjacent parking garage scattered all over that baby.

As Kim Kardashian would say *I’m obsessed*

But once you see the top floor 10 levels up with both a city and waterfront view…

You’ll be trying to convince me to pitch a tent and live up there with you (and I won’t be that hard to persuade).

I love switching from editorial to intimate styled prompts as the day goes from golden to blue hour and the heat between you guys grows amidst the cold.

TIP: this parking garage is closed on Sundays & during the summer months tends to be a haven for young adults drinking wine and enjoying the sunset (I may have been one of them at one point)