While the western coast might get all of the hype, I’ve got a soft spot for forest engagement photos in Portland, Oregon! Especially if you want classic, timeless photos with your pup roaming around like Marissa + Cameron. No crowded city streets, no traveling to the beach. Just simple, sentimental photos in a place that means something. And that’s exactly what we got! 

Keep reading for more on their story, some great classic Portland engagement photo locations in the forest, and some inspo for your own engagement photoshoot! 

Marissa + Cameron’s Portland Forest Engagement Session

First, a little backstory:

I actually photographed Marissa over a decade ago for her senior portraits in Missoula, MT. (Wild how time flies.) We’d stayed connected over the years, and when she saw I’d moved to Oregon, she reached out right away about engagement photos.

She and Cameron are both med students (my couples are always cool, but these two?? Clearly brilliant humans). Marissa had just finished her residency in NYC right before this session. Cameron was getting ready to leave for a fellowship in Minnesota. They’ve basically been living the “long-distance, two-med-school-schedules, how-do-we-even-make-this-work” life for years, but Portland has always been their home base.

So it was important to Marissa that their engagement session happen in Portland. She wanted forest photos that were classic, simple, and timeless enough to print, share with family, and use for save-the-dates. Beyond that, she gave me free reign to wander until it felt right (my favorite kind of engagement photoshoot plan)! 

We ended up exploring trails at the Hoyt Arboretum, surrounded by massive trees of Oregon redwoods. (Yes, Oregon has redwoods, not just California!)

The day itself was a total mood swing. Portland had been weirdly warm all week, then dropped into cool temps with soft, even cloud cover. Perfect for photos.

Marissa and Cameron brought along their 13-year-old dog, Lacy, who was the perfect third wheel. She wandered in and out of shots, occasionally photobombing in the best way. If you’re considering a dog-friendly engagement session in Portland, highly recommend it (I’m obsessed with dogs in engagement sessions, here’s proof). They always bring out those unscripted moments that make photos feel laid-back and natural (and really damn cute)!  

Other Great Portland Engagement Photo Locations in the Forest 

If you’re considering your own forest engagement photos in Portland, there are so many beautiful places that give you that same peaceful, timeless vibe. Here are a few I love:

→ Forest Park — one of the largest forest reserves in the US with miles of trails, massive trees, and easy access from downtown if you want a mix of city and nature!
→ Tryon Creek State Natural Area — super cute bridges and boardwalks over wetlands with that fairy garden-like feel and trails accessible for any adventure level!
→ Mt. Tabor Park — love Portland? This spot gives amazing views of the city skyline and smaller forest pockets, the best of both worlds! Plus, they have an off leash dog area for your pup. 

Looking for a Portland wedding photographer for your engagement session? 

I’m your girl! Whether you’re obsessed with the forest vibes like Marissa + Cameron or want help choosing some sentimental engagement photo ideas specifically for you + your partner, I’m happy to help! 

The best photos happen when you’re somewhere that feels like you. So let’s chat about locations, timing, outfits, dogs tagging along… all of it. Ready when you are, bb!! 

Reach out to me to plan your engagement session!