Best Engagement Photo Locations in Ottawa
I often get asked by my couples which spots around Ottawa do I recommend to photograph their engagement photos. I figured they might not be the only ones that are wondering this question! So I’ve decide to write up a blog post to help couples decide where is the best location for them!
Keep in mind that this list will keep growing since I haven’t had a chance to photograph in all the locations possible in the Ottawa area!
THE ARBORETUM
This is one of my favourite spots. I think last summer I went here so often I could of drawn a detailed map of the whole park! But it’s filled with so many different types of scenery. It’s right by the canal, so we have water. It’s a HUGE park with bike and walking paths and wild life! Not to mention the various types of trees. This has been a hit spot not only for engagement photos but also for wedding photos and family photos!
THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM
The experiment farm is just on the other side of the road from the Arboretum so if you’re going to one location you could easily do both during the same session! The experimental farm is is an agricultural facility, working farm, and research centre of the Research Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. So it provides us with gorgeous trees and plants along with large fields to roam around and capturing some stunning pictures. Definitely a spot to go to in the spring when the Cherry Blossoms are blooming!
GATINEAU PARK
Gatineau Park is a very large park so you always have loads and loads of options regardless of the trail and section you choose to go to. But, one of my favourites is the Carbide Wilson Ruins and you’ll see why. Not only is the trail a good, long distance to be able to snap a few pictures on your way to the ruins but once you arrive at the ruins you have loads of possibilities for photos!
HOG’S BACK FALLS & MOONEY’S BAY
This is a great little park that’s by the water and also has a series of artificial waterfalls on the Rideau River in Ottawa! This park also features walking/biking path that allows you to go “off the beaten path” if you will, that allows you to get closer to the water and makes for gorgeous photos in a not very populated area in Ottawa.
PETRIE ISLAND
Petrie Island is such a hidden gem in the east end of Ottawa. Located just at the end of Orleans before you make your way towards Rockland is the entrance to Petrie Island Beach. It’s a fairly large beach surrounded by mature trees and wetlands making it a gorgeous backdrop for photos.
PATTERSON CREEK PARK
Ottawa is filled with so many little parks and a few of them are right by the Rideau Canal. Since it’s one of Ottawa’s top attraction, it’s such a popular spot for engagement photos! Patterson Creek Park stretches for about two blocks in the Glebe and every inch of it is perfect for a golden hour session.
BYWARD MARKET
Following the canal down to the Byward Market brings us to our next location! The Byward Market is also one of Ottawa’s top attractions and makes for a gorgeous background to your engagement photos. It’s known for its colourful street art and filled with little courtyards around every corner! It’s only a few steps away from lots of other great photo locations such as Major’s Hill Park, the Locks, the National Gallery’s sunken garden and much more.
Larose forest
Now we’re going east of Ottawa to the Larose Forest. The Larose Forest is also a huge manmade forest that spams 27,045 acres! The forest has loads of trails and different entrance throughout Prescott Russell. The forest is packed with various types of trees and plants which makes it a great backdrop for your engagement photos no matter the season!
YOUR WEDDING VENUE
I met with one of my couples this past summer who are getting married this spring and they wanted to have their engagement photos done at their wedding venue. What a cool and different idea! This allowed us to not only do their engagement photos but we did a walk through of the venue to discuss the wedding day timeline. We also did photos of where they will have their first kiss as a married couple! (How cute!) We’ll then put the engagement photo and wedding day photo side by side as a cool comparison! This option may not work out for everyone for their engagement photos but it’s a neat idea for those interested!
Location: Ferme Drouin in Casselman, ON
IN HOME LIFE STYLE SESSIONS
This is a new type of service I started offering this year and it’s also different from a typical engagement session location! These sessions have a real cozy feel to them. It allows you guys to be in your element, in your home with your own personal added touches. This is also a easy session to include your pets in your photos!
