Point Defiance Park is such a versatile option for engagement photos in Tacoma! This spot not only has access to a really lovely view of Mt. Rainier, but you’re also so close to the Rose Gardens at Point Defiance, the ferry to Tahlequah, the Point Defiance Aquarium, and a variety of other Tacoma engagement photo locations (the Point Ruston Way Waterwalk, Hamilton Park, and even the Spanish Steps near Elk Temple and the Foss Waterway Seaport are all less than 15 minutes away!)

Park Hours and Access

The park is free to access, and is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

The seasons at Point Defiance Park

Spring: The Rhododendrons will be in bloom in April and May in the gardens! Mount Rainier will still have plenty of snow in the background of photos on the sound.

Summer: Green and magical. The gardens will be in full bloom as well!

Fall: The park has large trees that will burst with color during autumn!

Winter: Great for cozy, snuggled up sessions especially along the waterwalk and trails near the sound. Definitely dress warmly and plan to stop for hot chocolate afterwards!

What time of day is the best for engagement photos at Point Defiance Park?

For views of the mountain: Sunrise! One of the coolest things about Point Defiance Park is the view of Mt. Rainier from there — and Mt. Rainier is southeast of this spot, so we’ll want to be there in the morning to catch both the best light and the best view.

In the gardens: Sunrise sessions are still great because you’ll have fewer people around, but sunset sessions are just as beautiful in this spot!

The Dune Peninsula

The Dune Peninsula and Wilson Way Bridge opened at Point Defiance Park in 2019, and connects right to the Point Ruston Way Waterwalk, so I often group these two locations together for engagement sessions They were part of a big project by the city of Tacoma to make the waterfront more accessible to the public and it has turned into a really lovely spot for engagement photos near downtown.

Where should we park?

For engagement sessions starting at at the Dune Peninsula, you can drive along Yacht Club Rd until you get to the trail and public parking lot.

Is there a bathroom or somewhere we can change outfits?

Yes! Point Defiance Park has multiples bathrooms where you can change into a second outfit for your photos. There are three that are pretty accessible for sessions: one on the dune peninsula, one near the ferry terminal, and one by the botanical gardens.

Can we bring our dog to Point Defiance Park?

Dogs are allowed at Point Defiance Park, as long as they’re on leash! There is an off leash area, but we won’t use that for engagement photos. I recommend choosing a collar and leash that either go with what you’re wearing or blend in with your dog’s fur, if you’re bringing them for your session!

What should we wear for our engagement photos at the Point Defiance?

You can choose colors that will coordinate with the gardens or the sound! I have a whole blog post about great color palettes for summer engagement sessions here that can get you started on a color scheme. Definitely wear shoes that you can walk around in, including on uneven surfaces like grass or rocks. This engagement session location does have paved areas, so you can bring heels for the second part of your session if you’d like! (the post that talks about why you should wait until later in your session is here, if you’re curious about that 🙂

Nearby Engagement Photo Locations

-Point Defiance Aquarium

-The Point Defiance to Tahlequah Ferry

-Hamilton Park

-Elk Temple/the Spanish Steps