KatieMcGregor

P H O T O G R A P H Y

KatieMcGregor

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Man twirling woman in the street in front of Pike Place Market sign

Pike Place Market Engagement | Seattle, WA

Feb 26, 2026

Pike Place Market has been a true Seattle spot for decades and it’s stood the test of time as the city has changed around it. It’s one of my favorite spots because, yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also authentic Seattle (in my opinion). Even after years of visiting the Market it still feels like there are new spots to explore and photograph and unlimited ways to capture portraits both on the street level and downstairs amongst the market shops. 

Sara and Will have lived in Seattle together for the past few years and chose to Pike Place for their engagement session to celebrate their time together in the city before moving halfway across the country.

Engaged couple smiling with city in the background
Man and woman embracing cheek to cheek
Engaged couple walking toward the camera holding hands with the city skyline in the background

Because the area is full of incredible spots we split their session into three sub-locations: a parking garage rooftop with privacy and views of downtown, Pike Place Market and the surrounding streets, and the waterfront (because Puget Sound is such an integral part of the Seattle experience).

Balance is so important to find during an engagement session and a spot like the parking garage rooftop is a great way to avoid the crowds. Doing your session at Pike Place, unless you’re there after hours, nearly guarantees that you will have people around you in your photos. While that energy is part of the charm of the Market, it’s nice to choose a nearby secondary location that lends itself to the more intimate moments.

Man and woman facing each other against opposite walls bathed in red light from a "Market Entrance" neon sign

One of my favorite things about Pike Place Market is the neon lights and iconic signs. These look amazing during the day and are a great way to add a pop of color to your photos, or you can come to the market in the evening after it closes at 5 PM and still explore the upper level to get photos with the lights after the crowds have departed.

Walking through the streets of Seattle to the waterfront was a quintessential Washington way to round out their session. I think the more ambiguous spots bring the focus back to the couple while still capturing the energy of the city.


Here’s my list of fun spots in Seattle to take your photos:

  • Pike Place Market
  • Union Station (great for rainy days)
  • Cedar Hall/Olympia Coffee Co.
  • Seattle – Bainbridge Ferry
  • Discovery Park
  • Parking garage rooftops
  • Seattle Central Library (the Red Floor is so unique!)
  • The Link
  • Smith Tower (requires special permission)
  • Arundel Books
  • The International District
  • Volunteer Park
  • University of Washington Campus/Arboretum
  • Pioneer Square Neighborhood

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Couple embracing on a parking garage rooftop with city in the background
Black and white photo of a couple smiling at each other on a parking garage rooftop in Seattle
Wide shot of a couple sitting next to each other on a roof with the Seattle skyline in the background
Couple kissing on a parking garage rooftop with city in the background
Couple leaning against a wall talking to each other with skyscraper in the background
Man and woman smiling at each other sitting on a wall
Man twirling woman in the street in front of the Pike Place Market sign
Black and white photo of a couple sitting in the window of a coffee shop
Couple holding hands walking toward camera with Pike Place Market sign behind them
Couple embracing in red light
Couple facing each other under the neon lights in Pike Place Market
Couple kissing under the red neon sign of Pike Place Market
Blurry black and white photo of a couple running around a light post in the city
Black and white photo of a man sitting on a bench looking in the distance while a woman wraps her arms around him
Blurry black and white photo of a man and woman running across a city crosswalk
Couple leaning against the railing of a pier with Puget Sound in the background
Black and white photo of a woman leaning into a man's arm while waiting to cross the street in the city
Couple kissing on a pier with Puget Sound behind them
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Couples, Engagement, Washington

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