Emily and Allen’s Bloedel Reserve engagement photos were colorful, timeless, dreamy, and intimate. They’re such a sweet couple, and we spent two hours wandering through the grounds together. Even after two hours, we still barely scratched the surface of everything this beautiful place has to offer!
And while this location does require a permit, I think it’s well worth it for the variety and beauty you have access to! More than a 140-acre forest garden on Bainbridge Island, Bloedel Reserve is also a gorgeous setting for engagement photos, proposals, intimate ceremonies, and weddings. It has beautiful wooded paths, peaceful gardens, open lawns, and endless pockets of greenery. Literally everywhere you turn here is beautiful, and perfect for portraits of any kind!
Emily & Allen’s Bloedel Reserve Engagement Photos
Emily and Allen kept their outfits soft and neutral, which was perfect for a location like the reserve. Allen wore a cream knit top paired with light trousers, and Emily wore a long lace dress. Their look felt romantic while letting all the color and texture around them stand out.
We wandered from the pond and wildflower gardens to the ivy-covered Residence, sweeping stone steps, mossy forest trails, and tall golden grass overlooking the water. We even crossed paths with a deer along the way! Their Bloedel Reserve engagement photos feel like several completely different locations woven into one dreamy afternoon, and we still only explored a small part of the grounds.
Why The Reserve Is Such a Beautiful Washington State Engagement Photo Location
Bloedel Reserve is perfect for couples who want their engagement photos to feel romantic, colorful, and connected to the Pacific Northwest. In one session, you can move between forest paths, formal gardens, wildflowers, open fields, reflective ponds, and waterfront views without leaving the reserve.
There’s so much variety here, but every part of the Reserve still feels connected. Bloedel Reserve engagement photos can feel dreamy and garden-inspired in one area, then intimate and woodsy just a few minutes later. It’s a perfect choice for couples who love nature but want something more curated than a traditional hiking location!
What to Know Before Planning Bloedel Reserve Engagement Photos
To protect the gardens and keep the experience peaceful for everyone, Bloedel Reserve asks couples to reserve all planned portrait sessions in advance. This includes engagements, proposals, wedding portraits, anniversary sessions, and any visit involving a designated photographer or professional equipment.
Yes! Bloedel Reserve asks couples to reserve engagement photos and any other posed or professional portrait sessions in advance.
Each permit includes admission for one photographer, while the couple and any additional guests will still need to purchase general admission.
Sessions must be reserved at least two weeks in advance, so it’s best to begin planning early once you’ve chosen a date!
Photography reservations include a 90-minute outdoor session. You can add 30 minutes for $50, bringing your session to a full two hours.
Sessions are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
Current photography session fees are:
1–4 guests: $250
5–10 guests: $325
Everyone attending the session will still need general admission, but the photography permit includes admission for one photographer.
Bloedel Reserve photography sessions take place outdoors only, and they don’t allow for outfit changes.
Outside flowers, including bouquets and loose petals, are also not allowed, along with props and installations.
Couples should arrive fully dressed and choose one outfit they’ll feel comfortable walking and exploring in throughout the session.
To help protect the gardens and preserve a peaceful experience for everyone, couples and photographers must remain on designated paths. Drones aren’t allowed, and all vehicles must be parked in the main parking lot.
Because policies, availability, and pricing may change, be sure to review the official Bloedel Reserve photography policy before reserving your engagement session!
Can You Get Married at Bloedel Reserve?
Yes, absolutely! Bloedel Reserve isn’t only an engagement photo location. Couples can also hold intimate ceremonies, elopements, vow renewals, and larger weddings on the property. Some options allow couples to exchange vows among the gardens while the Reserve remains open, while other packages give you reserved or private access for your wedding.
Photographing an engagement session here gave me the chance to experience the paths, gardens, changing light, and overall flow of the property firsthand. I’d love to return for a Bloedel Reserve wedding or intimate ceremony!
Planning an Engagement or Bloedel Reserve Wedding?
Whether you’re planning Bloedel Reserve engagement photos or a dreamy Bloedel Reserve wedding, I’d love to document it in a way that feels true to you. It would be a complete dream to photograph a wedding day here!
You can learn more about me on my about page or inquire via my contact page to start planning your photos. And in the meantime, you can see more Washington weddings, engagement sessions, and planning resources on the blog!
