How To Decide What’s Best For Your Ottawa Engagement Photos

There is an abundance of choice when it comes to your Ottawa engagement photos. The good news is that Ottawa’s diversity makes it an ideal location for both urban and natural settings. The bad news…? It’s ideal for urban and natural settings, which means you’ll be faced with a decision between the two. Stunning architecture or vibrant nature — how do you decide?

Of course, there is no right or wrong answer. As you plan your engagement shoot, your wedding, and all the accompanying decisions, ultimately you have to follow what’s right for you as a couple. To help narrow down that process, I’ve put together my favourite locations for both options, as well as inside guidance on what couples usually consider.

How To Choose A Location For Engagement Photos In Ottawa

If you’re on the fence about an engagement photo shoot, there are many benefits that are often overlooked. Wedding photography gets all the attention. Of course, the big day itself is the crowning moment. However, the engagement shoot is more relaxed, gives you more scope to express your personality and taste, and gets you warmed up in front of the camera.

Choosing your engagement photo location in Ottawa can be lots of fun. Some couples choose a shoot that will contrast their wedding. For example, if the wedding photos will be extravagant and classy, they may go more relaxed. Or, couples looking at an outdoor ceremony may find a nice inner setting for their engagement shoot. Equally, you may want to think of the two sets of photos, the engagement and the wedding, as part of one seamless project.

Either way, it’s a personal choice. There are practical elements to consider, such as what you’ll wear, how easy it is to travel, and how much time you have. But there is a little more freedom with an engagement shoot, giving you a chance to get playful and curious about your options. 

Architecture-Inspired Engagement Photos

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is known for its impressive man-made sights with a mixture of architecture creating an eye-catching and grand feel to the city. If you’re looking for engagement photography with stunning architecture, you can’t go wrong, especially in the central area around Parliament Hill with its Victorian-style buildings. Plus, with an urban shoot, you can be all dressed up and ready to go out after the shoot. My favorite urban locations include:

Downtown around The Fairmont

My number one pick has many amazing photography locations, all within walking distance. The area gives off a European feel, with its gothic style, perfectly exemplified by Château Laurier, providing a romantic aura fitting for a fairytale. Although in a busy area, I have particular locations that don’t sacrifice the beauty, but are quieter, allowing you to relax for your engagement shoot. There’s also Major’s Hill Park nearby if you want a dash of nature.

Downtown Spark Street

This is a charming pedestrian street (the first in Canada, developed in 1967) with lots of bars around — celebrate post-shoot, or even have a tipple before the shoot begins, to loosen the nerves. You do you. It’s still very central, just one block south of Parliament Hill, and is full of events and a full taste of what Ottawa has to offer.

Downtown Wellington Street

Another option which is rich with beautiful architecture, as you move from the Bank of Canada Museum towards the Fairmont. There are lots of photo opportunities along the way, giving you variety throughout your shoot, with impressive buildings in all directions, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the National Gallery, and the National Library Archives.

Nature Engagement Shoot In Ottawa

Moving on to Ottawa engagement photos in nature, which are a great choice for couples who love the outdoors, or for an excuse to spend time in the sun (depending on the time of year, of course!). You can still get dressed up if you wish, but it’s also an option to be more experimental with outdoor shoots, mixing class with lightheartedness. My favorite outdoor locations include:

Ornamental Gardens 

Happy couples and photographers have been flocking to Ornamental Gardens since it opened in the 1880s, and it’s easy to see why. With a huge selection of perennials and shrubs, the expertly manicured space is ever-changing and updated throughout the year, making it a unique, multicolored backdrop to your photoshoot.

Dows Arboretum

Dows Arboretum was, in some sense, a scientific experiment, developed in the 1800s to see how woody plants responded to Canada’s climate. Perhaps this has a more rooted, grounded and Earthy feel to the vibrance of Ornamental Gardens.

Rockcliffe Rockeries 

One of Ottawa’s first recreational parks, Rockcliffe Rockeries features the ruins of the Carnegie Library, giving incredible Roman ruin vibes which make for compelling scenes for your shoot. Plus, there are lakes and picnic areas, for an additional splash of romance.

MacKenzie King Estate 

The MacKenzie King Estate is a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, but worth the visit. Similar to Rockcliffe Rockeries, there’s a diverse selection of gems to explore, including the estate itself, the English and French gardens. 

Pinhey’s Point 

Around 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa is Pinhey’s Point, situated on the bank of the Ottawa River. It rightfully earned its title as a heritage site, thanks to its historical buildings, stunning views, and the 200-year-old manor house; all of which make for a unique photoshoot. 

Aylmer Park

Another engagement photoshoot location in Ottawa River is Aylmer Park, around a 30-minute drive away from downtown Ottawa. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, and you don’t mind your outfit getting wet, we can even jump in the water! Believe it or not, you wouldn’t be the first couple to do so!

Looking For An Ottawa Engagement Photographer? Reach Out

Still not fully decided? I’d be delighted to talk with you further to explore your options for engagement photos, and wedding photos. Sometimes a conversation is worth a few thousand words, and I would love to hear more about your love story and guide you to the perfect locations, and the perfect photos. So get in touch, and I look forward to planning and celebrating with you!