The Best Engagement Photo Locations In Ottawa

The time has come. Finally, after months or years of planning, you’re getting married. Love is in the air, your partner looks incredible, and you’re moments away from saying: “I do.” It’s the time when cameras flash and memories are made. But what about all the steps leading up to your wedding day? The first kiss? Moving in? Proposing?  That big day wouldn’t happen without many other big moments before it. So why miss an opportunity to celebrate your engagement, one of the biggest moments in the build-up? 

Ottawa is an ideal choice if you’re tempted to honour your engagement with a photoshoot. With a variety of urban spaces, parks, and a mixture of breathtaking architecture, culture, and cuisine, there are unlimited ways to celebrate and unlimited backdrops to create the perfect photos. In this guide, I’ve put together the best engagement photo locations in Ottawa, from luxury escapes to botanical gardens. I’m sure you’ll be inspired, so if you’re ready to make more memories, read on.

Should You Book An Engagement Shoot In Ottawa?

Before we jump into the best photo locations, let’s address any lingering doubts you may have about engagement photography in Ottawa, or anywhere in the world for that matter. Is it worth it? For me, it’s a big yes and an underrated adventure. 

Wedding photography is increasingly popular, for obvious reasons. It’s the special day and peak celebration time. And yet, love is about the day-to-day, the special moments, and the milestones of all degrees.

Getting engaged is a huge milestone. It’s the beginning of your commitment to each other. The first day in the build-up to your wedding. Speaking as a photographer, though, there are practical benefits. You’ll get warmed up in front of the camera. You and your partner will learn what works, and what doesn’t, and what you’re comfortable with — all of which makes things smoother on the wedding day.

I mean, why not use the opportunity to create more memories? It’s a great excuse to get dressed up, have some fun, and build rapport with your photographer. Plus, without the spectacle of the wedding, you can plan a mini-vacation around the shoot and relax before and after. Whether native to Ottawa or travelling from further afield, you’re sure to discover hidden gems.

Where Can I Take Engagement Photos In Ottawa?

There aren’t many limitations on where you can take engagement photos as most of the options on this list are public spaces. Unlike a wedding, where you need licenses to make it official or to hire certain locations, engagement photos are straightforward. 

That being said, it is worth working with a professional photographer who has insider tips on relevant locations, and can work with lighting, backdrops, and knows how to capture authentic moments. 

With engagement photos in Ottawa, understanding the ebb and flow of urban life helps avoid any issues such as overcrowding, so you’ll want someone who understands the city well and has a few personal picks in terms of location.

The Best Engagement Photo Locations In Ottawa

I personally love engagement photoshoots. There’s more space throughout the day, and more freedom to be playful, or even selfish, as you don’t have to worry about timekeeping, guests, or speeches. Ottawa is your oyster! 

Over the years I’ve joined many couples celebrating the next step of their love story. From those experiences of what people love the most, below is a selection of my favorite Ottawa engagement photo locations:

Downtown Ottawa

Downtown is without doubt the best urban location thanks to the variety of cool options in close proximity. 

I’ve always felt the architecture gives off a European vibe, and although in the city, I know a number of locations that aren’t overly busy, so you won’t be overwhelmed or photobombed (is that still a thing?!). 

Fairmont Château Laurier is a stunning, castle-like hotel that overlooks Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, all areas that make for stunning photos. Everything is walkable, too, with access to museums, restaurants, pubs, or Major’s Hill Park if you crave a touch of nature.

Ornamental Gardens

If you don’t just want a touch of nature, but full immersion, Ornamental Gardens is a wonderful choice. Its eight acres of grounds are saturated with hundreds of different flowers, plants, and perfectly manicured gardens. 

Ottawa is known as “The City of Gardens,” and this is one of the picks of the bunch, with a reputation as somewhere to go, unwind, and boost wellbeing. The bright and multi-colored backdrop adds a vibrant feel to your photos and a sense that your love will continue to blossom.

The Dominion Arboretum

Another Ottawa engagement session location for nature lovers, The Dominion Arboretum offers a different flavor of landscape. An arboretum is a botanical garden dedicated to trees. 

The 64-acre site is a wonderful place to celebrate putting down roots with your partner, with a wide open space with stunning views. Some of the trees date back to 1889, offering a reminder of the enduring nature of love.

Rockcliffe Rockeries

This is one of Ottawa’s first national parks, once owned by a stonemason and the architect of the Rideau Hall. It gets its name due to the rocky land it sits upon, as well as the ruins that are scattered around. 

Remnants of Ottawa’s past include Carnegie Library Columns, from the old public library, and Soper’s Fountain, dating back to the early 1900s. This location is ideal for those looking to celebrate while steeped in nature and history. 

MacKenzie King Estate

Another location offering a mixture of history and nature, MacKenzie King Estate feels like taking a tour back in time. 

Once owned by former Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, the grounds are located in the middle of Gatineau Park, and are rich with a mixture of French and English gardens. Walking along its many trails are plenty of stunning locations to pause, take in the scenery, and capture a few snaps.

Pinhey’s Point

If you aren’t too focused on engagement photos in Ottawa and you’re willing to travel, Pinhey’s Point is a great option. Located 40 minutes west of Downtown, on the Ottawa River, the Ontario Heritage site centers around the 200-year-old Manor House. 

The surrounding grounds cover 88 acres and are ideal for romantic picnics, hand-in-hand strolls, and of course, eye-catching engagement photos.

Aylmer Park

Another location worth the trip is Aylmer Park, especially for couples drawn toward the stillness of water. 

If you’re feeling active, it’s a 15-kilometer cycle to Aylmer from Parliament Hill. What you’ll find when you arrive you’ll find a beach, a marina, and an abundance of amenities to make a day (or weekend) of it. 

If you feel brave and don’t mind making a splash, you can even capture a few photos of you jumping into the water! You wouldn’t be the first, and likely not the last.

Planning The Journey

Now you have a taste of what Ottawa has to offer, it pays to consider how you’d like the day to unfold. 

When would you like the photos taken? Would you like the photographer to join you at multiple locations, or just at one spot? 

The beauty of engagement photography is that it gives you loads of flexibility to create a day that you and your partner will love. Working with a photographer who understands what’s required is a big bonus. 

Other key considerations include:

• Outfits: You won’t be dressed to the nines in the same way you will be at your wedding. Will you choose to go smart and sophisticated, eccentric, refined? Deciding what you’ll wear is a big part of the fun and really adds to the final photos.
  
• The Ring: In an age of social media, there’s a big pull to showing off your ring, and why wouldn’t you? Considering how to feature your new gift plays into your plan. Up close and personal, or subtle and brilliant? There are many ways to include the sparkle of diamonds.
  
• The Album: Also, if you’re particularly creative, you may want to consider any themes that will unfold from your engagement photos to your wedding photos. Will you tell a story? Capture authentic moments? Find styles that complement or contrast?

Looking for an Ottawa Engagement Photographer? Reach Out!

Well, there we go! I’d be more than happy to talk to you to get things started and explore your options for engagement photos, and wedding photos. Maybe I’m biased, but I know the city is special, and I’ve seen first-hand how much joy and love the location has to offer. 

If you’re convinced, it would be an honor to work with you, to get to know more about your love story, and to capture the most authentic moments of your day. So get in touch, and I look forward to planning and celebrating with you