Best Seattle parks for LGBTQ+ family photos
Seattle has amazing parks for outdoor family portraits, but some work better than others for queer families who want beautiful backdrops without dealing with crowds or judgment. Here are my top picks.
Discovery Park: Privacy + stunning views
Discovery Park is massive, which means we can find quieter spots away from the main trails. The bluffs, the beach, the meadows are all gorgeous options. It's also pretty fucking queer-friendly since it's Seattle and nobody bats an eye at two moms or a polyamorous family. The variety of backdrops means we can get forest vibes, beach energy, and open meadow shots all in one session.
Golden Gardens: Beach without the tourists
If you want beach photos but don't want to deal with Alki crowds, Golden Gardens is perfect. Early morning or weekday sessions give you that Pacific Northwest beach aesthetic with more privacy. Plus, the driftwood and rocks photograph beautifully. I've done many queer family sessions here, and it's consistently gorgeous and comfortable.
Washington Park Arboretum: Year-round beauty
The Arboretum works in every season. Spring blooms, summer greenery, fall colors, winter evergreens - yes please! The paths are paved, so if you have mobility needs or simply don't want to hike forever, this works. It's also huge enough that we can find semi-private spots even on busy days.
Volunteer Park: Urban park with character
Volunteer Park has the Conservatory with gorgeous plants as well as open green space, and tree-lined paths. It's in Capitol Hill, which is historically queer central in Seattle, so the vibe is our best bet of an affirming environment. Plus, it offers variety and I love options!
The session experience matters more than the park
Honestly almost any Seattle park can work for LGBTQ+ family photos if you're with a photographer who knows how to scout locations, time sessions for privacy, and make you comfortable. During your session, we'll find the best spots within your chosen park, work around other people if needed, and create images that show your queer, polyam, or plus size family exactly as you are.
After your session, we'll turn these outdoor family portraits into customized artwork for your Seattle home: daily reminders that you are so loved, no matter which park we chose.
