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Engagements

Beautiful Engagement Photo Locations in Ottawa

February 16, 2020

Grey Loft Studio
We met online 10 years ago, fell in love, 3 babies, lots of cameras, and here we are. Want to know more about our story? 
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When choosing a location for your engagement photos you’ll want to consider a few things and luckily we rounded up our most beautiful engagement photo locations that Ottawa has to offer below. But before you soak in all these ideas, it’s best to think what this engagement session means to you.

We want your photos to be natural so we incorporate a lot of movement to keep it light and fun! This photo was taken downtown Ottawa close to Major’s Hill Park during winter.

Nerves about the session

For some couples this is literally the first time you’ve ever had pro photos done. It can be great practice for the big day and a way to get to know what it’s like working with us. Although, we do feel that it should be even more than just that.

We want to be able to tell your story before the big dress and the florals take up this space, so we take this time very seriously as it’s a time where we are gaining your complete trust. This is especially important as we don’t want you to be worrying about your wedding day when it comes to photography or videography one bit.

How many months before the wedding should you do the engagement session?

We like to say at least 6 months before the wedding so that you can use these photos for save the dates, Christmas cards, and creating a signing book at your wedding, but that doesn’t always work out that way because of well, we live in Canada.

Don’t fret if you just booked your wedding and you want to get your photos done in the spring (making it only a few short weeks before your wedding), we will still need to practice together making sure you adore the process and make use of your hair and makeup trials!

same sex lesbian engagement session during sunset, cute couple very much in love, jean jacket and pink sweater holding hands and walking on the road
Holding hands and interacting together during this chilly December engagement session just in front of our studio in Carp, ON.

What time of day should we do outdoor photos?

Often we get asked when is the best time to do engagement photos and no matter what the season we will always say: “the hour and a half before sunset.” Make no mistake, all those Pinterest worthy photos you adore were most certainly shot around sunset. The other details are truly up to you.

Winter or Spring?

Do you like winter? If you don’t, we wouldn’t recommend doing your engagement session in winter. We have shot engagement sessions 1 week away from the wedding as that was when schedules lined up for the couple or they were coming from out of town. Again, it’s really a time where you can learn what poses you like and the ones you don’t.

Dominion Arboretum

Now this spot never ever disappoints, all year round it is a favourite for sure because of the many locations you can explore and unique florals and trees. We especially love it in the spring when the Magnolia & Cherry Blossoms bloom.

Cherry Blossoms in the Ornamental Gardens (just across from the Dominion Arboretum) are very beautiful as well but only available for about 5-10 days in May.
engaged couple walking through magnolia blossoming trees, dominion arboretum Ottawa, white magnolias, engagement photo with a dogspring cherry blossom Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio
White Magnolia blossoms in May at the Dominion Arboretum. So cute with little Sam walking behind them.
A little slit up the leg is really pretty for photos.

Tropical Gardens

Tropical Gardens is very close to the Dominion Arboretum but is just on the other side of the roundabout off Maple St. and its a definitely a favourite spot of ours as we can always find some free parking!

Couple laughing in front of the Tropical Gardens wearing a pink dress and white linen shirt Couple in a white sweater and jean outfit hugging and laughing in front of an willow Tree in the Dominion Arboretum during an engagement session engaged couple walking through magnolia blossoming trees, dominion arboretum Ottawa, white magnolias, engagement photo with a dog spring cherry blossom Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio boxer puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa
This white Tropical Garden House is so beautiful, depending on the time of year (winter) we can even go inside for free to do some photos. It’s usually only open until 4:30pm most days.
So pretty with the sun coming out!

Parliament Hill

Being so close to the Capital Hill of Canada is kind of amazing and so whenever couples ask if we can do some around the hill, it’s hard not to feel a little patriotic. One thing to keep in mind is the time of year, in particular if there are any events happening which means we won’t be able to get as close as we’d like!

Couple laughing in front of the parliament buildings wearing black coats and tuques Couple in a white sweater and jean outfit hugging and laughing in front of an willow Tree in the Dominion Arboretum during an engagement session engaged couple walking through magnolia blossoming trees, dominion arboretum Ottawa, white magnolias, engagement photo with a dog spring cherry blossom Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio boxer puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa
In front of the Parliament Buildings downtown Ottawa. They were married on Canada Day so it was fitting we did the session on the hill!
Couple laughing in front of the parliament buildings wearing black coats and tuques Couple in a white sweater and jean outfit hugging and laughing in front of an willow Tree in the Dominion Arboretum during an engagement session engaged couple walking through magnolia blossoming trees, dominion arboretum Ottawa, white magnolias, engagement photo with a dog spring cherry blossom Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio boxer puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa
The beautiful architecture is perfect for pictures!
This was a surprise “proposal” we shot downtown. It was so much fun to secretly hide and capture the whole thing! This is shot behind the Chateau Laurier in Major’s Hill Park.

Major’s Hill Park & Chateau Laurier

If you haven’t checked out our tips for outfits for your engagement session, be sure to check it out as this one requires lots of walking, but we promise it is so worth it! Walking from one spot to another all while trying to time the lighting is our specialty! We really love it!

Behind the Chateau Laurier
That sweet summer glow!

This spot is just behind the Chateau Laurier but if you are facing the Chateau you would need to walk to your left and go across the locks. It’s great for popping some Champagne.

fall Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset National Art Gallery grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa chateau laurier majors hill park pop champagne pink and black dress rainy day engagement session using clear umbrella
These clients decided to go ahead and do the session in the rain, so if you are wondering what to do when it rains, we wrote a whole blog on it here.
fall Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset National Art Gallery grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa chateau laurier majors hill park pop champagne pink and black dress rainy day engagement session using clear umbrella
Funny story, they dropped one of the glasses, so drinking out of the bottle was a must, but I wasn’t mad about it!
spring Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset National Art Gallery grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa chateau laurier majors hill park pop champagne grey white and blue outfit cute sandals for engagement session
Downtown offers so many cute little spots and you get used to people being around, usually they try to stay out of the way which is so lovely!
beautiful diamond ring spring Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset National Art Gallery grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa chateau laurier majors hill park pop champagne grey white and blue outfit cute sandals for engagement session
Usually we do a ring shot while outfit changes are happening. How pretty is this ring!?

Britannia Beach

As a family we really love going to the beach and we go often as it’s a great way to let your inner child come out as you walk through the sand in bare feet and splash water around. It really relaxes couples as well which is helpful when we are trying to get the real people to shine through!

To see more from this VERY spicy engagement session at Britannia Beach check it all out HERE.

beach boho vibes from this fun engagement session at britannia beach ottawa spring Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa plaid shirt sleeve tattoo engagement session
beach boho vibes from this fun engagement session at britannia beach ottawa spring Engagement Session Downtown Ottawa during Sunset grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa blue shirt  engagement session
Love the pop of colour from the dress used on her nails!

Mooney’s Bay is also such a great place to take engagement photos! This was the first time doing them with this super fun session! Check it out here!

Mer Bleue Bog

This is a really unique spot as there are no limits on locations and usually not to many people! Keep in mind it is a bog, so bugs can sometimes be a little bit of a pain!

mer bleue bog engagement session in the fall backless white dress and blue dress shirt on the guy with jeans fall colour engagement session romantic engagement grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer
mer bleue bog engagement session in the fall backless white dress and blue dress shirt on the guy with jeans fall colour engagement session romantic engagement grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer
mer bleue bog engagement session in the fall backless white dress and blue dress shirt on the guy with jeans fall colour engagement session romantic engagement grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer

Walter Baker Park Kanata

Often we head to Walter Baker Park in Kanata for sessions as its about 15 mins from our studio in Carp. We know all the best spots and it’s got quite an array of spots to do photos all year long.

walter baker park engagement session white flower dress with blue dress shirt and beige chinos during sunset kanata recreation centre photos kanata photographer stittsville wedding photographer carp wedding photographer nepean photographer ottawa wedding photographer videographer beautiful light and airy true to colour photos timeless beautiful photos
walter baker park engagement session white flower dress with blue dress shirt and beige chinos during sunset kanata recreation centre photos kanata photographer stittsville wedding photographer carp wedding photographer nepean photographer ottawa wedding photographer videographer beautiful light and airy true to colour photos timeless beautiful photos

Pine Grove Trail

We love this spot too, but we do have one closer to our studio in the west end which is very similar as well called Jack Pine Trail that is really pretty as well!

pine grove trail Winter Engagement Session grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa black coats and tan coloured accents with jeans
pine grove trail Winter Engagement Session grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa black coats and tan coloured accents with jeans
pine grove trail Winter Engagement Session grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa black coats and tan coloured accents with jeans
pine grove trail Winter Engagement Session grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa black coats and tan coloured accents with jeans

Private Property

Perhaps you grew up on a farm or you have a family cottage that holds a lot of meaning in your lives, picking a spot like this is really special. We love adventuring to new locations so this is a great option to do as well!

farm in carp on private estate engagement session casual with jeans and white tshirt fun bernese mountain dog shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer
farm in carp on private estate engagement session casual with jeans and white tshirt fun bernese mountain dog shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer
This is also the farm that they got married on, such a beautiful spot!

Our Studio in Carp

Sometimes couples want a little more privacy or they want something different so we offer up our studio in Carp. We live on a 2 acre property that’s surrounded by trees. We also have access to a really cute little trail thats about a 2 minute drive with a covered bridge. Our neighbour also has about 10 Cherry Blossom trees so we use this private spot in the spring as well!

We love bringing people to our area as it warms our heart that these photos will be loved by our clients and will also be a memory of our little plot where we raise our family.

grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer
This is just on the side of the house where we get the prettiest light!
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This is on the street just in front of our studio.
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
These Cherry Blossoms are just on our street and our neighbour is kind enough to let us use them!
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
Aren’t they so beautiful!?

The Covered Bridge

A hop skip and a jump away from our studio is the beautiful covered bridge where we love to take couples. Not only is it so pretty all year round, it’s very private! All the beautiful nature combined with this little bridge is just perfect!

grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
grey loft studio engagement session at grey loft studio property 2 acres sunset sessions private estate canterberry woods carp hardwood plains sunset shy couple fun engagement session during sunset ottawa wedding photographer grey loft studio kanata wedding carp wedding ottawa valley wedding country wedding engagement photographer ottawa kanata wedding photographer cherry blossoms wilbert cox drive carp ontario
We also stopped by our favourite pub after, which is 2 mins from our studio the Cheshire Cat Pub. They have great food and we definitely recommend getting the Hot Beef & Yorkie as it is a traditional English Sunday dinner and reminds Bethany of when she was living in London, UK.

Boat Ride Engagement

We we’re lucky to be invited to a family cottage, not once, but three times and by far boats are absolutely so much fun for an engagement session. If you have a family spot that’s meaningful to you let’s chat! Trust me you will absolutely love having these memories captured in a meaningful spot! Check out this fun engagement boat ride.

Pinhey’s Point

We just love this spot, so many fun area’s to explore and the water is just beautiful with the old stone bricks in the historical area make for some really pretty shots.

pinhey point engagement session black and burgandy fall colours with puppy uring an engagement session engaged couple walking Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa dunrobin ontario wedding photographer
pinhey point engagement session black and burgandy fall colours with puppy uring an engagement session engaged couple walking Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa dunrobin ontario wedding photographer
pinhey point engagement session black and burgandy fall colours with puppy uring an engagement session engaged couple walking Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa dunrobin ontario wedding photographer
pinhey point engagement session black and burgandy fall colours with puppy uring an engagement session engaged couple walking Ottawa during Sunset  grey loft studio ottawa wedding photographer videographer engagement kanata orleans nepean beautiful locations for engagement photos in ottawa dominion arboretum magnolia blooms spring photos ottawa photo studio puppy ottawa dogs in engagement photos ottawa dunrobin ontario wedding photographer

Engagement Videos are so worth it!

It’s not the type of video that we see a lot of, and we want to change this. If you’ve been on the fence about getting videography for your day, why not ask us about adding an Engagement Video to your Engagement session. It’s a great way to capture your love story before you say “I do”.

Check out these videos we did last year at Pinhey’s Point.

Engagement Session Wishlist

We have a pretty fun list of spots that we would love to check off our list this year, so if you are game to exploring a new spot, please check out this list below and let us know that you want to check this spot off our list!

  • Bikes, Horses, Baby Goats, Balloons, Confetti, Smoke Bombs (props)
  • The Love Lock Pedestrian Bridge
  • Experimental Farm (inside & outside)
  • Rideau Canal (Skating + Winterlude)
  • Fairgrounds (summer)
  • Baseball Diamond (or sports related spot)
  • In your home (if you have a super cute little spot)
  • University or College Campus
  • Graffiti near Carleton University
  • Billings Estate

Outside of Ottawa Locations for your Engagement Session

We are lucky enough that we have shot at quite a few places outside of Ottawa for Engagement Sessions, so stay tuned for this list of options as well!

Ready for “Outfit Tips” for your Engagement Session? Click the Photo below for all our best tips!

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