If you recently got engaged, congratulations! This is such an exciting time to start dreaming about what your engagement photos could look like. Spring in Maine has this calm, romantic energy that always makes for incredible sessions. I love seeing the snow thaw, the green slowly come alive again after winter. The light feels soft this time of year and the air starts to smell like wildflowers. It truly is such a beautiful place to get your engagement shoot done, plus there is SO much variety!
Engagement Photo Locations That Capture the Heart of Spring in Maine
As a Portland, Maine photographer, I love helping couples find engagement photo locations that feel personal and custom to their story. Spring sessions are some of my favorites because they carry that in-between-season energy, where everything is starting fresh. Whether you want to be near the water or surrounded by blooming fields, there are so many places near Portland that photograph beautifully!
Below are four of my favorite spring spots for engagement photos, each offering something a little different! Every location is full of charm, easy to access, and perfect for couples who want images that feel natural, timeless, and full of warmth!
Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth
Two Lights State Park is seriously one of my favorite spots for engagement photos near Portland!!! It’s got everything, ocean views, open fields, and that iconic Maine lighthouse that just makes you feel at home. In the spring, it completely comes alive with the bright green grass, wildflowers starting to bloom, and that fresh, salty breeze that just makes you breathe a little deeper.
It’s also one of my go-to locations for couples who want those dreamy cliffside views without the major hike (we love an easy-access adventure, right?!). The cliffs are just a short walk from the parking lot, which means we can explore a bunch of different backdrops without stressing about logistics. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly, so yes, your pup is absolutely invited!
I love photographing here because it somehow feels peaceful and full of life at the same time. The light bounces off the water in the most magical way, and on film, the tones turn this soft glow that I can never get enough of. I usually tell my couples to bring a cozy blanket or maybe a little bottle of bubbly to share, those small pauses always create the real moments. The ones that feel comfortable, genuine, and full of love.
For outfits, light neutrals and soft pastels always look stunning against the ocean blues and lush greens. And if it gets a little windy? Embrace it!!! The movement adds so much emotion and honestly feels exactly like what being by the Maine coast is all about, real, wild, and a little bit magic.
Learn more about the park with this guide, Two Lights State Park.
Old Port, Downtown Portland
If you are drawn to more of a city energy, the Old Port in downtown Portland is full of character and personality. The cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and waterfront piers give you variety while keeping everything close together.
I always tell my couples that this is the spot if they want their engagement session to feel like a date night! You can walk through the streets, stop for an appetizer, wander by the docks, all while I capture those easy, candid moments. Every street has its own light and texture, which makes it simple to create a mix of editorial and documentary-style images.
In the spring, the city starts to wake up again after the quiet winter months. The air feels lighter, and the golden hour glow against the brick buildings is incredible. I love how versatile Old Port is for sessions. We can start by the water for those soft tones, then wander into the cobblestone streets for something a little more lively and editorial. There’s so much charm packed into one area, and it really lets you capture both sides of your love story, the calm and the playful.
For outfits, I usually recommend leaning into that sophisticated city look, think flowy dresses, tailored jackets, and fabrics that move beautifully in the breeze. The contrast of structure and motion photographs so well here, especially on film. It adds depth and a touch of luxury without ever feeling stiff or staged.
If you’re anything like my past couples and I, you’ll probably grab a glass of wine after your session, wander into one of the cozy restaurants nearby, and just soak it all in, the city, the colors, the joy of this chapter. That’s what I love most about photographing in Portland: it’s as intentional as it is effortless.
If you want to explore Old Port more, check out this guide!
Reid State Park in Georgetown
Reid State Park is less than an hour from Portland and feels like a quiet coastal escape. It’s one of my go-to spots for couples who want their engagement session to feel easy, relaxed, and are open to getting “off the beaten path”. The long stretches of sand, soft dunes, and open sky give you that classic Maine coastal feel without the crowds.
This location gives you room to move, which I always love! You can walk barefoot through the sand, share a picnic, or run along the water. The atmosphere encourages playfulness and closeness, which makes for authentic photos (that are my favorite to capture!) The sound of the waves creates a sense of stillness that helps couples relax and focus on each other.
I always do my best to create that same feeling during sessions, no stiff posing or awkward “what do I do with my hands” moments. I’ll give you gentle prompts, chat with you, and keep things light so it feels more like hanging out than taking photos. By the time we wrap up, most couples tell me it felt way easier and more fun than they expected, which is exactly how it should be!
The light at Reid State Park is especially soft in the evening. When the sun hits the water, everything glows with a gentle warmth that feels so romantic and timeless, it truly never gets old! The images from these sessions are often some of my favorites because they capture both peace and movement without forcing anything.
If you plan a session here, bring simple layers and shoes that are easy to slip off. We almost always end up near the shoreline. You can explore the park details at Reid State Park.
Lupine Fields near Portland
About thirty minutes from Portland, there is a quiet field where the lupines bloom every June. It is one of those engagement photo locations that is truly a photographers dream, and that is what makes it special. The colors shift with the light, and even on cloudy days, it looks soft and cinematic!
The field fills with these tall purple, pink, and blue blooms that seem to go on forever. It’s tucked away and perfect for couples who want something that feels private and slow-paced.
I always tell my couples to take their time here. Wander a little. Talk, laugh, maybe even dance if you’re feeling it. The in-between moments, the ones where you forget the camera’s even there, are always my favorite to capture. There’s something about being surrounded by color and fresh air that makes people loosen up and just be.
For wardrobe, choose outfits that complement the natural tones around you. Cream, sage, or light blue all look beautiful with the flowers. Overcast skies that sometimes come with spring in Maine actually work well here because they make the colors richer and the light softer.
To plan around bloom season, check the Maine Lupine Bloom Calendar, or if you book a shoot with me, I will definitely let you know my recommendations for when we book your shoot!
Choosing the Right Location for You
Every couple has its own story and energy, which means every session should feel unique. The right engagement photo location depends on what feels like you. For the coast lovers, Two Lights or Reid State Park are beautiful. If you prefer something lively, Old Port has an easygoing energy that photographs perfectly in the spring. If you want quiet and intimacy, the lupine field will always deliver!
When we plan your session, I take time to learn about what you both love. Do you enjoy exploring or relaxing? Do you want something more refined or more natural? I help you choose the location, build a vision, and coordinate outfits so everything feels cohesive and easy (and fun!)
You never need to worry about performing in front of the camera. I always tell couples that if you feel awkward, just smile and look at each other. You can do no wrong, and I will be there to guide you every step of the way! My goal is always to capture connection, not perfection!
A few questions I often get from couples:
What time of day is best for lighting?
Late afternoon or early evening when the light feels warm and gentle. But when you book your shoot, I will help you plan the best time!
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, several of these locations are dog-friendly!
Can we include two spots in one session?
Yes! I would love to help you create a plan so we can get the photos of your dreams.
The best engagement sessions feel unhurried and unique to you! They give space to laugh, talk, and let moments unfold naturally!
Client Experience
Here is what Sam and Michael shared after their engagement session.
“We just got the photos from our engagement shoot, and we could not be happier with the results. Jess was attentive, knowledgeable, communicative, and professional with us along every step of the process. My fiancé and I were pretty nervous about the photo shoot at first, but Jess made us feel so comfortable and relaxed. We were able to get natural, candid-feeling shots. She was also flexible and open to ideas and suggestions during the engagement shoot, making the process feel collaborative and creative. From scheduling and planning to receiving the final product, our experience with Jess was wonderful. We cannot recommend her enough.”
Hearing words like this means everything to me! My goal is always to create a space where couples feel calm and connected. The best photos come when you feel at ease and can focus on each other!
Final Thoughts
Your engagement photos should feel like a reflection of your relationship! They’re not about posing or having the most Pinterest-worthy photos; instead, they are about warmth, laughter, having fun, and a sense of calm that will still matter when you look at your images decades from now!
When you choose a location that feels like you, the photos will always carry meaning! That is what I love most about photographing in Portland, Maine. Every landscape tells a story, and every couple brings their own along with them!
Ready to Book Your Portland, Maine Photographer
If these spring engagement photo locations near Portland caught your eye, I would love to help you plan a session that feels thoughtful and relaxed! Your engagement photos should reflect who you are and capture the energy of this chapter in your life.
Whether that means running by the waves or walking downtown, I will guide you through every step with kindness and care. You can contact me through my inquiry form to start planning your session!
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