Emily & Hunter’s Romantic Redwoods Engagement Session at Hoyt Arboretum

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing your love story in the towering trees of Redwoods and the timeless beauty of nature, Emily and Hunter’s engagement session is the perfect inspiration. For this vibe, we ventured to the stunning Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon! Their session was a mix of romance, adventure, and breathtaking sunbeams. The Redwoods trails provided an inspiring setting, which really highlighted their beautiful connection against the grandeur of these majestic giants.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was an experience. From playful moments under the dappled sunlight to quiet, heartfelt embraces surrounded by serene forest vibes, every frame told a story as unique as Emily and Hunter.

Whether you’re planning your own engagement session or simply looking for ideas to make your photos unforgettable, this blog will guide you through how the perfect location and personalized touches can elevate your shoot. Get ready to fall in love with their session—and leave inspired to create your own magic!

Meet Emily & Hunter

Emily and Hunter’s love story started six years ago on Tinder, and they’ve been inseparable ever since! In June 2024, during a dreamy trip to Oahu, Hawaii, Hunter popped the question on the stunning Makapu’u Beach. Fast forward to just a month later, and they were already reaching out to book me for their wedding at Cape Horn Estate in August 2025. Talk about being on top of wedding planning—these two are total pros!

When they’re not planning their big day, Emily and Hunter love exploring new restaurants and breweries, soaking up the iconic beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and spending quality time together wherever life takes them.

Hoyt Arboretum: a glimpse of Redwoods magic

For their engagement session, Emily and Hunter were all about embracing those moody, quintessential Pacific Northwest vibes. They had their hearts set on the Redwoods, but rather than trekking 8–10 hours to Northern California, we found the perfect spot right here in Portland: Hoyt Arboretum. This gem of a park is nestled in the heart of the city and offers a variety of nature trails, each named for the stunning foliage you’ll find—like the Spruce Trail, the Maple Trail, and of course, the Redwoods Trail.

Hoyt Arboretum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, and there are two main pay-to-park lots—one at the Visitor Center and another near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Parking is $2 per hour or $8 for the day, enforced from 9:30 AM to 8 PM, even on holidays. You’ll also find additional parking at trailheads on SW Fischer Ln and SW Fairview Blvd, plus near the Winter Garden. Pro tip: Watch out for those “No Parking” signs along the roads—they mean it, and tickets aren’t fun! To make your visit seamless, I highly recommend downloading the Hoyt Arboretum Map ahead of time. It’s a lifesaver for finding trails, restrooms, and everything else you’ll need while exploring.

For Emily and Hunter’s session, we scheduled on a weekday to skip the weekend crowds and keep things private and relaxed. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—we lucked out with a sunny day, and midday light filtering through the towering redwoods was pure magic. The scattered sunlight created the most incredible sunbeams and flares, turning their photos into breathtaking, glowing engagement photos.

An Enchanting Engagement Session in Portland, Oregon

If Hoyt Arboretum is calling your name and you’re dreaming of turning your engagement session into a full-on adventure, you’re in luck! This spot is perfectly central to so many fun places we can add to your day. After soaking in the magic of the Redwoods for your engagement session, we could also head to an arcade for some playful games, grab a bite at 10 Barrel Brewing, or sip lattes at a charming coffee shop before wandering through a record store together.

Looking for more ideas? Imagine sharing a picnic on the arboretum’s open lawn, popping champagne under the trees, or bringing along your favorite blanket and curling up for some intimate shots. Love the city vibes too? We could finish your session downtown, capturing candid moments in front of Portland’s iconic murals or the twinkling city lights.

The options are endless—just like the memories you’ll make! Let’s create a session that’s as unique and fun as your love story.

Engagement + Wedding Tips and Resources

If you’re feeling inspired from this Redwoods Engagement Session and are engaged, or an engagement is on the horizon, be sure to check out the engagement + wedding resources we’ve got for you below!

A PNW Wildflower Photoshoot Guide

Romantic Sunset Engagement at Mt. St. Helens

Super 8 Wedding: The Magic of Film

Luxury Boho Wedding at Trout Lake Hall

Redwoods Engagement Session Pinterest Inspo

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A PNW wedding & engagement photographer

Looking for a wedding and engagement photographer who loves to capture moody, romantic, and demure photos? Well look no further, because I’m your gal! Reach out to me through my inquiry form here and let’s chat about your vision. I’d love to see how we can create the most amazing engagement and wedding experience together!