A Rainy Day Engagement Session at Hoyt Arboretum | Heather & Eric | Portland, OR
There’s something about rain in Portland that just feels like coming home.
When Heather and Eric’s engagement session arrived with a soft steady drizzle and low clouds hanging over the trees, we didn’t panic. We leaned in. And honestly? It could not have fit them more perfectly.
If you’re dreaming of engagement photos that feel romantic, intimate, and unmistakably Pacific Northwest, this rainy day at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, OR is your sign to embrace the weather.
Why Hoyt Arboretum Is Perfect for Engagement Photos in Portland
Nestled in the hills above the city, Hoyt Arboretum is one of Hunter’s & my favorite locations for engagement sessions in Portland. It has:
- Towering evergreens
- Moss-covered paths
- Fern-lined trails
- Wooden bridges
- Soft, filtered light (especially magical on cloudy days)
On rainy days, everything deepens. The greens become richer. The bark darkens. The air feels quiet and still. And that mist? Pure magic in photos.
For Heather and Eric, the rain added a cinematic, cozy energy that matched their cozy and affectionate vibe.
Embracing the Cloudy Skies (Instead of Rescheduling It!)
The forecast called for rain all week. Hunter & I kept an eye on it, like we always do, and we gave Heather & Eric the heads up.
We packed clear umbrellas, our pocket-warmers, wore layers, and went for it. Thankfully, by the time we arrived at Hoyt, we just experienced a little bit of mist and some grey clouds. No rain. Tame Portland weather by all accouns. We got so lucky, Heather & I couldn’t believe it.
Here’s what usually happens during a rainy engagement session:
- Hair gets a little soft and natural.
- You stay close (which makes for incredible photos).
- The trails are quieter.
- The light is beautifully diffused.
Instead of stiff, posed moments, we had Heather and Eric lean into movement — walking hand in hand, laughing together under the trees, tucking into each other to stay warm. The rain created connection.
And that’s what engagement photos are really about.
The Mood: Cozy, Romantic, Effortless
Eric wore a soft neutral sweater that complemented the earthy tones of the forest. Heather kept it classic and simple. Nothing overly formal — just elevated enough to feel intentional.
The fog rolled through the trees as we wandered deeper into the arboretum. There was a little bit of mud, nothing some rain boots couldn’t handle. Raindrops clung to the branches. At one point, they stopped under a cedar canopy and just held each other while the rain fell around them.
Those quiet in-between moments? That’s where the magic lives.
Planning Your Engagement Session at Hoyt Arboretum
If you’re considering engagement photos at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, OR, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Cloudy Is Better Than Sunny
Direct sun can be harsh in forested locations. Overcast light creates even skin tones and soft shadows.
2. Bring Layers
Portland weather changes quickly. Sweaters, jackets, and scarves photograph beautifully and keep you comfortable.
3. Don’t Fear the Rain
Some of my favorite engagement sessions have happened in mist or light rain. It adds depth, atmosphere, and intimacy.
4. Weekdays Are Quieter
Hoyt Arboretum is very popular — especially on weekends. A weekday session gives you more privacy and flexibility. We actually stumbled upon an elopement ceremony at the Redwood Deck, so we kept our distance to respect the other couple’s privacy!
Heather & Eric’s Story
More than anything, what stood out about Heather and Eric was how easy they are together.
No forced smiles. No overthinking. Just genuine laughter and steady, comfortable closeness.
When I give prompts during engagement sessions, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for connection. And these two? They made that effortless.
The rain didn’t interrupt their session. It elevated it.
Thinking About Engagement Photos in Portland, OR?
If you’re planning a wedding in Portland or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, engagement photos are such a meaningful way to slow down and celebrate this season.
Whether it’s a sunny evening or a rainy forest afternoon at Hoyt Arboretum, the goal is the same:
To create images that feel like you.
Heather and Eric’s session is proof that you don’t need perfect weather for perfect photos. Sometimes, the moody, misty days end up being the most unforgettable.
If you’re dreaming about your own engagement session in Portland, OR — especially somewhere lush and timeless like Hoyt Arboretum — I’d love to help you plan it.
Let’s embrace the weather and make something beautiful. 🌲✨
