A Rialto Beach Engagement Session
This summer I was able to photograph a spectacular Rialto Beach engagement session! Rialto Beach might not be as popular or well-known as Ruby Beach, Second Beach, or Kalaloch Beach, but it’s equally as spectacular! And maybe being slightly less popular is advantageous. The best parts of Ruby beach take a little more investment from visitors; the most spectacular seastacks are over a mile hike down the pebbly beach.
Spencer, Oliver, and I made the hike at the peak of high tide. And by that I mean: the waves were so high on the beach that there was hardly any beach left to walk on! We scrambled up and over the enormous driftwood logs and through the woods along the way, dodging and sometimes getting caught by crashing waves. It was an adventure! And it illustrated one of the reasons I always tell clients: bring sturdy footwear for your session!! My fave options are hiking boots or even rubber boots; I was so glad I’d opted for boots on this trip.
I loved hearing about Spencer and Oliver’s love story as we clambered over giant driftwood logs, rocks, and little streams along the way. The two of them were so energetic and upbeat that it made the whole adventure a ton of fun and the photographs really reflect how much they enjoy one another.
Planning a Rialto Beach Engagement Session
You can’t beat the natural beauty of the Washington coastline. Rialto Beach is an ideal spot for capturing its rugged, wild beauty! The towering seastacks always take my breath away. The best time to go, of course, is low tide, providing the weather and daylight are favorable. For Spencer and Oliver’s session, we started our hike at high tide due to the time of day— we arrived at the best spot on the beach exactly at golden hour, and it worked out perfectly. But there’s no bad time to be on the beach as far as I’m concerned! Just be mindful of the tides and weather forecast for safety’s sake. The Washington coastline is a rugged wilderness that can be dangerous if you’re unprepared!
As I mentioned before, good footwear is essential for a successful Rialto Beach engagement session. You may also want to bring different shoes for the photos, or even go barefoot! I always love when clients dress up for their portraits. Whether you opt for a flowy maxi, a sweet sundress, or a glamorous formal gown, the beach is a great backdrop. For guys, I recommend a sport coat or jacket, a collared shirt, and dark pants or khakis. Belts, shoes, and hats are a great way to add detail and personality to a guy’s outfit!
I can’t wait to get back to Rialto Beach for another engagement session, although it will be hard to top this one. Are you thinking Rialto Beach might be the ideal spot for your engagement session or elopement? Send me a note and we’ll start planning right away!
I WANT TO BE YOUR RIALTO BEACH ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER. SEND ME A MESSAGE AND LET’S CHAT!
If you’re looking around for other beach and waterfront sessions that I’ve photographed, check out some of these:
1 Stylish Puget Sound Beach Engagement Session
2 Glamorous Sunny La Push Engagement Session
Hey there! Welcome to my blog—Make yourself comfy and look around! As an Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, Seattle, Whidbey Island, and destination wedding photographer, I want to be a resource for you as you put together your own wedding day. Browse around, have a look, and let me know your questions! I'm so happy you're here, and I hope you want to get in touch so we can chat about your wedding day.
