Graduation season in Washington is officially here, and one of the biggest questions seniors ask is:
“Where should I take my graduation photos?”
Whether you want skyline views, mountain backdrops, beachy vibes, or classic campus architecture, Seattle and Tacoma offer some of the most stunning graduation photo locations in the Pacific Northwest.
If you're planning Spring 2026 graduation photos, this guide breaks down the best graduation photo locations in Seattle, Tacoma, and surrounding areas, organized by style and personality, so you can choose the backdrop that feels like you.
For Iconic Seattle Skyline Views
Kerry Park – Classic Seattle Graduation Photos
If you want the most recognizable Seattle backdrop, Kerry Park is it.
With sweeping skyline views, including the Space Needle and Mount Rainier on clear days, this location is perfect for:
- Cap-and-gown portraits
- Dramatic golden hour sessions
- Graduation announcements
- College grad photos
Kerry Park works especially well for:
- UW grads
- Seattle University grads
- Seniors who want that unmistakable city energy
👉 You can see a full Kerry Park graduation session here.
Seattle Waterfront – Urban + Water Vibes
The Seattle Waterfront blends city energy with waterfront texture. You get:
- Pier views
- Open water
- Clean modern lines
- Sunset glow
This location feels polished and elevated, and ideal for seniors who want variety in a short session.
👉 Check out the full Seattle Waterfront session here.
For Epic Mountain Backdrops
Snoqualmie Point Park – Mountains Without the Long Drive
If you love mountain views but want to stay closer to Seattle, Snoqualmie Point Park is a stunning option.
You’ll get:
- Sweeping valley views
- Dramatic skies
- Soft golden-hour light
- Room for cap toss photos
It’s especially popular for seniors who want something scenic but accessible.
Crystal Mountain – For the Adventurous Grad
If you want unforgettable, magazine-worthy senior portraits, Crystal Mountain delivers.
With Mount Rainier towering in the background, this location creates epic graduation photos that feel cinematic and bold.
Perfect for:
- Adventurous seniors
- Outdoor lovers
- Epic Experience sessions
- Seniors celebrating a big milestone in a big way
👉 Check out the Crystal Mountain session here.
For Lush Greenery & Floral Backdrops
Kubota Garden – Timeless & Elegant
Kubota Garden offers:
- Japanese-inspired landscapes
- Stone bridges
- Reflecting ponds
- Spring blooms
It’s ideal for seniors who want something refined and peaceful.
Seattle Arboretum – Light, Open & Airy
The Arboretum works beautifully for:
- Soft, natural portraits
- Spring blooms
- Clean greenery
It feels organic and fresh, perfect for seniors who want something simple but beautiful.
Van Lierop Park – Open Field Energy
Van Lierop Park is an ideal setting for:
- Bold, confident portraits
- Wide open fields with flowers
- Seniors who want a scenic backdrop without hiking into the mountains
Van Lierop Park creates graduation photos that feel bright and full of possibility.
For Beach & Waterfront Seniors
Redondo Beach – Calm & Coastal (Des Moines)
Redondo Beach in Des Moines is a beautiful option for graduation photos if you love:
- Gentle shoreline views
- Driftwood and natural textures
- Moody Pacific Northwest skies
- Quieter, more intimate waterfront settings
It works especially well for cap-and-gown portraits, but also for relaxed, barefoot senior sessions that feel natural and unposed.
For Beach & Waterfront Seniors
Alki Beach is one of the best graduation photo locations in Seattle if you love:
- Open water
- Soft skies
- Casual movement
- Warm sunset tones
It works beautifully for cap-and-gown sessions, but also for casual senior portraits before graduation.
Classic Campus Graduation Photos
For many seniors, the most powerful location is where the journey happened, at the high school or university campus you're graduating from. Here are a couple of examples:
University of Washington – Suzzallo Library
UW graduation photos at Suzzallo Library are iconic and instantly timeless.
The architecture creates:
- Classic cap-and-gown portraits
- Dramatic indoor shots
- Elegant announcement images
Perfect for college grads who want something traditional and academic.
- 👉 Check out a session at Suzzallo Library here.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) – Tacoma
PLU graduation photos feel personal and meaningful.
Popular spots include:
- The PLU sign
- Brick architecture
- Campus lawns
- Nursing and specialty department locations
Seattle & Tacoma Graduation Photography – Class of 2026
Graduation only happens once. Whether you want skyline views at Kerry Park, epic mountain photos near Mount Rainier, a relaxed beach session at Alki, or timeless campus portraits at UW or PLU, your graduation photos should feel like you.
If you're ready to book your Spring 2026 graduation session, you can view session options here or reach out with questions.
📍 Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Snoqualmie, Federal Way, Bellevue & South King County
