Book Seattle cherry blossom photo sessions with PhotoYari Photography. Romantic portraits at UW Quad, Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle University, Seward Park, and more each March–April.
Capture the fleeting beauty of Seattle’s cherry blossoms with elegant, story-driven photography. Each spring, the city’s parks and campuses transform into soft pink tunnels of light — the perfect backdrop for romantic portraits, joyful family photos, and milestone sessions.
As a Seattle-based wedding and portrait photographer, I offer limited Seattle cherry blossom photo sessions each March and April at iconic locations like the University of Washington Quad, Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle University, Seward Park, and other hidden spots around the city. These sessions are designed to feel relaxed, natural, and timeless, so you can fully enjoy the magic of bloom season while I take care of the photos.
Why Book a Seattle Cherry Blossom Photo Session?
Cherry blossom season in Seattle only lasts a few short weeks, but the memories from this time can last a lifetime. Beneath the delicate pink and white petals, light becomes softer, colors feel dreamy, and even familiar locations turn into cinematic sets.
Whether you’re planning an engagement session, a spring family session, graduation portraits, or simply want beautiful portraits to celebrate the season, cherry blossoms create a backdrop that feels both romantic and unmistakably Pacific Northwest.
My approach is calm and guided: I’ll help you with posing and prompts when you need them, while leaving space for genuine laughter, movement, and connection. The result is a gallery that balances natural skin tones, flattering light, and honest emotion — not stiff or over-edited images.
Types of Cherry Blossom Sessions I Offer
Couples, Engagement, and Anniversary Sessions
Celebrate your love in one of Seattle’s most magical seasons. Cherry blossom sessions for couples and engagements are perfect if you:
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Want dreamy, editorial-style portraits that still feel like “you”
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Are planning a spring proposal or just got engaged
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Prefer a shorter session instead of a full engagement package
We’ll choose a location that matches your style — from the iconic UW Quad to quieter paths at the Arboretum or Seattle University. I’ll guide you through relaxed poses, movement, and moments in-between so your photos feel effortless and authentic.
Wedding, Elopement, and Day-After Portraits
If you’re getting married in spring or planning a Seattle elopement, cherry blossoms are an incredible way to add a seasonal, romantic look to your portraits. You can:
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Schedule a day-after session in your wedding attire under the blossoms
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Add cherry blossom portraits to your elopement timeline
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Use the session for save-the-dates or thank-you cards
We’ll plan around sunrise or golden hour for the best light and fewer crowds, creating images that complement your wedding gallery beautifully.
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Seattle?
Cherry blossoms in Seattle typically bloom from mid-March to early April, with peak bloom often landing sometime in late March. Exact timing changes every year with the weather, which is why I only open a limited number of dates and keep a close eye on the forecast and bloom reports.
When you inquire, I’ll let you know:
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The current predictions for this year’s bloom
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Recommended time windows for your session
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Options for sunrise, morning, or late-afternoon light
Because this season is short and very popular, I always suggest booking early so we can reserve a flexible date and have backup options if the trees bloom a little earlier or later than expected.
Family and Maternity Cherry Blossom Sessions
Spring is one of the loveliest times of year for family photography. Children can run beneath the trees, parents can snuggle under the petals, and the whole session feels like a walk in the park, not a stiff studio shoot.
For maternity sessions, the softness of the blossoms and gentle light create a peaceful, glowing atmosphere that highlights this season of anticipation. I’ll help you choose outfits that move well, flatter your bump, and harmonize with the colors of the trees.
Graduation and Portrait Sessions
Seattle’s cherry blossoms are iconic for graduates — especially if you studied at UW or Seattle University. We can feature your cap and gown, a more editorial outfit, or both.
These sessions are ideal if you want:
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Senior portraits with a PNW twist
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Professional yet personality-filled headshots in a seasonal setting
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A mix of posed and candid images to use on social media, announcements, or gifts
Best Cherry Blossom Photography Locations in Seattle
University of Washington Quad
The UW Quad is Seattle’s most famous cherry blossom spot, with mature trees arching over brick paths and lawns. It’s a stunning place for couples, families, and grads — especially in the early morning when the light is soft and crowds are lighter.
Because the Quad can get very busy during peak bloom, I highly recommend sunrise or weekday sessions here. I’ll help you navigate timing and angles so we can create beautiful images while respecting other visitors.
Washington Park Arboretum & Nearby Trails
The Washington Park Arboretum offers winding paths, water views, and a variety of flowering trees — including gorgeous cherry blossoms along Azalea Way. Compared to the Quad, it often feels a bit more spacious and relaxed.
This location is ideal for families with young children, maternity sessions, and anyone who wants a blend of blossoms, greenery, and paths to stroll along. We can usually find quieter corners for more intimate moments.
Seward Park and Lake Washington
At Seward Park, you’ll find cherry trees along the lake with views of the water and, on clear days, Mount Rainier in the distance. The combination of blossoms, shoreline, and evergreen trees makes this a very Pacific Northwest setting.
It’s a beautiful choice if you love the idea of waterfront photos, want space for kids to explore, or simply prefer a less crowded alternative to the big-name spots.
Green Lake and Neighborhood Streets
Around Green Lake and in some residential streets, cherry trees line sidewalks and paths in a softer, more everyday way — perfect if you want your session to feel like a walk through your own neighborhood.
These locations can be especially lovely for lifestyle family sessions and couples who want something less “tourist spot” and more “our real life in Seattle.”
Seattle University’s Hidden Cherry Blossom Corners
Seattle University offers a quieter, more intimate feel compared to UW. Brick walkways, manicured lawns, and tucked-away trees create pockets of calm where we can photograph without heavy crowds.
If you like the idea of architectural lines, garden-like corners, and a peaceful campus atmosphere, Seattle University may be the perfect backdrop for your cherry blossom portraits.
What to Expect from Your Cherry Blossom Session with PhotoYari
From the first message to the final gallery, my goal is to create an experience that feels easy, enjoyable, and beautifully documented. Here’s what’s included with every cherry blossom session:
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Location guidance – I’ll help you choose the spot that best fits your style, needs, and accessibility.
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Timing and light planning – We’ll pick the best time of day to avoid harsh light and heavy crowds.
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Styling tips – You’ll receive suggestions for outfits, colors, and layers that photograph well with the blossoms.
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Gentle posing and direction – I’ll guide you into flattering positions and natural movement while leaving space for candid moments.
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High-resolution edited images – Delivered in a private online gallery, ready to download, print, and share.
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Fast preview – A small set of sneak peeks so you can start enjoying and sharing your photos soon after the session.
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If you’d like, we can also add short-form video clips for social media or a small highlight reel that captures the feeling of your session in motion.
How to Prepare for Your Cherry Blossom Photo Session
What to Wear
Cherry blossoms pair beautifully with soft, neutral, and pastel tones — think creams, beiges, blush, dusty blue, and sage. Avoid very bright neon colors or heavy logos that distract from your faces.
Choose outfits you can move in comfortably, especially if we’ll be walking across grass or uneven paths. Layers are helpful for chilly spring mornings; we can remove jackets for a few shots and put them back on between locations.
Beating the Crowds
Seattle’s cherry blossoms are incredibly popular. To keep your session calm and focused on you, I often recommend:
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Booking a weekday instead of a weekend
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Choosing sunrise or early morning for the quietest experience
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Considering slightly lesser-known spots if you prefer more privacy
I’ll share my recommendations based on the current year, events, and expected tourist traffic.
Weather and Backup Plans
Spring in Seattle can be unpredictable, but a little mist or light rain can look beautiful with blossoms. If the forecast shows heavy rain or unsafe conditions, we’ll talk about:
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Adjusting the time on the same day
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Moving to a covered or more sheltered spot
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Rescheduling within the bloom window, if needed
I always build backup plans into cherry blossom sessions so you don’t feel stressed watching the forecast.
Seattle Cherry Blossom Photography FAQ
When do cherry blossoms usually bloom in Seattle?
Bloom timing changes each year, but most seasons peak between mid-March and early April. I keep an eye on local bloom reports and will guide you toward the best dates when you inquire.
Where are the best places for cherry blossom photos in Seattle?
Some of the most popular and photogenic locations include the University of Washington Quad, Washington Park Arboretum, Seward Park, Green Lake, and Seattle University. Together, we’ll choose a location that fits your style, accessibility needs, and crowd tolerance.
Do you offer Seattle cherry blossom mini sessions?
Yes, I offer a limited number of shorter cherry blossom sessions during peak bloom, perfect for families, couples, and grads who want a smaller collection of images. If you prefer more time, outfit changes, or multiple locations, a full session is a better fit.
Can we book cherry blossom engagement or proposal photos?
Absolutely. Cherry blossoms are a beautiful setting for proposals and engagement sessions. I can help you plan the timing, location, and “surprise” moment if you’re proposing, then we’ll move into a relaxed portrait session afterward.
How long does a cherry blossom session last, and how many photos will we receive?
Mini sessions are typically around 25–30 minutes. Full sessions run 60–90 minutes, depending on your plan. The final number of photos varies with session type, but you can expect a thoughtfully curated gallery with plenty of variety in poses, backgrounds, and close-up details.
What happens if it rains on our session date?
If the weather looks truly uncooperative, we’ll either adjust timing on the same day or reschedule within the bloom window. I’ll always communicate clearly before your session so you know your options and don’t have to make decisions alone.
How far in advance should we book?
Because cherry blossom season is short and popular, many clients reach out a few months in advance. If you’re reading this close to March or April, send an inquiry as soon as you can — I’ll let you know immediately which dates are still available.
Ready to Book Your Seattle Cherry Blossom Session?
If you’re dreaming of portraits beneath Seattle’s cherry blossoms this spring, I’d love to create something beautiful with you. Share a few details — your preferred dates, location ideas, and what type of session you’re imagining — through my contact form. I’ll reply with availability, collection options, and suggested dates based on this year’s bloom. Let’s turn this short, magical season into photographs you’ll love for years.