When you’re planning your maternity photos in Seattle, choosing the right location makes all the difference. Carkeek Park is one of those spots that has a little bit of everything—beach views, wooded trails, a charming boardwalk, and golden hour magic that adds the perfect glow to your maternity session. If you’re dreaming of maternity photos that feel connected, natural, and full of variety, Carkeek Park might just be the ideal backdrop.
Why Carkeek Park is a Favorite for Maternity Photos
Located in northwest Seattle, Carkeek Park offers a unique mix of Pacific Northwest beauty—think driftwood-strewn beach, tall evergreens, and lush greenery that creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The boardwalk nestled among the trees is perfect for gentle walking photos, hand-in-hand moments, and close-up snuggles surrounded by nature. Then, just steps away, you can be down by the water, capturing the waves, texture, and soft light that comes with beach sessions.
That variety makes Carkeek Park a top choice for maternity photos, especially if you’re doing a shorter, mini session. You won’t need to travel far within the park to capture multiple settings, which is perfect when you’re not feeling up for a long trek.
Golden Hour at the Beach is Pure Magic
If you’ve ever been to Carkeek Park at sunset, you already know how beautiful it gets. That soft golden light filters through the trees and stretches across the water, creating the kind of glow that flatters every baby bump. Golden hour sessions here feel dreamy and intimate, with that kind of warmth you just can’t fake. It’s a favorite time of day for a reason—and when paired with the natural beauty of this park, the results are stunning.
Things to Know Before Choosing Carkeek Park
While Carkeek Park offers so much beauty, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your maternity session here:
- Crowds on Sunny Days: Like many Seattle beaches, Carkeek can get busy—especially on warm, sunny weekends. For a quieter, more intimate session, I recommend scheduling your maternity photos on a weekday evening. It’ll not only help avoid crowds but also allow for that soft, glowy light with fewer people in the background.
- Bridge and Stairs: To access the beach, there’s a bridge that crosses over railroad tracks—and yes, it includes a fair number of stairs. If you’re later in pregnancy or just not up for the climb, I totally get it. In that case, I’d be happy to recommend other beautiful Seattle-area maternity photo locations that are more accessible (like Discovery Park or a flat, forested trail in the Snoqualmie Valley).
Making the Most of Your Maternity Session
One of the best parts of Carkeek Park is that we can keep the session low-stress and relaxed. You don’t have to worry about posing or forcing a smile—I’ll guide you with prompts that bring out real connection, laughter, and love. Whether it’s walking hand-in-hand with your partner along the boardwalk, resting against a log on the beach while cradling your bump, or pausing for a quiet moment to soak it all in, we’ll document this fleeting, magical time in a way that feels true to you.
And if you have a dog you want to include? Dogs are absolutely welcome at Carkeek Park—just make sure they’re leashed (and you bring along some training treats!).
Ready to Book Your Carkeek Park Maternity Photos?
Whether you are planning a mini maternity session or something a little longer, Carkeek Park offers a stunning mix of natural backdrops that highlight this beautiful chapter of motherhood. If you’re considering maternity photos in Seattle and love the idea of beach-meets-forest vibes, this spot could be just right for you.
Curious what a maternity session looks like? View my Maternity Portfolio »
Not sure if Carkeek is the right fit? I’ve got you covered with other maternity photo location ideas,» or we can chat about other options that fit your vision and comfort.
And if you’re already dreaming about newborn photos too, don’t forget—you can bundle your maternity and newborn sessions to keep things simple, seamless, and connected.