Engagement photos with the Portland Headlight as a backdrop gives you the perfect coastal Maine vibes and the most romantic setting.

Portland Headlight Engagement Photos

The iconic Portland Headlight is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, built in 1971 and it’s definitely a sight you need to see! It sits inside Fort Williams Park, which is a spacious, scenic public park that gives you gorgeous views of the ocean and rocky shore, and has plenty of wide open grassy fields to explore in.

But beyond the gorgeous setting and incredible backdrop, the lighthouse offers something even more with it’s historical charm. This adds so much more to your photos and creates such a unique backdrop! Plus if you want engagement photos that radiate elegance and true Maine vibes, this is definitely an ideal location!

When to Take Engagement Photos at Portland Headlight

Here’s a breakdown of what each season in Maine brings for engagement photos, with each having its own vibe and look. So it really depends on what you’re looking for!

Spring: Late April to early June is a sweet spot. Everything’s starting to bloom, the trees are getting their fresh green leaves, and there’s a soft, romantic feel to the light. You’ll probably catch some lilacs or wildflowers, especially in gardens or open fields. Just be ready for some mud if you’re heading to the mountains!

Summer: From June to August, you get longer days and everything is lush and alive. It’s perfect for beach sessions, or mountaintop views. Just plan around the heat and maybe some bugs; consider planning an early morning or golden hour shoots for that dreamy lighting and cooler temps.

Fall: September through mid-October is absolute magic. Maine’s foliage is breathtaking with the fiery reds, oranges, and golds everywhere. It’s a super popular time, so some spots can get a little busy, but if you time it right (weekdays or early in the day), you can get those iconic, cozy autumn shots without a crowd.

Winter: If you want a cozy, romantic vibe, late December through February can be stunning. The snow-covered trees and being bundled up in warm sweaters creates a pretty magical combination. Some places look like a snow globe, and the soft winter light is actually really flattering. Just prepare and bundle up!

Each season has its own charm, so you really can’t go wrong in which one you choose! It really just depends on your style and what kind of backdrop you’re dreaming of.

What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Portland Headlight

When you’ve chosen coastal backdrops for your engagement photos, the best colors to work with are pastels and neutrals! Really try to avoid any clashing patterns, coastal or not! Another thing I recommend is to avoid being too “matchy.” You want your colors to coordinate but not match. If they’re too similar, you’ll blend in together and not stand out as much as you should!

Ladies, if you’re wanting that flowy dress in the ocean breeze moment, so do I!!! Wearing an outfit that flows makes for just a little extra magic!  The movement it creates in the photos is absolutely stunning. Of course you want to wear what you feel comfortable in and what fits your style, but these are just a few of my recommendations!

Maine Wedding Photographer

Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a girl filled with a mission to serve you by providing your favorite memories frozen in place to live through time, after time. My wish as a friend, and as a photographer, is that you never forget the magic that was within you in those passing moments.

Even after traveling the world to some incredible places, I still call Maine my favorite place on Earth & I’d love to help capture your Maine wedding! You can reach out to me here if you are looking for a Portland Maine wedding photographer!