Each summer, I host just a handful of sessions at the Woodland Park Rose Garden for the peak rose garden bloom. This is the only time of year the roses bloom in their full, breathtaking abundance. You’ll remember the moment with your loved ones with vivid petals in every direction, their fragrance lingering in the warm air, the quiet hum of bees weaving through the blossoms. It’s a space that feels alive, romantic, and almost dreamlike, but only for a short season. This year, I’m opening calendar availability at the Woodland Park Rose Garden to my email list ONLY beginning May 15th, 2026 to book for June – September. You’ll be able to book maternity, newborn, and family portrait sessions. Here’s everything you need to know about these sessions.
What to know about booking a Woodland Park Rose Garden Photoshoot
Expecting or have a new baby?
This is a season that deserves to be remembered, not just in quick phone photos, but in a way that honors how it truly felt. The way your partner looks at you, the quiet anticipation of who your baby will be, the tiny details that already feel so meaningful. Life moves quickly, and it’s so easy for this chapter to pass without ever being fully preserved. These portraits give you something to hold onto, something your child will one day look back on and see just how deeply they were loved from the very beginning.
Permits & Availability
Photography sessions at the Woodland Park Rose Garden require a special permit, which is available Monday through Thursday, from April through September, between the hours of 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Because this is a limited window, sessions here are thoughtfully scheduled and tend to feel a bit more intentional and unhurried, which pairs beautifully with the elegance of the space.
Limited Availability
I’m only booking a few spots for this location and it’s only a seasonal Summer only offer with me from June to September to photograph the roses at their best bloom level. If you’re interested, sign up for the waitlist here:
Join the waitlist for Rose Garden Photoshoots below
Booking Maternity, Newborn, and Family Sessions May 15th, 2026
Hi, I’m Mercae (pronounced Mer-say), a neurodivergent Seattle mother to one wild preschooler boy and a Seattle studio maternity photographer and in home Seattle newborn photographer. I am deeply passionate about providing parents with tangible reminders of their families connection and love story because of my own challenging first years as a mother. Looking up at the wall, seeing myself at the heart of my beautiful family brings me so much light and joy and made even the toughest days of postpartum depression bearable. I know it can help other parents both in the moment of the session, taking time to be together, and after, when it comes time to mount their photos on the wall or thumb through their album again. Click here to learn more…
Parking & Arrival
I recommend planning to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early so you have time to park, gather your belongings, and settle everyone before we begin. You’ll park in the Lion Lot, which is directly across the street from the Rose Garden, and then take a short walk over to meet me.
Parking in the Lion Lot is $10 for up to two hours, which comfortably covers the duration of your session. Giving yourself that extra buffer of time helps everything begin calmly and allows you to arrive feeling present rather than rushed.
Timing & Light
While permits begin earlier in the day, I gently guide my clients away from midday sessions. The light during that time can be quite bright and less forgiving, even in shaded areas.
For the most beautiful, soft, and flattering results, I recommend scheduling your session to begin sometime between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM. The garden truly comes alive in the later afternoon light, when the sun softens and wraps everything in a more romantic, dreamy glow. This is when the location feels its most magical.
Investment & Session Length
The photography permit for the Rose Garden is $250 and covers a 90-minute window. Because of this, your session will be extended to a full 1.5 hours.
This extra time creates a slower, more spacious experience, which is especially helpful for families with young children. It allows for natural breaks, whether that’s pausing for a snack, tending to a little one, or taking a moment for breastfeeding without feeling rushed.
The permit fee is separate from your session investment, which includes the sitting fee of $325 + tax, and collections beginning at $475.
Styling
The garden paths are made up of small, loose rocks, which can feel a bit uneven underfoot. I recommend choosing shoes that are both beautiful and practical, something you feel steady and comfortable walking in while still complementing your outfit.
This location has such an elevated, romantic feel. I always recommend leaning into soft, pastel tones and desaturated colors that won’t compete with the natural beauty of the roses. The goal is for your connection, your expressions, and the quiet joy of your family to remain the focus. When styling is gentle and cohesive, it allows the images to feel timeless and effortlessly elegant.
Weather Considerations
If the forecast shifts, there’s no need to worry. Overcast skies can still create soft, beautiful light, and a clear umbrella can add a touch of magic and intimacy to your images if there’s light rain.
If the weather becomes extreme, we can absolutely reschedule your session to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Restrooms
There are no public restrooms available directly at the Rose Garden, so I recommend planning ahead. For families with younger children, bringing a small portable potty can be incredibly helpful, or simply making sure everyone has used the restroom before arriving.
Crowds & Ground Conditions
Depending on the time of day, the garden can be moderately busy, especially during peak bloom. I’ll guide you into quieter pockets whenever possible, but it’s helpful to come in with the expectation that there may be others enjoying the space as well.
Grass areas may also be slightly damp depending on recent weather, so that’s something to keep in mind when choosing footwear and outfits.
This location truly offers such a refined, storybook backdrop. When you arrive prepared, you’re able to settle in, slow down, and simply enjoy being together, which is where the most meaningful images always begin.
Join the waitlist for Rose Garden Photoshoots below
Booking Maternity, Newborn, and Family Sessions May 15th, 2026
