Woodland Park Rose Garden Mini Sessions | Everything You Need to Know Before Your Session
July 2nd, 2026 | 30 Minute Sessions | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM | For Family, Maternity and Newborn Sessions
$99 Sitting Fee | Images purchased separately (prices begin at $245)
Woodland Park Rose Garden
750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
If you’ve been dreaming of soft summer light, rows of blooming roses, and photographs that feel romantic without needing a long drive or a full evening commitment, these mini sessions were made for you.
July is one of the sweetest times to visit the rose garden. The blooms are typically beautiful in early summer, and the evening light between 6 and 9 PM tends to soften into that dreamy Seattle glow.
Because minis move quickly, I put together this guide so your evening feels easy and relaxed.
About Me
Hi, I’m Mercae, the Seattle-based photographer behind Lilac & Ivy Photography. To know I seek inspiration between the pages of Pride and Prejudice while blaring Tchaikovsky is to know me. I create refined maternity and newborn portraits for nostalgic Seattle mothers who love the beautiful historic architecture of Seattle and vintage-inspired styling as much as I do.
I specialize in studio maternity and in home newborn sessions because you shouldn’t have to make the Herculean effort to drive for hours, pray for sunshine, hike into the mountains, or be forced to cancel for rain. Once you inquire, I’ll send you over a welcome guide and a link to schedule a phone call to plan our session and answer any lingering questions!
Session Details
- Date: Friday, July 2nd, 2026
- Length: 30 minutes
- Location: Woodland Park Rose Garden
- Time Window: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Session Fee: $99
- Images purchased separately with a la carte images beginning at $245
Parking (Read This Before You Leave Home)
Parking here is usually straightforward if you plan ahead.
There are a few options:
🌹 Zoo lot parking (closest option)
The rose garden sits adjacent to the south entrance of the zoo, and the closest parking is generally the lots surrounding Woodland Park Zoo. During zoo operating hours parking may be paid, but evenings can become easier once zoo traffic winds down.
🌹 Street parking nearby
There is also neighborhood street parking around N 50th St and surrounding residential blocks. I recommend giving yourself 15–20 extra minutes to park, unload children, fix hair bows, and arrive feeling calm rather than rushed.
Pro tip: If bringing grandparents or little ones, a jogger style stroller can help. The garden itself is fairly walkable with benches throughout. (Park Preview)
Bathroom Access (The Most Important Parent Question)
This is the one I always want families to know ahead of time:
There are no dedicated public restrooms directly inside the Rose Garden itself.
Your best options:
- Use the restroom before arriving
- If open and accessible for your plans, nearby facilities associated with Woodland Park Zoo may be available to zoo guests during operating hours
- Woodland Park itself has public amenities nearby, but don’t rely on a last-minute sprint with toddlers.
For little ones: I highly recommend a quick “everyone try before we go” stop at home.
Snack Strategy for Happy Kids
Mini sessions move fast, but hungry kids move faster.
Bring:
- Water bottles
- Dry, low-mess snacks
- Backup toddler emergency snacks (you know the ones)
Good options:
✔️ applesauce pouches
✔️ pretzels
✔️ teddy grahams
✔️ fruit leather
✔️ mini muffins
Try to avoid:
✖️ chocolate
✖️ brightly colored popsicles
✖️ sticky fruit that stains outfits
What to Wear
Think movement and softness.
Cream, sage, dusty blue, warm neutrals, florals, linen textures, and flowing dresses photograph beautifully against the roses.
Skip neon colors and large logos.
And please do not stress if your child arrives slightly wrinkled, shoeless, or insisting they only smile upside down. That is summer family photo season.
I’ll guide you through the rest.
I can’t wait to see families among the roses. 🌹
