Sunset over Lake Union

A Gas Works Park proposal

Sam proposed to Jessica at Gas Works Park on a Friday evening in August, and his mom booked Evaro Studios on the Monday. She found the site, called that afternoon with him on the line, and four days later I was up on the hill pretending to photograph the skyline. As a Seattle proposal photographer I get asked about Gas Works more than almost anywhere else, so here is how the evening actually ran.

 

Couple embracing on the grass at Gas Works Park with the Seattle skyline across Lake Union, Gas Works Park proposal photographer
He gets down on one knee at Gas Works Park, Seattle surprise proposal photos
The proposal on the grass with Lake Union behind, Gas Works Park proposal photographer Seattle
Wide view of the proposal at Gas Works Park with the downtown skyline across the water, Seattle proposal photography
First embrace after she says yes at Gas Works Park, Seattle proposal photographer
Newly engaged couple holding each other above Lake Union, Gas Works Park engagement photos Seattle
Couple looking at each other after the proposal, Gas Works Park proposal photographer Seattle

 

Where to stand

Why Gas Works Park works

Gas Works sits on a hill on the north shore of Lake Union, looking straight back at downtown across the water. The old gasification towers stand behind you, so you get two completely different backdrops without walking more than a couple of minutes. The hill is open and busy, which sounds like a problem and is the opposite: on a warm evening it is full of people with picnic blankets and cameras, so nobody notices one more person photographing the skyline. Sunset is the whole point here. The light comes across the water onto the city, and the towers go warm right before it drops.

 

Open hand in golden light just before the proposal at Gas Works Park, Seattle proposal photographer
The ring box opened at Gas Works Park, Seattle engagement ring photo
She shows the ring on her hand after saying yes, Gas Works Park proposal photographer Seattle
Newly engaged couple walking the path at Gas Works Park, Seattle engagement photos
Couple together on the Gas Works Park path after the proposal, Gas Works Park proposal photographer
Portrait of the bride to be by Lake Union at Gas Works Park, Seattle engagement photographer

 

Plan your own

Planning a Gas Works Park proposal

Seattle proposal sessions start at $600 and include hidden coverage of the moment itself, portraits afterward, 40 hand edited images, a short reel, and sneak peeks in three to five days. Sam and Jessica had their full gallery four days after the shoot.

While you're there

Gas Works Park is on the north shore of Lake Union with parking off North Northlake Way, and it fills up fast on a clear evening. The Burke-Gilman Trail runs right past it if you want to walk in from Fremont instead. Milstead and Co is the coffee stop on the way. For dinner afterward, Manolin is a short drive west and Revel is around the corner from it, and Fremont Brewing is the easy casual option once the families have been called.

Gas Works Park proposal FAQ

What is the best time to propose at Gas Works Park? Sunset. The park faces south across Lake Union, so the light lands on the skyline rather than behind it, and the towers warm up in the last half hour. Check the sunset time for your date and arrive forty minutes before.

Is Gas Works Park too busy for a proposal? It is busy, and that is what makes it work. Everyone on the hill is already pointing a camera at the skyline, so a photographer standing among them is invisible. Weeknights are quieter than weekends.

How far ahead do I need to book? Less than you think. Sam's mom found me on a Monday and the proposal was that Friday. If the date is close, just ask.

Planning a Gas Works Park proposal? Check your date, see proposal packages and pricing, or browse more real proposals.