When couples tell me they want an engagement session with variety, Fort Williams Park is always one of the first locations that comes to mind. Most people immediately think of the lighthouse and yes, obviously Portland Head Light is iconic for a reason, but honestly, the lighthouse is only one piece of why I love photographing engagement sessions here.

The real beauty of Fort Williams Park is how much variety it packs into one location.

I almost always start sessions at the abandoned forts because they bring such a cool cinematic edge to a gallery right from the beginning. The stone walls, dark tunnels, weathered textures, and dramatic shadows fit perfectly with my dark and moody photography style. There’s something about those old structures that instantly adds depth and atmosphere to photos without feeling overly staged. It has this gritty coastal New England feel that I absolutely love.

Then we head toward the gardens tucked behind the forts, and suddenly the entire vibe changes.

At golden hour, the light filters through the tall grass in the prettiest way. Everything softens up. The warm sun hitting the grass and flowers creates this relaxed romantic feel while still keeping all the texture and depth I love in my work. It’s one of my favorite examples of why this location works so well for engagement sessions, you can go from dramatic cinematic portraits to soft emotional moments within a few minutes of walking.

And right nearby is one of my favorite underrated spots there: the brick building.

The textures around it photograph beautifully, especially for couples who want something a little less “stand on a beach and smile at each other for two hours.” The brick, pathways, greenery, and surrounding light create such a timeless backdrop while still keeping things natural and relaxed.

Then of course… we make our way to the lighthouse.

Portland Head Light is probably one of the most photographed spots in Maine, but there’s a reason people keep coming back to it. The views are incredible, the coastline is dramatic, and the entire area feels classic coastal Maine without trying too hard.

Sometimes the side gate is open, which gives an even better angle of the lighthouse and coastline together. But honestly, even the more straightforward views work perfectly. You don’t always need some hidden secret location to create strong images. Good light, good composition, and a couple actually enjoying themselves goes a long way.

One of my favorite parts of shooting at Fort Williams Park is simply moving through the park itself. The walking paths, giant trees, little gardens, stone walls, and tucked away corners make the whole session feel more like an experience than just checking off photo locations. Everywhere you turn there’s another pocket of good light or interesting texture to work with.

And then finally… the beach.

The beach here is such a good spot to end an engagement session. While the sunset isn’t quite as direct or dramatic as nearby Kettle Cove State Park, the rocky shoreline is beautiful in its own way. The darker rocks, ocean textures, and coastal breeze create a moodier atmosphere that works perfectly for cinematic engagement photos.

I love finishing sessions there when the light gets softer and the crowds start thinning out a little. Couples can loosen up, kick their shoes off, climb the rocks, and just exist together for a bit while I document it naturally.

That’s honestly the biggest reason I keep coming back to Fort Williams Park for engagement sessions in Maine.

It’s not just about the lighthouse.
It’s the combination of everything.

Historic forts. Gardens. Tall grass glowing at sunset. Brick textures. Coastal walking paths. Huge trees. Rocky beaches. Classic Maine scenery. Dark and moody cinematic portraits mixed with true-to-life color and emotional storytelling.

Basically a photographer’s dream location with significantly fewer mosquitoes than inland Maine in July.