Best Photo Locations in Ogunquit, Maine for Family & Engagement Photos
Ogunquit is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in southern Maine and a wonderful location for family portraits, engagement photos, and golden hour sessions by the ocean. With sweeping beaches, rocky shoreline paths, and charming seaside views, the area offers a variety of backdrops within a small distance.
Whether you are visiting Ogunquit on vacation or live nearby along the Maine coast, there are several locations that create beautiful settings for relaxed and natural photographs.
Here are a few of my favorite photo locations in Ogunquit.
If I had to choose one location in Ogunquit for family photos, it would be Footbridge Beach every single time.
This beach has a little bit of everything that makes coastal Maine photography so beautiful. The long stretch of sand creates space for families to walk together and children to explore, while the nearby marsh grasses and tidal river add texture and variety to the scenery.
At sunset, the light here becomes especially soft and golden. The sun drops low across the dunes and reflects across the water, creating the warm glow that makes beach portraits feel timeless.
Another reason I love Footbridge Beach is that it often feels a little more relaxed than some of the busier beaches in the area. Families can move naturally along the shoreline, which helps create photographs that feel genuine and connected.
One of the most practical advantages of Footbridge Beach is that it is less affected by the tide than many other beaches along the southern Maine coast. Even when the tide is higher, there is usually still plenty of shoreline available for walking and photographing. This makes it a very reliable location for sessions, especially during the busy summer season.
Many of my beach sessions take place here because the scenery, the light, and the natural space for families to interact make it one of the most consistently beautiful locations along the Maine coast.
Ogunquit Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Maine, and for good reason. The wide sandy shoreline and open ocean views create a classic coastal backdrop for portraits.
Because of its size, the beach offers a lot of flexibility for family sessions. There is plenty of space for walking photographs, playful moments with children, and quiet portraits with the ocean stretching into the distance.
At sunset, the light across the water creates soft reflections and warm tones that photograph beautifully.
Marginal Way is one of the most scenic coastal walking paths in New England. The paved path winds along the rocky shoreline between Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove, offering breathtaking ocean views along the way.
This location is perfect for couples or engagement sessions because of the dramatic coastal cliffs, waves crashing against the rocks, and small garden areas along the path.
The scenery here feels uniquely Maine and adds a different texture compared to traditional beach portraits.
Perkins Cove is a charming working harbor filled with boats, docks, and small seaside shops. The area has a classic New England coastal atmosphere that photographs beautifully.
This location works especially well for engagement sessions or couples portraits because of the harbor views and cozy coastal feel. The pedestrian drawbridge and small waterfront areas create a variety of interesting backdrops within a short walking distance.
Little Beach is a smaller and quieter beach located near Marginal Way. It offers a peaceful shoreline with rocky edges and beautiful ocean views.
Because it tends to be less crowded, it can be a lovely location for couples or small family sessions who prefer a more intimate setting.
When planning a photo session along the southern Maine coast, it is helpful to know that most beach areas do require paid parking during the season.
Towns like Ogunquit and York carefully maintain their beaches, and parking fees help support the preservation of these beautiful coastal spaces.
Visitors should expect to pay for parking in most public beach lots, particularly during the summer months. Fortunately, parking areas are typically located close to the beach entrances, making it easy to access the shoreline.
When planning a session, I am always happy to help guide families toward the best parking areas and meeting locations to make the experience simple and relaxed.
Ogunquit offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in southern Maine. From sandy beaches and marsh grasses to rocky ocean paths and charming harbors, the area provides a wide variety of backdrops for family portraits and engagement photography.
Most of my beach sessions take place about an hour before sunset when the light becomes soft and warm, creating the golden glow that makes coastal portraits feel timeless.
If you are planning a visit to Ogunquit or live nearby along the Maine coast,
I would love to help you plan a relaxed and meaningful photo session.
You can learn more about family photography sessions here:
