National Gallery of Canada and Major’s Hill Park Engagement Session in Ottawa, Ontario

A summer wedding for these high school sweethearts

Allie and Scott’s engagement session at the National Gallery of Canada and Major’s Hill Park was especially meaningful since Ottawa is home for both of them. Introduced years earlier by their friend Paisley (who will also officiate their ceremony!), the timing finally worked out once they were both back in the city. We explored some of their favourite downtown locations together, capturing relaxed portraits along the pathways and overlooking the river before they begin the next chapter of planning their winter wedding at Code’s Mill in Perth later this year.

With their shared love of history and meaningful places, the National Gallery and Major’s Hill Park were a perfect fit for their session. The mix of stone architecture, classic Ottawa views, and quiet green spaces reflected both their personalities and the intentional, thoughtful approach they’re bringing to their winter wedding celebration.

One of my favourite parts of photographing Allie and Scott’s engagement session was how naturally these two locations complemented each other. The stone architecture around the National Gallery of Canada created a timeless downtown backdrop, while the open views and quieter pathways through Major’s Hill Park created space for more relaxed portraits together. Combining both spots in one session is something I often recommend for couples who want a mix of classic Ottawa landmarks and natural green space within walking distance.

The National Gallery of Canada and Major’s Hill Park are two of the most popular engagement session locations in downtown Ottawa because they offer such a variety of backdrops in a short walking distance. Between the historic stone textures, river views, and skyline perspectives near Parliament Hill, they make it easy to create a gallery that feels both classic and personal while still reflecting the city where many couples met or built their lives together.