Top 5 places to take engagement photos in California
Whether you’re local to California or traveling for destination engagement photos, you truly can’t go wrong with this naturally stunning state. From the dramatic coastline and surreal mountain scapes of Yosemite National Park to the high desert of Joshua Tree National Park and urban cityscape of San Francisco, California has every landscape and vibe imaginable to make your engagement session truly unforgettable.
As a destination and traveling wedding photographer, and as a California native, I’ve had the opportunity to explore much of this beautiful state and capture truly unique love stories within the landscape. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world and I feel so lucky to call this place home.
5 unforgettable locations for your engagement photos
For those considering California for their engagement and wedding, I would recommend first deciding on the vibe of your day — beach, forest, mountains, lakes, desert, urban, etc. — and then exploring the various options California has for you! Here are just five of my favorite spots for engagement photos in California.
1. Lake Tahoe
Nestled between the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe has some of the most beautiful spots for engagement photos! Whether you’re wanting classic photos next to the lake or whimsical photos in the forests that surround the natural beauty that is Lake Tahoe, this location has it all. Beyond that, Lake Tahoe experiences all four seasons. From fresh wildflowers in the Spring and hot lake days in the Summer to brilliant golden leaves in the Fall and snow covered trees in the Winter, you can pick whichever season fits the vibe of your photos best.
Here are just five of my favorite locations in Lake Tahoe to take engagement photos:
2. Point Reyes
Along the Northern California coastline, you can find Point Reyes National Seashore. The protected coastline features jaw-dropping bluffs, expansive beaches, and rolling fields of grass, along with over 1500 different types of wildlife and vegetation to discover. Only a little over an hour away from San Francisco, and nestled behind the sloping hills of Marin County, Point Reyes is a magical, isolated area that is still easy to get to. If you want the backdrop of your photos to contain sublime stretches of beach, beautiful fields, and historic landmarks like the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Cypress Tree Tunnel, you should consider doing your engagement photos here!
A few of my favorite spots in the area include:
3. Big Sur
Through winding roads and seaside cliffs, you can find one of the most beautiful landscapes in California: Big Sur. Known for its stunning views and expansive beaches, this gem is nestled between Carmel and San Simeon on the Central Coast. If you pick this location for your engagement photos, you’ll have the choice between numerous State Parks, coves, and beaches. Some of my favorite spots are just little nooks found along the side of Highway 1 and they offer views you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Less than an hour South of Carmel-By-The-Sea, this location doubles as the perfect spot for engagement photos and a romantic weekend getaway!
Here are just a few beautiful spots for engagement photos in Big Sur:
4. Joshua Tree National Park
Just an hour outside of Palm Springs, CA, you will find yourself in one of the state’s beautiful high deserts. Joshua Tree National Park is known for its rugged, jutting rocks, ancient Joshua Trees, and vast desert expanse. This location can be both extremely hot and extremely cold, and on rare occasions can even be covered in snow. If you’re looking for a location that is both naturally beautiful, but still minimalistic in its design and layout, this area is perfect for you! The natural creams, browns, and greens of the desert edit beautifully and help keep you and your love the center of attention in your photos. Make sure you double check the season you’ll be planning your shoot as this can dramatically change the outfits and accessories you’ll want to bring with you.
A few of my favorite spots in the area include:
5. Southern California Beaches
While Southern California is often known for its big, bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, it is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state! Depending on the area you’re coming from, most of the beaches are within a two hour drive and make for the perfect weekend getaway. From beautiful bluff trails and beaches lined with palm trees to expansive shorelines and quintessential lifeguard towers, there is so much beauty to be found here. And where the Northern and Central Coastlines can tend to be overcast and even foggy, the Southern California Coastline is often bright, warm, and clear, making it a perfect spot for engagement photos.
Some of my favorite engagement session locations in SoCal include:
Plan your California engagement session today
The hardest part about planning your California engagement session will be picking your location! With all of its natural beauty — from the coastline and desert to the mountains and forests — you truly can’t go wrong with any location! Just remember that some State Parks may have restrictions surrounding when you can visit, if dogs are welcome, and photography permits. Make sure when you’re planning your session that you’re coordinating with your photographer to make sure you have everything in order for your photoshoot.
