Engagement Photo Locations in California to Avoid the Big Crowds
In this blog post:
Less Busy California Engagement Photo Spots
Locations with Coastal Views
For Forest and Mountains
Where to Find Structures, Gardens and Estates
For Vineyard and Open Space lovers
How to Choose the Right Location for Your Photos
What Should You Wear for Your Session?
Final Tips to Plan the Best Experience
A List of Less Busy California Engagement Photo Spots
Preparing for engagement photos often starts with two questions: Where do we start? and, Where should we go?
If you’re newly engaged, here are a few tips to keep in mind while looking for a photographer and shaping your vision.
For many couples, choosing an engagement photo location isn’t about picking the most famous spot. It’s about finding a place that is:
Accessible
Enjoyable, and
Visually stunning, with the bonus that it’s not packed with big crowds!
So you might be thinking:
“We’d love somewhere with trees, water, or open landscapes with mountains in the background.”
“We can’t—or don’t want to—spend hours hiking just to get a few photos.”
“We want a spot with fewer big crowds so it feels comfortable.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
California is full of breathtaking locations from golden, sun-soaked coastlines to towering, calm forests to charming vineyards, but not every spot hits all the right notes.
The great news? There are plenty of less-known, equally memorable locations that can make your engagement photos truly special!
Instead of organizing this list by region, I’ve grouped these spots by the type of backdrop and experience they offer (coastal, forest, gardens, and vineyard spaces).
That way, you can find what draws you first while keeping practical considerations like accessibility and timing in mind.
Now that you’re engaged and before you start planning your elopement or wedding day, this guide can help you narrow down the perfect places to capture this milestone.
Where to Take Engagement Photos with Coastal Views along California
EL MATADOR STATE BEACH (MALIBU)
El Matador is one of Southern California’s most striking beaches, with cliffs, rock formations, and small waves. Parking is limited, so arriving early is important, and a permit is required.
You’ll navigate a few flights of stairs and some uneven paths, but the views are well worth it.
For more information on this location and permit requirements, head over to their site here: About El Matador Beach
GARRAPATA STATE PARK (BIG SUR)
Garrapata offers dramatic coastline views along easy-access trails. Parking is limited in some areas, and the weather can be windy, but the park provides plenty of opportunities for photos along the bluffs or nestled in forested areas nearby.
For insight into photo permits at Garrapata SP, visit their site here.
For other Big Sur locations and state parks, check their respective websites or visit the Monterey County page!
WILDER RANCH STATE PARK (SANTA CRUZ)
Wilder Ranch is a quieter coastal alternative with bluff trails and open fields. Although getting to the beach area takes a bit of a walk, the experience of seeing the cliffs makes up for it!
Parking is so much easier at this park because it’s not very well known to out-of-towners than some more popular beaches, and there are several paths that lead to scenic overlooks.
Pro-Tip: If you want almost-empty locations, aim to schedule your engagement session early in the morning as this is generally quieter across all coast locations. However, if you want to have your session during sunset, just keep in mind they’ll be people around and the experience won’t be as intimate.
Places For Engagement Sessions in the Forest or Mountains
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CENTRAL CA)
While places like Glacier Point and the meadows in Yosemite Valley are widely known, many less-traveled spots exist that still provide stunning backdrops.
The riverbanks and halfway through some easier hikes have distant granite views which create some memorable photos.
Consider shorter hikes too if you prefer minimal walking!
For more information on photo permits, check their website here: Yosemite National Park site
HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK (NORTHERN CA)
Humboldt State Park offers tall groves and foggy, atmospheric scenery, sometimes like a scene straight out of Twilight!
Autumn and winter months bring colorful leaves and occasional mist, enhancing the natural textures. Trails and pull-offs vary in difficulty but there’s something for everyone so plan according to your comfort level.
For more information on photography permits, don’t hesitate to explore their website here: About Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Pro-Tip: Before you start packing your bags, check the weather for the season you’ll like to have your engagement photos. This will make planning easier and help you make the most of these forested areas.
If You’d Like Engagement Photos at a Garden, Estate and Structures
SARATOGA SPRINGS WEDDING & EVENT CENTER (SARATOGA, CA)
Saratoga Springs features rustic architecture nestled among pine trees and forested hills.
Because this is both a wedding and events venue, engagement photography may be limited to weekdays or quieter seasons, but those off-peak times offer access to serene, structured surroundings!
For more information about Saratoga Springs, you can check their website here: Saratoga Springs
FILOLI HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDEN (WOODSIDE, CA)
Filoli is a historic estate with extensive garden paths, seasonal blooms, and architectural elements reminiscent of classic country estates.
Its variety of formal garden areas and scenic spots within one property make it a standout choice for engagement photos where you want refined, elevated backdrops.
For more details about Filoli Gardens, check their site here.
KRUPPA FARMS AND GARDEN (ATWATER, CA)
This seasonal garden with almond blooms is located in the Central Valley and it’s most thriving during the bloom season (late February-early March).
The short bloom window makes planning essential, but when timed right, it offers a delicate, floral backdrop for engagement photos.
The orchard paths and open layouts create multiple framing opportunities for photos while keeping sessions manageable and relaxed.
Where to Go for Vineyards and Open Land Engagement Photos
VIAGGIO WINERY (LODI, CA)
Viaggio is a family-run winery with scenic views that change with the seasons. The grounds are spacious, and the winery is familiar with engagement sessions, making the permit process straightforward.
MURRIETA/TEMECULA HILLS (SOUTHERN CA)
Rolling hills in Southern California offer golden tones and plenty of open space. Accessibility is easy, and sunrise or late afternoon light enhances the landscape.
HALF MOON BAY BY THE RITZ CARLTON HOTEL
Half Moon Bay combines coastal charm with open, scenic beaches. Parking is available in several spots (but some are a bit of a walk away), and the area is less crowded than other Bay Area beaches.
Paths lead to cliffs and sandy stretches ideal for photos, and morning or late afternoon sessions reduce the chance of encountering larger groups.
How to Choose the Right Location for Your Engagement Photos
Now that you know about gorgeous spots in the state that’d make the perfect backdrop for engagement photos (or even the actual proposal), the next step is deciding on which spot to make this happen!
Having picked a spot will make your photographer search easier but if you don’t know where to start yet, here is my golden recommendation:
Make a list of your favorite places and email photographers you might want to work with to tell them your vision. You’ll find they might have suggestions you hadn’t thought of!
Whichever way you approach this though, below are 3 valuable tips to make your choice the perfect one for you:
1. Find a place that suits your personality and interests
If you love adventure, you might want to pick a location that provides you with the opportunity to be adventurous!
It sounds obvious but you wouldn't believe the stories I hear from friends being disappointed with the location they chose with their photographer because it wasn’t something they really paid much attention to.
Some ideas for those adventure-lovers are surfing at a beach or hiking to the top of a mountain. You may even choose something a bit more laid back like rock climbing or taking a boat ride.
If you prefer something more relaxing and chicer, then consider picking a place that allows you to have a refined evening. That can be places like wineries or resorts along the coast.
Ultimately the goal is to pick a place that suits your interests (hobbies, profession, travel) and your personality (adventurous, laid-back, or curious).
2. Pick a place neither of you have been to yet
Having a ‘first-time’ experience with your partner is exhilarating all on its own. So why not try that for your engagement photos?
Whether you're a California native or not, there’s bound to be a place you haven’t been to yet!
So, hop onto Google Maps and research spots where neither of you have been to yet and look for travel guides where you can read up on what to do once you’re there.
You might even prefer to book a photographer that is local to that area and ask them to give you recommendations on the best locations to have your engagement photos.
3. Consider the Place You Had Your First Date
The last tip to finding where to take your engagement photos in California is to simply pick the location of your first date (or even where you asked your partner out).
It’s no surprise that it will have great significance to you both, so why not take it full circle and step into a new milestone together back at the same place it all began?
If you’re worried that it may seem repetitive, you could spice things up a bit by adding an activity or experience to the itinerary.
You know what your partner loves to do so rely on that but if you need help with ideas, you could consider bike riding, booking a luxury picnic, or attending an upscale event in the city.
What Should You Wear for Your Engagement Photos?
Choosing the right attire for engagement photos will enhance the overall look of the photos as such it’s important to give yourself time to plan and prep what you and your partner will wear.
As soon as you book a photographer to take your photos, ask them for tips on what to wear because the answer will depend on the location and weather—as well as your personal style and colors that complement your skin tone!
However, one thing you should know is that the best colors are those that are considered neutral (earthy colors). And if you want to add a splash of another colorful color, then you can do so with small accessories.
If you’re unsure which outfit to wear, share ideas with your photographer. They can help put your outfit together and if you have more than one outfit you really like, ask your photographer if you’re able to change into a second outfit on the day of your session!
Final Tips for Planning Your Best Photo Session Experience
When planning your session for engagement photos in California, it’s crucial to consider the timing, budget, and creative possibilities with capturing this milestone. Here are just a few tips to keep in mind:
The best times to capture those special shots are early morning (around sunrise till 10 am) or the late afternoon (sunset around 5-8 pm), as these hours offer soft, flattering light.
The cost of engagement photos can vary based on factors like location and the number of hours or photos included. On average, couples invest between $300 to $600 for a session, and this budget may or may not include products such as prints or albums
Once you have those beautiful engagement photos, the creative possibilities are endless. Consider using them for save-the-dates, wedding cards, posterboards, home prints, heirloom albums, sharing on social media, or even incorporating them into family newsletters, turning your special moments into lasting memories
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Hey, I’m Sara!
I’m a California elopement photographer based in the Central Valley.
If you’re recently engaged or ready to start planning your elopement day, I’m cheering you on and I’d love to help!
Let’s talk about your vision, gush over stunning locations and spend the day creating memories.
I’m here to guide you through the process + capture your day how you dream it.
