Engagement Photo Locations in California: Hidden Gems to Consider
In this blog post:
Hidden Gem Locations for Engagement Photos in California
Choosing Where to Take Your Engagement Photos
What to Wear to Your Engagement Photoshoot
Tips for Planning Your Engagement Photos
California Engagement Photoshoot Locations
As engagement season is upon us, and love is swirling through the air, you and your partner find yourselves ready to take the next step in your journey-- You’re engaged!
Did you know that engagement season starts just before December and ends after February? The holidays are a joyful time to celebrate the milestone, and while capturing your love story during a winter wonderland is a fairytale dream, it’s important to realize that there are endless opportunities to make your engagement photos even more special.
Meaning that before you start focusing on planning your elopement or intimate wedding, you can book a photographer to capture your love story in the early days of Fall or the late blooms of Spring—whatever season you actually enjoy!
And when it comes to location, the Golden State won’t disappoint.
6 Hidden Gem Locations for Engagement Photos in California
As you start planning your engagement photoshoot and looking up for the perfect spot, you’re bound to find diverse and breathtaking landscapes along the whole state that fit all your wants, needs, and even your personality.
This means that the hardest part is not finding WHERE the best spots are but WHICH ONE you’ll end up picking!
So to get you started, I compiled a list of my favorite hidden gems where to have your California engagement photos. They also cater to different types of interests so you may be inspired to pick a location that you love.
EL MATADOR STATE BEACH IN MALIBU
Perfect for couples that enjoy relaxing at a beach and love golden hour.
One of my favorite beaches in California is El Matador Beach located in the gorgeous city of Malibu (about an hour west of LA by car).
This beach is a bit secluded due to its limited parking capacity, and it can be a hassle to visit, but I don’t blame anyone for wanting to do so because El Matador Beach is stunning- it's breathtaking cliffs, rock formations and small waves make this the perfect location to relax as you wait out the sunset.
If you’re planning your engagement session at this beach, be mindful that due to the small parking lot, you may need to arrive earlier than anticipated to get a parking spot. You’ll also need to pay a permit fee, so you don’t get ticketed!
In addition, beware that to get from the parking lot to the beach area (and vice versa) you’ll need to walk a few flights of stairs and short areas dirt paths with uneven surfaces.
For more information on this location and permit requirements, head over to their site here: About El Matador Beach
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Perfect for couples that like mountains, and enjoy hikes and exploring.
Another stunning spot for engagement photos in California is no other than Yosemite National Park.
Okay, this isn’t a hidden gem, per se, but I’ll be the one to say that Yosemite deserves to be considered! Although the park is popular, there are so many less-known spots that you can walk or hike to and have beautiful backgrounds in the distance.
This is perfect for couples that love experiences, camping, or even just walking for leisure.
You can choose to roadtrip and stay in the park to enjoy the different hikes over several days or you can visit for one day and stay in a nearby town like Mariposa (or further into the central valley like in Merced or Fresno).
For more information on photo permits, check their website here: Yosemite National Park site
GARRAPATA STATE PARK ALONG BIG SUR
Perfect for couples who like coastal views, dramatic landscapes and windy weather
If you’re in search of breathtaking aerial views of rugged cliffs and crashing ocean waves, Big Sur is the location to have your engagement photos taken.
Big Sur, a stretch of coastal bliss along Highway 101, offers an array of spots with Garrapata State Park being one I love!
Here you’ll find a few selections of trails that are easily accessible and that allow plenty of room for you and your partner to stand (as long as you don’t block the trails!). Likewise, across the street you’ll find a different world—tall trees in an enchanting forest. You’ll feel like you’re in two places at once!
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!
If you're considering California as the backdrop for this special occasion, I'd be honored to capture your special day.
California offers a stunning array of locations, from pristine beaches to majestic forests, making it an ideal destination for engagement photos. I can provide you with resources and recommendations, ensuring that your engagement photos are a beautiful testament to your love story in this golden state.
VIAGGIO WINERY IN LODI
Perfect for couples who like wine-tasting tours and intimate luxury venues.
Lodi is a hidden gem that you mustn’t miss!
If you’re traveling in the central valley, I highly recommend you make a stop at the Lodi wineries. These wineries are family-run, spacious, and they offer beautiful vistas for engagement photos (or weddings if you are looking for a venue)!
One of my favorites is Viaggio Winery (IG @viaggio_estate).
They offer a variety of scenic locations which change with the seasons. This can give off a romantic vibe to your engagement photos! In addition, since they are familiar with engagement photoshoots, their permit process is super easy to navigate.
And if you’re up for fun, you can stick around after your engagement session to celebrate with a glass of their signature wines.
For more information on Lodi and other wineries you could contact for your engagement photos in California, you can check here: Visit Lodi
HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK
Perfect for couples who like road trips, cabins and moody atmospheres.
To be an adventurous couple doesn't mean you always have to be on-the-go and active. Sometimes it means discovering a new trail or visiting the beauty of nature to rest and reenergize.
If this resonates with your lifestyle, then you’ll love having your engagement photos among the redwoods.
With towering trees and coastal climate, photos here would come out to be like straight out of a Twilight movie, especially during autumn and winter when the leaves change color, and the skies are overcast. And let’s not forget the occasional fog!
While many road trip enthusiasts opt to visit the National Parks bordering Oregon, I can't recommend this enough: Have your engagement photos at Humboldt Redwoods State Park instead. With the various groves along the Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt will not disappoint!
For more information on photography permits, don’t hesitate to explore their website here: About Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
SARATOGA SPRINGS WEDDING & EVENTS CENTER
Perfect for couples who like the allure of venue-like settings.
Surprisingly, many couples are unaware that they can capture their love story against the backdrop of a stunning venue, even if they don’t plan on booking it for their intimate wedding day.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind: timing is key.
Most of them have certain restrictions on when engagement photos can be taken because their busy season is full of weddings!
If that’s the case, they may allow engagement sessions on weekdays or only during their off-season (I.e., winter). The upside is that this quieter period ensures you have the space and tranquility to create those beautiful, intimate moments.
My personal recommendation? Saratoga Springs!
This venue is located in Santa Clara County (near San Jose) but up in the mountains surrounded by gorgeous pine trees. It’s got that perfect combination of forest and rustic architecture.
It’s another hidden gem that deserves consideration as one of best locations to take engagement photos in California.
For more information about Saratoga Springs, you can check their website here: Saratoga Springs
Choosing Where to Take Engagement Photos in California
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 to Wear to Your Engagement Photoshoot
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!
Tips for Planning Your Engagement Photos
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
Need more tips and inspiration for your engagement session? Read my top tips for engaged couples!
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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.
