It’s easy to think of an engagement session as just a warm-up for the wedding day, but it’s so much more. It’s a way to preserve this special season in your lives and a chance to slow down and document your relationship as it is right now – the way you laugh, the quiet in-between moments, and how it simply feels to be together. And with no shortage of beautiful engagement photo locations here in Southern California, you can choose a setting that feels true to you. Below are a few of my favorites!
Top 13 Engagement Photo Locations in Southern California
Best Locations in San Diego for Engagement Photos
Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach is one of my go-to engagement photo locations in Southern California. Located in La Jolla, it offers a mix of sandy shoreline for running around on and rocky areas that are easy to explore, especially when the tide rolls in. In the spring, wildflowers add a warm pop of color to the landscape, but no matter the time of year, I keep coming back because of the beach’s simple but captivating beauty. If you’re looking for beachy, laid-back charm, then Windansea is perfect for you.
Tourmaline Beach
If you are drawn to coastal cliffs and ocean views, then you will love San Diego’s Tourmaline Beach. It’s got lots of cliffsides that make beautiful engagement photo backdrops, plus stretches of sandy beach for a more expansive and open feel. You’re also guaranteed to see a surfer or two in the background, which adds a touch of relaxed, Southern California energy to your photos.
Torrey Pines Beach
Torrey Pines Beach is another one of my top engagement photo locations in Southern California. With its wide, expansive shoreline, it’s perfect for couples who want plenty of space to run around without feeling too crowded. The walk down features expansive views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean, while the nearby cliffs provide a striking backdrop. The hike to the beach is a bit of an effort, but it’s always worth it for those sweeping ocean views that feel both timeless and peaceful.
Lafayette Hotel
Vintage, classy, and chic are all words I’d use to describe the iconic Lafayette Hotel. Its retro aesthetic, complete with bold design elements, loud textures, and vibrant colors, is perfect for anyone looking to make a statement with their engagement photos. This place is full of personality and is perfect for those with the energy to match.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of San Diego’s most popular and iconic locations for engagement photos, and for good reason. You’re perched high above the ocean for dramatic and rugged coastal views. That said, I prefer staying away from the more popular overlooks and instead exploring the trails around the park. They’re often less crowded and have more opportunities to explore and find the perfect spot. Plus, in the springtime, it bursts with gorgeous yellow wildflowers that paint the landscape.
Best Orange County Engagement Photo Locations
Mission San Juan Capistrano
If you are seeking the charm of colonial Spanish architecture, then you will want to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano. Its stone columns and archways provide a rustic vibe that echoes centuries past. The property also features a beautiful garden and courtyard filled with vibrant flowers, cacti, and a variety of plants that bring the space to life.
Crystal Cove State Park
With its seaside bluffs and sweeping coastline, Crystal Cove State Park is a standout engagement photo destination in Orange County. You can head down to the sand to walk the beach, explore tide pools, or climb the rocky formations. Or stay above the cliffs to enjoy breathtaking coastal views among Southern California chaparral.
Crescent Bay Beach
Crescent Bay Beach in Laguna Beach may be my favorite engagement photo location in all of Orange County. It has a quiet, tucked-away feel that helps couples relax and be fully present. It also features cliffs and sea caves nearby that you can explore, and palm trees in the distance that add to the unmistakable Southern California atmosphere. If you want an intimate and warm setting for your engagement photos, check out Crescent Bay Beach.
Best Locations in Los Angeles Engagement Photos
Greystone Mansion & Gardens
Those looking for a historic and timeless feel to their engagement photos will want to visit the Greystone Mansion & Gardens. Located in Beverly Hills, this property was built in 1928 with several elegant courtyards, manicured gardens, and tree-lined walkways. There’s no shortage of nooks and quiet corners to explore throughout this 18.5-yard property.
Griffith Observatory
If you’re dreaming of engagement photos that feel cinematic, the Griffith Observatory is a favorite. Its iconic Art Deco architecture, with its concrete arches and sculptural detailing, creates a timeless backdrop that feels both grand and grounded. And with sweeping views of the LA skyline and the Hollywood Sign, there’s hardly a bad view in sight.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of LA’s most iconic landmarks and a great Southern California engagement photo location. Its main attraction is Pacific Park, an oceanside amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel that lights up at night. And of course, the Santa Monica coastline stretches out around you in every direction. It’s a vibrant, laid-back spot that captures the energy and spirit of Southern California.
Best Palm Springs Engagement Photo Locations
Joshua Tree National Park
Desert lovers will want to consider Joshua Tree National Park for their Southern California engagement photos. From its namesake Joshua trees to its rugged rock formations, the landscape feels both whimsical and stoic, offering a one-of-a-kind setting that’s expansive and serene. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical when the desert is covered in the golden hour’s warm, orange hue.
The Windmills
Just outside of Palm Springs are hundreds of towering windmills that make for a unique and visually striking backdrop. These structures add a sense of wonder to the landscape and create a bold contrast against the wide, open desert. Couples looking for a light and breezy vibe for their engagement photos will love this spot.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of stunning engagement photo locations throughout Southern California. From quaint and peaceful beaches to the energy and vibrance of the city, there’s something for every couple out there. If you’re trying to find the right engagement session location, I’d love to help you out! Contact me at the link below to get started.
