Best Engagement Session Locations in Southern California
When it comes to picking your engagement photo location, you really can’t go wrong with anywhere in Southern California! There are beaches, cliffs, deserts, forests, mountains, fields, sand dunes, and pretty much any other kind of landscape you can think of. Plus, a great selection of venues and event spaces that offer more unique design and architectural elements, including some European inspired venues that are an absolute dream.
Below are some of my favorite locations that I’ve had the opportunity to photograph. If you’re interested in booking a session with me in any of these places or even if you have somewhere else in mind, reach out here.
Joshua Tree National Park
Topping the list with Joshua Tree National Park because it’s probably my all time favorite place for engagement photos. The desert landscape includes impressive rock formations, lots of plants and shrubs, and of course, those beautiful, twisted Joshua Trees. The park is accessible and great to visit year round, but I especially love coming in the spring because of all the wildflowers that pop up and add color to the landscape.
Griffith Observatory
A classic Los Angeles location. This is a great option if you want a view of the city but don’t want to be right in it. You can take photos around the Observatory and then head down the hiking trails to get some variety. I highly recommend visiting at sunrise for easy parking and avoiding crowds!
Point Dume, Malibu
Point Dume is my favorite place to go for an epic ocean view! I love staying up on the cliffs and capturing the landscape from above, but there is also beach access below the cliffs if you follow the trails down.
El Matador Beach, Malibu
If you want to take lots of photos ON the beach, El Matador Beach is my top recommendation! The rock formations and surrounding cliffs give it a more dynamic look than just the typical flat expanse of sand and water you see at most beaches. If you want a dog friendly option that’s similar to El Matador, check out Leo Carillo State Park.
Greystone Mansion
This beautiful property in LA is perfect for engagement photos with a more formal look. The property has a variety of spots to explore and take photos, from the entry staircases, to garden lined paths, a tree tunnel, spots with city views and more. The photo permit to shoot here is $370 per hour and can be booked 2 weeks in advance.
Pasadena City Hall
Another classic location that is great for a more formal look. The Spanish architecture and gardens give this place a really romantic vibe. Tuesdays - Thursdays are the best days to shoot here.
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park offers a more earthy, rustic backdrop for your engagement photos, with mountain views, fields, and trees throughout the park.
Downtown Los Angeles
DTLA is for the city lovers. For engagement sessions here, I love to find spots with views of the city and then spend time walking around the Arts District or other areas with interesting street views.
Glamis Sand Dunes
Glamis (also called Imperial Sand Dunes or Algodones Dunes) is a beautiful area with dunes as far as you can see. This location tends to be really windy so incorporating outfits that will flow nicely is a good idea.
Angeles National Forest
If you’re looking for a mountain location close to Los Angeles for your engagement session, then Angeles National Forest might be the perfect fit.
Vasquez Rocks
This beautiful place features desert landscapes, a little bit of greenery (in the right time of year), and unique rock formations! It’s only about an hour north of DTLA, but it feels like you’re on a whole other planet. It’s a great location option to consider if you don’t want to drive all the way to Joshua Tree, but you still want a taste of the desert.
Santa Barbara Courthouse + Beaches
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a beautiful Spanish style building with green lawns lined with palm trees. A great way to get some variety in your engagement photos is to start here and then head to the beach for sunset. There a few different beaches just minutes away!
Dayglow Studios
These industrial studio spaces in LA have lots of natural light and are perfect for those wanting a more minimal setting or editorial vibe for their photos. There are four different options to choose from that each have unque furniture and decor that can be incorporated into the session. I booked “The Painter” for my own headshots and planned a time when light would be hitting on the beautiful concrete wall. My favorite thing about studios is the controlled environment — you don’t have to worry about the wind or other elements. Learn more here.
Other Southern California Engagement Session Locations
Malibu Rocky Oaks: This iconic venue feels like a slice of Tuscany overlooking the mountains of Malibu. You can book a session here starting at $2k.
Pasadena Princess Estate: This stunning property is fit for royalty. If you want to do more of a formal look for your engagements, this would be an epic location choice. Rates start at $2500 for a session.
Etienne Estate: Italian Renaissance meets Mediterranean architecture at this beautiful estate in Pasadena. This is the perfect choice for an elegant, European inspired engagement session.
Beyond Southern California
If you’re up for venturing a little further north into Central California, some of my favorite engagement session locations in the whole state are Big Sur and Yosemite National Park. I recommend making a trip out of your visit and creating some amazing new memories together while you celebrate your engagement!
Interested in booking a session with me at one of these locations?
Reach out using the form below and I’ll get back to you asap!
Pricing starts at $1500 for a 1 hour session and additional coverage is available for $500/hour.
