When is the best time for engagement photos at Quail Hill?

Golden hour — the last hour before sunset — offers the most flattering light and the soft, golden tones that make Quail Hill such a beautiful backdrop for engagement photos.

Do you need a permit to photograph at Quail Hill?

Currently, no photography permit is required for personal sessions at Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine, but it is always best to confirm with the City of Irvine for the most up-to-date information before your session.

What should we wear for a Quail Hill engagement session?

Neutral colors photograph beautifully against the golden grass at Quail Hill. Earth tones, beige, soft pastels, and white linen all work well to keep the focus on you and the landscape while complementing the warm tones of the hills.

Quail Hill Engagement Session | Irvine, California

Engagements & Proposals

Nov 11

Written By Pamela Tatz Photography

Quail Hill in Irvine is one of those quintessential Southern California engagement locations that feels like a secret escape in the middle of the city. During autumn, its rolling hills turn into golden fields, rustic and warm.

Quail Hill Engagement Session at Sunset

Christine and Nate met while working together at The Irvine Company. She was the friendly admin welcoming him to the team, and he was the new leasing consultant who soon found excuses to linger at her desk. Their friendship grew over workouts, laughter, and shared weekends, eventually turning into something deeper.

The open landscapes at Quail Hill, a popular Orange County trailhead, gave the couple plenty of space to move naturally and have fun during their engagement session. As an engagement photographer, I love recommending open spaces like Quail Hill, spaces with beautiful views, enough room to run around and have fun, and not too far from a parking lot.

a man and woman wearing jeans and taking engagement photos in a grassy field at quail hill in irvine california

HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!

I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography, a wedding photography studio capturing love stories authentically and naturally.

With a modern aesthetic and a documentary approach, my goal is to create photos that feel honest and nostalgic—just like these Quail Hill engagement photos in Irvine, California.