Sunset Cliffs Engagement Photography | Elinor & Jared

Apr 15

couple at sunset cliffs in san diego taking engagement photos

After the first part of Elinor and Jared’s engagement session at Balboa Park, we headed to the coast for the second half of their shoot at the iconic Sunset Cliffs in San Diego. Just like the first half of the day, their beloved French bulldog Kingston joined us—a sweet and spirited presence who has since crossed the rainbow bridge but will always be part of their love story.

Why Sunset Cliffs is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Nestled along San Diego’s rugged coastline, Sunset Cliffs is one of Southern California’s most breathtaking engagement photo locations. The dramatic cliffs, sweeping Pacific Ocean views, and fiery sunset skies create an unforgettable backdrop for couples. It’s a dream spot for San Diego engagement photography, especially if you want images that feel cinematic and full of movement.

We timed our session to catch the last bits of golden hour glow and the blue light of twilight.

Bringing Dogs to Your Engagement Session

One of the most memorable parts of this engagement photo session was having Kingston the dog along for the adventure. Including your pet in your engagement photography is such a beautiful way to make your photos feel even more personal and meaningful—and can even help you feel relaxed in front of the camera.

If you’re planning to bring your pup to a location like Sunset Cliffs, I recommend bringing a friend or family member to help handle them between shots, packing water and treats, and making sure the location you’ve chosen is dog friendly and safe. Whether it’s a coastal session like this or any other place, incorporating your four-legged family member is a lovely way to honor their role in your life and bring authenticity to your engagement gallery.

For more advice about engagement photography sessions, check out my Engagement Session Planning Guide. And to see where Elinor and Jared’s love story continued, you can read about their Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens wedding.