Vasquez Rocks Engagement | Amanda & Randy
On a clear winter afternoon in Agua Dulce, I met Amanda and Randy for their engagement photoshoot at Vasquez Rocks, one of Southern California’s most iconic and cinematic landscapes. With crisp air, golden light, and a sky that shifted from warm sunset tones into soft blue twilight, their session felt romantic and cinematic in all the best ways.
Vasquez Rocks is a lovely choice for couples who want something uniquely Southern California—dramatic cliffs, desert textures, and wide-open horizons create a timeless, natural canvas that’s stunning in every direction. (Not to mention, it has a really fun history as the set for many TV shows and movies!)
Their Story
Amanda and Randy’s story began long before this day, all the way back in 2009, when a mutual friend introduced them at a party. He walked in, saw Amanda, and immediately said, “I’m going to marry her.” Years of friendship slowly bloomed into something deeper, eventually leading to their relationship starting in 2012. Randy proposed in Laguna Beach, a place that Amanda considers a personal sanctuary. As they walked along the rocky shoreline, he surprised her by dropping to one knee.
Vasquez Rocks Engagement Photography FAQs
Do you need a permit for engagement photos at Vasquez Rocks?
Yes, permits are required for commercial photography at Vasquez Rocks. The permit fee is reasonably priced (as of writing this blog post, it was $65) and pretty easy to acquire (your photographer will need to get in touch with the permit office and show proof of liability insurance).
What is the best time of year to photograph at Vasquez Rocks?
The only season that I would avoid is summer, as it can get extremely hot in the area. However, if your shoot is toward sunset, you will probably be okay at any point in the year. My favorite season to shoot at Vasquez Rocks is in the winter (it’s cooler out and there are fewer crowds) and in the spring, especially after a little rain (the spring blooms juxtaposed with the desert landscape can be beautiful).
Is Vasquez Rocks dog friendly?
Vasquez Rocks is dog friendly! Leashed dogs are allowed, which makes it a wonderful spot if you want to include your four-legged family member in your engagement session.
What should we wear to a desert engagement session at Vasquez Rocks?
I would lean toward creams, earth tones, terracotta, black, and soft neutrals. I think that type of color palette really compliments the landscape. I’d also recommend bringing shoes that you can move around in. If you want to wear prettier shoes for the photos, you can switch in and out of the comfy shoes between shots. I’d also recommend bringing a sweater or jacket that you can easily pull on and off between photos, as evenings can dip in temperature really quickly in the desert .
HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!
I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography, a Los Angeles-based 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 Vasquez Rocks engagement photos in Agua Dulce, California.
