HIDDEN GEM LOCATIONS
for your
CALIFORNIA ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
Planning a photography session, especially an engagement session, can feel overwhelming. With so many beautiful locations to choose from, where do you even begin?
As a wedding and engagement photographer, I feel fortunate to get to explore beautiful outdoor spaces in photoshoots all year round. I’ve decided to create this locations guide for photoshoot locations in California that I’ve discovered and loved, including some Southern California hidden gems, to help you navigate through the options and find the perfect place for your engagement session.
The guide is filled with the romantic backdrops and scenic landscapes that California is known for, with a special focus on locations that lend themselves to intimacy for engagements and portrait sessions, organized by region so you can easily go straight to the area that you’re targeting.
However, I recommend taking a look at regions beyond your area. Your engagement session is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you’ll want it to be picture perfect.
Search by region
Orange County
San Diego County
Inland Empire
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ventura County
Monterey County
CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Francisco Bay Area
Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena City Hall is a favored engagement session location renowned for its versatile, picturesque setting, architectural charm, and the enchanting beauty of the golden hour light, and couples should consider securing permits, planning for the golden hour, and personalizing their sessions to make the most of this iconic spot.
Leo Carillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, California, is the ideal location for unforgettable engagement sessions, featuring stunning natural landscapes, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and a touch of Hollywood glamour.
El Matador Beach
Discover why El Matador Beach in Malibu, California, is the perfect location for your dream photo shoot, capturing intimate, candid, and cinematic moments amidst its breathtaking coastal landscape.
This list of locations for engagement photography, maternity sessions, and portraits is constantly being updated. Check back soon for more unique, hidden gem photoshoot locations in California!
A quick tip for beach photography in California: Be sure to consult a tides chart to make sure your chosen date and time line up with a relatively low tide in your chosen photo shoot location. As an experienced photographer, I always do this for my couples, but I thought I’d mention it here just as a little pro tip.
RECENT WORK
WORK WITH ME
01 | Inquire
Fill out an inquiry form to get in touch with me and find out if I’m available for the dates and the location of your event. If I am available, I’ll reply with a link to schedule a meeting.
02 | Connect
We’ll schedule a video chat to get to know each other. I’ll tell you about my approach to photography, and you’ll tell me about what you’re looking for and ask me any questions that you have.
03 | Formalize
After our initial meeting, I’ll send you a contract, as well as an invoice for the 50% retainer to hold your date. You’re booked!
04 | Plan
Over the course of the months before your event, we’ll stay in touch. Two months before your wedding, I’ll send a questionnaire to learn the finalized wedding plans, and I’ll build a photo timeline for us to reference on the day.