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! I listed some of my absolute favorite locations that I’ve had the honor of photographing couples in and I hope the photos inspire you for your own session!
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 landscapes, rock formations, and beautiful, twisted Joshua Trees make for a beautiful backdrop. The park is beautiful all year round, but I especially love coming in the spring because of all the wildflowers that pop up and add a little color to the desert landscape. It’s also a beautiful location for your elopement or intimate wedding too!
Tip: book an adventure session here so you can visit multiple spots and make the most out of your photo session!
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.
Tip: Parking is super limited at the trailheads that lead to the cliffs, so make sure you arrive early and plan on walking a bit!
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.
Tip: this location gets EXTREMELY crowded in the warmer months, especially at sunset. Consider a sunrise session to beat the heat and the crowds!
If you want a dog friendly option that’s similar to El Matador, check out Leo Carillo State Park.
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park has a more earthy, rustic vibe than what’s “typical” for SoCal and that’s exactly why it’s one of my favorite places to photograph! This is the perfect spot for your engagement photos if you love the idea of running around in a field surrounded by mountains and are down for a little bit of a hike to get the best views!
Tip: this location can get very hot so always remember to bring water!
Click here to see more Malibu Creek State Park Engagement Photos.
Downtown Los Angeles
Although the more natural, outdoorsy landscapes have my heart, there’s just something about Downtown Los Angeles that I LOVE. I find the city so inspiring! Whether you want a skyline view, to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, or to find a unique corner of your own in the arts district, there are endless possibilities for your urban engagement session downtown.
Tip: traffic and parking in DTLA can be a nightmare so make your trip a little more worthwhile by turning it into a full date night and plan to get dinner or drinks before or after your session!
Check out more photos here:
Downtown Los Angeles Rooftop Proposal | Downtown Los Angeles Proposal | Downtown Los Angeles Rooftop Engagement Session | Downtown Los Angeles Engagement Session
Glamis Sand Dunes
The Glamis Sand Dunes, also called the Imperial Sand Dunes or Algodones Dunes, are a bit of a trek from LA but the trip is so worth it! This place is seriously so magical and will having you feeling like you’re on a whole other planet.
Tip: expect lots of wind and sun at this location and don’t forget to bring water.
Red Rock Canyon
Did you know that Southern California has its own Red Rock Canyon?? This incredible location is just a 2 hour drive from DTLA and features vibrant cliffs and scenic desert landscapes. It’s one of my absolute favorites!
Angeles National Forest
If you’re looking for a mountain location close to Los Angeles for your engagement session, then head up to the Angeles National Forest! Whether it’s a clear and sunny day or a gloomy one, the views here are some of the best. Drive further up in the mountains to some of the campgrounds if you want more forest vibes.
Click here to see more Angeles National Fores engagement photos.
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.
Check out more photos here:
Vasquez Rocks Couples Session
Vasquez Rocks Engagement Session
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!
Click here to see more Griffith Observatory engagement photos.
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!
This list consists of the engagement session locations in Southern California that I visit most often, but if you’d like a few more options, here are some other places to look into!
Lake Arrowhead + Big Bear
Santa Monica Pier
Palm Springs
Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
If you’re looking for a photographer for your Southern California engagement session, then hiiii!!! you’re in the right place! Click the button below to say hey and let’s chat!
