15 Best East Bay Engagement Photo Locations

By Tata Rossi 9 days ago, Photography Tips

If you are searching for the ideal backdrop for your engagement photos, take a closer look at the East Bay. It attracts visitors with a diverse scenery, ranging from serene gardens to bustling cityscapes. So, there are many spots that can help you showcase your unique love story.

I have hand-picked magnificent engagement photo locations in East Bay that have proven to be a photographer's dream. These spots offer a unique blend of beauty and versatility, encouraging creative experiments.

1. Tilden Regional Park

tilden park east bay engagement photo location

Address: 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563

Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

If you're looking for a picturesque location for your engagement photos, Tilden Regional Park is a must-visit. Its lush forests and serene lakes offer a stunning backdrop for awe-inspiring engagement photos.

I particularly like taking photos in the Botanical Garden. The colorful native plants create a breathtaking scene that's sure to impress. My clients love the park's serene atmosphere and natural beauty. I think it is an ideal location for taking images on such a special day.

2. Redwood Regional Park

redwood park east bay engagement photo location

Address: 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Redwood Regional Park is a beloved engagement photo location in East Bay for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The towering redwoods and peaceful trails make a majestic scenery and I can’t get enough of shooting there. The sunlight dancing through the trees makes the scene well-lit, which is important if you want high-quality pictures.

My couples are drawn to the park's peaceful vibe. The nature here fosters a sense of intimacy that beautifully resonates with their connection.

3. Berkeley Rose Garden

berkeley rose garden east bay engagement photo location

Address: 1200 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA 94708

Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

The Berkeley Rose Garden is a tried-and-true location for engagement photo sessions. It stands out with its stunning rows of colorful roses providing a romantic and elegant backdrop for couples. Here you can try various couple photo ideas.

The garden has elegant stone pathways and wooden pergolas. Such a combination adds a touch of old-world charm to every photo. Most of my clients like breathtaking views and colorful flowers. So, if you want romantic engagement pictures, head here.

Photographer’s advice:

The best time to take images is late spring or early summer when the roses bloom and add colors to pictures.

4. Joaquin Miller Park

loaquin miller park east bay engagement photo location

Address: 3450 Joaquin Miller Rd, Oakland, CA 94602

Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

This is one of few East Bay engagement photo locations that offers a mixture of meandering paths, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping views of the Bay Area. Every visit is a unique adventure, thanks to the park's diverse landscape.

The towering redwoods create a peaceful atmosphere. The "Woodminster Cascade" and "Amphitheater" add a touch of nostalgia. Couples typically choose the venue for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

5. Morcom Rose Garden

morcom rose garden east bay engagement photo location

Address: 700 Jean St, Oakland, CA 94610

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

This charming place in Oakland is a favorite spot for many couples. The garden offers winding paths, elegant staircases, and vibrant roses, that are indispensable attributes of engagement shots. Experiment with couple poses and you are sure to receive lovely photos.

I love the balance of privacy and openness in this East Bay engagement photo location. It's a great place to capture intimate couple moments amidst natural allure. The garden has a peculiar charm that always impresses my couples, so, no wonder, I often work here.

Photographer’s advice:

I highly recommend taking photos at weekends. The garden is less crowded, so you can feel more at ease.

6. Ruth Bancroft Garden

ruth bancroft garden east bay engagement photo location

Address: 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fee: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children

The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek is the perfect place for couples who want something truly special.

The plants here are like something from another planet. There are spiky succulents and cacti, and they look so cool against the backdrop of the desert-like landscape. The textures and colors are amazing, so your pictures are sure to evoke interest. If you're looking for something unique, this place is a must-see.

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7. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline

point isabel east bay engagement photo location

Address: 2701 Isabel St, Richmond, CA 94804

Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

This is an off-the-beaten-path spot, that can suit couples who adore nature and want to incorporate their furry friends into shots. Here you can see breathtaking vistas of the Bay Area and pose against it.

I adore the dynamic beauty of this place, including its rocky shores and grassy expanses. Couples love the carefree spirit and the opportunity to create lasting memories.

8. Alameda Beach

alameda beach east bay engagement photo location

Address: Shoreline Dr, Alameda, CA 94501

Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Alameda Beach is one more beautiful place which can suit lovers, who want to immerse themselves in a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. There are sandy shores and soothing waves that wax and wane, setting couples in a proper mood.

While here, you can marvel at a winsome view of the San Francisco skyline across the bay. It serves as a nice background, combining beach and city views.

9. Lafayette Reservoir

lafayette reservoir east bay engagement photo location

Address: 3849 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549

Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

The peaceful natural beauty of Lafayette Reservoir makes it a perfect spot for engagement photo sessions. The diverse scenery is mind-blowing. There is a sparkling reservoir, wooded trails, and rolling hills.

From sunsets by the water to quiet moments on the rustic bridges, I can always find a perfect spot for my couples to feel confident and look their best.

10. Ardenwood Historic Farm

ardenwood historic farm east bay engagement photo location

Address: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA 94555

Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fee: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for children

Ardenwood Historic Farm is a one-of-a-kind place that virtually takes me back in time. The Victorian mansion, lush lawns, and rustic barns offer a variety of settings for romantic and candid engagement photos.

My couples love Ardenwood Historic Farm for its fairytale charm. Besides, it is the perfect place to take character-filled engagement photos.

11. Lake Merritt

lake merritt east bay engagement photo location

Address: 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

This location is a hidden paradise that combines the best of features of cityscapes and nature. The water's reflection is breathtaking, especially at sunset. It's the perfect place to organize an engagement photo session.

Here you can stroll through fragrant gardens and pose beneath elegant pergolas, with the vibrant city skyline as the backdrop. This setting is perfect for realizing romantic engagement photography ideas to create lasting memories.

12. Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

claremont canyon east bay engagement photo location

Address: Claremont Ave & Stonewall Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Entry Fee: Free

For bold couples, this engagement photo location is the perfect adventure. It offers panoramic views of the Bay Area from the summit. They are awe-inspiring and provide a stunning backdrop for images.

The stunning panorama of rolling hills and open skies is perfect for practicing engagement golden hour photography. My couples often cherish the sense of accomplishment and epic scenery once we are here.

Photographer’s advice:

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the hike. Besides, organize the session for the late afternoon to capture the golden hour light.

13. Treasure Island

treasure island east bay engagement photo location

Address: Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA 94130

Hours: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

This island is technically just outside the East Bay. However, I still recommend going there for a jaw-dropping panorama of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and Golden Gate Bridge. It provides a breath of fresh air compared to more conventional East Bay engagement photo locations.

I like shooting in this location it juxtaposes urban and natural elements and delivers a dynamic backdrop for contemporary and stylish couple photos. My clients are fond of its distinctive atmosphere that is easy to trace in pictures.

14. Temescal Regional Recreation Area

temescal area east bay engagement photo location

Address: 6500 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays

Why not escape to this tranquil oasis and get inspired by the natural beauty for your engagement photos? The park has a serene lake, surrounded by vibrant greenery, which works ideally as a backdrop. Explore the meadows, wooded areas, and charming bridges for a truly romantic experience.

Thanks to the park's tranquil atmosphere, couples can relax and enjoy their engagement photo shoot. It's a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful and serene place to take images on a special day.

15. Mount Diablo State Park

mount diablo park east bay engagement photo location

Address: Summit Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Hours: 8:00 AM – Sunset

Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle

This is a truly awe-inspiring location that is likely to interest adventurous couples. I enjoy guiding my couples to the top, where they can be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the Bay Area.

The place is like something out of a movie. The land is rough and wild, with golden grass stretching out as far as the eye can see. The sky is limitless and purely winsome.

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