Address: Laguna Beach, CA
Hours: Early morning or late afternoon
The beach attracts people with magnificent scenery, making it perfect for engagement photography. A background in the form of golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant sunset is really fantastic. Head to the beach in the early morning or the late afternoon when the light is soft and it is not crowded to shoot amazing pics.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Sunrise or sunset
The Griffith Observatory provides a scenic view of the Los Angeles skyline and a famous Holywood sign, providing photographers with the unique opportunity to capture a classic Southern California vibe. This spot is an ideal option for couples who want their photos to feature both urban and natural settings.
To implement these engagement photo ideas, organize your photoshoot either at sunrise or sunset to enjoy stunning light and fewer crowds. However, you may face some difficulties like the absence of parking places and potential restrictions.
Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Hours: Sunrise or sunset
If you and your loved one are on the lookout for a unique and dramatic setting to capture amazing shots, Joshua Tree National Park is just the right place to visit. The park has astounding rock formations and a vast desert landscape that award photographers with multiple opportunities to take fantastic images.
Sunrise and sunset are the most suitable parts of the day to take great shots, which will feature highly contrasted rocks and desert scenery. Do not forget a bottle of water, as it is quite hot in the park, and wear comfortable shoes to stroll around the uneven terrain comfortably.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Weekdays
The Santa Monica Pier is a lively location that attracts people with its playful vibe. The highlights of this area are the iconic Ferris wheel, colorful boardwalk, and spectacular ocean views.
It is especially crowded at the weekends, so it is better to organize the photoshoot on one of the weekdays when there are not too many people in the background. If you are looking for engagement locations that have a nostalgic classic feel, the Santa Monica Pier is an amazing option.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Hours: Late afternoon
The Getty Center is an exquisite location that features sophisticated architecture and lush gardens, which look amazing in photos. The backdrop with the museum’s white travertine stone buildings and expansive views of Los Angeles is ideal for romantic photoshoots.
The Central Garden grabs the attention of visitors with vibrant flowers and serene settings. Photographers are allowed to shoot there, but you still have to research their policies and get the needed permissions.
Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
Hours: Early morning or late afternoon
Considered one of the greatest locations to implement romantic anniversary photoshoot ideas, Malibu Creek State Park provides a rustic, natural setting that is ideal for couples who are fond of the outdoor activities. There are open meadows, scenic creeks, and rugged hills in the park that form an amazing backdrop for pics.
The versatility of the location is really impressive: here you’ll find woodsy, intimate, expansive, and grand looks. The photographers will enjoy flattering illumination in the early morning or the late afternoon to capture great shots.
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Weekdays
Spanish-style architecture, beautiful gardens, and amazing fountains are the visiting cards of Balboa Park in San Diego. This is one of the most versatile spots in this list, as the variety of settings it offers is really amazing.
Here you’ll find both formal garden shots and grand architectural backdrops, or more casual, natural settings. It is better to visit the place on weekdays to enjoy a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere, as well as more freedom to explore various areas.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Sunset
El Matador Beach is one of the best engagement photo locations in Southern California, which boasts dramatic sea caves and rock formations. This is a small hidden beach that has many spectacular spots for taking beautiful engagement pics.
The incredible beauty of the beach is revealed at sunset when the light goes through the rock arches and illuminates the sand and sea with a warm glow. Although the place is challenging to access as the only way to get there is via steep stairs, it's worth it. So, comfortable shoes are a must.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Hours: Late afternoon
The Huntington is the best option for couples who are looking for exquisite and amazing settings for taking beautiful shots. This place is also ideal for realizing all Valentine’s Day photoshoot ideas. The estate offers a mix of beautifully landscaped gardens, art galleries, and historic buildings.
The Japanese and Rose Gardens are popular attractions that capture visitors’ attention with serene beauty and vibrant colors. You are allowed to photograph provided that you follow specific guidelines. So, planning ahead and securing any necessary permissions would be a reasonable decision.
Address: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Hours: Late afternoon
Rancho Palos Verdes provides some of the most spectacular ocean views in the region, standing out among similar locations with rugged cliffs and scalable vistas, which make this place one of the most popular Southern California engagement photo locations.
Besides, you will be definitely amazed by its mesmerizing sunsets. So, if you want to capture the sky’s richness of colors, plan your photo session for late afternoon. The area has several parks and trails, the scenery and vantage points of which vary greatly: from expansive grassy fields to secluded coves.
Address: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA
Hours: Weekdays
Venic Beach is widely regarded as one of the most magical and vibrant places in Southern California, which boasts an impressive combination of colorful murals, lively boardwalks, and the iconic Venice Canals.
The couples looking for a fun and dynamic backdrop for their pics. The beach and boardwalk are most crowded on weekends, so it is better to conduct your photo shoot during the week to get more privacy. The Venice Canals provide a romantic and charming atmosphere created by charming bridges and water views.
Address: Palm Springs, CA
Hours: Early morning or late afternoon
Palm Springs is a unique Southern California location, which impresses with the varied terrain like desert landscapes or modern buildings. The area is recognized for its exceptional style and fantastic surroundings, so it is an ideal option for creative couple photography.
Head there in the early morning and late afternoon to shoot in more comfortable conditions, as it is very hot there in the middle of the day. Think of adding some of the area’s distinctive architecture or desert flora to your pics to convey a real Palm Springs vibe.
Address: Venice, Los Angeles, CA
Hours: Early morning or late afternoon
The Venice Canals is a secluded and picturesque location, which is ideal for couples who want their photos to have a romantic atmosphere. There are beautiful and cozy homes on the shores of the canals, arched bridges, and rich greenery, providing amazing spots for pics.
I recommend conducting a photo shoot in the early morning or late afternoon, as the light is soft, and occasional strollers won’t disturb you during the shoot. The canals are far from the main roads, so they are hidden treasures for engagement photos.
Address: Ojai, CA
Hours: Golden hour before sunset
Ojai Valley is a real gem that quietly rests in the mountains, providing a secluded and serene setting for engagement pics with different couple poses. Because of the scenic rolling hills, vineyards, and lovable atmosphere of a small town, this place is considered one of the greatest engagement photo locations in Southern California.
If you are looking for a relaxed and natural environment, this location is an ideal fit. The golden hour is the best time to organize a photo session, as the landscape is beautifully lit with a warm light. Ojaj allows taking stunning shots featuring intimate moments.
Address: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Hours: Early morning or late afternoon
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden are nestled amidst the city skyscrapers adding a fresh touch to an urban atmosphere. The beautiful is formed by tranquil lakes, towering trees, blooming gardens, etc.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden attracts visitors with a historic vibe and vibrant colors. This spot is perfect for couples who prefer peaceful and natural-inspired settings for their shots.
Address: Various locations in Southern California
Hours: Golden hour before sunset
Napa Valley-style vineyard is a real gem of Southern California, which is particularly popular for couples looking for an exquisite and wine-country vibe. The location allures with a romantic atmosphere created by rows of grapevines, rolling hills, and rustic winery buildings.
All these make an amazing pastoral setting for fantastic engagement photos. The ideal time to conduct a photoshoot is a golden hour, as in the warm light vineyard looks especially beautiful. Get in touch with the vineyard administration to get all the needed permissions.
Address: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Late afternoon
La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular locations in San Diego, offering dramatic cliffs, crystally clear waters, and astounding ocean views. It is a perfect spot for couples who want their shots to feature a specific coastal atmosphere.
Go there in the late afternoon when the light is soft to realize their couple photo ideas. To avoid the bustle of the weekend, visit this place on a weekday when it is not so crowded.
Address: Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Hours: Sunset
Palos Verdes Estates is one of the best engagement photo locations in Southern California, as it offers diverse terrain and highlights. Here you’ll find ocean views, lush green spaces, and charming architecture, so stunning engagement photos are guaranteed.
The backdrop is further enhanced with the view of the dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills that create a range of vistas from expansive to more secluded spots. Sunset is the most suitable time of the day for capturing this great place in all its beauty: the light is soft and the sky is vibrantly colored.
Address: 20828 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
Hours: Early morning or late afternoon
As one of the best photo locations, Topanga State Park is a secluded treasure nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Visitors head there to enjoy a serene and natural setting for taking amazing engagement photos.
Besides, the park contains multiple hiking trails, and rolling hills, and offers mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean, which are ideal for romantic photo sessions. The greatest time of the day to organize a shoot in Topanga State Park is the early morning or the late afternoon. Pay attention to the fact that the most scenic spots are quite high, so to reach them, you’ll need to do some hiking.
When organizing your engagement photoshoot or even realizing wedding photography ideas, pay attention to the fact that most picturesque and popular South California locations require a photography permit, especially for professional photoshoots. Local city or park authority provide these permission and their costs are different.
If you want to make your engagement images more eye-grabbing, these tools will come in handy. With their help, you can enhance skin tone, correct colors, and achieve a cohesive style for your shots. Besides, these presets are great for wedding photography. But at first, you’ll need to learn how to install Lightroom presets to retouch your pics like an expert.
