When planning a wedding, there are so many things to do, and planning and preparing for your engagement session is one of the first steps. Between choosing outfits, selecting the perfect date/season, finding your location, there is a lot to consider. Considering how many great locations there are for engagement photos in Los Angeles, narrowing it down could present a challenge. But where is the best place to take engagement photos in Los Angeles?
As a Los Angeles engagement photographer, I am often taking Los Angeles engagement photos at new and old locations, so I created this guide that includes some advice on how to make the most of your sessions as well as where to take engagement photos in LA.
Depending on the length of your session, it is entirely possible that we visit more than one LA engagement photo location. Many of these locations are not only great places to have engagement photos, but wedding photos made as well, if they are close to your Los Angeles wedding venue. These locations could also be great options for a proposal or wedding portraits following a City Hall wedding.
As a wedding photographer who takes many couples’ photos, I’ve curated this list of the best places for engagement photos in Los Angeles to help you narrow it down. Hopefully this will give you some ideas. If you’d like to talk more about having me take your Los Angeles engagement photos, please get in touch!
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Engagement photos Los Angleles
Engagement Photo Locations Los Angeles
Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Permit: None
The Santa Monica Pier is undoubtedly one of the most popular locations for engagement photos in Los Angeles. With its stunning ocean views, the pier offers a variety of backdrops, from the iconic carousel to the picturesque beachfront. It’s a good idea to choose a specific meeting point, as the area can get quite busy. I particularly love the space near the end of the pier for its versatility and scenic beauty. Keep in mind that weekends can be crowded, so I recommend scheduling your session on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. The pier also pairs well with nearby locations, such as Palisades Park, which will provide some variety.
Note: Parking can be difficult!
Rodeo Drive
Address: N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, California, 90210
Permit: None
Rodeo Drive is an iconic destination for engagement photo sessions in Beverly Hills. The famous street, lined with luxury boutiques and stylish storefronts, provides a glamorous backdrop that’s perfect for capturing romantic moments. One of my favorite spots is the charming sidewalk with its beautifully manicured greenery, which adds a touch of elegance to the photos. The ambiance here is vibrant, and you’ll find endless photo opportunities at every turn. While there’s no formal permit required, it’s best to plan your session during quieter hours to avoid the crowds. Plus, being in the heart of Beverly Hills means you can easily explore nearby spots like the Beverly Gardens Park and the stunning architecture of the area for a diverse range of images.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Permit: None
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a stunning location for engagement photo sessions in downtown Los Angeles. Its stainless steel architecture and dramatic curves offer a modern backdrop that’s perfect for the couple looking for elegance. One of my favorite spots is the grand entrance, where the light reflects beautifully off the metallic surfaces, adding a touch of magic to the photos. The surrounding gardens also offer some greenery that gives some contrast to the sleek design of the hall. While no special permit is required for photography, it’s best to schedule your session during off-peak hours to avoid the hustle and bustle.
Malibu Beach \ El Matador Beach
Address: 22126 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Permit: None
A quintessentially California engagement session on Malibu beach – it doesn’t get more gorgeous than beaches off the gold coast. These are some of the best beaches in all of SoCal. There are tons of beautiful rock and cliff formations that are unique to Malibu and compliment the beach backgrounds.
Malibu Creek State Park
Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Permit: None
Malibu Creek State Park offers some contrast to the usual Malibu beaches that the area is known for. Consider this location of you are looking for some more green areas for your session, or just want to add some variety to add to your Malibu beach session. Malibu Creek State Park could be a great option all on its own or to compliment a beach session. The park is only about a half hour from downtown LA.
Vasquez Rocks
Address: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Permit: None
If you are looking fro more of a desert vibe for your engagement photos in LA, Vazquez Rocks could be what you are looking for. The rock formations and vast landscapes offer plenty of options for photos.
Solstice Canyon
Address: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Permit: None
Another park to differentiate from the usual beach vibes, Solstice Canyon is a stunning location with lots of greenery for an outdoor feel. This area features lots of trees and foliage for a very natural vibe.
Point Dume
Address: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265
Permit: None
Point Dume is still the beach but just with a different perspective. I love the cliffs that overlook the water and beach fro a higher perspective.
Indoor Photo Studio Location
Address: Various
Permit: Various rates to rent the spaces
A classic and clean studio session is a timeless choice that never goes out of style. Some studios also offers furniture and backdrops for us to get creative with during your session. Not to mention, a studio would prove convenient in the event of rain on the day of your scheduled session. An indoor environment also provides privacy for you as a couple, which can be a pro if you are concerned about PDA! I think a natural light studio session can be a great standalone session, or a nice addition to second location. Some of my favorite places to find studios are Peerspace and Airbnb.
Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Permit: None
One of the most popular engagement photo locations in LA (also featured in La La Land), the Griffith Observatory has a blend of Art Deco architecture and breathtaking views of Los Angeles, making it an iconic location with versatile options for photos. The Griffith Observatory’s white domes and wide open terraces provide a stunning backdrop with views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign.
Note: this location can get crowded, so sunrise is is much more quiet and ideal for this location. Parking is also free at this time.
Treasure Island and Montage Laguna Beach
Address: 30799 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Permit: None
Treasure Island is another beach location with tons of rock formations. The most famous rock formation here is the Laguna archway which makes a great backdrop.
Pasadena City Hall
Address: 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Permit: Yes, your LA engagement photographer must either have an annual or daily business license with the city of Pasadena in order to shoot here.
The Pasadena City Hall is known for its classic Spanish architecture. It features beautiful staircases, gardens, and stunning arches. Be aware that there are often events scheduled at Pasadena City Hall on weekends (perhaps your LA wedding venue?). This is a popular location, so scheduling for a weekday could benefit you. Because this is a very popular LA engagement photo location, there will undoubtedly be other people around no matter the time of day or week.
Arts District
Address: 801 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, California 90021
Permit: None
The Arts District offers various backdrops in an urban environment with ever changing murals and artwork.
Caltech – Pasadena
Address: 801 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, California 90021
Permit: None
Mission SanJuan Capistrano
Address: 26801 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Permit: None
Los Angeles Arboretum
Address: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Permit: $50 ($350 with chauffeured golf cart)
The Los Angeles Arboretum is one of my favorite spots for engagement photos in the area. This beautiful botanical garden offers a stunning variety of backdrops, from lush greenery to vibrant blooms, making it a perfect choice for capturing romantic moments. Unlike some other locations, the Arboretum does require a permit ($75), but the investment is well worth it for the picturesque scenery.
I recommend scheduling your session in the morning, as it tends to be less crowded during those hours. The Arboretum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and I love to arrive right when it opens to take advantage of the soft morning light. Even though it’s an outdoor venue, the meticulously maintained gardens ensure that there’s beauty to be found year-round. Each season brings a unique display of flowers and foliage, making every visit special. Whether it’s spring blooms or the rich colors of fall, the Arboretum is a delightful choice for any engagement session.
The Natural History Museum of LA County
Address: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Permit: None
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County features a grand entrance with beautiful columns and intricate detailing, which sets an elegant scene for LA engagement photos. The lush gardens surrounding it also provide a natural setting.
Greystone Mansion
Address: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Permit: $229/hour ($199 for Beverly Hills residents)
Greystone Mansion boasts a timeless elegance, with a grand façade and meticulously manicured gardens that reflect classic architectural beauty. This stunning location provides a regal atmosphere, perfect for an engagement session that aims for sophistication and charm. The combination of historic details and lush surroundings provides the perfect setting for engagement photos in LA!
Tuna Canyon Trailhead
Address: Tuna Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Permit: None
Angeles State Forest
Address: 12371 N Little Tujunga Canyon Rd, Kagel Canyon, CA 91342
Permit: None
If the traditional LA vibes with beaches and palm trees aren’t really your thing, Angeles State Forest still gives you the option to do something outdoorsy! Head to the outside of the city limits for a forest vibe and more mountainous landscapes. Every now and then, you can get a peek at the Los Angeles skyline too! The Angeles State Forest is fairly large with tons of trail options for plenty of variety. One thing to keep in mind is that many areas of the park are inaccessible in the winter months because of road closures due to snow and winter weather.
Brand Library Park
Address: 1601 W Mountain St, Glendale, CA 91201
Permit: None
The exterior of the Brand Library is elegant and regal thanks to its all white archways reminiscent of Roman architecture. If you are including a more formal look in your engagement session, this location can contribute to a really sophisticated and regal styled session.
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Other Less Common Locations for Los Angeles Engagement Photos
Your Home
Something intimate and personal if you want a really natural style engagement session. This could be a casual addition to another location as well!
Your Favorite Date Spot
I always encourage couples to approach their engagement session as a typical date night. Your date could be a picnic, a night at the bar, a coffee date, or a visit to an art museum. Regardless, a date is a good way to relax your nerves (yes, you can have a drink) and make your engagement session a fun experience that showcases both of your personalities.
A Hotel Staycation
Many Los Angeles hotels are gorgeously designed and make for a great photoshoot. It is important to note that many hotels have strict photo policies and some do not allow them at all within the hotel common areas. However, the interior of the hotel room can make for a fun flash / editorial vibe if that is what you are going for. If an engagement session at a Los Angeles hotel is something of interest to you, be sure to let your photographer know well in advance so you can plan accordingly and coordinate with hotel staff. Most hotels do require a permit or photography fee (usually $500-2000+). Some of my favorite Los Angeles hotels:
Rent a Fun Vintage Car for your Engagement Photos LA
This is a fun addition if you are going for a retro style session. My favorite local company for this is Hollywood Classic Cars.
Book a Sailboat
Rent a sailboat on one of LA’s many beaches for a nautical engagement session.
Your Wedding Venue
Many venues will include an opportunity for a photo session prior to the wedding day in your package. Not only are wedding venues naturally photogenic, but it is a great opportunity to explore the venue with your photographer as well. While it isn’t necessary for your photographer to visit the venue before hand, this may make some couples feel more comfortable.
Other Locations Within Driving Distance of Los Angeles
Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs
Imperial Sand Dunes
LA Engagement Photos FAQs
When should we schedule our engagement photos?
Some of the busiest times for Los Angeles engagement photos are spring and fall due to the weather being more moderate at these times of the year. Summer is also popular, but a morning session is best before it gets too hot in the afternoon.
Many couples also love to use their engagement photos for their save-the-dates. Since save-the-dates are typically sent out around 6 months before the wedding and editing will take a few weeks, I would recommend aiming for 6-8 months out.
What is the benefit to scheduling an engagement session with your wedding photographer?
Many of my couples get nervous about being in front of the camera, and I totally get it. After your engagement session, you will feel like a pro and your nerves will be eased before the wedding day. I also love getting to spend time with you guys beforehand so we are familiar with each other!
Can you recommend and MUA who will do my hair and makeup for my engagement photos?
Of course, there are several local hair and makeup artists who do work that I can recommend.
What should we wear for our engagement photos?
- Lean into your location. For example, if you ar ehaving photos made in a field, stilettos won’t be the best option.
- Prioritize comfort while maintaining a stylish look. Take the time to try on your outfits beforehand and make sure you feel comfortable. If you are uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it will impace your session experience and the end result.
- Tailor your clothes! You would be surprised how much this can impact not only how your clothes look, but how you feel in them as well.
- Hire a hair and makeup artist. Hair and makeup shows up different on camera than in real life. Even if you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, I highly recommend hiring a professional HMUA.
How can we make our engagement photos unique?
There are endless ways to have less traditional engagement photos. We just need to get creative. I always recommend starting with your personalities and things that you enjoy as a couple! Some ideas:
- Bring champagne for popping and a pair of glasses for toasting
- Let your furry friend tag along (always bring someone else to watch them after)
- Include outfit pieces that show your personalities, ie: sunglasses, funky shoes, your favorite hat
- Do an activity together, ie: cook a meal, go on a hike, have a picnic, go to the beach, visit a record store, go to a museum, etc.
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