Choosing the right spot for a session isn’t about finding the “most popular” backdrop on social media. It’s about finding a space that matches the weight of the moment. In a region as diverse as Northern California, the search for bay area engagement photo locations can feel overwhelming, but when you narrow it down to places that offer real intentionality. We have been documenting engagements and weddings in the Bay Area since 2014 so we know all the good spots. If you like our work, we’d love to chat to you about your own engagement photos. Click here to get in touch.
Palace of Fine Arts
Those massive Greco-Roman columns are a total classic. It’s grand, iconic, and does all the work for you.
Legion of Honor
Think clean white marble and a Parisian courtyard vibe. Perfect if you’re going for a sophisticated, editorial look.
Filoli Gardens
The gold standard of estates. It’s 16 acres of perfectly manicured gardens that feel like a hidden corner of England.
Villa Montalvo
An Italianate villa in Saratoga with huge lawns and hidden sculptures. It’s elegant but feels very tucked away.
Blake Gardens
A hidden UC Berkeley gem. It’s got a great reflection pool and some of the best (and quietest) views of the Golden Gate.
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
You can basically travel the world here, moving from desert succulents to redwood groves in one afternoon.
San Jose Rose Garden
Super romantic and symmetrical. When the roses are in bloom, it’s one of the dreamiest spots in the South Bay.
Heather Farm Park
A laid-back Walnut Creek staple with a pretty lake and plenty of variety for a casual, sweet session.
Golden Gate Park
It’s huge, so you can find anything from the Victorian glass of the Conservatory to quiet, forested paths. It has a huge variety of looks depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Sutro Baths
Rugged, moody, and very “San Francisco.” The ruins against the Pacific are incredible, just be prepared for a little wind.
Lovers Lane (The Presidio)
Specifically the “Wood Line” logs. It’s minimalist, natural, and creates really cool leading lines in photos.
The Golden Gate Bridge
We skip the tourist traps and head to the beach or the Presidio trails to get the bridge in the frame without the crowds.
Bodega Bay
A bit of a drive, but the jagged cliffs and crashing waves are world-class. It’s wild, untamed, and worth the gas money.
Joaquin Miller Park
The best redwoods in the East Bay. The way the light filters through the trees here in the late afternoon is magic.
Redwood Grove Preserve
A quiet, 10-acre sanctuary in Los Altos. You get that massive redwood scale without the logistical headache of the bigger parks.
Inspiration Point
Located in Tilden Park, it gives you those sweeping, panoramic views of the hills and the reservoir.
The Rolling Hills of Walnut Creek
Simple and minimalist. In the summer, these hills turn a perfect “toasted gold” that looks amazing at sunset.
Calero County Park
Pure “Old California” vibes. It’s all oak trees and golden grasslands—perfect for a relaxed, natural session.
Muir Woods
For the true adventurers. It’s deep, uncurated forest that feels like a total escape from the city.
Ruth Bancroft Garden
A masterclass in succulents and cacti. It’s all about cool textures and structural plants—great for a modern look.
Pacifica Beach
We love the way the beach looks in Pacifica. Always a little wild, a little foggy, and super magical.
Castello di Amorosa
You can’t go wrong with a literal castle. We love documenting engagements here for obvious reasons.
Pulgas Water Tower
We love this place and it’s honestly one of our favorites.
Final thoughts
So there it is. Our extensive list of our favorites. While this isn’t everywhere we’ve documented engagements, it’s some of the best. We hope this is helpful. And we’d love to chat about documenting your own engagement photos. We look forward to hearing from you! Click here to see if we’re available.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
leave a comment!