California is filled with so many incredible places for engagement photos, from rolling hills to stunning coastlines! That’s one of the reasons why I love taking outdoor engagement photos all over Southern California– it has just about anything you could wish for! If you’re already doing research about outdoor engagement photo spots in Southern California, you know that there are so many to choose from! Lucky for you, I know SoCal pretty well, and these are my favorite engagement photo locations. I promise, there’s something on this list for everyone, whether you’re going for classic, rustic, or modern! Let’s check them out together!
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park- Coto de Caza, CA
If you’re a Cali local, you’ve probably already heard of Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park, but there’s a good chance you’ve never actually visited! Located about 30 minutes east of Laguna Beach in the little town of Coto de Caza, this 544-acre wilderness park is full of lush hills and beautiful overlook points. There are also some old sycamore and oak groves near the park’s creeks, which provides even more variety for your engagement photo session! One thing to note is that unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed at this park due to their impact on the natural wildlife habitats!
Parking: $3 daily
Hours: 7 am to sunset daily
Irvine Regional Park- Orange, CA
Irvine Regional Park is another huge natural park in SoCal that is perfect for engagement photos! Similar to Thomas F. Riley park, Irvine Regional Park also has beautiful views of rolling hills and plenty of wildlife. Plus, this park has the OC Zoo, with black bears, mountain lions, and other native animals! With several beautiful groves of sycamores and oak trees, this park has the perfect amount of dappled sunlight for truly stunning photos!
Parking: $3/vehicle Monday-Friday; $5/vehicle Saturday-Sunday
Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily
Oak Canyon Nature Center- Anaheim, CA
Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim is the perfect photo spot for that natural, light and airy engagement photo look! With 58 acres of canyons, coastal sage and a year-round stream, this park is a haven in the bustling city of Anaheim! The impressive heritage oak trees are the perfect setting for your engagement photos, and provide plenty of shade from the hot California sun! Keep in mind– Oak Canyon does require a photography permit, so be sure to schedule your engagement photo session with plenty of time to file and receive the essentials!
Parking: Free, a $5 donation is appreciated
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Laguna Beach, CA
When you think of Laguna Beach, you might only think of the surf, sand, and rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, but there’s so much more to see here! Spend the day in the area, shopping and eating at delicious local restaurants, and then meet your photographer for some gorgeous sunset photos! The hills leading down to the beach are perfect for photos overlooking the ocean at golden hour. Then, just as the sun is setting, head down to the beach for breathtaking engagement photos– you can even bring 2 outfits for the different locations if you want! There are several beaches in the Laguna area, so ask your photographer which one(s) they recommend!
Parking: Street parking, lot, or free parking
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
Want more engagement photo inspiration? Click here to see my top engagement session do’s and dont’s! Or, follow me on my Instagram to see more, and visit Pinterest to save ideas to your engagement photo board! If you’re located in Southern California and looking for an engagement photography, I’d love to talk to you about your vision for your engagement photos! Click here to inquire!
