Discover Top Engagement Photo Locations Los Angeles
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksLos Angeles is filled with some of the most breathtaking engagement photo locations in California. From coastal cliffs and mountain trails, to botanical gardens and iconic cityscapes.
As a Malibu-based engagement and elopement photographer, I’ve spent years exploring every corner of Los Angeles county to find the most photogenic and meaningful places for my couples.
Whether you’re newly engaged or planning your save-the-date session, this local’s guide will help you find the perfect spot for your engagement photos, complete with permit tips, best light, and insider details from years of shooting here.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite Engagement Photo Locations Los Angeles. I always look for the best light, variety, and that timeless California feel.
Table of Contents
El Matador State Beach
Point Dume State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Santa Monica Pier
Bluff Cove
Malibu Creek State Park
Cielo Farms
Stonewall Ranch
Los Angeles National Forest
Vasquez rock
Descanso Gardens
LA Arboretum
Huntington Library
South Coast Botanic
Exposition Park Rose Garden
Pasadena City Hall
LACMA
Greystone Mansion
Griffith Observatory
How to Choose the Right Engagement Photo Locations Los Angeles
Before choosing a spot, think about what kind of energy you want your session to have.
Do you love barefoot walks on the beach, or dramatic mountain views? Are you drawn to timeless architecture or lush, floral gardens?
Here are a few questions I always ask my clients:
What scenery feels most like you as a couple?
What time of year is your session, and how will that affect the lighting or crowds?
Do you want multiple outfits or locations to tell the story of your engagement?
Once you know your vibe, it’s easy to narrow down the perfect Los Angeles engagement photo location that fits your aesthetic and comfort level.
Coastal Locations
El Matador - Malibu
Known for its dramatic sea stacks and caves, El Matador is one of the most iconic beaches for engagement photos in Southern California. Plan your session during low tide for easier access to the coves, and aim for golden hour (up to 2 hours before sunset and 15 minutes after sunset) for the absolutely best lighting.
Permit: Yes, permits are required! Reach out to the California State Parks permit department for more information.
Best time of year: Fall and Winter.
Best Tides: It’s best to schedule your session during a tide that’s 4ft and lower. Anything above 4ft get’s dangerous.
Website: www.parks.ca.gov
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Point Dume - Malibu
If you want cinematic ocean views and windswept cliffs, Point Dume is a dream. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of adventure and elegance, barefoot walks on the sand followed by dramatic portraits overlooking the Pacific.
Permit: Yes! Permits are required! The permits are super complicated so it’s best to get guidance from someone who knows the ins and outs (like me) of which permit to get from which department for which beach. Like I said, super complicated.
Best time of year: Spring, Fall, Winter
Best Tides: Westward beach isn’t limited by high tides, but other beaches such as Big Dume Beach and Pirates Cove are best accessed at low tides.
Address: Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265
Best Place to Park: 7103 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Website: www.parks.ca.gov
Leo Carrillo - Malibu
Leo Carrillo is my personal, absolute, favorite location for engagement photoshoot. It offers both sandy coves, that are sheltered from the wind, and rocky cliffs that look out over the ocean, making it ideal for couples who want a variety of backdrops.
It’s also less crowded than El Matador, so you can relax and enjoy a quieter experience.
Permit: Yes, permits are required! Reach out to the California State Parks permit department for more information.
Best time of year: It’s gorgeous year round, but if you’re after the prettiest sunsets, aim for Fall and Winter months.
Best Tides: Best tides are below a 4ft tide, but North Beach can handle tides up to 5.5ft.
Website: www.parks.ca.gov
Santa Monica Pier/State Beach
For couples who love color, energy, and movement, Santa Monica is a vibrant option. Start your session with romantic portraits along the beach, then head to the Pier for playful photos under the neon lights and Ferris wheel.
Permit: Yes! A permit is required. You can find out more about the permit process here.
Best time of year: Spring, Fall, Winter
Best Tides: Because the beach is so wide, the tides don’t play a huge role in scheduling your session.
Website: Santa Monica Pier | Santa Monica State Beach
Bluff Cove - Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes is a hidden gem with coastal bluffs, turquoise water, and fewer crowds than Malibu. Bluff Cove in particular offers beautiful cliffs and tidepools, ideal for natural, adventurous engagement sessions.
Permit: Unknown
Best time of year: Because of the way Bluff Cove faces, it’s gorgeous any time of the year. But I always recommend avoiding Summer for beach locations.
Best Tides: Because this is a cliff location, it’s not limited by the tides. But if you do want to walk down to the beach, aim for a lower tide.
Website: www.californiabeaches.com
Mountain Locations
Los Angeles might be known for its beaches, but its mountain and canyon landscapes are equally breathtaking. If you love hiking, open air, and soft golden light, these spots are perfect. The mountain locations below offer that natural, editorial feel.
Malibu Creek State Park - Malibu
Malibu Creek State Park is another one of my favorites. MCSP combines rugged beauty with a soft, romantic atmosphere.
With open meadows, oak trees, and mountain backdrops, Malibu Creek State Park shines in both golden hour and late-afternoon light.
Permit: Yes, permits are required! Reach out to the California State Parks permit department for more information.
Best time of year: Spring, Summer & Fall
Website: www.parks.ca.gov
Cielo Farms - Malibu
Cielo Farms feels like a Tuscan escape tucked into the Malibu hills. The vineyard setting, stone walls, and panoramic valley views create a refined, wine-country feel just minutes from the coast. It’s ideal for couples who want something elegant and timeless.
Permit: Yes! A permit is required. Contact them directly for permit information.
Best time of year: Spring, Fall
Website: woodstockmalibu.com
Stonewall Ranch - Malibu
Stonewall Ranch is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Malibu’s rustic charm. It’s a stunning location tucked in the mountains above Malibu. It has the absolutely, most gorgeous view of the ocean and sunset on at their stonewall platform. And the best part? They have horses!
Permit: Yes! A permit is required. Contact them directly for permit information.
Best time of year: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Website: www.stonewallranchmalibu.com
Los Angeles National Forest
If you’re drawn to pine trees and mountain air, this spot is a breath of fresh air, literally. The Los Angeles National Forest offers rugged trails, overlooks, and quiet forest paths that make for intimate, romantic moments. It’s a great option for adventurous couples or those wanting something that feels far from the bustle of LA.
There are tons of hidden gems scattered around this vast location, which is why it’s important to book with a photographer who knows the area.
Permit: Permits may be required for certain locations
Best time of year: Spring, Fall, Winter
Website: www.fs.usda.gov
Vasquez Rocks - Agua Dolce
Vasquez Rocks is unlike anywhere else in Southern California. Towering rock formations, desert tones, and endless skies create a striking, editorial backdrop. It’s amazing at sunrise when the light hits the rocks just right, adding a touch of drama to your photos.
Permit: Yes, permits are required! Reach out to the permit department for more information.
Best time of year: Spring, Fall, Winter
Website: parks.lacounty.gov
Garden Locations
For couples who love greenery, flowers, and refined architecture, Los Angeles’ gardens are a dream. These spaces are lush and peaceful, perfect for soft, romantic engagement photos that feel straight out of a film. Gardens are also great if you want to wear more formal outfits and really elevate your engagement photos.
Descanso Gardens - La Cañada Flintridge
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens is full of charm, from oak groves to flower-lined paths and a serene pond. It’s especially lovely in spring when camellias, tulips, and roses bloom. Each section of the garden has a unique mood, offering tons of variety in one location.
Permit: Yes! Permits are required. They start at $300. You can view more permit information here.
Best time of year: Spring
Website: www.descansogardens.org
LA Arboretum - Arcadia
The Arboretum feels like a living fairytale, complete with peacocks, tropical palms, and quiet gardens. Its mix of textures, from bamboo forests to lily ponds, makes it perfect for couples who want depth and color in their photos.
Permit: Yes! Permits are required. Contact the permit department for more information.
Best time of year: Spring, Fall
Address: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Website: arboretum.org
Huntington Library - San Marino
Elegant and historic, The Huntington is one of LA’s most luxurious photo spots. The architecture alone, marble columns, reflecting pools, and manicured lawns, makes it the most stunning location for your engagement photos. The Japanese Garden and Rose Garden are especially stunning in late afternoon light.
Permit: Yes, a permit is required. Permit fee starts at $1,200. Contact them directly for more permit information.
Best time of year: Spring, Fall
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Website: www.huntington.org
South Coast Botanical Garden - Palos Verdes
Located in Palos Verdes, this spot location is full of native and exotic plants. Most notably, it’s cherry blossom trees that really shine in early spring! They also have a gorgeous rose garden that’s perfect for Engagements.
Permit: As of 2025, they no longer require an extra fee for permits. Permits are included in admission price.
Best time of year: Spring
Address: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Website: southcoastbotanicgarden.org
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Exposition Park Rose Garden - Los Angeles
A classic Los Angeles favorite, the Rose Garden is full of color and history. The blooming season is incredible, with thousands of roses surrounding a central fountain. It pairs beautifully with nearby architecture for variety in your gallery.
Permit: Yes! A permit is required. Permit fees start at $235. Contact them directly for more information.
Best time of year: April, May
Address: 701 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website: www.laparks.org
Urban Locations
If you want your engagement photos to reflect the vibrancy of city life, Los Angeles delivers. From timeless architecture to sleek, modern art backdrops, these urban spots are perfect for fashion-forward couples or those who want to blend classic romance with city energy.
Pasadena City Hall - Pasadena
Elegant, timeless, and effortlessly romantic. Pasadena City Hall’s European-inspired architecture and soft light make it one of the most popular engagement photo spots in Los Angeles. The neutral tones work beautifully with formal outfits or pastel palettes.
Permit: Yes, a permit is required! Please contact them directly for more permit information.
Best time of year: Year round
Address: 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Website: www.cityofpasadena.net
LACMA - Los Angeles
Home to the famous Urban Light installation, LACMA offers a blend of art and architecture that’s perfect for stylish, modern couples. The clean lines and glowing lights at sunset create a cinematic, editorial look.
Permit: I am unsure of any photography permits at the time. It is best to contact them directly for more information.
Best time of year: Year round. Best time for photos is when they turn the lights on.
Website: www.lacma.org
Greystone Mansion - Beverly Hills
Hidden in Beverly Hills, Greystone offers manicured gardens, staircases, and fountains. The stone textures and ivy-covered walls give your session a romantic, old-world feel, perfect for couples who want an elegant, editorial feel for their Engagement session.
Permit: Yes! A permit is required. $319/hour Beverly Hills residents; $399/hour non-residents. They only accept permits within 2 weeks of the photography date, at 9am PST. Contact them directly for more information.
Best time of year: Year round
Website: beverlyhills.org
Walt Disney Concert Hall - Los Angeles
Modern, bold, and sculptural, Walt Disney Concert Hall is a dream for couples with a love of architecture. The metallic curves reflect light beautifully, creating artistic, fashion-forward portraits.
Permit: I am unsure at this time if they require photography permits.
Best time of year: Year round
Website: www.laphil.com
Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles
Few places capture LA’s skyline like Griffith Observatory. From classic architecture to panoramic views, it’s a versatile location for both day and night photos. Sunset here is stunning, the city lights start to glow, creating the perfect romantic finale.
Permit: Yes, a permit is required! Please read through this website for more information regarding permits.
Best time of year: Year round
Website: griffithobservatory.org
Whether you’re drawn to Malibu’s golden beaches, Pasadena’s timeless architecture, or the wild beauty of Vasquez Rocks, Los Angeles offers endless inspiration for engagement photos. Each of these locations has its own beauty.
If you’re ready to plan your engagement session, I’d love to help you choose the perfect spot and time of day for your vision!
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About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
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