8 Ideas for Romantic Summer Engagement Photos in Malibu
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksSummer is one of the most beautiful times of year for Summer Engagement Photos in Malibu.
With long days, warm evenings, and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific, it's the perfect season to turn your engagement session into an unforgettable date. While the beach is always a classic choice, there are so many creative ways for your session to stand apart from the crowd.
As a born and raised Malibu local, I've spent my entire life exploring this coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and all of the little places in between. One of my favorite parts of photographing couples here is getting to share a side of Malibu that goes beyond the locations everyone immediately thinks of.
In this guide, I'm sharing eight of my favorite ideas to help inspire a fun, meaningful engagement session that captures your relationship and makes the most of everything Malibu has to offer.
Table of Contents
Why Malibu is Perfect for Summer Engagement Photos
Malibu is one of the few places where you can experience so many incredible landscapes in a single day.
Within just a few miles, you'll find sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, rolling mountains, scenic vineyards, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal overlooks.
This incredible variety makes it easy to choose a location that reflects your personalities and creates an engagement session that is totally unique.
Beyond the scenery, Malibu offers an atmosphere that's hard to replicate anywhere else.
The laid-back coastal lifestyle encourages couples to slow down, enjoy the moment, and simply have fun together.
Whether you're planning a relaxed beach date or a more adventurous outing, Malibu provides the perfect backdrop for creating genuine memories and beautiful engagement photos you'll treasure for years to come.
Malibu Engagement Packages
Pre-session artwork design consultation so that I'm sure to capture images you'll love to hang on your walls or print in an album.
As much time as we need on the day of your session
Access to MWP’s client closet for women and wardrobe assistance for everyone involved
1-2 Nearby locations
Travel Fees included, minus permits
1. The Beach
When you think of romantic summer engagement photos in Malibu, the beach is probably the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. From dramatic cliffs and hidden sea caves, to sandy beaches and crashing waves.
Malibu’s beaches offer some of the most breathtaking scenery along the West Coast.
Instead of treating your engagement session like a photoshoot, think of it as a sunset date.
Start by exploring the rocky coastline, wander hand in hand along the shoreline, splash through the waves (if you don’t mind the cold water), or cozy up on a blanket as the sun sets over the Pacific. These little moments create genuine connection and often lead to the most natural, joy-filled photos.
For the dreamiest light, plan your session during the last two hours before sunset. The warm golden glow, cool ocean breeze, and colorful skies create the perfect atmosphere for timeless engagement photos you’ll love for years to come.
Beach Engagement Photo Ideas:
Walk Along the Shoreline
Bring a Picnic
Cuddle on a blanket
Explore the Seaside Cliffs
El Matador State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Want to Learn More About the Perfect Beach Photoshoot Location in Malibu?
The Ultimate El Matador Beach Photoshoot Guide
Capture stunning photos at El Matador Beach with this ultimate photoshoot guide! Get expert tips on the best spots, lighting, outfits, and posing for dreamy shots.
2. Poolside Romance
If you’re staying at a beautiful Airbnb or have access to a private pool, a poolside engagement session can be a fun and unique way to celebrate this season of your lives.
Spend the evening lounging by the pool, sharing a drink, dipping your toes in the water, or floating together on an oversized pool floatie. You can even end the session by jumping into the pool together for playful, carefree photos that feel straight out of a summer romance movie.
This type of session is perfect for couples who want something a little more personal and relaxed.
Whether you’re barefoot on the patio, wrapped in towels after a swim, or laughing together in the water, photographing your engagement at home or your vacation rental bring a super fun element to your engagement photos.
3. Hit the Mountains
While Malibu is best known for its beaches, the Santa Monica Mountains offer an entirely different kind of beauty. Rolling golden hills in the summer, winding mountain roads, towering oak trees, and sweeping ocean views create the perfect backdrop for couple who love the outdoors.
You don’t have to hike miles to find an incredible location either. Spend the evening exploring Malibu Creek State Park, wander through scenic trails, or simply pull over at one of the many overlooks along the mountain roads for breathtaking views. These hidden spots often provide a more intimate setting than the beach while still capturing the natural beauty Malibu is known for.
Mountain engagement sessions are especially beautiful during the summer, when the golden grass glows in the evening light. Combined with a warm sunset and endless views, they create a romantic, adventurous feel that’s perfect for couples who want something a little different while still embracing Malibu’s iconic landscape.
4. Rent a Cool Car
If you’re looking to add a little personality to your engagement photos, consider renting a classic or vintage car for the day. Whether it’s a timeless convertible, an old Bronco, or your dream sports car, a unique vehicle can make your session feel like an unforgettable road trip along the California coast.
We’ll stop at scenic overlooks throughout the Santa Monica Mountains, capturing candid moments as you cruise Malibu’s winding canyon roads before making our way to the beach for sunset.
Imagine leaning against your car with the ocean behind you, driving with the top down, or sharing a quiet moment as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Not only does a classic car create beautiful, editorial style photos, but it also gives you something fun to interact with throughout the session.
If you’re wondering where to find the perfect ride, I recommend checking outDrive Share. They offer one of the largest selections of classic and vintage cars in the Los Angeles area, including everything from vintage Mustangs and Broncos to timeless convertibles.
If you’re looking for something a little more modern and luxurious, Beverly Hills Car Rentalhas an impressive collection of high-end convertibles and exotic cars that pair beautifully with Malibu’s scenic roads.
5. Malibu Pier & Surfrider Beach
For couples who want their engagement photos to feel like a fun date night, you can’t go wrong with Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach.
Start your session by grabbing an ice cream or dessert from Malibu Farm Cafe' before taking a leisurely stroll along the historic pier.
From there we’ll make our way down to Surfrider Beach, where you can walk hand in hand along the shoreline, watch surfers catch the last waves of the day and soak in one of Malibu’s most iconic coastal views.
Because Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach are popular destinations during the summer, I always recommend planning this type of session in the late summer or early fall.
The weather is still beautifully warm, but the summer crowds have started to thin, making it much easier to enjoy the pier and beach while creating relaxed, romantic engagement photos.
6. Malibu Western-Inspired Romance
If you’re looking for an engagement session that’s truly unforgettable, consider incorporating horses into your photos.
While Malibu is famous for its beaches, it also has a rich cowboy history and a thriving equestrian community. Nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains, you’ll find miles of scenic riding trails, historic ranches, and breathtaking landscapes that have made horseback riding a part of Malibu’s culture for generations.
You don’t have to own a horse to make it happen, either.
Both High Horse Malibu and Malibu Riders offer horseback photoshoot experiences as well as guided trail rides through the Santa Monica Mountains.
Whether you'd like beautifully styled portraits with horses or prefer to turn your engagement session into an unforgettable horseback adventure, both are fantastic options for experiencing this unique side of Malibu.
It's a unique way to celebrate your love while experiencing a side of Malibu that many visitors never get to see.
7. Visit a Winery
For couples who love good wine and beautiful scenery, a winery engagement session is the perfect way to turn your photos into an unforgettable date.
Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Wine Hikes offers breathtaking vineyard views, rolling hills, and rustic charm that is completely different from Malibu's beaches, while still embracing the area's natural beauty.
For the ultimate experience, consider booking a private VW Bus Wine Tour. As you explore the property together, we'll stop at some of the most scenic locations to capture romantic photos among the vineyards, oak trees, and mountain vistas. Between photos, you can relax with a glass of wine, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and simply spend time together.
A winery engagement session offers a slower, more intimate pace than many traditional photoshoots. Whether you're laughing together aboard the tour bus, strolling hand in hand through the property, or toasting to your future surrounded by Malibu's beautiful countryside, you'll end the day with a gallery full of genuine moments and memories you'll cherish for years to come.
8. Visit the Getty Villa
If you're drawn to timeless architecture and beautifully curated gardens, the Getty Villa is one of the most romantic places for summer engagement photos near Malibu.
With its grand courtyards, elegant fountains, stone pathways, and beautifully landscaped gardens, it offers a completely different aesthetic from the beach while still feeling warm and bright.
A morning session is the best way to experience the Getty Villa.
Arriving early allows us to enjoy the grounds before they become busy, creating a more relaxed atmosphere and giving us the best chance to capture beautiful photos without large crowds in the background. The soft morning light also compliments the Villa's architecture and greenery, resulting in timeless, editorial-style images.
Whether you're strolling through the gardens, admiring the fountains, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, the Getty Villa feels like stepping into the Italian countryside.
It's the perfect choice for couples who want an elegant engagement session with a touch of old-world romance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Engagement Photos
-
I recommend around 2 to 3 months in advanced for a lot of the experiences listed above. Especially for experiences like Horses or Wine Tours.
Beach and mountain sessions are a little more flexible, but I recommend booking as far in advanced as possible anyways.
-
Depending on which experience you choose, it typically takes one to two, sometimes even 4 hours if you want multiple locations/experiences.
-
I always recommend weekdays. There’s less crowds at public locations on the weekdays, which means you’ll have a better overall experience, and less people potentially in your photos.
-
That all depends on where you go!
Certain beaches around Malibu are a little more relaxed about the permits, whereas some places are extremely strict (like El Matador State Beach).
Interested in a Summer Engagement Session?
View Related Blog Posts
View Similar Sessions
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.
Browse by Category:
Categories
- August 2026
- May 2026
- April 2026
- January 2026
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- March 2023
Latest Blog Posts:
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.
Browse
- Almond Blossoms
- Beach
- California
- Cherry Blossoms
- Couples
- El Matador
- Engagement
- Fall
- Family
- Flowers
- Gift Guide
- Locations
- Los Angeles
- Malibu
- Maternity
- Mountains
- New years Eve
- Outfit Ideas
- Photoshoot Tips
- Restaurants
- Southern California
- Spring
- Summer
- Things to Do
- Things to do
- Travel
- Tulips
- Valentines Day
- Wildflowers
- Winter
- elopement
- lavender
- wedding
Disclosure Statement
Meganwphotography.org participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. As an affiliate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases made through links on this site, at no additional cost to you.
