Where Should You Do Your Engagement... Photo Locations in Los Angeles, Pasadena & Orange County

Tom Keene
3 days ago
5 min read

Best Engagement Photo Locations in Los Angeles, Pasadena & Orange County

Where Should You Do Your Engagement?

Choosing the right location for your engagement photos can make a huge difference — not just in how your photos look, but in how relaxed and natural you feel during the session.

The good news? Southern California gives us an incredible variety of options, whether you want something romantic, modern, scenic, or totally laid-back.

Here are some of my favorite engagement photo locations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Orange County, plus tips on what works best at each spot.

Best Engagement Photo Locations in Los Angeles

Griffith Park

A classic LA favorite for a reason.

Why couples love it:

Open space = fewer people staring at you
Trails, hills, trees, and city views all in one place
Golden hour here is unreal

Style vibe:Romantic, natural, slightly adventurous

Outfit tip:Neutral tones, flowy fabrics, and layers photograph beautifully here.👉 Not sure what to wear? Check out my full What to Wear for Engagement Photos guide.

Downtown LA (Arts District or Historic Core)

Perfect for couples who want something urban and modern.

Why it works:

Brick walls, clean lines, and city texture
Great variety in a small walking area
Ideal for casual or fashion-forward looks

Style vibe:Editorial, stylish, modern

Outfit tip:Solid colors, minimal patterns, and slightly elevated outfits work best.

Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach

If beachy and effortless is your style, this is it.

Why couples love it:

Soft light near sunset
Ocean, sand, and clean horizons
Feels relaxed and fun (not stiff)

Style vibe:Light, airy, carefree

Outfit tip:Barefoot or neutral shoes, soft colors, and clothes that move with the breeze.

Los Angeles County Arboretum (Arcadia)

A dream location for couples who want lush greenery and variety in one place.

Why couples love it:

Gardens, architecture, water features, and mountain views
Feels peaceful and romantic
Looks beautiful year-round

Style vibe:Romantic, garden-inspired, elegant

Outfit tip:Soft colors, flowy fabrics, and classic outfits photograph beautifully here.

LACMA Urban Light

Iconic, graphic, and instantly recognizable.

Why it works:

Clean lines and symmetry
Great for couples who love a modern look
Amazing at dusk and early evening

Style vibe:Modern, editorial, city-chic

Outfit tip:Simple, bold outfits in neutral or monochrome tones work best here.

Venice Canals

Quiet, charming, and surprisingly intimate.

Why couples love it:

European-inspired bridges and walkways
Calm water reflections
Less chaotic than the Venice Boardwalk

Style vibe:Romantic, relaxed, storybook

Outfit tip:Light layers, soft neutrals, and comfortable walking shoes are perfect.

Vista Hermosa Park (Downtown LA)

A hidden gem with skyline views.

Why it’s great:

One of the best downtown skyline backdrops
Easy access and less crowded
Beautiful at golden hour

Style vibe:Urban-meets-nature, modern, relaxed

Outfit tip:Earth tones and layered outfits balance the city backdrop nicely.

Vasquez Rocks (Agua Dulce)

For couples who want something bold and unforgettable.

Why it stands out:

Dramatic rock formations
Wide open space = fewer distractions
Feels adventurous and cinematic

Style vibe:Epic, adventurous, cinematic

Outfit tip:Neutral, grounded colors work best. Avoid busy patterns — let the landscape shine.

Lechuza Beach

One of Malibu’s most stunning and secluded engagement photo locations.

Why couples love it:

Dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and ocean views
Feels private and romantic compared to busier beaches
Beautiful light, especially near sunset

Style vibe:Cinematic, romantic, elevated coastal

Outfit tip:Soft neutrals, earth tones, and flowy fabrics work incredibly well here. Barefoot looks great, but bring easy-to-walk shoes for getting to the sand.

Note: Access requires walking down stairs, so comfortable footwear is key.

Malibu Coast (General Malibu Beach Locations)

Malibu offers a variety of beach looks depending on the exact spot — from wide sandy beaches to rocky shoreline.

Why Malibu works so well:

Iconic Southern California scenery
Ocean, cliffs, and open sky all in one session
Feels timeless and high-end without being stuffy

Style vibe:Effortless, romantic, editorial

Outfit tip:Keep colors light and natural. Whites, creams, tans, and muted blues photograph beautifully against the ocean and cliffs.

Malibu State Park

A great alternative to beach-only Malibu sessions.

Why couples love it:

Rolling hills, trails, and open landscapes
Less crowded than beaches
Feels adventurous but approachable

Style vibe:Natural, cinematic, laid-back

Outfit tip:Earth tones, boots or sturdy shoes, and relaxed layers work best.

Best Engagement Photo Locations in Pasadena Area

Pasadena City Hall

One of the most iconic engagement photo locations in Southern California.

Why it’s so popular:

Elegant architecture
Clean backgrounds
Works year-round

Style vibe:Romantic, timeless, classic

Outfit tip:Dress it up a bit — this location looks amazing with polished, classic outfits.

Pasadena History Museum

Classic Pasadena charm with a timeless feel.

Why couples love it:

Beautiful historic buildings
Quiet and intimate setting
Works beautifully for dressed-up sessions

Style vibe:Timeless, romantic, refined

Outfit tip:Elevated, classic outfits photograph best here.

Descanso Gardens

One of the most versatile garden locations in the area.

Why it’s popular:

Seasonal blooms and greenery
Plenty of shaded areas
Romantic walking paths

Style vibe:Soft, natural, garden romance

Outfit tip:Flowy dresses, soft textures, and neutral tones are perfect here.

Best Engagement Photo Locations in Orange County

Laguna Beach

Hands down one of the most scenic engagement photo spots in OC.

Why it’s worth it:

Cliffs, coves, ocean, and textures
Feels cinematic and romantic
Amazing light near sunset

Style vibe:Romantic, coastal, dramatic

Outfit tip:Soft neutrals and earth tones look incredible against the ocean and cliffs.

Old Towne Orange

Charming, historic, and full of character.

Why couples love it:

Brick buildings, antique shops, and tree-lined streets
Walkable and relaxed
Great mix of casual and classic

Style vibe:Vintage, cozy, charming

Outfit tip:Warm tones and casual-elevated outfits work really well here.

Irvine Regional Park

Nature without feeling remote.

Why it works:

Open fields, trees, and mountain views
Plenty of space to move naturally
Great for relaxed, candid sessions

Style vibe:Natural, casual, outdoorsy

Outfit tip:Comfortable, neutral outfits with layers photograph beautifully.

Little Corona del Mar Beach

One of Orange County’s most beautiful and intimate beach locations for engagement photos.

Why couples love it:

Rocky shoreline with tide pools and textured cliffs
Feels more secluded than larger OC beaches
Soft, flattering light near sunset

Style vibe:Romantic, coastal, natural

Outfit tip:Soft neutrals, creams, tans, and muted blues photograph beautifully here. Barefoot works great on the sand and rocks, but bring comfortable shoes for walking to and from the beach.

Note: This spot is best during low tide if you want access to the rocks and tide pools.

Not sure what to wear for engagement photos at Little Corona Beach? This guide breaks down colors and fabrics that photograph best in coastal light.

How to Choose the Right Location for You

When helping couples choose locations, I always ask:

Do you want urban or natural?
Casual or dressed-up?
Do you want privacy or energy?
Are you comfortable walking a bit?

There’s no “best” location — only the one that fits your personalities.

And if you’re thinking, “We’re awkward in photos” — don’t worry. Most of my couples feel that way at first. Choosing a location where you can move, walk, and interact naturally makes a huge difference.