The best engagement photo locations in Los Angeles

Los Angeles covers a lot of ground, and that is the best thing about it for engagement photos. In one county you have sea caves in Malibu, city murals downtown, formal gardens in the foothills and mountain overlooks above the clouds. The trade-off is traffic. A good LA session picks one area and makes the most of it. These are the places we recommend, grouped by type, with the best time to go and one practical note for each.

Plan around distance and traffic

Most sessions have time for one or two spots. In Los Angeles, two spots that look close on a map can be 45 minutes apart in evening traffic. We usually suggest one main location, or two that are walking distance or a short drive apart.

Think about the feel you want first. Coast, city, garden or mountains each call for different outfits and shoes. Our guide on what to wear for engagement photos can help you match the two.

The coast: Malibu, Palos Verdes and Santa Monica

El Matador State Beach, Malibu. Sea stacks, rock arches and small caves along a narrow beach make it one of the most recognizable spots on the LA coast. Best time: The last hour before sunset, on a lower tide. Good to know: You reach the beach by a trail and stairs from the bluff, and the lot is small. Arrive early and plan shoes for the climb.

Palos Verdes coastline. Dramatic bluffs, coves and the area around Point Vicente give wide, open ocean views without the Malibu crowds. Best time: Sunset. The bluffs face west, so you get the full drop of the sun over the water. Good to know: Some areas, like the Point Vicente lighthouse, have their own city filming and photography rules. Check with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for the spot you want.

Santa Monica: Palisades Park and the pier. Palm-lined bluffs above the beach and the lights of the pier give a classic Southern California look. Best time: Golden hour into blue hour, when the pier lights come on. Good to know: It is busy most evenings. We work along the quieter stretches of the park and save the pier for the end.

The city: Griffith Park, the Arts District and Venice

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park. The view across the city and toward the Hollywood sign is hard to beat, and the park trails nearby give open hillsides and skyline backdrops. Best time: Sunset and blue hour, when the city lights start to show. Good to know: The Observatory has a formal process for commercial photography on its grounds through the Park Film Office and FilmLA, and its listed fees are in the thousands of dollars. Many couples choose nearby park trails with similar views. Check current rules with the city before you plan.

Downtown LA Arts District. Murals, brick warehouses, loading docks and industrial textures give an urban, editorial feel that works well with bolder outfits. Best time: Late afternoon, when tall buildings create open shade and reflected light. Good to know: Murals are the work of artists, and many walls belong to private businesses. We shoot from public sidewalks and keep the focus on you rather than on someone else's art.

Venice Canals. Footbridges, small canals and colorful homes make a quiet, romantic setting a few blocks from the busy boardwalk. Best time: Early evening, when the water is still and the light is soft. Good to know: This is a residential neighborhood. We keep the gear light, stay on the public walkways and keep the noise down.

Gardens and mountains

Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge. Oak woodland, camellias, a rose garden and winding paths give a soft, natural look that changes with the seasons. Best time: Late afternoon. The canopy gives shade earlier in the day too. Good to know: It is a botanical garden with paid admission and its own policies for professional photography. Contact the gardens directly before planning your session there.

Angeles National Forest overlooks. Turnouts along the mountain roads above the San Gabriel Valley give layered ridgelines and sometimes a sea of clouds below. Best time: Sunset, or just after on clear days. Good to know: It is cooler and windier at elevation, so bring layers. Parking passes or permits may be required in the national forest. Check with the Forest Service before you go.

Practical notes for any Los Angeles session

• Permits or fees may apply for professional photography at many LA parks, beaches and attractions. Check with the city, park or venue.
• Build in extra drive time. Evening traffic can turn a short hop into a long one.
• Coastal spots can be overcast in late spring and early summer. Inland and mountain spots often stay clear.
• Weekday sessions are usually calmer at popular spots.

Planning a smaller wedding instead of a big one? Many of these spots also work for our elopement packages, which start at $700 for three hours.