Tips for Your California Coastal Engagement Session

The California coast and beaches are among the most popular locations for engagement sessions. When people think of California their minds tend to go to expensive cities and Hollywood. However, when they start to think about landscapes the first thing that comes to mind is the California coast – it’s sandy beaches and gorgeous beach bluffs.

Things to Keep in Mind for a Sunset Beach Engagement Session

Schedule on a Weekday

Weekday beach engagement sessions main advantage over the weekend is there are less crowds. However, summers can still be crowded on a weekday especially closer to golden hour since sunset is closer to 8pm and people drop by after work. Nothing a little photoshop can’t fix on my part to delete the photobomber.

Check the Tides

Firstly, we need to check the tide chart. This is especially important if we are choosing a beach with a short width or are trying to use exposed rocky beaches (looking at you Malibu and La Jolla Windandsea). Ideally, we would choose a date that has a low tide closer to sunset. The more beach we have to work with the better. Fingers crossed for those reflective wet sand photos.

Aim for Sunset

As aforementioned, sunset and golden hour are the best times to shoot on the coast. A pro of being on the west coast is the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. We can get backlit photos as that sun sets. A glisten and sparkle of light across the water. After golden hour is my favorite time of day: blue hour! The sky changes from that golden to blue and with clouds you can also get those pink and purple hues. This is even more dramatic and beautiful with reflective water. Sunset time will change depending on the time of year so best be vigilant googling it. Additionally, if it is unfortunately an overcast day we may want to start earlier to have more light to work with.

Planning Your Outfit

My top tips for choosing your engagement session outfit are:

• Wear what makes you comfortable
• Coordinate & compliment- don’t completely match
• Embrace textures & layers

Wearing something comfortable is more important than being fashionable. Make sure your cloths are not to tight or itchy. If you are opting for a dress or skirt, make sure you are comfortable with the length. Try not to wear uncomfortable shoes. If you do, bring a more comfortable walking pair. But embrace potentially being barefoot – we are at the beach! Don’t be afraid to get those dawgs wet and sandy.

Coordinate your outfits. I always say it’s best to compliment each other and not fully match. Of course, there’s sometimes exceptions to this rule. My favorite pair is light washed jeans with white T-shirts – a classic!

Embrace layers and textures. I’ve been really into the layered white skirts. They add a lot of movement which gives feeling to your photos. Neutral linen on the beach just screams California coast. I have yet to capture a long white dress soaked in the water so I’m begging you to wear one and give me the chance.

Bring Multiple Outfits

What I really mean is bring extra clothes. Best believe we are going to walk through the water – especially if we are in SoCal where the water is warmer. The last thing you want to do is drive home in wet clothes so bring some comfortable clothing for the ride back home. In Northern California it can be a bit chilly so bring an extra jacket during the walks or to even wear for you session. Bring sandals or go barefoot for when we are traveling/ walking. If you are like me, I hate having wet socks and shoes. Don’t worry. If you need somewhere to change I bring a collapsible changing tent! Don’t forget the bag to carry all your clothes and accessories too!

Popular California Coast & Beach Engagement Session Locations

Highlighting some of my favorite locations I’ve shot at and ones that are on my bucket list for a coastal or beach engagement session.

Please note: some locations may require permits to photograph in their space. I can do the research to apply and find the permit fees. I suggest we apply 1 month before the session because some of these offices move slow like snails.

Southern California Coast

• Malibu: El Matador State Beach, Zuma Beach
• Laguna Beach: Treasure Island, Victoria’s Beach, Shaws Cove, Crystal Cove, Thousand Steps Beach
• San Diego: Coronado, Sunset Cliffs, Moonlight State Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Windandsea

Central California Coast

• Garapatta State Park
• Natural Bridges Beach
• Panther Beach
• Shark Fin Cove
• Palm Beach State Park

Northern California Coast

• Mendocino
• Bodega Bay: North Salmon Beach, Coleman Overlook, Doran Park
• Halfmoon Bay: Dunes Beach, Ritz Carlton
• San Francisco: Baker’s Beach, Mt. Tamalpais, Marin Headlands, Pacifica, Lands End, Sutro Baths, Muir Beach, Redondo Beach, Rockaway Beach
• Point Reyes: North Beach & South Beach

I am beginning to book Spring and Summer 2024 sessions now. Please reach out at minimum two months ahead of your desired session date. Ready to book your coastal and beach engagement session? Connect with Arianna.

This blog post of, Tips for Your California Beach Engagement Session was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.