Bay Area Engagement Session Locations from a California Wedding Photographer

Date Night Stroll in the Streets of San Francisco

My favorite part of being a California Wedding Photographer is I get to capture so many diverse clientele of different backgrounds. To kick off this guide, i’m beginning with a real love story with Wing and Tom – two amazing love-birds who are foodies and love the art of photography. Wing is a fun, trendy, and chic bride ready for the spotlight. Tom, is cool and collected, and also a photography amateur himself. We even shoot on the same camera system, Sony! Even though said multiple times that they are “awkward ducks I turned into beautiful swans” – with my guidance, I believe I just captured their beauty and quirks the way they are.

Their San Francisco engagement session started at The Beacon Grand. Fun fact, this will also be their getting ready hotel. Although the bar and restaurant didn’t allow us to take photos – the lobby and the luggage trolley were provided so we took some fun shots with it. Pro tip: if you do want to shoot at a bar, most ask you start before opening. That way, you are not impeding on their guest experience.

Next, we strolled the streets of San Francisco. We kept to the areas surrounding Chinatown and the North Beach neighborhoods. The walk in total is 16 minutes via apple maps with various stops along the way. They posed on California street lined with trolley-carts and buildings. Secondly, underneath the red lanterns of China town and sipped on some boba. We luckily stumbled upon a small bar and snapped and drank a few shots. Finally, we ended at the iconic corner featuring Cafe Zoetrope which features the Sentinel Building in North Beach. I hold a special place in my heart for clients who treat me for dinner after. Wing and Tom are so generous they brought me with them to dinner at Daeho.

Styling Tips from a California Wedding Photographer

Fashion choices and hair and makeup make a difference for the outcome of your photos. Wing and Tom brought their glam game. Wing chose a plunge back satin Abecrombie dress. Textures like satin photograph well. Others like chiffon, lace, pearls, feathers, bows (the latest fashion trends) also add interest to make a captivating image. Tom wore his navy two-piece suit to match Wing’s glam. If the opportunity presents itself, try to schedule your hair and makeup trial the same day as your engagement session like Wing did. Finally, bring some layers and accessories. Wing brought multiple pairs of glasses – some even heart shaped. Her tan overcoat also added variety and overall matched the downtown chic San Francisco style she was going for.

Iconic Spots in the Bay Area for Your Engagement Session

San Francisco and the Bay Area is full of rich history, diversity, and gorgeous landscapes. Narrowing down a location can be difficult but I am here to help ya! Some people love the iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, while others opt for the hidden gems. Here is a list of some of my favorite locations in San Francisco.

Pro Tip: please please please do not leave anything valuable in your car. The Bay Area is notorious for car break ins, so do not leave anything in site through the window.

The Golden Gate Bridge

There are multiple viewing sites for the Golden Gate Bridge. My two favorites are Bakers Beach and Battery Spencer and/or Marin Headlands. They are two unique views of the bridge, one being by the water and one being in the hills. The overlook at Battery Spencer is especially picturesque at night, when all the city lights and car lights illuminate the background and cast a romantic setting.

Sutro Baths

Built in the late 1800’s this historic structure is both captivating and mysterious. On a overcast day, there’s a moodiness to it. The baths overlook the ocean and at low tide you can walk on the beach. This gives you two different vibes for the price of one.

Pier 7 and the Embarcadero

Third on the list is Pier 7 and the Embarcadero. Stroll the piers with the bay in the background. There are multiple Piers to choose from but Pier 7 is my favorite. It is less crowded and the benches and lampposts make it feel cinematic. Fisherman’s wharf is a popular tourist attraction and is also fun to take photos at. I once had a couple take photos at Musée Mécanique, an interactive antique museum with an arcade that was featured in the Princess Diaries.

Fioli Gardens

A romantic, historic landscape featuring beautifully manicured gardens and a luxurious Mansion. This location has the European charm the trendy couples are looking for. Spring is the best time to visit as the cherry blossoms and tulips decorate the property in color. The Mansion looks like it is straight out of Bridgerton as its entrance is lined with Wisteria and lush green trees. You can even have a picnic with a blanket and your own food at Fioli. Tickets do sell out fast so recommend to purchase in advance.

San Francisco City Hall

Sure, it’s typically used for weddings and elopements but why pass up the amazing architecture for your engagement session? San Francisco City Hall is modern and timeless and perfect for anyone looking for that timeless look. Just note that San Francisco City Hall is only open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm to the public. And no need to reserve, you can just come in for your engagement photos. If you haven’t seen Heather and Zack’s intimate wedding at San Francisco City Hall check it out here for examples of the space.

Marin Headlands + Mt Tamalpais

Rolling hills of grass (green or dry depending on the season). An overlook of the city or the Pacific ocean. What’s more to love? The sunsets here are a so dreamy and romantic. It can get windy and chilly so please pack a jacket. The trails can be long so bring some comfortable shoes.

Muir Woods

Walk among the shaded grounds of coastal redwoods at Muir Woods. It does get dark here so I recommend a session in the mid afternoon. Their permits are confusing but we do not need one for a simple engagement session. We just need to make sure we stay on the path and respect the nature.

Golden Gate Park & The Conservatory of Flowers

Next, Golden Gate Park is massive with many spots to stop at to take engagement photos at. My favorite is the Conservatory of Flowers. A Victorian confection housing many rare and exotic tropical plants. It does get REALLY humid here, so don’t wear curls. They’ll just become undone. The outside is just as idyllic, lined with rows of florals. Other locations I love at Golden Gate Park are the Japanese Tea Garden, the Music Concourse, and the Dutch Windmills. The weekends are very crowded so opt for a summer weekday evening when the sun sets late for any of these spots.

Beaches and Cliffsides

Bay Area beaches are a classic engagement session location. My favorite is Stinson beach as the tides tend to be long and when the water leaves the sand is reflective. This makes for the perfect reflective photo at blue hour. For some coastal or beach suggestions in the Bay Area check out my blog “Tips for your California Coastal Engagement Session“.

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This blog post of, Bay Area Engagement Session Locations from a California Wedding Photographer was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.