THE BEST PLACES TO TAKE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA
Orange County is full of gorgeous locations and endless places to choose from! The number one tip I tell couples is to choose a location that is meaningful to them. That could mean a variety of things - it could the place you met or had your first kiss/date, it could be somewhere you two hang out often (like the beach or a hiking trail), a place you visit every year, (staycation or a festival) or a place you go to watch the sunset/check out the view. If none of those will work or you really can’t decide on a spot, keep on reading! I’m going to share 7 of my favorite spots to shoot in Orange County. I had to narrow down the list (originally 10) because a few locations are no longer available for shoots / require hefty permit fees.
After 4 years of photographing weddings and engagement and over 10 years as a fashion-lifestyle photographer, I’m full of locations and advice when it comes to locations. I love finding new locations, but there’s something about a location you know really well. There’s no guessing when it comes to lighting/the perfect time to shoot. I know which spots will work, which part of the overall location to start and end with, and I can really help with wardrobe suggestions. I’ve included current permit requirements and fees, but make sure to do your own research to find up to date permit requirements and fees.
Dana Point Harbor
Okay now I grew up in south OC, specifically on the border of Dana Point and Laguna Niguel, so I may be biased. Dana Point Harbor is one of the best locations in south OC! There are so many options - the harbor itself (do the full walk around if you’re able to), the Ocean Institute which allows access to a nature area, Killer Dana (the beach area) and jetty, the hiking trail up top, and of course the hill you drive to the trail up top. The beach is usually fairly empty, but make sure to check the tide forecast. There isn’t a permit needed here unless you’re looking to take photos on any of the ships or docks at the Ocean Institute.
2. Laguna Beach
Laguna is known for its beaches with rock formations, tide pools, caves, and secret/secluded beaches. I’m not going to name all of these beaches because a couple of them are fairly secluded and considered “secret”, but if you stumble upon it then by all means! Or if you hire me, just let me know you’d like to shoot at one of these beaches! The classic ones everyone does engagement sessions at are Shaw’s Cove, Montage, Victoria, and Tablerock. Keep in mind, a permit is required for all beaches in Laguna Beach, even the secluded ones. Find out more information and specifics here. The permit fee is currently $100 for 2 hours. Fines are currently $600, so make sure you get that permit!
3. Los Rios St
The hidden gem of San Juan Capistrano! If you’re a local or grew up in south OC, you probably know and love this spot, too! Plan ahead because this spot does get busy because of the cute shops, Hidden House coffeeshop, and restaurants as well as the train station right across the way. There are a lot of signs explicitly say “no photography,” so make sure to abide by those rules. The residents aren’t too bothered by photo sessions unless you’re disrupting the peace, not reading the signs, or illegally going into their yards. If you’re going to shoot somewhere that’s not along the street, please inquire with the owner. They’ll appreciate it and you’ll keep this space open for future photo sessions. Find out more information about permits here.
4. Newport Beach
Newport is another one of my favorite spots to shoot because like the other spots listed, it’s full of so many options! There’s the Balboa Fun Zone, the pier, the canals, and of course the beach. There are also tons of colorful houses and a variety of walls, plus you might come across a colorful VW van in the process. Bring your skateboard and some cute outfits and make a fun day of it! Don’t forget to research permit requirements and fees.
5. Huntington Beach
Grab your board and come down to HB for a fun little beach session! This is one beach I’ve shot at during all times of the day. The top photo and photo with the board were at 11AM, so pretty high sun, but we still wound up with some beautiful photos. The photo by the pier was at sunset of course, which is gorgeous, but expect to have people in the background. Make sure to get some shots on and under the pier to get variety. More info on permit fees here.
6. Top of the World Laguna
Check out that view of Laguna! You get such a mix here as well - some beautiful open field areas with rolling hills, which is perfect for sunset, plenty of rocks, and trails, too. I typically suggest couples start here and end at the beach since it’s an easy 10 minute drive to any of the local beaches.
7. San Clemente
Who doesn’t love San Clemente? You have the pier and main beach, where you’ll find plenty of rocks, a hiking trail, and cute neighborhoods nearby. North Beach is right near two of my favorite venues, Ole Hanson and The Casino. There’s also San Onofre and Trestles (which I just checked out today and I’m a huge fan!!). These beaches are huge, so there are more opportunities to find empty areas without people in the background.