A Local’s Guide to the Best Engagement Photo Locations in SF

Apr 14

After living in San Francisco for five years and photographing countless engagement sessions, I’d like to think that I’ve discovered some of the best spots in the city! I’ve been photographing couples for over a decade and find that location choice can really impact the experience and the final photo results — so let’s figure out what location makes the most sense for your shoot!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Location

Choosing a location for your engagement session might feel a little stressful or intimidating but there are ways to make this choice easy + anxiety free —Setting you up for an amazing shoot that feels authentic to you and your partner. Things you might want to consider when choosing a location: the vibe, time of day/lighting, accessibility/permits and outfits/season.

The Vibe: What kind of location do you envision for your session? Something urban? A hiking trail / nature? Beachy? Epic views? Thinking through what you want the vibe to be is your first step because it’s going to really narrow down location options.

Time of Day: Rule of thumb, 1-2 hours before sunset is usually perfect! But not always — especially during a foggier summer in SF or if you’re doing your shoot downtown. Think about what the lighting is going to be doing in order to choose the best time for your shoot.

Accessibility / Permits: Most parks in SF don’t require any special permits, but this is definitely something to keep in mind! Also, many beaches require you to hike down to get to the water — is that something you’ll be able to do?

Outfits: Choosing an outfit that “fits” the location is key for the shoot to feel authentic. If you’re hoping to do something more formal, maybe you choose Palace of Fine Arts or City Hall. If you’re a more casual couple, jeans and a t-shirt are perfect on the beach or on a hiking trail!

Seasons: This might seem obvious, but consider the weather when you’re scheduling your session! Just like matching your outfit to match the location you choose, make sure your outfit reflects the season that you’re shooting in.

Pro Tip: The intimacy of a location is something you might not have considered. Certain San Francisco engagement session locations are going to be more private and others are going to be right in the middle of a touristy area. Almost everyone is a little uncomfortable in front of the camera, but if you think being in a super public place is going to throw you over the edge, consider choosing a more private location option!

Top Engagement Photo Locations in San Francisco

Pros
Golden Gate Bridge Views
Best at golden hour / sunset
Parking + restroom available
Cons
Can be a busy on a weekend date or really warm day
Depending on the weather, it can get really windy at this spot
*Pro Tip — Bring a towel to wipe your feet after the sandy session!
Pros
Not totally private, but much more private than Baker Beach
Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
More rocks / cliffs than Baker Beach
Best at sunrise or sunset
The wind isn’t usually too bad at this beach!
Cons
You’ll have to plan around the tide forecast. If it’s super high tide, the beach completely disappears. Plan accordingly.
To get to this beach, you’ll have to hike down (about 10-15 minutes) and then hike out (20-25 minutes).
*Pro Tip — wear a good walking shoe and bring a small towel to wipe feet after session on sand
Pros
Romantic tree line that winds down a hiking path
Shady area, which can be good if it’s a super sunny day
Cons
Can get a little crowded with hikers
Lighting can be a little tricky here
*Pro Tip: If you’re doing two SF locations, I love pairing this one with Baker or Marshall’s Beach
Pros
Elegant architecture
Great for a more formal outfit choice
Versatile location for weather. Lots of shade for a sunny day and plenty of light for a gloomy day.
Cons
Can be super crowded with tourists and locals
*Pro Tip: Avoid this location on the weekends. It can be totally swamped.
Pros
Epic views of the Golden Gate
Open grassy area that’s great for bringing the pup!
Perfect for a “picnic date” vibe
Cons
Not a lot of shade
Crissy Field can be muddy/wet if it’s been raining a lot
Can be crowded
*Pro Tip:
Bring a blanket! Crissy Field can be muddy, having a blanket is clutch!
Pros
Iconic view of Sutro Baths bumping up against the ocean
Great at sunset and sunrise
Parking available / restrooms available depending on timing
Cons
If it’s busy, it can be tricky to find parking and also a waiting game for the iconic bath/ocean view
You do have to hike down to get to the baths… but it’s not too bad! Just make a note of it with your shoe choice. Some people bring a second pair for walking and then a nicer pair for the photos
*Pro Tip:
Sunrise is underrated here.. there’s very few people (if any) and it can be super dreamy down by the ocean. Once the sun rises, you can finish your shoot in the trees/hiking trails up at the top.
Pros
There’s a lot to choose from, this park is massive! Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Garden, Stow Lake, Hellman Hollow, Rideout Fountain, Hippie Hill — just to name a few ;)
Cons
It’s a lot to choose from, haha!
Parking can get tricky on the weekends
*Pro Tip: Give yourself a little extra time to get to your location. You might not be able to find parking right away, or at the closest location. Don’t stress, just leave an extra 15-20 minutes to get to your exact spot.
Pros
Urban vibes
I’d recommend adopting an explorer mindset — walk through the streets and see what you find, stop at a coffee shop or wine bar, find a hidden park and stay awhile!
Cons
Lots of foot traffic and car traffic
Can be a little unpredictable
*Pro Tip: These locations will be better during the day. Waiting too late (close to sunset) and you’ll really sacrifice light. Remember, you’re in a city! The buildings are going to block the sunset and limit the time that these locations are ideal
Pros
These kinds of locations can be really unique to you and your partner. Did you get ice cream on your first date? Do you have a go-to wine bar that you always hit up? Pick something meaningful and make a “date” into a photoshoot
Cons
These types of locations tend to have patrons / visitors that are there to enjoy a meal or glass of wine. It can feel a litttttle awkward to be doing a photoshoot in these types of settings
*Pro Tip: Go right when the establishment opens! It’s usually not crowded and you’ll have a little more privacy. I’ve also had couples who call ahead and get access before public opening times!

How to Choose the Right Spot

So how do you choose the right spot(s) for you? Here are a few ways to really nailing things down…

What feels authentic? After reading about things you should consider and the pros + cons of the most iconic San Francisco engagement session locations — what feels most authentic to you? Is a beach really not your vibe? Maybe you steer clear of sandy situations! Picking something that feels like “you” is the most important part of this process.

Combined two locations! One of the best parts about doing your engagement session in San Francisco is how close completely different locations can be to each other. Here are a few location combo ideas:

Lovers’ Lane + Beach
Palace of Fine Arts + Beach
Date night spot + Sutro Baths
Palace of Fine Arts + Crissy Field

You’re not doing this on your own — reach out for help! This blog post doesn’t include every possible option for engagement photo locations. Reach out and get help from your photographer. We’ll guide you through the planning process from picking the right locations to executing your session, that’s what we’re here for!