Engagement Session Locations and Scheduling

Engagement photos are more than fun snapshots; they’re one of the first mile markers in your wedding planning journey. This fun, low-stress photo session is like a wedding-day dry run. You’ll learn to perfect all sorts of flattering poses while capturing save-the-date and wedding-website content in the process.

We have curated 7 of the top locations in Orange County for your engagement session. These options include everything from Urban to Beach landscapes. Find the perfect backdrop below for your engagement session and let us know the date and location that works best for you. We can’t wait to work with guys during this milestone.

Jeffrey Open Space, Irvine

One of our favorites and easiest to get to locations with large grass meadows, a tunnel, and variety of trails. Jeffrey Open Space Trail is located in the city of Irvine and looks great all year round and is one of the few Orange County Locations that offers a seasonal look as the seasons change. Not too far from the beach either makes Jeffrey Open Space Trail perfect for you\r engagement photos when coupled with a beach location. The park includes beautiful hiking trails, a variety of stones and pebbles, grand bridges, walkways and tree areas. These areas all make for great photography for your romantic engagement photos.

2. The Lab Anti-Mall and The Camp, Costa Mesa

The Lab Anti-Mall and The Camp is a lifestyle retail location for trend-setting shoppers in Costa Mesa. This urban hipster-style mall is a modern warehouse with a uniqueness not found elsewhere in Orange County. If you're looking for something different than beach and nature locations of Orange County, this might be the winner.

3. Eucalyptus Tree Grove, Lake Forest

The Eucalyptus Tree Grove in Serrano Creek Park of Lake Forest is one of our favorite locations in Orange County for engagement sessions. It has gorgeous lighting and a massive grove of eucalyptus trees. It one of the secret spots in Orange County so it makes for different location than what most OC couples do. This park makes for a wonderful backdrop with a woodland feel to it. It’s easily accessible from the freeway and has lots of easy parking.

4. Little Corona Beach, Newport Beach

Secretly nestled in the city of Newport Beach you’ll find Little Corona Beach with its great views of the pacific ocean and blufftop parking. The landscape is punctuated with tide pools, large rock formations and soft sand. Here you’ll find dramatic backdrops that create powerful views for your engagement session.

(Please Note: Due to crowds, beach engagement sessions occur on weekdays only)

5. Victoria, Treasure Island and Main Beaches, Laguna Beach

Laguna is filled with insanely gorgeous beaches and one of the most popular is Victoria Beach! Known for its iconic lighthouse, it's one of the most photographed beaches in Orange County. These beaches includes everything from sand, to rock formations, cliffs and tide pools. They are a beach lovers dream destination. These location never disappoints! These sessions will usually take place right around sunset.

Ironically, Winter weekdays are actually the best time for sessions at this location. Summer and Fall are always busy and require additional planning and time because of having to share access to the prime locations with other couples and photographers. Additionally, tides are higher in the summer and much lower in winter so there is more real estate to work with in the winter.
(Please Note: Due to crowds, spring, summer and fall beach engagement sessions occur on weekdays only)

** Final Beach Location will be determined on tide schedule the week of your session.

6. Quail Hill Trail Head, Irvine

This is a popular location because it creates a simple and gorgeous backdrop that allows for the couple to be the shining stars of the session. It’s perfect for an open field feel. To add some variety, there is access to an additional location with lots of tall trees to add a different look. The fields are typically green from February through start of April (depending on rain season). Otherwise the fields will offer a more golden glow to them which has a great summer feel to it.

7. Canyon Park, Costa Mesa

Canyon Park is a fun urban hike location in Costa Mesa, The park is roughly 35 acres large and contains a number of hiking trails and backdrops that are perfect for engagement photos. If you’re looking for a true wilderness look without the drive into the further and more remote locations of Orange County, this is for you.