So, you’re engaged, or maybe looking to find the perfect spot to do a surprise engagement (with photos I hope). Well, today I’ve taken some time to put together my top 5 spots in San Francisco for unique engagement photos. I’m Rachel with Rachel Z Photography, your local San Francisco photo guide, so let’s take a look!
Baker Beach
About it: Baker beach is the classic coastal location with the iconic Golden Gate in the background. This beach is spacious and provides lots of room to walk and run with your loved one. Especially during sunset, this beach is ideal for any couple looking for a playful scene to capture sweet moments full of exciting love.
Cool Tidbits: This beach has a unique, darker sand that offers a perfect contrast to the white waves as they creep up the shore. I love this for dark, moody sunset photos or for light airy photos on a foggy day! And of course, it is perfect for capturing the classic long, romantic walks on the beach.
Keep in mind: This is a beach, so expect to get wet! With a fun, playful mood in mind, it’ll be just that- a perfect place to capture the exciting feelings of any newly engaged couple!
Legion of Honor
About it: Legion of Honor gives you everything you could ask for from stunning wooded areas to strong classic columns. This location is perfect for couples searching for a secluded area looking for some dramatic shots of a once in a lifetime love.
Cool Tidbits: The light cream and natural light surrounding the building offers a simple, minimalistic background that puts all the focus on the couple. (Great for couples wearing brighter colors!)
Keep in mind: Fancier outfits look the best because of the impressive white columns. Bring your best royal flair.
Potrero Hill
About it: Potrero Hill will give you photos of the “I’m at the top of San Francisco” look. It’s a great place to showcase the city you live in, visiting, or getting married in!
Cool Tidbits: This view gives you an off-the-beaten-path view of San Francisco, that’s not the bridge.
Keep in Mind: The shoot itself here will be a pretty quick one – 15 min or so. We can pair it with something cool nearby for more photo goodness.
Land’s End
About it: Land’s End is just that- a fantastic taste of land meets water. This location has everything from abandoned ruins and rock formations with crashing waves to calm still waters and a long staircase leading down to the beach. Land’s End is perfect for a couple who have an affinity for blues and greens and want pictures with a spirit of adventure.
Cool Tidbits: The still waters around the ruins let me capture couples and their reflections perfectly. At dusk, the way the rays of sunshine float through the tree branches is breathtaking.
Keep in mind: The walk to the ruins (Sutro Baths) is pretty steep, and once you get to the Sutro Baths, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a pretty narrow ledge to walk around surrounded by water. Definitely wear stable shoes and be ready for an adventure!
Japanese Tea Garden
About it: The Japanese Tea Garden is the ideal location for a fun spring feel. It offers gorgeous, classic Japanese architecture mixed with still waters and beautiful blooms. I love this location for a low-key couple looking for a fun, lighthearted feel for their engagement photos.
Cool Tidbits: The flowers, the bridge, the peaceful feel of the entire garden. This location is all about embracing the natural feel of a couple’s love in nature at its finest.
Keep in mind: Lots of families like to visit. It usually isn’t an issue, but definitely something to keep in mind! Spring colored outfits work especially well here. Entrance fee: $7.00 (Residents), $9.00 (Non-Residents)
About Rachel Z. Photography:
I’m a 31-year-old San Francisco-based photographer, whale-watching enthusiast, and guardian of 2 lovely rescued birds. My goal with my photography is to empower you by taking the essence of who you are and turning it into works of art. I want to hear what YOUR ideas are and help make them into a reality. I want you to feel powerful. I want you to feel beautiful. I want you to feel confident, because we all deserve that.
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