11 incredible locations for engagement portraits in Los Angeles (and where to park)
Los Angeles is a vast and diverse city that offers an incredible array of backdrops for engagement portraits. From sandy beaches and rugged mountains to urban skylines and charming parks, LA has something for every couple’s style and vision. Easily find a dreamy golden hour glow, a lively and energetic atmosphere, or a peaceful hidden gem. This city has it all if you know where to look.
I’m sharing 11 (because 10 just wasn’t enough) of my favorite locations for stunning Los Angeles engagement photos—plus some parking tips to keep your session stress-free and fun.
IF you have any questions, or if you want to book your own Los Angeles Engagement session, let’s connect!
1. El Matador Beach
Tucked away off the Pacific Coast Highway, El Matador Beach can be one of the dreamiest sunsets one can catch on the west coast. The rugged cliffs, sea caves, and golden sands make it the perfect spot for dramatic, romantic shots on the ocean, especially during golden hour when the sky transforms into breathtaking hues of reds, oranges, and blues. The natural formations and textures that you can find here create a timeless feel, ideal for couples looking for a serene, coastal backdrop. If you can catch low tide you can find a number of caves and rock formations down the beach which can make for some unbelievable shots for your album.
This spot can get busy, particularly around sunset, so expect some crowds if you're going for golden hour. But working around other beach-goers isn’t too tricky. The views will be worth it. Just find a rhythm with your photographer, stay flexible, and embrace the natural energy of the setting. This place is beautiful so it wont be hard trust me.
Parking Tips:
A small paid parking lot is available but fills up quickly. Additional parking can be found along PCH, though it may require a short walk. Be prepared for a steep staircase leading down to the beach—wear comfortable shoes and pack light!
2. Venice Canals
If you're after a more whimsical vibe, the Venice Canals provide a picturesque setting reminiscent of Italy. The charming bridges, and colorful homes, give a romantic charm that makes for the perfect backdrop to a love story. There are plenty of places to stroll hand-in-hand along the canal and arched bridges that make for a perfectly framed photo. The Venice canals offer a serene and vibrant atmosphere perfect for intimate shots at any time of day. The canals carve out 3 islands all connected by several bridges making for an easy walk around with your favorite photographer. With lots of shady nooks along with endless spots to play with a golden hour sunset, this spot makes for an easy shoot with plenty for an experienced photographer to work with.
Near the west entrance, you can also find a beautiful, foliage-lined path off Pacific Ave that provides a lush, natural transition between the serene canals and the vibrant energy of nearby Venice Beach.
Remember that this is a residential area, so be mindful of private property and avoid blocking walkways.
Parking Tips:
Street parking is the best option, but it can be limited. Arrive early to secure a spot on the surrounding streets.
3. Santa Monica Pier
If you're looking for a mix of fun, romance, and classic California beach vibes for your portraits, the Santa Monica Pier is a great choice. Featuring a nostalgic amusement park, Ferris wheel, arcades, and ocean views, this location is packed with energy and charm. The pier offers endless playful and romantic backdrops that look amazing at any time of day. This spot is exceptional for golden hour photos. Nearly every night the entire place glows with warm, golden light—creating that dreamy, sun-kissed look as the sun drops into the Pacific. After the sun sets, make use of the carnival lighting for a fun, colorful backdrop that adds a playful and nostalgic vibe to your photos.
It can get crowded here, especially on the weekends so if you’re looking for something more on the quiet side, this may not be the spot for you.
Parking Tips:
Parking is fairly convenient with several nearby lots, including the large beach lot at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, just south of the pier. There’s also parking at the Santa Monica Place Mall and various garages along 2nd and 4th Streets if you don’t mind a short walk.
4. Union Station
Union Station in Downtown LA is an incredible spot for engagement photos, blending elegance with a touch of vintage charm. With its grand architecture, art deco details, and stunning arched windows, the station feels like a timeless backdrop straight out of an old Hollywood movie. Walk hand in hand through the grand waiting hall, or steal a quiet moment soaking in the vintage ambiance of the Traxx cafe found nestled in the station. Every corner of Union Station offers a mix of romance and sophistication. And if you time it right for golden hour, the soft, diffused light pouring through the station’s iconic windows adds a warm, cinematic glow that makes every shot feel effortlessly dreamy.
Union Station has so much variety to offer for outdoor shots as well. Vintage benches and light posts create a nostalgic feel, while the outdoor gardens provide a peaceful, intimate setting for more relaxed, natural moments. Since Union Station is a transportation hub, crowds are common. Before booking your shoot, check for private events that may be occurring that could limit access to certain areas.
Parking Tips:
There isn’t a lot of street parking nearby so it’s recommended to use the eastern parking lots at the front of the station or find a space in the garage off of N. Vignes St.
5. Tree-Lined Streets of Santa Monica: 4th St & Washington - Grant St & 14th
Sometimes, the simplest spots make for the most stunning engagement photos. Los Angeles is full of tree-lined streets with arching branches that naturally frame a couple, adding depth and a little extra romance to each shot.
Two of my favorite locations for this are right in the heart of Santa Monica. At 4th & Washington, you’ll find tall, bendy palms that create an open, dreamy feel—especially when the golden hour light hits just right. Over at Grant St & 11th, thick tunnels of Ficus trees create a more intimate, almost secret-garden vibe. Both spots offer incredible backdrops that can make your Los Angeles engagement photos feel straight out of a movie.
To really capture the moment, ask your photographer to bring a wide-angle lens. This will help showcase the full scene while keeping the focus on you and your partner. If you want that epic, cinematic shot, wait for a break in traffic and step into the street for a few quick photos. A straight-on angle can highlight the depth of the road and tree tunnels, while a lower perspective can make the scene feel even grander. Just be mindful of cars—some streets are busier than others, so have a couple of poses ready to go so you’re not standing in the road too long.
Parking Tips:
Parking is usually free in these residential areas, but always check the signs for restrictions or time limits. With a little planning, these hidden gems in Santa Monica can give you the kind of engagement photos that feel effortlessly timeless.
6. Tongva Park - Santa Monica
Tongva Park in Santa Monica is a hidden gem for portrait photography, offering a mix of lush landscaping, modern architecture, and countless spots to soak in a Southern California sunset for your engagement photos. You can find this park on Ocean Avenue & Colorado, just a block from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
You’ll find it’s packed with winding pathways, sculptural gardens, and picturesque views that can create a serene setting for your engagement portraits. At the right time, natural light cuts through the park’s trees, creating an organic atmosphere, especially during golden hour. With its blend of artistic landscaping and urban elements, Tongva Park can become a versatile backdrop for capturing both candid and posed shots. It’s also surprisingly quiet here most of the time so this could be the perfect spot for something more secluded or intimate. Shoot for a weeknight to maximize your odds of having the place to yourselves.
Parking Tips:
There is plenty of street parking throughout the surrounding blocks as well as several parking garages, some of which are free for the first 90 minutes making for a quick and easy session!
7. Cold Water Canyon Park - Beverly Hills
Coldwater Canyon Park is the absolute perfect spot for a more secluded and peaceful vibe. Hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains at 12601 Mulholland Drive, this park offers some amazing natural backdrops, from scenic trails and greenery to some killer views of the Los Angeles hills. The area offers lots of shade so any time of day is great for a shoot however, the golden hour light here is truly magical. If you’re going for that glowy, romantic vibe, set your session time for sunset and your photographer will love you for it!
There is a small campus area that also features some unique seating areas and winding pathways that can add a touch of charm and artistic flair to your photos. Walk hand-in-hand along one of the trails, share a laugh in the concrete tube, or pose against one of the many gorgeous mountain views found here. This spot is all about effortless tranquility and intimacy. If you’re looking for a quiet location with a natural feel, Coldwater Canyon Park is a hidden Los Angeles gem that’s sure to give your engagement photos a timeless, romantic touch.
Parking Tips:
Parking is free and convenient, with a lot available near the entrance.
8. Elysian Park
Elysian Park is another excellent location for portraits in Los Angeles, offering a perfect mix of nature, stunning skyline views, and peaceful, romantic spots. With its rolling hills, towering eucalyptus trees, and winding trails, the park feels like a little escape from the city while still offering those iconic LA backdrops. This place is particularly amazing during golden hour—the soft, warm light filters through the trees, creating that dreamy, golden glow that makes every photo feel straight out of a movie.
The famous secret swing overlooking the city is a fun and playful spot, while the palm-lined trails offer that classic LA vibe. Whether you're going for laid-back and natural or dramatic and cinematic, Elysian Park’s versatility makes it a perfect choice for couples who want engagement photos that feel fresh, beautiful, and unique while also speaking to this incredible city.
Parking Tips:
Free street parking is available in several areas, along with a handful of parking lots, including one at the top of Point Grand View. It’s a big park with some decent inclines so some spots may require some walking. Plan your shoot and attire accordingly and confirm meeting locations in advance.
9. Echo Park
Just next door to Dodgers Stadium, Echo Park is one of the best spots in Los Angeles for engagement photos, especially if you're looking for a mix of nature, city vibes, and a little bit of that effortlessly cool charm. The iconic lake, complete with swan boats and a killer skyline view, gives you a perfect blend of romantic and playful moments. Whether you're strolling along the water, framed by towering palm trees, or cuddling up on a bench with downtown LA in the background, every angle feels like a scene from a classic LA love story. And if you time it right for golden hour, the whole park glows with warm, dreamy light—perfect for those soft, sun-kissed photos that feel raw and cinematic. The layout of the park makes for a super easy stroll to fill up your session with a ton of different looks.
The surrounding neighborhood also makes this spot shine. On nearby Sunset Blvd, you can find murals, quirky coffee shops, and hidden staircases that give you plenty of variety to switch up the vibe of your shoot. The mix of scenic beauty and city energy makes Echo Park the perfect spot for couples who want engagement photos that feel stylish, fun, and totally authentic.
Parking Tips:
There are several public lots to the north of the lake as well as street parking around most of the encompassing roads. It can get busy on the weekends so shoot for a quieter weeknight shot if you can.
10. Averill Park - San Pedro
For those further down the coast, Averill Park in San Pedro is a shiny hidden gem for engagement photos in Los Angeles, offering a peaceful, romantic setting that feels like a little escape from the city. With charming footbridges, willow trees, and winding pathways and streams, the whole park has a storybook feel that’s perfect for capturing some incredible moments. Every spot in this park feels effortlessly romantic. Of course, golden hour is especially amazing here, creating that dreamy, glowing atmosphere for your engagement photos.
The rolling grassy hills are great for playful, candid moments, while the secluded benches and tree-lined paths offer tons of opportunities for those intimate shots. Bring a picnic blanket for a sweet, laid-back touch, or take advantage of the picturesque stone staircases for some extra charm. If you’re looking for a quiet spot that’s serene, scenic, and full of natural romance, Averill Park is a perfect choice.
Parking Tips:
There are no lots in the area however there is plenty of free street parking surrounding the park. It’s a pretty small area so it will likely be a quick walk from wherever you wind up finding a space.
11. Chinatown - DTLA
Chinatown is an amazing spot for engagement photos if you’re looking for a mix of boldness, cultural charm, and a fun, urban vibe. The vibrant lanterns, pagoda-style architecture, and neon signs can create a dynamic backdrop that makes every shot pop. Stroll through the lively plazas, kiss under glowing lanterns, or pose in front of colorful murals, there’s really no shortage of unique and eye-catching backdrops here. And if you plan your shoot around golden hour, the way the light bounces off the bright reds and yellows of the buildings adds an extra layer of warmth and romance to your photos.
I love the balance of classic and contemporary styles here, The tiny alleyways and tucked-away courtyards make it so easy to create an intimate, cinematic atmosphere. Want a playful touch? Grab some boba or stop by a street vendor for an impromptu snack break.
At night, the neon lights turn Chinatown into an entirely different scene, perfect for capturing a mix of daytime warmth and nighttime energy. It’s the ideal spot for couples who want engagement photos that feel bold, playful, and full of personality. The area is bustling, especially on weekends, so opt for a weekday session for more freedom to move around and take photos without too many onlookers.
Parking Tips:
There are several lots as well as street parking nearby, but be sure to check signs for time limits to avoid getting ticketed.
So there you have it! 11 of some of my favorite photo locations in Los Angeles for portrait and engagement photography. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic beauty of rugged beaches or the charming serenity of the hidden trails of Beverly Hills, these incredible engagement portrait locations in Los Angeles offer the perfect backdrop to tell your unique story.
Ready to pick a spot for your engagement session? Let’s talk! Visit my bookings page to get started
