What are the best places for engagement photos in San Francisco? I get asked this question all the time. The truth is there are endless memorable locations in beautiful San Francisco, the East Bay, and Marin that make for amazing engagement photos. So, I’ve decided to show you five of my favorite spots for unique, fun, and natural engagement pictures. Whether you love the lively streets and views from the hills of San Francisco or the memorable views of the Golden Gate Bridge from our beaches, take a look below to get some inspiration for your photoshoot.
What better way to celebrate your engagement than with a photo session in the San Francisco Bay Area. These photos will help you in savoring the fact that you’re engaged, while also enjoying some special time getting cute and cozy with your partner. And in addition to providing stunning photos for you to frame in your home, or post on social media, this engagement photography can result in shots you can use on your wedding website.
North Beach
North Beach doesn’t have an actual beach. It does, however, have a vibrant and strong Italian-American community that for generations has seeded the neighborhood with fantastic restaurants and cafes. The small alleyways are ideal for photos. On the east side of Washington Square, vintage wooden houses climb Telegraph Hill, crowned by Coit Tower. Built in the 1930s, it’s decorated inside with murals depicting scenes from California’s history. From the colorful murals to iconic Victorians, this is a great spot. If you are looking for San Francisco engagement photo locations with a funky and historic vibe, consider North Beach. When researching locations for engagement photos in San Francisco consider North Beach.
Nob Hill
Nob Hill is a neighborhood of San Francisco that is known for its numerous luxury hotels and historic mansions. Nob Hill has historically served as a center of San Francisco’s upper class. Nob Hill is among the highest-income neighborhoods in the United States, as well as one of the most desirable and expensive real estate markets in the country
Nob Hill is a luxury destination in San Francisco, owing to its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants,[10] boutiques, cultural institutions, art galleries, and historic landmark. The neighborhood is named after one of San Francisco’s original “Seven Hills”. Also Grace Cathedral and the top of the steepest hills with peeks of the Bay Bridge.
San Francisco Beaches
Located near the Golden Gate Bridge (and with awesome views of it to boot), Baker Beach is one of the many popular spots in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Baker Beach isn’t safe for swimming, but you’ll have gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, especially beautiful at night. Crissy Field Beach is part of the old decommissioned San Francisco Presidio within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Crissy Field is made up of large grass fields, multi-use trails, a large marsh, and a wide popular beach. The Crissy Marsh is a birdwatching lagoon that was restored a few years after the Presidio property was transferred to the National Park Service. It’s on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and is close to the Palace of Fine Arts.
Pier 7
A little bit to the side from the more touristy spots, Pier 7 hides behind the Financial district. It is worth the visit though, since the views are great in all directions. You can look out over the San Francisco Bay of course, but you can also look back at the city, and get an interesting angle on some of the skyline. I love the symmetry of the lamps at night and the romantic glow they make against the blue twilight skies. San Francisco engagement photo locations are truly iconic, and this is one of my favorites.
The Presidio
The Presidio is where San Francisco began. This inspiring setting at the Golden Gate was home to native peoples for thousands of years. In 1776, Spain established a military fort on this land. After winning its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico controlled the post and established a new pueblo nearby called Yerba Buena (later known as the city of San Francisco). In 1846 the Presidio became a U.S. Army post. Generations of soldiers passed through its gates, serving our nation around the world. The Army departed in 1994, and the Presidio became a national park site. Today, the Presidio welcomes all with its beauty, nature, history, recreation, and family activities. This is a great spot for couples who love nature as well as historic buildings.
Since you just got engaged and looking for breathtaking engagement session locations in the SF Bay Area, consider which locations make your heart sing. I love that we have everything from sweeping golden hills to dreamy beaches and gorgeous redwood forests, all within an hour or so of each other! The potential for photos with a stunning backdrop is endless. So, thanks for reading about Bay Area engagement photo locations, or the best places to take engagement photos in Northern California, I bet you are pretty inspired. Whichever location you choose, I will help you through the entire planning process. I hope to connect with you soon!