5 Great San Francisco Locations for Engagement Photos

I often get asked which San Francisco engagement photo locations are the best. 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 photo shoot!

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 your are looking for San Francisco engagement photo locations with a funky and historic vibe, consider North Beach.

san francisco photography locations by Nightingale Photography
couple during photo session in san francisco with red door by Nightingale Photography
couple walks the streets of north beach in san francisco by Nightingale Photography
san francisco photography locations by Nightingale Photography
fun photos in san francisco couples by Nightingale Photography

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 institutionsart 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.

couple crosses street with views in san francisco by Nightingale Photography
stylish couple on steps of building on nob hill in san francisco by Nightingale Photography
cable car photo and engagement session by Nightingale Photography
artsy black and white photo engagement session san franciscoby Nightingale Photography
stylish couple on steps of building of grace cathedral in san franciscoby Nightingale Photography

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.

san francisco beach engagement photos at baker beach by Nightingale Photography
laughing couple on san francisco beach with golden gate bridge by Nightingale Photography
golden gate bridge beach photos of same sex couple by Nightingale Photography
great locations for photos in san francisco by Nightingale Photography
laughing couple on beach with golden gate bridge by Nightingale Photography
same sex engagement photos on beach in san francisco by Nightingale Photography

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.

pier 7 photos couple in san francisco by Nightingale Photography
couples photos at pier 7 san francisco by Nightingale Photography
pier 7 photos couple in san franciscopier 7 photos couple in san francisco
San Francisco engagement photo locations by Nightingale Photography
San Francisco engagement photo locations by Nightingale Photography
pier 7 photos couple in san francisco
San Francisco engagement photo locations by Nightingale Photography
San Francisco engagement photo locations by Nightingale Photography

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.

San Francisco engagement photographer - couple outdoors with flowers by Nightingale Photography
views of golden gate bridge couples by Nightingale Photography
Crissy Field Beach Engagement Session Nightingale Photography
presidio photos san francisco by Nightingale Photography
Crissy Field Beach Engagement Session by Nightingale Photography

Whichever location you choose, I will help you through the entire planning process. I hope to connect with you soon!

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