10 Best Places for Engagement Photos in NorCal

7 May 2022 / Caius Symboll®

10 Best Places for Engagement Photos in NorCal

Northern California is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it's no wonder that so many couples choose to have their engagement pictures taken here. There are endless possibilities for stunning backdrops in this city, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to get engagement pictures in NorCal. Keep reading for more information!

7 May 2022 / Caius Symboll®

Some of our favorite spots for engagement photos are:

Golden Gate Park

If you want your engagement photos to have a naturalistic feel, consider taking them at Golden Gate Park. With its numerous gardens and scenic views, the park provides ample opportunity for lovely pictures. Be sure to dress comfortably, though, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking! There will be so many bucolic lakes, meadows, and vibrant attractions to explore – all the with the one you love. What a dream!

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset or early morning
Pros: iconic area, can get dinner around, many photo opportunities
Cons: could be crowded, lots of walking
Rating: 7/10

The Palace of Fine Arts

Another great option for engagement photos is the Palace of Fine Arts. This beautiful structure was built in 1915 and provides a stunning backdrop for any photographs. If you’re looking for something a little more formal, this is definitely the place for you. A scenic, iconic, and spacious landmark to really extenuate those Northern California vibes.

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: Very picturesque and photogenic, many photo opportunities, variety of landscapes, calming area
Rating: 8/10

Muir Woods

If you’re hoping to get some pictures with a redwood forest in the background, Muir Woods is the perfect place for you. This national monument is just a short drive from San Francisco and provides plenty of opportunity to explore and take beautiful pictures. Be sure to check out Cathedral Grove, Bohemian Grove, and Redwood Creek, all beautiful spots for pics. Being in nature is so calming, and grounded, a perfect combination before marriage.

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset or early morning
Pros: unique photo opportunities, the redwoods are breathtaking
Cons: limited landscape variety, gotta drive a little
Rating: 8/10

San Francisco City Hall

City Hall is another great option for those couples looking for something a bit more formal. With its grandiose architecture and central location, this is a great place to get some stunning shots of the cityscape. Just be sure to check the schedule in advance, as City Hall can be quite busy at times. Little known fact – the City Hall pays homage to the American Renaissance of the 1880s to 1917.

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: elegant feel, good representation of SF
Cons: can be busy, not for nature lovers, need permit to shoot inside
Rating: 7/10

The Ferry Building

If you’re hoping to capture some pictures with the Bay Bridge in the background, the Ferry Building is a great option. This historic structure is located right on the waterfront and provides a beautiful view of the bridge. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat or buy some souvenirs afterwards. Produce, cheese, coffee, candy, prepared food, what else could you ask for?

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: Good place to eat afterwords,
Cons: crowded and busy, people could get in your shots
Rating: 7/10

Lombard Street

This winding road is one of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. It’s also a great place to take some engagement photos! With its picturesque views and abundance of flowers, Lombard Street is sure to make your photos pop. Just be careful not to get too close to the edge, as it can be quite dangerous. But nothing venture nothing gained. Go get those photos!

Best Shooting Time: 1 hour before sunset
Pros: awesome photos when nobody’s around
Cons: cars are always going up and down
Rating: 7/10

Baker Beach

If you want your photos to have a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach is the place for you. This beach is located right next to the bridge and provides plenty of opportunity to get some great shots. Just be sure to dress warmly, as it can be quite windy in this area. Plus who doesn’t love a couple of extra layers to make your outfit pop?

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: less busy than golden gate park
Cons: can be windy
Rating: 7/10

Twin Peaks

For a breathtaking view of the city, head to Twin Peaks. These two hills provide the perfect vantage point to snap some stunning shots of San Francisco. Specifically, 922 feet of goodness surrounded by winding streets will make for a cozy backdrop for you and your fiancé.

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: unique photos, not like your standard SF photo opps
Rating: 7/10

Pier 7

Pier Seven provides a great opportunity to get some shots of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline. This pier is located right on the waterfront and provides a beautiful view of both the bridge and the city. Walk up and down the boardwalk, soak in the views!

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: very romantic and unique photos
Cons: crowded, people might get in your shots
Rating: 7/10

The Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is a beautiful museum located in San Francisco’s Lincoln Park. This museum features a stunning garden that makes for the perfect backdrop for your photos. The garden is full of sculptures, fountains, and flowers, making it the perfect place to capture some romantic shots. A lovely place for a lovely couple.

Best Shooting Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Pros: Lots to do, many photo opportunities
Cons: people might get in your shots, heavy traffic, hard to find parking
Rating: 7/10

So there you have it, the ten best places to take engagement pictures in Northern California! With so many beautiful and unique locations, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your own photos. Just be sure to dress comfortably, plan ahead, and most importantly, have fun! If you’re getting engagement photos in SoCal instead, check out our guide for that too.

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

From the moment your guests arrive at the reception hall, they are in for an experience like no other. Your wedding day should be a memorable one that you can share with loved ones forever – we want every person attending this special occasion to feel welcomed and loved by all who attend it too! So let us capture those moments of joyous celebration as well as any tearful goodbyes on film so future generations can see how much love existed on your day. Choose Symboll as your wedding photographer. Interested in wedding videography? We do that too. Thank you so much for reading! We can’t wait for you to have a blast on your day!

10 Best Places for Engagement Photos in NorCal