The 5 Best Places for an Engagement Shoot in San Francisco
The best times of day, what you can expect, and how you can fit in more than one!
Why San Francisco
San Francisco offers a plethora of picturesque settings perfect for capturing the essence of your engagement. You could be residents, visitors, or simply admirers of the Bay Area, and you’d come away with breathtaking photos that reflect the city’s charm, diversity, and natural beauty. I’ve been lucky enough to live in and photograph the city for over three years now, and in that time, I’ve strolled through nearly all of it. While I’ve dropped a million pins on my maps for great photoshoot spots, five stand out the most.
Baker Beach
From my Love gallery.
There’s a reason the blog’s first photo is from a shoot I did at Baker Beach—it’s my favorite spot! Nestled along the Presidio's western edge, Baker Beach provides an iconic backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge set against the vast Pacific Ocean. The beach’s sands and dramatic cliffs create stunning textures, color palettes, and serene compositions, making it an incredibly versatile location for engagement photos.
I typically take my clients to the north end of the beach, where the Golden Gate feels closer, and rugged rock formations add depth to the shots. An afternoon or evening session is ideal for capturing soft, diffused light. While warmer days and weekends can draw large crowds looking to cool off, I’ve never had trouble finding a quiet section for a session. So, it’s usually safe to stick with whatever date works best for you!
San Francisco Botanical Garden
From my Love gallery.
Situated within Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden spans 55 acres and boasts a diverse collection of plants from all over the world. From the vibrant greens of the Moon Viewing Garden (pictured above) to the tranquil ambiance of the Great Meadow, the garden offers a variety of beautiful backdrops to choose from. Its varied landscapes are perfect for a range of themes—whether you’re aiming for a whimsical, romantic, or casual vibe.
I recommend selecting 2 to 3 spots within walking distance of each other to make an afternoon out of it. Photographing at each of your chosen locations will yield stunning shots, and you'll find small nooks and benches along the way that are perfect for intimate moments. Just remember, with 55 acres to explore, keep your phone handy to track how far each spot is from one another!
As for timing, aim for the early afternoon. The tall trees in the garden can block the light later in the day, so you'll want to capture the best of the daylight while it’s still soft and abundant.
Palace of Fine Arts
Shot on film during a photoshoot.
Located in the Marina District, the Palace of Fine Arts boasts grand Greco-Roman architecture, surrounded by serene lagoons and lush greenery. The iconic rotunda and colonnades create a timeless and elegant setting for engagement photos. With the right capture, your photos will blend the charm of this iconic San Francisco location with a touch of European charm.
The soft, diffused lighting under the rotunda's dome is especially flattering for portraits, and the beams of light that stream through can act as a natural spotlight (see above). For the best experience, weekdays or early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and secure the most picturesque spots.
The Cliff House and Sutro Baths
Perched above Ocean Beach, the historic Cliff House offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sutro Baths, making it an ideal backdrop for engagement photos. While the inside is rarely open to the public, the surrounding architecture is stunning, with pillars, rocky outcrops, and stairways creating natural frames and compositions. Perhaps the best part of the Cliff House is its exposure—on a clear evening, the sunsets cast a flattering glow, both as the sun hovers above the horizon and during dusk.
Just below, the ruins of the Sutro Baths provide a unique setting with their rugged coastline and tidal pools. The remnants of the old structures are perfect for framing couples against the setting sun, with reflections bouncing off the water for an added effect. I personally love taking my clients to the walkways that lead down to the pools—offering a sweeping overview of the area while making for a fun and immersive experience.
As for timing, almost any time of day works here. Since the focus is on the structures and scenery, lighting is secondary. That said, if you’re after that dreamy, golden-hour glow, sunset is the perfect time to capture it.
Lover's Lane in the Presidio
Shot on a disposable fuji camera, as requested by the client. So fun!
A hidden gem within the Presidio, Lover’s Lane is a picturesque pathway that, to me, embodies that quintessential California feel—towering eucalyptus trees, winding trails, and patches of clover that spring up everywhere.
The Wood Line installation (see above) by artist Andy Goldsworthy adds an artistic element to the natural setting. It’s perfect for couples to balance, sit on, or jump over during engagement shoots, while also creating beautiful leading-line compositions. The dappled sunlight filtering through the tree canopy adds a dreamy, intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for romantic portraits.
I love bringing clients here who want a more private setting. Walking down the lane on a weekday afternoon usually means you’ll have the whole area to yourself (which is when I suggest visiting!).
How to Visit Two Locations in One Afternoon
PFA to Lovers’ Lane
Baker Beach to Cliff House
With a little hustle, you can fit two of these locations into the same afternoon! The best pairings are Palace of Fine Arts to Lovers’ Lane and Baker Beach to the Cliff House/Sutro Baths. The Botanical Gardens, on the other hand, spans over 55 acres, making it better suited as a standalone session.
Having a car makes visiting two locations much more doable. Some of my favorite shoots have started at one location, where my clients leave their car, and I drive them to the next spot to wrap things up. Those quick car rides often lead to the best conversations—learning about their story, how they met, and even brainstorming last-minute ideas that sometimes turn into my favorite shots!
For timing, plan to start about two hours before sunset. This gives you enough time at each location while accounting for travel and any unexpected delays.
Wrap Up
San Francisco offers countless stunning locations for your engagement shoot, and these five spots represent the perfect balance of charm, composition, and uniqueness—just like your love story.
I hope this guide helps you as you plan your engagement session! If my approach sounds like a good fit for you, I’m just a call away from setting up a time to chat. I love hearing about each couple’s unique journey and discovering how my photos can best capture their love. If you'd like to see more of my work, feel free to check out my galleries.
In the meantime, take care and congratulations on your engagement!