While I love Lake Como, there is something about San Francisco that tugs at my heartstrings every time I visit. Maybe it’s because I used to live there, or maybe it’s because of the connections I made there when I did. 

No matter the reason, I still believe it’s one of the most diverse locations, which makes it especially incredible for engagement photos in the Bay Area. From larger-than-life redwood forests to idyllic beaches and everything in between, there is something for everyone here. 

Because there are so many choices, I love to help couples tailor their engagement photography session to Bay Area locations that reflect who they are together. 

That’s what I did with this couple’s vivacious session in San Francisco!

The Chosen Locations for Engagement Photos in the Bay Area

Whether you’re new to an area and haven’t explored it, or you’ve seen every nook and corner, it can be difficult to choose the right spot for engagement photos. That’s especially the case when choosing engagement session locations in the Bay Area. 

Not too long ago, I served as the San Francisco engagement photographer for a dreamy sailboat session. But after this session, I can safely say that these two Bay Area engagement photo locations are also on my list of top favorites! 

San Francisco Legion of Honor Engagement Photos

Our first stop was at the San Francisco Legion of Honor museum. Modeled after the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris, it’s a classic and timeless backdrop for any photography session. 

As soon as we stepped up to the grand columns, it was as if we were instantly transported a world away! With the massive archways and row after row of pillars, I almost forgot we were in San Francisco. 
It was an incredible location for these engagement photos in the Bay Area, but we quickly had to change plans because it was closed. Although we couldn’t get into the courtyard, it didn’t stop us from taking some magnificent photos before we left!

Palace of Fine Arts Engagement Photos

Our next step was the Palace of Fine Arts, a location that may feel a bit unexpected for a modern city like San Francisco. But unexpected creates some of the most visually striking photos! 

We explored all over the grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, capturing the two of them alongside the incredible architecture. 

One of my favorite elements of this Bay Area photo location was the romantic water feature in front of the elegant rotunda. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were able to artfully capture the most stunning images of the two of them with the rotunda perfectly illuminated in the background. 

It truly made for an awe-inspiring location right in the heart of San Francisco!

Balancing Epic Locations with Capturing the Spirit of the Couple

For so many of my couples, they want the epic backdrop of a stunning location. And I can’t blame them! I believe those spots make for some of the most captivating photos. 

But I believe there is a balance. Yes, the locations can be beyond belief, but what makes the photos captivating is when the couple allows themselves to be fully immersed in each other during the session. 
This couple was so energetic and vivacious that they made these photos magnetic. As I was editing the gallery, it was so hard to turn away from them! And I quickly realized it was because I could feel their fun, quirky energies through the photos.

The locations are just that – the backdrop of the session. It’s when you add the heartwarming grins, the dancing and twirling with each other, and the rich laughter that you can feel ripple off the screen… that’s what makes a location epic.

Explore more engagement sessions on our blog!