My Favorite Northern California Engagement Photo Locations (you know there will be beach locations on here if you know me)

Northern California is home to some of the most breathtaking places for engagement photos, and after years of exploring with my couples, I've found a few locations that I just keep coming back to. From rugged coastlines and peaceful lakes to golden fields and hidden country roads, there's truly a location for every couple and every love story.

These are my top six favorite engagement photo locations, in no particular order. Each one has something unique to offer, and I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot to celebrate this exciting season of your lives.

1. Rodeo Beach – Marin County

Rodeo Beach is hands down one of my favorite engagement session locations in Northern California. It has everything I love—dramatic cliffs, a unique dark pebble beach, ocean views, a beautiful tree tunnel, hidden flower groves, and even old bunkers tucked away that make for fun, one-of-a-kind photos. The best part? It's rarely crowded, so it feels like you have the coastline all to yourselves.

Unlike many coastal locations, Rodeo Beach also has restrooms, which is always a bonus when you're getting ready for photos or planning an outfit change!

Pro Tip: Bring a little hairspray because it can get windy—but don't let that scare you away. The breeze adds beautiful movement to flowy dresses and creates some of the most romantic, natural-looking images.

2. Salmon Falls & Monte Vista Trailhead – El Dorado Hills

If you love golden hills and breathtaking sunsets, this is the perfect engagement session combo. Since Salmon Falls and Monte Vista Trailhead are just a few minutes apart, we can easily visit both and capture two beautiful, unique looks in one session.

Salmon Falls is known for its iconic bridge, scenic lake views, and rocky overlooks, while Monte Vista Trailhead offers gorgeous oak trees, rolling hills, and that dreamy golden light Northern California is known for. Both require a short, easy hike, but I promise the views are absolutely worth it!

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the walk in and change into your dress shoes when we get to our photo spots. And if you can, plan for sunset—it truly doesn't get much better than this.

3. Folsom

Folsom is one of my favorite locations because it offers two completely different looks in one session. We can start in the open fields, where the tall golden grass glows beautifully during golden hour, then head down to the water for a more adventurous, romantic vibe.

The large natural rocks along the shoreline create the perfect backdrop, especially when they're reflected in the calm water at sunset. There are so many beautiful little spots to explore, making it easy to create a gallery with lots of variety without traveling far.

Pro Tip: Golden hour is definitely the time to book here—the soft light across the fields and shimmering water is absolutely beautiful.

4. Half Moon Bay

If you're dreaming of a classic California coastal engagement session, Half Moon Bay is hard to beat. With sandy beaches, dramatic coastal bluffs, and endless ocean views, it has a timeless, romantic feel that never goes out of style.

One of my favorite things about Half Moon Bay is the variety. We can capture photos along the beach, on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, and even among the coastal greenery—all within a short distance.

Pro Tip: Coastal weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket and don't be afraid of a little breeze. It adds beautiful movement to your hair and dress and makes your photos feel even more natural.

5. Pacific Grove & Bodega Bay

I had to combine these two because they have so much in common! If you're dreaming of an adventurous coastal engagement session, Pacific Grove and Bodega Bay both offer rugged coastlines, crashing waves, beautiful beaches, rocky coves, and endless opportunities for dramatic, epic photos. They also make the perfect weekend getaway to celebrate this exciting season of your lives.

Pacific Grove has such a romantic feel with its scenic coastal boardwalk, endless little beaches to explore, and beautiful coastal flowers that bloom along the shoreline. Every corner feels like a hidden gem, giving us so much variety without traveling far.

Bodega Bay has a wilder, more adventurous vibe. You can count on crashing waves, incredible rock formations to climb on for unforgettable photos, and the perfect coastal breeze that brings so much movement to a flowing dress. It's the kind of place that creates images you'll never forget.

Pro Tip: Bring a flowy dress and don't be afraid to get your feet wet! Some of the most magical photos happen right at the water's edge, and the ocean breeze adds the perfect touch of movement.

6. The California River Delta

I know the River Delta covers a large area, but that's exactly what makes it so special! It's full of hidden gems that many people don't even know exist. From beautiful orchards and open fields to nature preserves, peaceful river views, charming barns, country roads, vineyards, and towering trees, there's truly something for every couple and every style.

One of my favorite things about photographing in the Delta is how much variety we can get in one session. We can start in a golden field, drive just a few minutes to a quiet riverfront, then finish on a country road or in a vineyard. It makes your gallery feel like we visited several different locations in one evening.

The best part? I live in the River Delta! If you're not familiar with the area, I know all the hidden gems and would love to help you find the perfect location that matches the vibe you're looking for.

Pro Tip: Trust me when I say the best spots usually aren't the ones you'll find on Google Maps. If you're open to a little exploring, I'll take you to some of my favorite hidden locations that make your photos feel truly one of a kind.