When sunny San Fran isn’t so sunny but instead a magical foggy wonderland! This is a long overdue blog post, seeing as how I just shot Lindsay and Kevin’s postponed wedding and want to blog it soon. I wanted to share their San Francisco engagement session from back in 2019 first. So be nostalgic with me for a little while, will you?✨
These two flew me into magical San Francisco for their engagement shoot and we had the best time together. We planned to go to an incredible spot that had amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but we were met with some insane fog and had to change plans at the last minute. This was something that Lindsay + Kevin fully embraced. I couldn’t have asked for a more go-with-the-flow couple. We made our way down to a beachy spot that had gorgeous cliffs & sea stacks that painted a beautiful backdrop for these two! Eventually, we got some views of the bridge as it popped in and out of the fog.
After we shot by the water, we went to our original viewpoint for a bit. Even though we could barely see 3 feet in front of us we made the most of it. We shot for a bit in front of the fog-covered skies, enjoying the fleeting moments where the ocean peeked through. I love some good, warm, California sunshine, but there’s something so calm & whimsical about the city when it’s covered in fog. Plus, the bright white skies make the green hills pop & look even more vibrant.
After shooting for a bit along the highway, we headed to grab some beer and pizza – what a way to end an absolute blast of a session. Lindsay and Kevin are one of those couples who immediately felt like friends, and they’re now deemed the couple that I’ve been lucky enough to work the longest with! I cannot wait to share the photos from their mini COVID wedding celebration, and then their real wedding in Vail, Colorado soon – yes, two weddings. They are amazing and definitely know how to party!
I can’t overstate how lovely this city is for engagement photos. Even though this day wasn’t the sunny day we expected, it was absolutely magical nonetheless. If you’re feeling inspired by Lindsay & Kevin’s San Francisco engagement session I wanted to share a few of the best spots for engagement photos in San Francisco! These locations range from gorgeous beaches to botanical gardens to adorable downtown spots if you want to explore the city a bit.
Golden Gate Park is a breathtaking park in San Francisco with miles of green lawns, adorable paths surrounded by well-manicured greenery. There is also a stunning botanical garden that you have to take photos in. The Conservatory of Flowers is filled with beautiful tropical plants and vibrant greenery that would make for such a charming backdrop to your engagement photos!
Baker Beach is one of the best beaches to visit if you’re looking for classic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be aware that you probably won’t be the only ones there! Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to try and avoid crowds as much as possible.
Lands End is an iconic park in San Francisco, boasting jaw-dropping views of the shoreline and the Golden Gate Bridge. There are plenty of little trails to hike in the park if you’d like to explore a bit, or you can simply enjoy the scenery from the picnic areas.
The Marin Headlands is a unique area of hills just north of San Francisco. Marin Headlands takes you through a loop drive that climbs above the Golden Gate Bridge. It also takes you over dramatic cliffs & through sweeping views of the ocean. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a cool way to witness San Francisco from a bit higher up.
Lombard Street is an iconic street in San Francisco thanks to its steep, one-block section that has 8 (!) hairpin turns. It takes you down the most crooked street in the world. Aside from the odd shape of the street, you also get some great views of the city as you drive or walk down. Another cool thing is that you’re close to Chinatown + North Beach. So it’s a great place to stop for a couple of photos in the city!
Fisherman’s Wharf is a famous San Fran neighborhood on the northern waterfront, featuring endless souvenir shops. This area is also home to local seafood restaurants, and picturesque views of the bay + Alcatraz. It’s a must-visit for first-time San Francisco visitors. Plus it’s close to Pier 39, which is another iconic tourist attraction that’s super fun for photos.
Okay, this isn’t really a “spot” in San Fran – but the cable cars that you can take through the city are SO adorable for engagement photos! They’re a fun way to explore San Francisco, but also, just picture how cute it would be to get some shots of the two of you snuggling up on a cable car as you ride up & down the hills of the city. Nothing is more classic SF than the cable cars!
There are so, so many more – but I hope this quick list of the best locations in San Francisco for engagement sessions helps you find a spot or two that you’d love to shoot at!
Hi, I’m Karra – a Colorado-based photographer who absolutely LOVES traveling to sunny California (or foggy, in this case). I’d be honored to come along with you to explore the great city of San Francisco if you’re considering taking your engagement photos (or even getting married!) there. I absolutely adore the city and everything it has to offer. You can learn more about me on my website, and reach out here if you’re feeling like we’d be a good fit for your San Francisco engagement photos – can’t wait to chat✨
Looking for more dreamy engagement session inspo? I’ve got you.
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