San Francisco Engagement Photo Locations
As a San Francisco engagement photographer, I love the many beautiful locations we have here in San Francisco. From beaches to sophisticated cityscapes, we have it all. When choosing an engagement photo location, consider a location that is meaningful to the two of you, a favorite place, your lifestyle, shared hobbies, and places of interest to you both.
Below are my favorite San Francisco engagement photo locations.
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most popular locations for engagement session photos is a location with a view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The most popular locations with a view of the bridge are Crissy Field, Fort Point, Battery Spencer, and Baker Beach.
Crissy Field
Crissy Field has one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a beach, rolling hills, and a spectacular view of the San Francisco skyline. It has the best light that is the most flattering as well. Crissy Field is a much better photo location than Baker Beach. I usually combine Crissy Field and Fort Point as one photo location for engagement sessions and weddings.
View more Crissy Field wedding photos.
Fort Point
Fort Point is the closest vantage point to see the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco side. Most people take photos on the road that leads up to Fort Point. You are able to take photos inside Fort Point when it is open to the public.
View more Fort Point wedding photos.
Baker Beach
Baker Beach is a popular location for a San Francisco engagement session. It features a beautiful sandy beach with a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
View more Baker Beach engagement photos.
Battery Spencer
Battery Spencer is not actually located in San Francisco! It is located in Marin County, on the Marin side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer does offer an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you have ever seen a tv commercial with cars and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, chances are that the commercial was shot on Conzelman Road leading up to Battery Spencer. Nearly 500 feet above the San Francisco Bay, this high point delivers a different vantage point than Crissy Field or Fort Point because you are so high up and looking down on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tip: Give yourself extra time for photography at Battery Spencer. This is one of the most popular locations for tourists visiting San Francisco, and it is usually incredibly crowded and busy. Parking is extremely difficult and time consuming. It’s best to visit Battery Spencer on a weekday.
Palace of Fine Arts
With its amazing architecture and serene ambiance, this iconic landmark provides a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos. The Palace of Fine Arts features stunning Beaux-Arts style architecture, an epic dome, lovely lagoon, and large scale green doors.
View more Palace of Fine Arts wedding and engagement photos.
Legion of Honor
The Legion of Honor is an art museum. The exterior Court of Honor is a great starting point for photos and features beautiful columns and a mini replica of the Louvre pyramid.
View more Legion of Honor engagement photos.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is wonderful location for photos for lovers of nature and the outdoors. It is the largest park located in San Francisco. Some of the main attractions inside Golden Gate Park include the De Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden and windmill, and Shakespeare’s Garden.
Blue Heron Lake (formerly stow Lake)
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
View Queen Wilhelmina Tulip garden wedding photos.
Sutro Baths / Lands End
View Sutro Baths wedding photos.
Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is the waterfront area of San Francisco. Its main attractions are the Ferry Building, Pier 7, Pier 14, Cupid’s Span, and a wonderful view of the Bay Bridge.
Pier 7
View more Pier 7 engagement photos.
