You’re engaged? I couldn’t be happier for you! And in between balancing your new part-time job as a wedding planner, sorting through vendors, and fitting in date night, you’re also trying to find some great engagement photo locations here in Northern California. I can help with that.
I’ve spent most of my life exploring the majestic sights of NorCal—enough to know that it’s one glorious slice of the country. But since becoming a wedding photographer a decade ago here in Sacramento, my work has taken me to all sorts of different places I had never before known. It just makes me appreciate this diverse and beautiful area that much more. Perhaps you’ve got a sense of that NorCal wonder too!
Start scrolling down for my 10 favorite spots to capture my couples’ engagement photos in Northern California. You’ll find locations in the city and far from civilization, and ones that can work in just about any weather. Along the way, I’ll share preview photos, tips, and goofball jokes (whether you asked for them or not). You’ll notice that the photos I share here are less about the dramatic close-ups (yes, I capture those) and more about environmental portraits that show you the lay of the land.
The list starts with locations closest to the capitol city of Sacramento and moves further away as you scroll down. Let’s get cracking, eh?
Downtown Sacramento
Features: The skyline, Amtrak Train station, Golden 1 Center, alleyways, murals, coffee shops
Costs: Pay to park, usually on streets and parking garages
The place to go for… Dinner immediately after the session
If you’re a fan of the hustle and bustle of city life, Downtown Sacramento has got it. This is where to come if you sorta love the buzz of traffic or a backdrop that features some other city dwellers. You’ll find plenty of texture and hidden treasures as you explore because there’s just so much to work with. This area also offers indoor spots like the train station or parking garages in case of rain. If a Kings game or concert is happening at the Golden 1 Center, make sure to avoid the biggest crowds by steering clear of the DOCO area.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Capitol Park
Features: State capitol building, rose garden, succulent garden, checkered tiles, green park vibes
Costs: Pay by app to park on adjacent streets
The place to go for… THE DOME
The seat of California’s government happens to be surrounded by some of the most diverse flora and architectural features in the city. This sprawling Victorian arboretum of Capitol Park includes the World Peace Rose Garden, fountains, memorial structures, paved walkways, and views of the Capitol building itself. One of my favorite spots is the succulent garden on the southeast side, which transports you into a cactus-covered desert setting. It’s proximity to the city makes it an easy inclusion as one of my favorite engagement photo locations in NorCal.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Folsom Lake
Features: Lake and beachy vibes, granite boulders, woods, purple lupine patches
Costs: ~$12, paid at a station at the park entrance
The place to go for… barefoot splashing with no riptide
Folsom Lake is Sacramento’s largest body of water, all surrounded by sprawling natural playground. While you would rightly expect sandy and rocky beaches to explore, it also has miles of wooded trail, otherworldly granite boulders, and wild purple flowers in the spring. Just be prepared to do a bit of driving and then walking to reach your destination. Getting to the water can require a bit of a hike during dry seasons when the water levels in the lake are low. But honestly, this area is lovely any time of year.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
UC Davis Arboretum
Features: Creekside walks, lake, diverse foliage, open fields, gazebos and bridges
Costs: Pay-to-park by app or machine at student/visitor parking lots
The place to go for… redwood trees without the drive to the coast
Ahh, the UC Davis Arboretum at my ol’ alma mater. It runs for a couple of lovely miles along Putah Creek, but as it does, the foliage and design change drastically every quarter mile or so. While it is perhaps most popular for its redwood grove, its walkways will take you across bridges spanning the creek, lakefront views, benches, or open fields. It would be overly ambitious to hit all the different arboretum spaces in a typical hour session so plan for a longer session if you want all that this area has to offer. Or confine your session to a particular slice of the arboretum.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
American River Confluence (Auburn)
Features: A rolling river, an arched bridge, foothills foliage and rock faces
Costs: Pay to park at a nearby ranger station
The place to go for… the epic “No Hands” bridge
You’re greeted by rivers and hills as you travel into Northern California’s Gold Country, and Auburn epitomizes that landscape. I love taking couples to a ravine in Auburn State Recreation Area where an old bridge spans the waters in the background and rocky cliffsides abound. The shores of the river are rugged and it takes a quick, steep hike to get down to the water. Just make sure to bring some trustworthy shoes along even if you have to change shoes once you start capturing photos. And if you come in the summertime you can kick off those shoes and wade into the river that has been shallowed and slowed by the dry climate. Stay safe by staying out of the fast-moving water of winter and spring months. Also, come an extra hour before “golden hour” as the sun disappears earlier behind the mountain walls of the ravine.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Sly Park Recreation Area
Features: Pine trees, Jenkinson Lake, winter snowdrifts
Costs: Pay to park at entrance to Lake (~$15)
The place to go for… low-elevation snowball fights
California has its world-famous beaches, though it also boasts plenty of snow-dusted forests. But you don’t have to travel to the highest elevations to find engagement photo locations in the snow. About an hour outside of Sacramento in Pollock Pines, you’ll find this gem of a spot. It’s just high enough that the pine forests begin to appear and just high enough for snow to fall in the winter months. While the woods alone are worth the price of admission to Sly Park, the lake makes for a magical mirror. And if you’re coming for the snow (February and March are the snowiest months), the roads are rarely deep enough in snow that you will need chains on your tires or all-wheel drive to keep moving. Just make sure to check road conditions before starting your trip.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Empire Mines State Historic Park
Features: Early 1900s estate mansion, rustic mining buildings and machinery, estate gardens, reflecting pools, foliage
Costs: Park admission is paid (~$5 per person), Photography permit ($100)
The place to go for… rustic texture and natural color
You can’t lose with Empire Mines. No matter what time of year you plan your session, you can count on the sheer variety of backdrops to keep your photos popping. I love the stone and brick in the designs on the mansion and pool, as well as the manicured gardens that surround them. But you can also play among the relics of the old mining operation just a quick walk across the park. It all makes for a truly romantic spot, and one that is never far removed from the simplicity of a walk in the woods. Don’t forget that you’ll need a photography permit from the California Film Commission before you can set foot in the park for your session.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Castello di Amorosa
Features: A Tuscan-styled castle, vineyard, moat(!), woods
Costs: General admission reservations (~$25/person) or wine-tasting admissions are required
The place to go for… A real castle with a wine tasting room!
When you can’t visit Tuscany for your engagement photos, here’s the next best thing. The Castello Di Amorosa is a true castle, built in 14th century Tuscan style. It operates as a winery and event space in the northern part of the world-famous Napa Valley. After paying for your admission, you can utilize the multiple floors of the castle for your photos–from ramparts to courtyards to arched colonnades and barrel rooms. Even the grounds outside the castle are epic! Just bear in mind that a paid reservation is required even to visit the outer area. All that said, I’d recommend devoting no less than two hours to an engagement photo session at this spot.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Muir Woods and Muir Beach
Features: Redwoods, ferns, sand, waves
Costs: Woods – Pay-to-park at a reservation only lot (~$10), $15/person admission fee, $60 photography permit fee, Beach – no fees
The place to go for… banana slugs and salty sea air at the same time
This combination of two recreation areas makes for a wonderful surf and turf pairing. Muir Woods National Monument is a redwood forest with hiking trails aplenty. The place is astounding whatever the weather thanks to the tree canopy and carpeting of ferns. Meanwhile, Muir Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the woods and offers an entirely different environment to utilize in your photos. The sandy beach has views of a tree-covered cove in one direction, and boulders in the other. Downright dreamy! Since these are each popular tourist destinations, try to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Point Reyes National Seashore
Features: The Cypress tree tunnel, multiple beaches, lighthouse, shipwrecked boat
Costs: None
The place to go for… sand between your toes.
One of my favorite places in all of California makes a fitting ending this list of prime engagement photo locations. The Point Reyes National Seashore is an all-you-can-eat buffet of coastal landscape. Its numerous sandy beaches open up to the relentless waves of the Pacific, while bays feature calmer waters and wooded areas. You may even wave hello to some Tule Elk as you drive by its famous Cypress Tree Tunnel. One of the best features of this area is that so many of the picturesque spots are just a quick walk away from nearby parking, which means there’s no need to work up a sweat before reaching your photo spots. Oh, and this is a spot I count on for mild weather year-round, especially during the afternoon and pre-sunset “golden hour.” Take me back!
Photos by Fits & Stops Photography
Looking at other engagement photo locations?
These spots only scratch the surface of the great engagement photo locations you’ll find around the Northern California area. I’m confident that whether you choose one of these spots, or blaze your own trail to a different location, you’ll create something that shines some light on what makes your relationship so special.
Now if you’re looking for an engagement photographer, I’d love to dream with you about where and how we can capture some striking photography of you two. We could venture to one of these spots, or come up with something else entirely (I love to explore new places!). Give me a call at 916.281.9616 or reach out to me by email at pj@fitsandstopsphotography.com.
And whatever you do, enjoy this special time of life together!
