10 Best Engagement Photo Spots Around OC
Getting engaged is one of the most thrilling times of our lives, the fresh love and the unexpected future makes for a magical period of time that many couples choose to capture on film. Engagement photos taken by an amateur or a professional photographer can be images to treasure forever. We have rounded up the best photography locations in Orange County to express your love in the best spot possible.
Balboa Island
600 East Bay Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 723-5387
www.visitnewportbeach.com
Located in Newport Beach, Balboa Island a colorful and vibrant spot for fun, upbeat engagement photos where you can get shots near the bay, on the Ferris wheel or even playfully competing against your fiancée in games in the fun zone. Pop into the one of the many local eclectic shops for more intimate shots as well. And, the beach and pier are just steps away to get a contrast from the boardwalk for more romantic photographs.
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 North Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
www.crystalcovestatepark.com
With cassic Southern Californian beauty, Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach offers blue skies, mile long soft sand and gorgeous surf. For the perfect beach-side engagement photos, the stretch of Pelican Point Boardwalk is a gorgeous backdrop with beautiful blue water and pristine sand. Permits are required for professional still photography though, so check website for fee's and details.
Huntington Beach Pier
Main St
Huntington, CA 92646
(714) 536-5281
www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
"Surf City" as Huntington Beach is often referred to makes for one of the best places to take your special photos. With the iconic Huntington Beach Pier either in the background or on it, this relic built in 1904 makes for a great venue. As one of the longest piers on the West Coast, catch surfers, Rub's Surf City Diner, fishermen and other settings as your perfect backdrop.
Santa Ana Train Station
1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Ana, CA
(714) 547-8389
www.amtrak.com
Like Union Station in Los Angeles, Orange County boasts its own beautiful transportation hub with terrific and unique backdrops for the perfect shot. Although maybe not as old as its L.A. counterpart, the Santa Ana Train Station offers Californian style with old wooden benches, tiled walls and floors and a charm all its own.
Fullerton Arboretum
1900 Associated Rd
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-3407
www.fullertonarboretum.org
Being surrounded by nature makes for one of the best photographs you can get. At The Fullerton Arboretum, there are hundreds of beautiful scenic settings to choose from that will make you and your fiancé the envy of all your engaged friends and those that aren't even engaged! Created in 1979, the arboretum offers an ecological, and horticultural wonderland filled with botanical gardens on a lush 26 acres. In fact, it's the largest botanical garden in Orange County! Capture the special moment among ponds, streams, wildlife in this tranquil setting.f
Plaza and Old Towne Orange Historic District
Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street
Orange, California 92866
(714) 639-6840
www.otpa.org
Located in the city center of Orange, the Old Town Plaza is at the heart of the city's antique and historic center. Evoking images of "Main Street, USA" complete with outdoor dining, specialty shops, and the central Plaza Park, engagement shots here will give off the charm you'd want in your special photos. Plaza Park is located at the intersection of Glassell and Chapman and surrounding historic neighborhoods encompass 1 square mile and approximately 1,400 buildings. The historic charm of the Plaza is perfect for photography.
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6835
www.ocparks.com
You may be thinking "A park? What is so interesting about that?". In fact, the Irvine Regional Park is California's oldest county park and has a rustic early California atmosphere with beautiful historic trees as well as interesting activities. Take photos under the heritage Oak and Sycamore trees, ride the Irvine Park Railroad train, and jump on a paddle boat or tandem bike from Wheel Fun Rentals for pictures that will last a lifetime. You'll also want to nestle under the ancient trees and tall grasses off the beaten path for romantic images.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
www.missionsjc.com
Known as the "Jewel of the Missions," Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark that was founded over 200 years ago. Quite literally the perfect back drop for any photography, the grounds of the Mission are covered with lush gardens and the historic chapel still stands where Fr. Serra once celebrated Mass.
