When it comes to engagement session locations choosing a location can feel daunting. Since I shoot in SF so often, I pulled together all of my top San Francisco engagement session locations (thus far). This list doesn’t include EVERY spot I’ve ever been, but I am always down for an adventure. Sometimes that looks like taking a walk in the park (like Golden Gate Park or the Botanical Gardens), frolicking on the beach (like Baker Beach), or maybe hitting up your favorite bar for a cocktail (like somewhere in Russian/Nob Hill or North Beach). Whatever you want to do, I’m here for it.

Russian Hill/Nob Hill

This is always a great place for a walk around the city streets, grabbing some ice cream, and hanging out on a corner. It’s relatively calm in this area and traffic is easy. I know some great spots to wander around and taking in the city views as well.

North Beach

North Beach is fabulous. The pizza, the italian vibes, the hole in the wall bars. It’s all just so good.

Pacific Heights

Strolling the quiet streets of Pacific Heights is magical. There’s so much amazing architecture and backdrops to play with – the possibilities are incredible. The Lyon Steps are nearby as is an entrance to the top of the Presidio. You can’t go wrong with a stop here during your session.

Presidio

The San Francisco Presidio is HUGE. There’s beautiful parks and places to grab a drink and areas to frolick! A lot of my clients take their dog(s) walking in the Presidio so it’s a fun place to start our session out.

Baker Beach

I actually got engaged at this beach and have deep, affectionate feelings about it. I LOVE Baker beach, BUT…it comes with caveats. It can be super crowded, so going on weekdays is the best option. It’s also a nude beach (!!!) so if nudity bugs you…maybe pick a different spot 😉 Otherwise, it offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is the BEST just as the sun is setting. Twilight on this beach is epic.

Lands End

There’s so much diversity at Lands End. From amazing cliffs and hiking trails, the Sutro Baths, the beach access, to the overwhelming views of the coast line, it doesn’t disappoint. There’s even a gulch of Calla Lilies that I stumbled upon with some clients (seasonal) that totally took me by surprise. You can’t go wrong here.

Chrissy Field

If an alternate view of the GG Bridge is enticing, Chrissy Beach and Chrissy Field offers a different and softer side to the bridge. The sun drops much faster and offers an abundance of shade to play in. There’s some grassy areas, some cool benches, and a beautiful pier. You can also see the city in the background when you turn away from the bridge, which is absolutely gorgeous.

Golden Gate Park

This place is sprawling with amazing places to take photos. The Conservatory of Flowers is an awesome spot both inside and outside, the miles of The Botanical Gardens, to the nooks and crannies all over. While San Francisco can be moody, it doesn’t really matter when you’ve got gorgeous spots to run around together.

There are SO many places not necessarily included in this post, but I hope this helps you in your discovery for where to take your own engagement photos. While I still have so many more places to check out, for now, I hope you’ve enjoyed my top San Francisco engagement session locations. Which locations should I write about next?

Check out more engagement session goodies over here.