January 28, 2025
My Top 3 Stunning Locations in Orange County as of the end of 2024
When you’re planning your engagement session in Orange County, you’re in for some treasures! Orange county offers an incredible diversity of locations from scenic parks to breathtaking beaches. These are by no means the only place I’ll photograph. There are just so many locations and these happen to be some of my favorites. To help you narrow down yoru options, I’m sharing my top 3 spots that provide some of the perfect backdrops for romantic and memorable engagement photos. Carbon Canyone Regional Park, Thousand Steps in Laguna Beach, and Treasure Island in Laguna Beach.
Let’s explore these locations and why it’s perfect for your session.
1: Carbon Canyon Regional Park: A hidden Gem
Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a dream location for couples looking for a lush, natural setting. one of it’s most famous attractions are it’s California Redwoods, creating a magical forest feeling that’s very hard to find in Southern California
Why you’ll love it:
- Diverse Backdrops: From serene trails to wide open fields and stunning groves of redwoods, the park offers a variety of natural settings include a lake.
- Golden Hour Magic: The sunlight filtering through the canopy of trees creates this warm, golden glow that makes your photos even more on the sentimental romantic side.
- Quiet and Spacious: This Park is a vast, large park which means we can find plenty of quiet spots, ensuring a stress free and intimate session.
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes! While the trails are amazing, some areas require some walking and traction. Definitely bring a pair of shoes to change into for a potential small journey.
2. Treasure Island Park, Laguna Beach: A Coastal Dream Haven come True
Treasure Island is a local favorite for a number of great reasons. Located next to the Montage Laguna Beach, this places conbines manicured gardens with stunning coastal views!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Versatility: Start your session in the beautiful landscaped park, then a little walk down to the golden sands and the beautiful tide pools for a nice change.
- Sunset Paradise: Few places capture the beauty of an Orange County sunset like Treasure Island. The Golden sunset reflecting off of the waters thru some of the rock formations are simply stunning!
- Accessibility: Unlike Thousand Steps, this location is easier to navigate making it ideal if you’re looking to do multiple outfit changes.
Pro Tip:
Arrive Early! This spot is popular with a lot of visitors that are both local and from afar, so getting there ahead of time ensure you can claim the best spots for your session.
Thousand Steps Beach, Laguna Beach: Cinematic and Romantic
For couples looking to add a touch of cinematic drama and adventure to their photos, Thousand steps Beach in Laguna Beach is an Iconic Choice. Don’t let the name make you nervous. There are quite a few stairs to navigate, but I promise the views are absolutely worth it!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Unique Rock Formations: The natural rock arches and caves are perfect for creative, one of a kind photos.
- Secluded Vibes: The beach feels like a private escape, especially during weekdays and early mornings
- Oceanfront Beauty: The waves crashing against the rocks make for some amazing cinematic photos.
Pro Tip:
Time your session during low tide in order to access more of the beach. And pack lightly. The stairs going down are no problem, however, coming back up, you’ll find yourself regretting all the things you brought that you didn’t need. Trust me…
FAQs About Engagement Sessions in Orange County
Q: When is the best time for engagement sessions at any of these locations?
A: The golden hour – right before sunset- is the most ideal for all three spots. Soft, warm lighting is incredibly flattering and enhances the natural beauty of each location.
Q: What should we wear for our session?
A: Stick to solid colors or softer patterns that complement the natural tones of each location. For a beach session, a flowy dress and casual breathable fabrics look amazing. For the park, stick with more earth tones or even jewel tones and they will blend beautifully with the surrounding location.
Q: Are permits required for these locations?
A: Yes. I also carry a yearly permit for each of these locations
Q: What happens if the location is crowded with a lot of people?
A: I always scout for hidden spots within each location that offer a little privacy. I know this place fairly well and have always been able to work in my recommended locations. However, timing the session for off peak hours, such as a weekday can also suppress the potential crowds.
Whether you’re imagining a romantic forest scene, a Cinematic coastal feel, or a blend of both nature and elegance, these three locations are sure to make your session unforgettable. If you’d like to chat more about your vision and planning a session, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help bring your vision to Life!
Comments