WEDDING & LIFESTYLE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER BASED OUT OF SAN CLEMENTE, CA

Engagement Session

Best Southern California Proposal Locations

October 28, 2022

southern california proposal locations holding hands

Well, it’s officially “that time of year” again.

We’re nearing the end of the year, and with the holidays right around the corner, engagement season is upon us at my favorite Southern California proposal locations. If you’re in the midst of crafting the perfect plan to pop the question to your significant other I’m sure you’re starting to put a lot of thought into the “where”. I would start by encouraging a place that is meaningful to your relationship in some way shape or form. Is there a spot you spend a whole lot of time together or love to visit? That is always a good place to start.

As I’ve been getting to know Southern California more and shooting at so many fun spots since moving here, there are quite a few locations that stand out to me and just have a magical feel to them. ✨ As a couples photographer focused on telling love stories and romanticizing life + the beauty in creation, I thought it would be helpful to share my list of gems with you!

Here are my top 5 picture perfect locations to pop the question! 

 

 proposal vibes have entered the chat

torrey pines engagement shoot couple holding handssouthern california proposal locations couple hugging kissing

Torrey Pines

I don’t even think she needs to sell you on why. This park will absolutely take your breath away. It’s oh so magical and has a few awesome spots that would be perfect for a proposal. 🙌🏻 Check out this fun elopement I shot there this winter to see what I mean!

black and white carlsbad overlook couples shootsouthern california proposal locations guy holding girlblack and white carlsbad overlook couples shootsouthern california proposal locations girl hugging guy bike

carlsbad overlook elopement photography guy kissing girlsouthern california proposal locations couple running beach

Carlsbad overlook (off Palomar airport rd)

Save this location on your google maps and thank me later because this is one of those “hidden gem” types of Southern California proposal locations! This spot will forever hold a special place in my heart because I had a shoot last fall before I moved here and since then have taken some of my very favorite portraits here. ✨

point dume malibu brand shoot cliffs ocean focus

southern california proposal locations girl walking beach

point dume mallibu brand photography golden hour cliffside

Point Dume Malibu

If you’re looking for an epic beach location in Malibu, I could not recommend Point Dume enough. 🙌🏻 I had my brand photos done here shortly after moving to Southern California and it offers SO. MUCH. VARIETY.

Don’t just take me at my word, browse that shoot here and get inspired. 😍

southern california proposal locations couple hugging

crystal cove state park couple dancingsouthern california proposal locations couple walking smiling crystal cove state park couple hugging southern california proposal locations guy holding girl hugging

Crystal Cove State Park

You’ve heard me express my love for Crystal Cove before, calling it the Orange County “gem of all gems”. Truth is, I’m obsessed and won’t stop sharing how rad it is with my people on the hunt for a beach location with the most variety. 🙌🏻

 

calafia beach couple hugging barefoot cliff southern california proposal locations couple hugging water calafia beach couple kissing holding hands

Calafia Beach, San Clemente

What do I love most about Calafia? It’s not just a gorgeous beach but it has an epic rock wall (cliff?? honestly idk) and trail that all feel equally unique & special. A beach walk or picnic at sunset here would make for such a romantic moment shared at this Southern California proposal location.

 

 

For more inspo, be sure to follow along on Insta!

 

xoxo, Hannah

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your sunshine girl

MEET Hannah

cozying up in a coffeeshop, never missing a sunset, being my couples #1 fan

If you're looking for a hype girl to guide you throughout your portrait experience, create an atmosphere for you to feel genuinely good in your skin and want to walk away having created *core memories* with the love of your life that you'll be reminded of whenever you flip through your photos? You're absolutely in the right place, friend!


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