The EIGHT Best East Bay Engagement Session Locations
Engagement season is upon us and that means lots of couples looking to take engagement photos for their Save the Dates, invitations and wedding websites. While I shoot a lot of engagement sessions in San Francisco, the East Bay is quickly becoming one of my favorite places for outdoor engagement sessions. As big fan of lush greenery and redwood groves, I’m always on the look out for beautiful local spaces for photoshoots. So after a decade of exploring I’ve rounded up my top eight favorite East Bay engagement shoot locations.
UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley
1) UC Botanical Garden (Berkeley)
With 34 acres of diverse landscaping featuring plants from all over the world, the UC Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous spot to roam around for photos. From the rose garden to the waterfall to the multiple greenhouses, there’s a lot to explore. (The desert cactus greenhouse is a favorite of mine.) There’s also a redwood grove to explore, but make sure to check ahead to see if it’s already occupied with a wedding or another event. (See more photos from this location.)
Blake Gardens, Kensington
2) Blake Gardens (Kensington)
Hidden in the hills of Kensington is Blake Gardens, a vast space with its own tiny redwood grove and multiple reflecting pools. This beautiful space is maintained by UC Berkeley as teaching facility for their Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. It feels like wandering into The Secret Garden from the childhood novel with lovely little vignettes and winding paths to explore. (See more photos from this location.)
Albany Bulb, Albany
3) Albany Bulb (Albany)
For something a bit more funky and off-beat, the Albany Bulb is a wildflower wonderland in the springtime. From a dump to an urban art mecca and an abandon homeless encampment, its current life as a park makes use of its past. In the spring, the little pennisula comes to life with lush greenery and wildflowers growing between spray painted concrete slabs. In addition to the wildflower fields, there’s access to the bay where moss covered asphalt chunks lead right into the ocean, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. (See more photos from this location.)
Piedmont Community Hall, Piedmont
4) Piedmont Community Hall (Piedmont)
While normally thought of as a wedding venue, the grounds of Piedmont Community Hall make the perfect backdrop for engagement sessions. The park includes a small redwood grove, a Japanese tea house and gardens, a large lush lawn, water fountain and this beautiful oak tree with a spot for sitting and smooching. (See more photos from this location.)
Tilden Park, Berkeley
5) Jewel Lake in Tilden Park (Berkeley)
Tilden Park in Berkeley is huge but one of my favorite places to shoot in the park is at the Tilden Nature Area along the trail to Jewel Lake. Lush forests trails, a small redwood grove and a lovely little lake provides a lot of natural variety for engagement sessions. If you have some extra time to spare, bring some lettuce or celery for the animals at the Little Farm. (See more photos from this location.)
Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda
6) Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda)
Tropical beach vibes without having to hop on a plane. Crown Memorial Beach is an easy location for those looking to have some sun and surf in their photos. The tall crops of sea grass are super fun to play around with. Come at sunset for the stunning golden hour glow. (See more photos from this location.)
Abandoned Naval Bases, Alameda
7) Abandoned NAVAL BASES (ALAMEDA)
On the flip side of Alameda is a whole abandoned naval base with large airplane hangars. While some have been converted to gyms, wineries and breweries, there are still plenty left to slowly decay. For couples looking for a more editorial and gritty vibe to their portrait session, this part of Alameda is worth checking out. (See more photos from this location.)
Redwood Regional Park/Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland
8) Redwood Regional Park/Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
I’ve saved the best (in my opinion) for last. My favorite location to shoot is this redwood grove in the Oakland hills. Technically part of Joaquin Miller Park, this grove is right next to Redwood Regional Park which also provides beautiful forested trails if you have a bit more time to wander. I love the way the light falls in the morning and for those willing to brave slightly wet conditions, go on a rainy day and you might just catch the whole grove engulfed in a magical fog. (See more photos from this location.)
