There’s something so magical and special about taking engagement photos at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I’m always so excited when couples reach out and ask me if it’s possible to have their session here!
From the vast kelp forest to the jellyfish and the various exhibits throughout, there’s always more to discover each time I go back. No two engagement sessions here ever look the same!
Keep reading to learn more about taking engagement photos at Monterey Bay Aquarium!
Why You Should Consider an Aquarium Engagement Session
If you’re worried about taking aquarium engagement photos because you think it will be too dark inside, too crowded, or that you’ll have limited options for poses, I want to put your mind at ease.
Contrary to what others might say, I truly enjoy photographing aquarium engagement sessions, as you’re surrounded by stunning sea creatures, soft lighting, and you are surrounded by a calming and intimate environment.
Since there is always something new to look at throughout the aquarium during your session, I feel like I can truly photograph your unfiltered moments – the look of wonder when a shark appears, the excitement of both you and your partner when a fish draws near, or just the joy of seeing something you haven’t seen before.
If you hire a photographer for your engagement session at the aquarium who has experience working with difficult lighting (like the lighting you would find in an aquarium), you won’t have any issues with getting beautiful engagement photos.
I would highly recommend asking the photographer you’re considering to show you examples of their work before officially deciding that the aquarium is the right spot for your session.
Photographing inside an aquarium is a very different environment from a session in a park, at the beach, etc. Photos against the larger tanks will be silhouetted, and using the little light that exists can be tricky. Ask for a full gallery in similar lighting to get an idea of what your photos may look like.
Planning an Engagement Session at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a beautiful spot to take engagement photos – especially if you want to do an activity during your session that’s fun, but in a more laid-back and calm environment.
I’ve found this to be a great spot, especially for neurodivergent couples or couples who are a bit nervous about having to pose for photos. If it feels like a lot, especially if this is your first time getting professional pictures taken, the aquarium might be the perfect place.
Instead of worrying about posing the “right way” or realizing that you have no idea what you’re supposed to do with your hands, you can just walk around together and enjoy the exhibits while being present with your partner. Think of it like a regular date, and a photographer just happens to be there!
Some of my favorite photos to take here are photos of couples silhouetted with a backdrop of the mesmerizing blue water and jellyfish – no cookie-cutter basic engagement photos here! Each session I photograph here looks a little different, depending on what the sea creatures are up to.
While there is a lot to see throughout the aquarium itself, I would also recommend taking photos outside, both on the aquarium’s outer deck and around Cannery Row. It’s an opportunity to have more traditionally lit photos in your gallery!
What to expect during your session
For some recent engagement sessions I photographed here, the galleries were a mix of gently posed photos and true candid photos taken documentary-style when a shark or stingray swam by, most in the aquarium itself, and a handful outside.
Another reason I love photographing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that your session doesn’t have to take place only inside the aquarium or on its outer deck.
For example, after your session, you could head to the beach for more photos or go and get some ice cream in Cannery Row. These are just a couple of ideas, but there are plenty more you could incorporate into your session depending on what you and your partner love to do and what feels comfortable and enjoyable for both of you!
During a session with me, I’m always happy to suggest additional activities we could try, but I never want you to feel like you have to do them. Your session should be perfectly tailored to you and what would be most meaningful! My job is to build trust between us so you feel as comfortable and confident as possible during our time together.
That includes telling me if you don’t like something I’ve suggested – I won’t get offended, I promise. In fact, I would always prefer that you tell me so we can do something different.
What time of day should you plan a session at the Monterey Bay Aquarium?
You’ve likely heard that the Monterey Bay Aquarium can get very crowded – especially during peak days and hours.
To avoid the crowds, I always recommend to my couples who want to plan a session here that we choose a weekday and go in the middle of the day to beat traffic. Winter is the best season to go, but any time other than summer will be less busy.
Even if the aquarium is a bit crowded during your session, there are still plenty of ways we can work around this. I always love a challenge, and I am a pro at finding private, quiet spaces within a busy room. If all else fails, I’ll use the magic of Photoshop to make it look like we have the aquarium to ourselves.
One other thing I want to mention is that getting sea creatures to “pose” in your photos takes a lot of patience, but it’s absolutely worth waiting for the perfect moment when they swim by. During a session here, I like to stay in one spot and see what happens, rather than rushing us through the aquarium. We’ll get better photos, and you won’t feel stressed running around trying to get the animals to do what we want!
Ready to Plan Your Aquarium Engagement Session?
I hope you found all this info about taking aquarium engagement photos at Monterey Bay Aquarium helpful. The Monterey Bay Aquarium truly offers you a one-of-a-kind setting for your session!
And…if you’re in the Bay Area, looking for a photographer who specializes in photos of love, surprise proposals, and engagements, feel free to reach out here. I’ll fully support your nontraditional ideas and celebrate you wholeheartedly! I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the ideas you have in mind.
