If you’re thinking about taking Santa Cruz engagement photos and want to find the dreamiest spot to do that, you’re in the right place.
As a Bay Area photographer who’s captured countless love stories in the area, I’m excited to share my top 5 go-to locations that are perfect for your engagement (or proposal!) photos.
These breathtaking spots are not only gorgeous but also give you space to escape the crowds and fully soak in the natural beauty of Santa Cruz. Ready to make the most out of your Santa Cruz engagement session? Let’s get started!
5 dreamy spots for your Santa Cruz engagement photos
I’ve picked out some awesome spots for your engagement photos—whether you’re into a quiet forest, a hidden beach, a beach with lots of greenery, or a more laid-back, beachy vibe in the city. These spots have you covered. Enjoy!
1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
First up is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s famous for its 40-acre grove of giant, old-growth redwood trees and stunning landscapes that include forests and the San Lorenzo River.
This spot is perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love in a romantic, peaceful setting among massive trees, mixed evergreens, and beautiful Santa Cruz sand hills. It’s great if you love hiking but want to keep it chill—no sweaty hikes here!
The trails are rated easy, and the 0.9-mile Redwoods Grove Loop Trail is flat and wide, so you can fully enjoy your time breathing the fresh air in the forest without worrying about the trek.
Here, you can capture moments just like in the photos above—standing under one of these massive trees (they’re so wide they can easily fit two or more people side by side!), having a casual walk in the woods, or sitting together on a fallen log.
2. Along the West Cliff Drive
Along West Cliff Drive—a scenic 3-mile path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz—you’ll stumble upon plenty of hidden little beaches.
The seaside views and dramatic cliffs create an epic backdrop, perfect for carefree and free-spirited photos. When you think of California, you’re thinking of the views you’d see here!
You can totally mix up your shots here, just like we did with one of my couples (pictures above). I absolutely love this photo, where I captured them in the distance, with waves crashing against the cliffs behind them. It was such a beautiful moment!
Another favorite was a simple hug-and-smile shot that felt super relaxed and natural. The sunset light made everything look dreamy, giving it that perfect romantic vibe.
At these spots along West Cliff Drive, it honestly feels like time stops, and it’s just the two of you with nothing else around but breathtaking views.
3. Lighthouse Field State Beach
The Lighthouse Field State Beach on Monterey Bay is perfect if you’re after that dreamy combo of beach and greenery.
You can dance in the grass, surrounded by wildflowers, with eucalyptus trees swaying nearby and a sunset that gives you that golden-hour glow—ideal for your Santa Cruz engagement photos.
There are also picnic tables nestled in the woods, which make for fun props to play around with. I loved capturing this sweet moment where a couple stood on one, just being silly and playful together.
Another idea? Highlight the engagement ring with wildflowers and tall grass around it. It’s a great way to bring a touch of wilderness into an elegant shot, blending nature with romance.
And if you’re lucky, you might even get some butterflies in your shots—this area is famous for them, with thousands living in the trees!
Plus, as you wander along the cliffs, you can watch surfers and paddle boarders or walk over to the nearby Lighthouse Museum.
4. Natural Bridges State Beach
Another epic beachside location is this 65-acre park, famous for its wave-carved sea arch and stunning natural bridge.
It’s right off West Cliff Drive in North Santa Cruz, and a top spot if you’re after dramatic rocky cliffs, tide pools, and a peaceful beach backdrop.
In the shot above of a couple I photographed, you can see how the ocean mist creates a dreamy, soft background, making the couple stand out beautifully in the photo, while still keeping the scenery in focus.
Natural Bridges State Beach also offers charming little dirt paths—perfect for those carefree & in-love shots as you wander around. With ocean views, shore birds flying by, and tide pools filled with sea anemones during low tide, this location gives you plenty to explore.
And, of course, the iconic Natural Bridge is just as stunning in real life as it sounds, adding that extra magic to your engagement photos. Plus, in spring, the surrounding coastal scrub and grasslands come alive with vibrant wildflowers!
5. Capitola Beach & the famous rainbow Venetian houses
If you’re looking for a beach engagement photoshoot with a pop of color and a playful vibe, Capitola is a must! Just minutes south of Santa Cruz, this little seaside town feels like a Mediterranean getaway with its vibrant beach houses and a cute atmosphere.
The Capitola Beach itself is simple but beautiful—sandy, with a cozy, intimate vibe. It’s not super wide, but deep enough to create that tucked-away, relaxed feeling.
For our session with the incredible couple in the photo above, we planned ahead and brought props that matched the colorful houses, making everything super cohesive.
We set up a boho beachside picnic with bold pink and yellow cushions, charcuterie plates, cozy blankets, and one of them even rocked a pink outfit that matched the decor and the beach houses.
They added red roses to keep it fun with a touch of elegance. Capitola is the perfect place to let loose and get creative, but definitely avoid holiday weekends when the beach gets crowded.
Final thoughts on where to have the perfect Santa Cruz engagement session
Alright, and that’s a wrap! Feel free to research these locations further to find the spot that feels the most authentic for your Santa Cruz engagement photos.
Your engagement is a big deal, and it deserves to be fully documented. If you love the photos in this post and are looking for a professional Santa Cruz engagement and wedding photographer, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here!
I’ll be thrilled to join you during this special time, offer more ideas, and help guide you through everything you need to create stunning photos, capture every meaningful detail, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Read these next:
What to Wear to Engagement Photos
How to Pull Off a Surprise Engagement With Your Photographer’s Help
