Malibu Beach Photos: Everything to Know About Taking Beach Engagement Pictures at Malibu Beach!

The drama of the Malibu Coast gets me EVERY time, even as a Malibu engagement photographer who’s seeing these views all the time. The cliffs and rock formations plus the dreamy light sparkling on the water?? Yeah… I could never get enough!! If beach engagement pictures are so you, same. Here’s your sign (and everything you need to know) to take Malibu Beach photos, because Kate and Bobby’s Malibu Beach engagement photos were actually insane. 

Kate and Bobby’s Beach Engagement Pictures at Malibu Beach: Why Malibu Beach Photos Hit Different

Okay, these two had me giggling and kicking my feet behind the camera. Their picnic with their fave coffee mugs, the lighting, the ethereal beach fairy vibe that Kate was bringing?? Obsessed!! Roaming around Malibu Beach with these two lives in my brain rent-free forever. 

Malibu Beach made the perfect spot for these beach engagement pictures. It’s one of those places that has something for every style, so it held the cottagecore picnic vibe just as well as it held the beach shots that feel like they’re stills from a movie!! And that’s one of my favorite parts of taking Malibu Beach photos, because I know that every couple has their own unique energy for beach engagement photos!! 

Popular Locations for Engagement Photos Along the Malibu Coast

Malibu is jam-packed with spots for beach engagement pictures. So if you want Malibu Beach photos, you’ve gotta choose the location that feels most like you first!! Here are a few of my fave (and some of the most popular) spots: 

• Leo Carrillo Beach – if you want rock formations, Leo Carrillo has ‘em. The beach and the rocks are stunning here (especially at sunset!), and this spot has some caves that also make for really cool, really unique beach engagement pictures! 
• Point Dume – for those panoramic Malibu Beach photos, you’ll loveee Point Dume. This is the perfect, classic spot for Malibu Beach engagement photos, because it really gives you the full energy of the coast, all in one spot! 
• El Matador State Beach – and of course, if I’m mentioning Malibu Beaches… I can’t NOT bring up El Matador. It’s iconic for a reason, and the beach engagement pictures we can get here are something straight out of Pinterest!! 

At the end of the day, I always recommend choosing a space that has meaning to you. If you guys have a first date spot or a beach you frequent for late night romantic walks (adorable of you, btw), choose that!! 

The Ultimate Guide for Planning Your Beach Engagement Pictures at Malibu Beach

Beach engagement pictures are gorgeous (duh!), but they take a little extra-careful planning. Don’t worry, though, as your Malibu engagement photographer, you know I’ve gotchu!! I’ll dive into everything you need to know here, but you can also find beach engagement picture guides from Deema and Bilal’s shoot and from Alina and Nik’s. 

Choosing the Best Photographer for Malibu Beach Engagement Photos

First things first, you’re gonna want to choose a photographer who gets you. You’ll never feel comfortable enough in front of the camera if you don’t vibe with your photographer, so this is KEY to good beach engagement pictures. 

If you’re the type of person who needs someone a little silly and a little fun but still dreaming of photos with that super cinematic, carefree, nostalgic feel… I’m your girl!! You can learn more about me here to see if we’re a good fit. 

Best Time of Year for Malibu Beach Photos (And, TBH, Beach Engagement Pictures in General)

Beach engagement pictures + summer vibes = a match made in Heaven. 

Other seasons are adorable for Malibu Beach engagement photos, but there’s something about summer that just works. I don’t know if it’s the long days, the golden light, the warm weather, or the overall energy that summer brings, but I do know that it makes for Malibu Beach photos that make your jaw drop!! 

What to Wear for Malibu Beach Engagement Photos in Summer

Your beach engagement photo outfit is kind of my Super Bowl. Here are a few outfits that I always recommend for beach engagement pictures (especially on Malibu Beach) that make you look like the damn queen you are AND photograph well!! Because, I mean, we LOVE a win-win. 

• The Quinn Set from 520 South Boutique – perfect for those running-on-the-beach shots. 
• The Cabo Dress from Sabo – classy and beachy, so we love her!! 
• The Estrella Romper from Free People – for that effortlessly cool girl feel. 
• The Gingham Jumpsuit Dress from Zara – if you want a print instead of all white, gingham is perfect for the beach, and this fit is to die for!! 
• The Evangeline Set from Altar’d State – a classic flowy white two piece set because… Duh. 

Best Time of Day for Natural Light in Malibu Beach Engagement Photos

Sunrise and sunset will always be the best times for beach engagement pictures, because the lighting is seriously FANTASTIC. Malibu Beach will be more crowded around sunset, so if you value privacy and want something a little more secluded, I always recommend sunrise!! 

Another thing to consider is high tide vs low tide. The morning will have lower tides, which means more room to run around and more of the beach for your Malibu Beach photos!! 

Cute Ideas for a Malibu Beach Photoshoot

Malibu Beach photos have basically unlimited opportunities for engagement photo ideas with how open and how versatile it is, so if you’re looking for ideas… You know I’ve gotchu!! 

• Have a picnic – inspired by Kate and Bobby’s session, I’m now always a fan of a beach picnic. So romantic!! 
• Get in the water – believe me, we’ll get some of the cutest shots when you actually get in the ocean and play. 
• Do an outfit change – one classy look and one casual look for beach engagement pictures?? Always the move!! 
• Hit multiple locations – Malibu Beach is too pretty to stay in one spot, so let’s go to several!! Plus, as a Malibu engagement photographer, you already know I love some variety in your gallery. 

Activities to Do After Your Malibu Beach Photos

Because I already know you want this to feel like a date. As you should!!  

Malibu Beach? Yeah, it’s packed with things to do. Here are a few things that you can’t miss, especially if you’re in from out-of-town: 

• Cruise the PCH
• Go to the Getty Villa (honestly… Let’s get pics here too) 
• Go hiking 
• Grab a coffee (or matcha latte, if you’re anything like me!!) 
• Go wine tasting 

How to Book a Malibu Beach Photoshoot With a Local Photographer | Malibu Engagement Photographer

Looking to book a Malibu engagement photographer? Don’t fret, it’s easy!! Just click here to inquire and I’ll be in touch with next steps on how we’ll bring your DREAM Malibu Beach engagement photos to life. I can’t wait to meet you!!