Taking Engagement Photos in Point Reyes National Park: The Northern California Engagement Photographer’s Guide

Point Reyes National Park is just one of those places that’s SO gorg. You walk in and immediately have a “whoa” moment because… She’s just that girl!! So, if you’re engaged (um, congrats) and looking for the best NorCal engagement photo locations, trust me, as your Northern California engagement photographer, when I say that this is one you won’t want to miss.

Point Reyes National Park: Why I Love it for Engagement Photos

Point Reyes National Park is one of those backdrops that just feels insanely cool. I might be biased since I am a Northern California engagement photographer, but anytime I see cliffs and rock formations + the shore all in one… I’m obsessed. It gives that classic NorCal feel, and that’s obviously something I love!!

Who Should Take Point Reyes Engagement Photos

The girlies who choose to take their NorCal engagement photos here? Iconic. 

Seriously, though, if you’re considering Point Reyes engagement photos, you’re probably someone who: 

• LOVES being on the beach (same, girl) 

• Wants some of that film-inspired, nostalgic vibe in their engagement photos

• Has a Pinterest inspo board that’s full of cinematic shots with tons of movement 

• Wants something a little more casual, but still elevated 

If any of those sound like you, I already know we’re gonna get along SOOO well!!

Everything to Know About Point Reyes National Park Engagement Photos

Okay, if you’re on board (as you should be), here’s literally everything you need to know about planning engagement photos at Point Reyes National Park: 

The Best Time of Day to Take Point Reyes Engagement Photos

I love heading to Point Reyes on a weekday around sunrise or sunset. The light is hella gorgeous, and you honestly can’t beat it at these times!! Golden hour is obviously beautiful, but if we head up at sunrise, there will be way fewer people, so it totally depends on your comfort level! As a Northern California engagement photographer, I always know how to work around lighting and crowds, so don’t fret too much about there being people. 

The Best Time of Year to Take Point Reyes Engagement Photos

With the coastal views and peak California vibes, I literally HAVE to say that summer is the best time to take Point Reyes engagement photos. I mean, beach energy just thrives during the summer, and the lighting?? Chef’s kiss. 

Do You Need a Permit to Take Engagement Photos in Point Reyes National Park?

Most of the time, you won’t need a permit to take engagement photos at Point Reyes, which saves a LOT of stress. It can never hurt to look over the conditions or to reach out to be sure that you don’t need one, but also know that I’ve always got you covered through this whole process and am here to help you!! 

The Best Spots for Photos in Point Reyes National Park

Point Reyes engagement photos always look SO good from the tops of the cliffs for those wide-angle, cinematic rock formation x ocean view pics. They’re usually some of my favorites to get, because you get coastal vibes, romantic field energy, and that top-of-the-world feeling all in one!! 

I will say, though, engagement photos actually on the beach will always have my heart. I mean, just look at Deema and Bilal’s session, that’s some of my fave inspiration of all time!! So if you want to sneak down to the water for a little… You already know that I’m always down. 

What to Wear for Point Reyes Engagement Photos

You can find my whole guide to engagement photoshoot outfits here (which of course includes a beach-specific section!!), but for Point Reyes National Park’s classy-coastal vibe, here are a few exact outfit ideas!! 

• Casual cottagecore vibes — this is what Riley and Jake went for, and I could NOT have loved it more. It was giving that effortlessly chic vibe that you just can’t fake, and it fit Point Reyes National Park perfectly. If you want this vibe, check out this Free People maxi skirt that I’m in love with. 

• Classy, elevated fits — something like Grace by Jenny Yoo?? Iconic for classy engagement pics here!! 

• Soft, neutral colors — if you don’t want to go all-white for your engagement photos, lean into the beach color palette!! Baby blues, tans, and maybe even some pops of green would be so gorg!! I personally love something like The Maribelle Dress from Reformation. 

Riley and Jake’s Engagement Photos in Point Reyes National Park

Riley and Jake’s session was something straight out of my DREAMS. It had the cutest casual coastal vibes, and the romance that they brought?? Seriously adorable. 

Getting to dance around with these two on top of the cliffs while the light hit perfectly (literally like it was a spotlight directed at them) was the most fun day, and I’ll probably never be over it.

Grace Thao | Northern California Engagement Photographer

If you’re looking for a Northern California engagement photographer who will help you plan, fix your hair for pics, and then give you a gallery filled with nostalgic, film-inspired photos that look like the exact moments you lived… I’m your gal!! Whether your vibe is Point Reyes National Park or the San Francisco City Hall, I’m there, totally giddy to be capturing your love. 

You can inquire right here about booking me today!! I can’t WAIT to meet you.