Bar Engagement Photos + Beach Engagement Photos (Because You Don’t Just Have to Choose One!)

This is your sign to not choose between the bar engagement photos and the beach engagement photos that are calling your name, because, like… Why not both?? 

As a Northern California engagement photographer, there are a few things I love: engagement photos at a bar, engagement photos on the beach, and variety in your gallery!! So when the engagement photoshoot ideas have a little bit of all of that… I’m SO here for it. 

If this is calling your name, keep reading to get tons of beach and bar engagement photo inspo from Camie and Mark’s session, plus planning tips, cause you know I’ve gotchu!! 

Bar Engagement Photos: The Vibes

Bar engagement photos are my JAMMM. The editorial, cozy vibes, and the main character energy?? Yeah, it’s everything!! 

If you’re picturing sneaking into a bar, clinking your fave drinks together while your ring catches the light in the most gorgeous way, feeling like you’re on a date and NOT at a photoshoot… Bar engagement photos are right for you. They can be completely classy or completely casual, depending on your location, your outfits, and your overall style.

Wayfare Tavern: The Best Engagement Photo Location for Bar Engagement Photos in NorCal

For a little bit of classy bar vibes + adorable city street views… You won’t want to miss Wayfare Tavern. It’s one of those places that you walk into and immediately think, “Hell yeah,” because it’s just so perfect!! It has the best editorial feel that makes classy bar engagement photos SO good here. 

The striped awnings are giving small-town energy, even though you’re literally in Downtown San Francisco, and I love it every time. The photos look right out of a rom-com every time I shoot here, and I’m seriously obsessed!! 

Tips for Planning Bar Engagement Photos in NorCal 

As a Northern California engagement photographer, I know that outdoor engagement photos are more common because, I mean, the weather is just perfect. I also know that planning indoor engagement photos is a little different than just… Driving to the beach and running through the sand. 

Here’s what you need to know to plan bar engagement photos: 

• Best time of day for bar engagement photos

Whether you’re looking for the best time of day for natural light in bar engagement photos or just the best time to beat the crowds, the answer is going to be the sooner, the better. For example, Wayfare Tavern opens at 11:30 am, and I always have my couples meet me there right around then. It’s not as crowded, the lighting is beautiful, and we have the whole day ahead (perfect for sunset pics on the beach). Love that!! 

• How to style outfits for bar engagement photos 

If you know me, you know I LOVE chatting about engagement photo outfits. You can see my entire guide on engagement photo outfits here, but for bar engagement photos, I tend to go for classy vibes, like Blanche by Reformation or Rowan by Jenny Yoo. A dress like that paired with a sleek kitten heel? Eats every time!! 

• How to reserve a bar for engagement photography 

While not every bar will let you reserve a space for engagement photos, some will!! I always suggest reaching out (or me reaching out for you) to ask if you can book a private room for a while, or even come in before opening. I mean… The worst that can happen is they say no, and we have to shoot around people, which is NO problem. 

• Creative poses for engagement photos in a bar setting 

Bar engagement photos are so fun because we have the chance to get some romantic AF pictures. I love the classic drink-clinking pic, a flat lay with your ring, and, of course, you sitting on the bar. Adorable!! 

• What props work well for bar engagement photos? 

My all-time favorite prop for bar engagement photos is a newspaper engagement announcement. It fits the style of a bar engagement SO well, and it makes for some really cute photos of the two of you behind it!! 10/10 recommend. 

Beach Engagement Photos: The Vibes

I can’t be a Northern California engagement photographer and NOT love beach engagement photos. I mean… Just look at Alina and Nik’s session!! It gets me EVERY time. 

If you’re the kind of girlie who loves all things cinematic and who has a Pinterest board with 329 blurry engagement photos on the beach… I already know we’re gonna be besties. 

Photographer’s Tip: Take Your NorCal Beach Engagement Photos at Crissy Field Beach 

Seriously, just trust me. 

Crissy Field Beach is, like, peak NorCal vibes. A wide-open beach PLUS views of the Golden Gate Bridge?? Say less. 

Photos here are a dream, and honestly, it’s a place that’s so easy to plan your session at. If you love it already, know that I’m 100% down, all the time. 

Tips for Planning Beach Engagement Photos in NorCal 

I have a whole guide on planning beach engagement photos, but here are the main things you need to know, rapid-fired: 

• What are the best times of day for optimal lighting in beach engagement pictures?

Sunrise and sunset are my absolute favorite times of the day to take your beach engagement photos. Sunset works great if you’re doing a bar + beach combo session, since we can just head there right after the bar engagement photos!! 

• What types of outfits are recommended for beach engagement pictures?

Anything neutral, light, and flowy looks INCREDIBLE on the beach. I always suggest something like this Selfie Leslie ruffle dress, or something completely casual, like jeans and a white tee for beach engagement photos!! 

• Permitting rules for beach engagement photos

Every beach will have different permit requirements, so it’s always good to reach out (or have your NorCal engagement photographer reach out) to see what you’ll need!! Crissy Field Beach doesn’t require one, so if you’re in love, we’re good to go. 

• What are popular poses for couples during beach engagement photo shoots? 

Movement, movement, movement!! 

Seriously, the more you’re moving in beach engagement photos, the more cinematic and nostalgic they’ll be, and if you’re here… That’s probably what you’re all about (and yeah, same). So just know that if you’re with me, expect to be running and dancing. 

• What props work well for beach engagement photos? 

Listen, I’m always down for you to bring a picnic setup, champagne, a bouquet, a parasol, or even your pup for beach engagements!! Whatever makes it feel like you is perfect.  

Engagement Photoshoot Ideas for Beach AND Bar Engagement Photos, From Camie and Mark’s Session

Okay, so, if you’re in love with having beach and bar engagement photos all in one day… Let’s do it. 

It honestly works so well right here in NorCal, where we have so many different aesthetics so close to each other, because we can hit the bar at 11:30, then head straight to the beach!! 

Here are some engagement photoshoot ideas for a session like this: 

Have Different Themes for Each Part of the Session

Camie and Mark did this so well, with an ultra-classy bar shoot, then a casual, super romantic beach shoot. You can feel the different vibes in each part of their day, and I’m seriously in love with it. 

Do the Outfit Change

If the question is doing an outfit change for your engagement photoshoot, my answer is ALWAYS yes. Especially when we’re in two separate locations!! 

Rent a Vintage Car to Get From Bar to Beach

For an easy way to elevate your gallery and get even MORE unique engagement photos… Rent the vintage car. Date vibes are on level 1000, and the photo ops?? Don’t even get me started. 

Other NorCal Engagement Photo Locations

If you’re loving the idea of variety in your gallery, but the beach and the bar aren’t really your speed, here are a few more Northern California engagement photo locations that I’m in love with!!

• Point Reyes National Park – for beach vibes without all the sand. Here’s my planning guide for engagement pics there!! 
• Cavaignac, A Country Estate – if you love cottagecore vibes… This is your place. And here’s all the engagement inspo you need. 
• San Francisco City Hall – I mean, classy engagement photos just thrive here. My proof? This session. 

Grace Thao | Northern California Engagement Photographer

Know that as your Northern California engagement photographer, all I want is to help you plan a session that feels like you!! If you’re ready to get started creating your perfect day together, inquire right here. I can’t wait to tell your story!!