9 epic locations for an engagement photography session near California’s Central Valley

There are so many options for gorgeous photo locations in the Central Valley, from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park to the Central Coast and everywhere in between. Here is a list of some of my top picks for epic engagement session locations.

Millerton Lake Recreation Area

Let’s start closets to Fresno with Millerton Lake. Whether you choose the Fresno County side of the lake or the rolling hills on the Madera County side you can not go wrong.

Dinkey Creek Bridge

Dinkey Creek located in the Sierra National Forrest is a great option for a forest vibe closer to home. The wood bridge offers stunning photo ops as well as plenty of additional options in the surrounding pine trees. Access to Dinkey Creek is limited to the Summer months.

Moonstone Beach, Cambria, CA

Want a beachy feel for your session but with something a little different? Cambria’s moonstone beach is another great option. You get the sand-in-your-toes beach vibe as well as some amazing cliff views and rock formations.

Morro Rock, Morro Bay, CA

Sunset photos on the beach? Yes, please! Morro Rock is becoming a favorite location of mine to shoot at, with the stunning backdrop of Morro Rock to beautiful sunset portraits with your toes in the water. Get it all within one location.

Shaver Lake Meadow

I find myself at Shaver Lake at least once a month, this meadow is my favorite during the snowy winter months but the spring bloom is also hard to beat.

Camp Edison, Shaver Lake

The Shaver Lake that is a bit more familiar to you and me, let’s cozy up among the pine trees and dip our toes in the lake. Shaver lake is an easy yes for an epic location a bit closer to home.

Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park

If someone asked me what location I would shoot at if I could only shoot in one place for the rest of my life it would be Glacier Point – only downside? It’s best at sunrise so that means an early morning hair and make-up and an early morning in the car (but hey, that also means we get to skip any traffic).

Taft Point, Yosemite National Park

Taft point is my second favorite location. The granite cliffs and stunning sunsets really show off some EPIC engagement images. Taft Point shines at sunset, which means taking the 1-mile easy hike back to the car in the dark (don’t worry, I’ll remind you to bring a flashlight!) so it may not be the best choice for all.

Access to Glacier Point and Taft Point is typically only open between May-early November, before the first snowfall.

Valley Floor, Yosemite National Park

Notice a trend? Yosemite really does have my heart. If we can’t get up to Glacier or Taft Point the Valley Floor is still a stunning option! From tunnelview to lower Yosemite falls to everything in between you are sure to get some epic images.

Sequoia National Park

Between the stunning views and giant sequoias, Sequoia NP is truly a wonder, and beautiful location for your perfect engagement session.

There are even more amazing locations in California, some of which are on my bucket list! Choose any of these locations below and I will waive your travel fee, meaning you get these amazing epic locations at my local price!

Big Sur

Pismo Beach sand dunes

Under the Giant Sequoias, Sequoia National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe

Vasquez Rocks

El Matador Beach, Malibu

Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach

Want to learn more and plan your own EPIC engagement session? Fill out my inquiry form and we can plan your very own epic engagement session.