Best Engagement Photo Locations in Vancouver

August 15, 2021

So you just got engaged or engagement is right around the corner and you're not sure where you want to have your engagement photos done. Don't sweat it!!! After years of making memories with newly engaged couples, I have compiled a list of my favorite engagement shoot locations in Vancouver. Let's do this!!!

 1. Blackie Spit Park, Crescent Beach 

Blackie Spit Park, located in Crescent Beach in South Surrey, is stunning for its views of Mud Bay and the North Shore Mountains, as well as the opportunity to get in the water! As you can see below, an intimate golden hour session in the water makes for incredibly romantic and warm shots that seem straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. 

Photo background: A pier, rocks, water, sand, grassy areas, trees, mountains, possibly boats.

Highlights: Picnic area, off-leash dog play and swim area, easy walking trails, public washrooms.

2. Whonnock Lake Park, Maple Ridge

Whonnock Lake Park is a place to spend the entire day before or after your engagement shoot! There is so much to do here including fishing, picnic, volleyball, wilfelife viewing, a BBQ area, and swimming. The lake, beach, forest, and open green space give LOTS of options for various shots. 

Photo background: A pier, rocks, forest, lake, grass, wildflowers, mountains. 

Highlights: Public washrooms, plenty of outdoor activities for the day of your shoot.

3. Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley

I have shot here over 100 times and I'm still not sick of it!!! This is the location where I had my first ever paid session as a photographer so it holds a special place in my heart. That's why I keep coming back, as well as the fact that it is less than 10 minutes from my house. Campbell Valley Regional Park is a huge green space to explore so there are no shortage of background options including bridges, dense forest, lovely ponds, and tall golden grass. 

Photo background: Golden grass, ponds, trees, forest, bridges, open space, gravel paths.

Highlights: Plenty of free parking, 29 km network of trails for walking or horseback riding, dog friendly, plenty of picnic spots.

4. Kits Beach, Vancouver

I am a HUGE fan of Kitsilano Beach for engagement sessions, it's the perfect mix of nature, mountains & some city scape in the background! This beach always has incredible lighting, and you really can't beat those mountain views?! 

Kitsilano Beach is a very cute beach and isn't too large either. Of the Vancouver beaches, this is definitely one of my favourites (and holds a special place in my heart, as this is where my boyfriend & I had many dates at the start of our relationship) 

5. Mud Bay, South Surrey  

Mud Bay is known for its fantastic view of Boundary Bay, which features various birds and even seals in the distant waves. If you want to make a day of it you can continue along the Dyke Trail and follow 20 km of shoreline all the way to Boundary Bay in Delta. 

Photo background: Rocks, sand, trees, logs, grassy patches, trails, water, possibly wildlife.

This one is best shot at golden hour / sunset time and I would also say this location is best during May-October timing, however if you'd like to do a winter session here- it can work (just will be soft lighting and not as vibrant colours) 

6. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby

The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is so much more than a place to watch live performances or attend an arts program. It is also a stunning location for anyone who loves greenery, flowers, and Tudor-style cottages. You will feel like you've been placed into a fairytale as you walk down polished pathways near a lilypad-coated lake and sneak intimate moments on private staircases.
As you can see below, this location is easy to dress up or down! 

Photo background: Tudor-style buildings, flowers, greenery, water, bridges and pathways.

Highlights: Not a very crowded location, located in a central city with lots of restaurant and cafe options nearby, public washrooms.

7. Pitt Lake, Pitt Meadows

Let me start by saying that the colour palette at Pitt Lake is UNREAL. White mist and clouds contrasted with deep blue mountains and golden grass and gravel pathways in the foreground. This area is also huge (Pitt Lake is the second biggest lake in Metro Vancouver) so there are plenty of spots to get shots in front of the water, on the paths, and even on the road. With mountain backgrounds like these, you're going to be printing much larger than 4x6 photos after your shoot here. 

Photo background: Mountains, mist, golden grass, roads, gravel paths, water.

Highlights: Not a very crowded location, lots of activity options including hiking, cycling, and a swanky golf course nearby. 

8. Moraine Lake, Banff

Moraine Lake is BREATHTAKING and the best photo backdrop!! This one is obviously a bit farther away BUT I am here to help you make it happen if you're wanting to have your engagement photos at Moraine Lake! It's truly one of my favourite places in Canada and the first time I got to see it- I was in absolute AWE of how beautiful it is!! 

Keep in mind that this location can only be done during late June - mid October, as I need to book our transport from the bottom to go up the access road, and that access road closes due to weather conditions for certain months. If you would like to make this happen - just let me know and we will make it happen!! 

9. Granville Island, Vancouver

Do what Sammy and Ryan did below and hit up Granville Island with me just in time for sunrise! That way you can get your best shots when you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, then hit the Granville Island Market for a delicious selection of breakfast foods (plus various other food items to buy for later). Coming at sunrise also meant we skipped the crowds and had the whole area to ourselves. If you're looking for a cool downtown by the water vibe, this is your place. 

Photo background: Water, city skyline, bridge, concrete, brick, docks, boats, unique shops. 

Highlights: Huge variety of restaurants and food shops nearby, easily accessible by transit.

10. Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver

Grouse Mountain is always a fan favourite, this is a winter wonderland! Anytime that clients want to have snow guaranteed in their photos, I recommend Grouse Mountain! You also get to go on a fun gondola ride up and down the mountain! I would recommend wearing snow boots and bring a change of shoes before we start shooting if you'd like to not have the snow shoes pictured! 

Snow Engagement Sessions can be scheduled between November-February (varies slightly each season) 

11. Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver

If you want to look over the edge of a rocky cliff at endless ocean with the wind blowing through your hair, choose Whytecliff Park for your engagement photos! Incredible views of Howe Sound and distant mountains will take your breath away and give your photos a real romantic getaway vibe. 

Photo background: Rugged coastline, boats, mountains, water, beach, trails, forest, rocks.

Highlights: Picnic area, public washrooms, swimming beach, cafe, short walking trails. 

Well we are at the end  of my FAVORITE Vancouver locations for engagement photos, so I hope you've seen a spot that makes your heart jump! But if you still aren't sure then I am ALWAYS open to other ideas. Want to shoot at your house? Is there somewhere else that is sentimental to you? Maybe where you had your first date?? I'm here for any ideas you may have, just HIT ME UP!!!