YAAAAY! YOU'RE ENGAGED!
Now, it's time to start planning your engagement session to show off that pretty new piece of jewelry and celebrate your love. I strongly encourage my couples to include an engagement session because wedding planning can be stressful and this is a chance to get dressed up, be present, and just enjoy your person, with me as your third wheel, of course.
There are hundreds of beautiful places to have your engagement session in the Vancouver area. There are some very popular (and often pretty busy) spots like Pitt Lake or Whytecliff Park on the list as well as a few hidden gems that you may not have heard about yet. These are the top 10 engagement session locations in the Vancouver area, in no particular order, but I hope this little list helps you on your planning journey!
If you are still looking for your engagement session photographer, most of my wedding collections include an engagement session and we still have availability for the 2024 and 2025 wedding season. Get in touch now to secure your date!
Pitt Lake
These mountain views are unmatched in Vancouver. The serene landscape is absolutely breathtaking but don't be fooled by the absence of other humans in these photos, Pitt Lake is one of the BUSIEST spots for your sessions. On popular weekends, it is not uncommon to see 3, 4 or even 6 other photo sessions going on in the same area. If you love this mountain vibe, consider scheduling your session during the week or if you don't mind the wee hours of the morning, even a sunrise session. Unless you're taking your own private helicopter to the mountains (which is totally do able, just reach out if you need some company recommendations), be prepared to see other people during your engagement session at Pitt Lake.
Alouette Lake + Golden Ears Park
Golden Ears Park is one of the most versatile locations for your engagement session. There are multiple backdrops and hidden spots within the park but make sure to be prepared where to meet ahead of time with your photographer. There is NO service in the park and you don't want to be searching for your photographer while the golden hour is slowly slipping away.
This gem of an engagement session spot is the main beach of Alouette Lake. With stunning lake views and moody low hanging fog, it's the perfect Pacific Northwest engagement session vibe.
Then there is the forests of Golden Ears Park. If you're a fern lover like me, this is the spot for you. Forests of ferns are all over the park and these photos were taken just off the main road so you don't even have to walk far to get the lush forest feeling.
Then there is Gold Creek. This one is for the couples that don't mind a bit of walk, (because it's going to take you a 15 minute walk - easy walk but still a walk) from the parking lot to this spot. This is definitely one of the more popular spots in Golden Ears Park but try for a weekday evening and you'll probably get the views to yourself.
Jackson Hill
This spot is one of those hidden gems that I was talking about, Jackson Hill or Jackson Ridge. For the longest time, it was a local best kept secret but over recent years with social media, it has been getting more and more attention. Which is totally understandable because it's a great alternative to Campbell Valley Park (which you will now need a permit to have a session take place in). It's essentially a big, open, beautiful unkept field, perfect for that romantic "runaway with me" vibe.
Blackie Spit Park
Blackie Spit Park or Crescent Beach is a classic engagement session spot. You get trees, you get a rolling hill, you get a beautiful beach location and all the creamy, neutral tones that make a light and airy photographer's heart so happy. This is a great spot for your engagement session but try to avoid it in the peak season (Summer) because the beach (and parking lot) can get a little insane.
Chilliwack Lake Road
Okay, this location idea isn't a specific location on a map, it's a feeling and meant for the couples that want to explore a little during their engagement session. Grab your person, and your photographer extraordinaire, then take a drive up Chilliwack Lake Road. Keep an eye out along the road for unique pull outs, winding streams, mountain views and lush forests. You won't regret it.
Just a reminder, this area is wilderness. There also isn't any service once you get to the good spots so be prepared, let someone know where you're going, pack out what you pack in and make the most out of your Pacific Northwest engagement session.
Whytecliff Park
If you're looking for a stereotypical, west coast kinda vibe for your engagement session, Whytecliff Park is your spot. With beautiful mountain views, a long rocky beach, unique rock formations and hidden trails, this location is one of the best. With that being said, it is also one of the busiest. Not only is it a popular photographer spot, it's also very popular for locals and scuba divers. Also, something to keep in mind with this location, and any ocean locations for that matter, make sure you check the tide times, especially if you're wanting more beachy photos!
Gastown Rooftops
If you're looking for more of an industrial vibe instead of a natural landscape then check out some of the parking garages around Gastown, in downtown Vancouver. There are multiple spots that offer stunning rooftop views and one or two that even get the north shore mountains as well as the beautiful buildings.
Mud Bay Park
Mud Bay Park in Surrey is one of those hidden gems that has gotten recent popularity and its understandable why! It is right along the ocean so at low tide, you get an endless sandy beach, as well as landscapes of sea grass and wild flowers. Not to mention, the sunset is unreal so I highly recommend using this location during golden hour. If you're looking for a versatile location with a great sunset, this one is for you.
Caulfield Park
Caulfield is my favourite ocean location, it's actually where I had my own engagement session photos taken too! It's a bit quieter than Whytecliff Park but doesn't offer any beach access. It's mostly just large rocks along the water but the lighting at golden hour is my absolute favourite for sessions. Also, if you're lucky, you might see a seal or two! I have seen them on multiple occasions and they're adorable.
Honourable Mention
Aldergrove Bowl + Campbell Valley Park
These two locations are very similar and at a time, were very popular for their stunning hilly landscapes, long lush grass fields and at certain times of the year, wildflower meadows. However, as of 2024, any photographer that works in these parks will require a pricey permit to do so, hence the honourable mention. If you still want one of these locations for your engagement session, just make sure to double check that your photographer has the correct permits.
What do you think?
Did this list help you narrow down your search for the perfect engagement session spot in the Vancouver area?
I would love to know which location you love the most and if you're still looking for an engagement or wedding photographer, i'd love to chat about your vision!