A simple guide to choosing the right engagement photo location
Thinking about where to take your engagement photos in Vancouver? The city has no shortage of beautiful locations, and each one creates a completely different feel for your session.
This guide shares some of my favourite Vancouver engagement photo locations, along with my honest perspective on what each spot feels like and who it’s best suited for.
Hi, I’m Tommy. I’m a Vancouver wedding photographer who loves helping couples feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I create simple, thoughtful resources like this to make planning your engagement photos feel easier and less overwhelming.
Whether you’re drawn to open beaches, quiet forest paths, or city views, the location you choose plays a big role in how your photos feel.
Quick Location Overview
This section is a fast way to compare locations by vibe and see which ones stand out to you.
If you’re not sure where to start, begin at the top and scroll through the list. Notice which locations feel like they match your style or what you’ve imagined for your engagement photos.
Tap any location name to jump down to the full section. That’s where I go a little deeper into why you might choose that spot and what it’s like to photograph there.
| Location | Vibe | Tommy’s Quick Take |
|---|---|---|
| Jericho Beach ↓ | Coastal with city views | Open, airy, and relaxed. Best at sunrise with skyline views and lots of variety. |
| Queen Elizabeth Park ↓ | Urban garden | Romantic and classic. Beautiful in spring and fall with lots of variety. |
| Cleveland Dam ↓ | Mountain and forest | Big scenery made easy. Lake, mountains, forest, and spiral staircases. |
| David Lam Park ↓ | Modern waterfront | Clean and walkable. Skyline, water, greenery, and cherry blossoms. |
| Vancouver Public Library ↓ | Architectural city | Bold and elevated. Strong lines and a one of a kind downtown look. |
| Lighthouse Park ↓ | Forest and ocean | West Coast scenery. Trees, cliffs, ocean, and lighthouse views. |
| Whytecliff Park ↓ | Coastal adventure | Iconic and playful. Rocky shoreline and a walkable island at low tide. |
| Deep Cove ↓ | Village and hike | Cozy then rewarding. Sunrise dock views and a forest hike to Quarry Rock. |
A few things to keep in mind
There’s no right or wrong engagement photo location. Every spot offers something different, and the best choice is the one that aligns most with what matters to you.
Some couples choose a place that’s meaningful, like where they first met or got engaged. Others use their engagement session as a chance to do something different than their wedding day. Beach photos, cherry blossoms, or a season their wedding won’t include are all great options.
Engagement sessions are also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera. It’s time to relax, be yourselves, and build confidence together before the wedding day.
My typical engagement sessions are three hours, which gives us flexibility to explore or even include two locations if that feels right.
Jericho Beach
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Coastal vibes with city views
Jericho Beach is honestly one of my favourite spots in Vancouver. It offers a lot of variety in one location, which makes it especially great for engagement photos. You get wide open beach, soft sand, ocean breeze, and one of the best views of the downtown Vancouver skyline from across the water.
This is very much a summer location, and timing matters here. Sunrise is my top recommendation. It’s quiet, calm, and often feels like you have the entire beach to yourselves. Sunset can be beautiful too, but it’s usually busier and more active.
There’s more here than just the beach. Jericho Pond has a small bridge that photographs beautifully, and there are pockets of greenery and trees nearby that give you a completely different look without needing to move far. You can also walk toward Spanish Banks for even more open space and variety.
If you’re drawn to a beachy feel but still want options, this location is a great choice. It’s also one of my go-to recommendations if you want to include your dog in your engagement photos, especially during an early morning session.
Click here to read the full guide for Jericho Beach →
Best time of year & location details
• May to October
• Summer mornings are ideal for fewer people and softer light
• Address: 3941 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, BC
Things to know before you go
• Paid parking in summer
• Very dog friendly
• Flat and highly accessible
• Sunrise sessions offer the most relaxed experience
• Walking toward Spanish Banks gives you even more space and light
Queen Elizabeth Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
An urban garden
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most beautifully maintained parks in Vancouver. It feels romantic and elevated, with landscaped gardens, ponds, and city views that make everything feel intentional without feeling overdone.
One of the biggest benefits of this park is that it’s free. The tradeoff is that it can get busy, especially in the summer. Because of that, I usually recommend weekdays. Sunrise is the quietest, but weekday sunsets are often still very workable.
What makes this spot great for engagement photos is the variety. The Quarry Gardens, curved paths, and surrounding greenery all photograph beautifully, and it’s easy to move around and get different looks without going far.
Spring and fall are the standout seasons here. Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early May in a mix of light pink, white, and deep pink. In the fall, the colours change and the park feels just as beautiful. Being centrally located also makes this a very convenient option.
If you want a garden setting with lots of variety in one location and a natural, timeless feel, this is a great choice. It’s also a solid alternative if you love flowers but don’t want to pay an entrance fee at places like VanDusen.
Click here to read the full guide for Queen Elizabeth Park → (coming soon)
Best time of year and location details
• Spring and fall
• Cherry blossoms late March to early May
• Weekdays recommended
• Address 4600 Cambie Street Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Free park but busy in summer
• Paid parking near the top
• Some hills and walking involved
Cleveland Dam
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Mountain views and a beautiful surroundings
Cleveland Dam is one of my favourite engagement photo locations around Vancouver because it offers big scenery without feeling complicated. You’re surrounded by mountain peaks, forest, and the clear water of Capilano Lake, all just steps from where you park.
What really stands out here is the variety in such a small area. There are forested trails nearby, wide open viewpoints by the lake, and some incredible stairs built into the hiking paths. The spiral staircases are one of my favourite features. They add shape, movement, and a strong visual element that works beautifully for photos. You can move easily between the lake, forest, trails, and stairs, which gives you a lot of different looks without needing to travel far or commit to a long hike.
This location can be busier on summer weekends, but it’s still easier and quieter than many other mountain spots. If you want dramatic views, interesting structure, and forest textures all in one place with minimal effort, this is a great option.
Click here to read the full guide for Cleveland Dam →
Best time of year and location details
• Summer and early fall
• Morning light works best on the mountain peaks
• Sunset happens earlier because of the mountains
• Address 3735 Capilano Road North Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Free parking on site
• No long hikes required
• Forest trails and staircases nearby
• Dogs welcome on leash
• Can be busier on summer weekends
David Lam Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Modern waterfront with city views
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Modern waterfront with city views
David Lam Park is a great option if you want something modern, relaxed, and still connected to nature. You’re right along the water, surrounded by greenery, with the downtown skyline rising behind you. It feels open and calm while still very much being in the city.
This park does get busy, mostly because it’s one of the most convenient green spaces for people living downtown. Because of that, I strongly recommend sunrise. Early mornings are quiet and give you the most space to move around without distractions. This is also when the light feels softer and the park feels more personal.
What I love about this location for engagement photos is how clean and balanced it feels. The open lawns, trees, and seawall paths photograph beautifully, and the skyline adds just enough structure without overpowering the scene. You also get great views of the Cambie Bridge and Granville Bridge, which adds a strong city element without feeling harsh.
Another big plus here is walkability. Everything is close and easy to get to. You can turn this into a longer walk if you want, head toward the marina, or even take it a step further. You could even take an AquaBus over to Granville Island if you want to turn your session into more of a date experience. There are also plenty of food options nearby if you want to grab something after your session.
Early spring is another highlight at this park. Cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to early April, making this one of the best downtown locations if you love soft spring colours.
If you want a low stress, walkable engagement session with water, greenery, and city views all in one place, this location fits really well.
Click here to read the full guide for David Lam Park →
Best time of year and location details
• Summer and early fall
• Late March to early April for cherry blossoms
• Sunrise is best for fewer people
• Address 1300 Pacific Boulevard Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Paid parking nearby
• Very dog friendly
• Flat and wheelchair accessible
• Busy outside of morning hours
Vancouver Public Library
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Architecture with stunning rooftop
The Vancouver Public Library is one of my favourite locations in the city if you love architecture. It has a very distinct look that doesn’t exist anywhere else in Vancouver. The curved lines, repeating pillars, and symmetry create a clean, elevated backdrop that works beautifully for engagement photos. When the lights turn on in the evening, those pillars glow and create incredible patterns that photograph so well.
If the library is open, there’s also the option to head up to the rooftop. There are two maple trees up there that turn beautiful colours in the fall, which is a really nice bonus if you’re shooting later in the year.
Parking downtown can be tricky and expensive, so it’s something to plan for. Indoor photos may require discretion and keeping things low key, especially when the library is busy. Even so, this is a location I often recommend if you want something truly unique and unmistakably downtown.
Another big plus is how central it is. If you want more variety, there are great nearby options like David Lam Park or Stanley Park that can pair well with this spot.
If you’re drawn to modern design, strong lines, and a one of a kind city backdrop, this is a really solid choice.
Click here to read the full guide for Vancouver Public Library → (coming soon)
Best time of year and location details
• Works well year round
• Early morning for fewer people
• Shortly after sunset for the exterior lights
• Address 350 West Georgia Street Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Paid underground parking available
• Outdoor plaza is flat and accessible
• Indoor photos may require discretion
• Can be busy during weekdays
Lighthouse Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
West Coast forest meets ocean cliffs
Lighthouse Park is one of those places that feels far from the city even though it isn’t. You’re surrounded by dense forest, and as you walk through the trails, everything slowly opens up to dramatic ocean cliffs with wide coastal views. It’s classic West Coast scenery and always feels special.
What makes this location stand out is the contrast. You start in soft forest light with tall trees all around, then suddenly you’re looking out over the ocean from above. The lighthouse in the distance adds a timeless element without taking attention away from you.
The walk here is short and very manageable, with gentle trails and no major inclines. It’s a great option if you want something that feels adventurous without being physically demanding. The viewpoints along the cliffs create some of the most striking backdrops around Vancouver.
This park can be a little busier in the summer, so coming earlier in the day is always a good idea. Sunset is especially beautiful here if you’re okay sharing the space a bit. It’s also very dog friendly, which makes it a great choice if you want to include your furry friend.
If you’re drawn to forest textures, ocean air, and the idea of having a lighthouse in the background, this is a really solid option.
Click here to read the full guide for Lighthouse Park → (coming soon)
Best time of year and location details
• Summer evenings for warm light and clear views
• Fall mornings for a quieter, moodier feel
• Address 4902 Beacon Lane West Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Free parking but limited
• Short walk on forest trails
• Comfortable shoes recommended
• Very dog friendly
Whytecliff Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Tiny island and Cliffside Magic
Whytecliff Park is one of the most iconic engagement photo locations around Vancouver. It feels like a small adventure without needing a long hike. You get a cozy beach, rocky shoreline, and a small island you can walk out to when the tide is low, all in one place.
What makes this spot special is how much variety it offers. There’s an easy to climb viewpoint overlooking the cove, walkable trails around the park, and little tucked away areas that work beautifully for photos. The island itself adds a sense of discovery and creates some of the most memorable images, especially during golden hour.
Timing is important here. This is one of the busiest parks in Vancouver, especially in the summer. Sunrise is one of the best options if you want more space and a calmer experience. Sunset can be stunning too, but it usually comes with more people around.
If you’re drawn to ocean air, rocky shorelines, and a location that feels classic and undeniably beautiful, Whytecliff Park is a great choice.
Click here to read the full guide for Whytecliff Park →
Best time of year and location details
• Late summer to early fall
• Sunset during low tide works best
• September is an especially great month
• Address 7102 Marine Drive West Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Parking is now paid
• Some stairs and rocky areas
• Tide charts are important to check ahead of time
• Very dog friendly
Deep Cove
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Mountain top views with a beautiful dock at sunrise
Deep Cove feels like a true getaway without being far from the city. The town is quiet and charming, with the marina, mountains, and forest all wrapping around you.
What makes this location special is the journey. We can start near the marina, where sunrise at the dock is especially beautiful, then head up to Quarry Rock for a completely different perspective. The hike is about forty five minutes and takes you through a lush forest. At the top, the flat viewpoint looks out over Deep Cove and always feels worth the effort.
This location works best for couples who enjoy exploring together and do not mind a bit of movement. Early morning is key here. Sunrise keeps things quiet, especially around the dock where kayaks and boats start to fill in later in the day.
Another bonus is what comes after. Deep Cove has some great food spots nearby, which makes it easy to turn the session into a full morning together.
If you want mountain views without committing to a long or difficult hike, and love the idea of combining a forest walk with a small town feel, this location is a great fit.
Click here to read the full guide for Deep Cove & Quarry Rock →
Best time of year and location details
• Spring through early fall
• Sunrise or early morning works best
• Address 2890 Panorama Drive North Vancouver BC
Things to know before you go
• Free parking but very limited
• About a forty five minute hike to the viewpoint
• Dog friendly trail
• Comfortable shoes are important
Tips for Choosing Your Engagement Photo Location
- Start by thinking about how you imagine your photos feeling. Some locations are wide open with lots of space, greenery, and sky. Others lean more urban, with architecture, clean lines, and beautiful skylines. Vancouver offers a huge range of options, which means there’s no shortage of ways your engagement photos can look and feel like you.
- Consider the time of year you’re drawn to. Summer beach photos, early spring cherry blossoms, fall colours, or even a winter session with Christmas lights all create very different moods. Each season has its own vibe and meaning, so choose the one that fits how you’re feeling right now. There’s no wrong answer here.
- Think about your comfort level in front of the camera. If you’re more introverted, quieter locations or early morning sessions with fewer people around can feel much more relaxed. If you don’t mind a bit of energy and movement, sunset beach sessions are beautiful too, just with more people out and about. Both are great. It’s about what helps you feel at ease.
- Plan for the environment. Some locations are stunning but require a bit more effort, like a hike, extra walking, or a longer drive. Others are very easy to access. Most of the locations in this guide are simple to get to, and for anything more demanding, there are usually great alternatives nearby. Choose what feels comfortable for both of you.
- Engagement sessions are also more flexible, especially outside of peak season. If the weather isn’t cooperating, we can often adjust plans or work around it. Rain doesn’t automatically mean a bad session. Umbrellas, soft light, and even a bit of mist can be incredibly romantic. Flexibility goes a long way here.
- One last tip. If you’re planning to have professional hair and makeup for your wedding, doing it for your engagement session can be a great trial run. You get to see how it looks in photos and feel more confident going into your wedding day.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t one perfect engagement photo location. The right one is the place where you can picture yourselves slowing down, enjoying each other, and treating the session as an experience rather than a checklist.
Your engagement photos aren’t about posing perfectly. They’re about getting comfortable in front of the camera, spending time together, and letting things unfold naturally. A lot of the time, it’s just you being yourselves while I help guide you into good light, give gentle direction, and make sure you look and feel your best.
If this guide helped at all, feel free to reach out through the contact form below. Whether you’re unsure about locations, what to wear, or whether an engagement session is right for you, I’m always happy to help.
Thanks so much for being here.
Tommy
