Also known as the City of Angels, Los Angeles is the place where dreams come true. You want every photo shoot in this glorious city to be perfect, especially engagement photos. While the beach seems like the logical choice for pictures, you may not be going for the expected. These are engagement photos, so you want them to be as unique as possible.
Another important aspect of engagement photos is the couple themselves. You have to get to know them, their likes and dislikes, hobbies and passions, as well as their dreams and goals. Once you know all that, you will have a better idea of the venues to choose from.
Because every photo shoot needs to be original, it is a good idea to think outside of the box. Don’t just head to the beach and start snapping, although the shore is a great place to stop by. Try a place that not everyone knows about or one that others would not even consider.
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Credit: Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash
Be creative and think outside the box
Don’t just go to the places where everyone else goes like the pier, Disneyland, or the beach. While they are fun destinations for a Los Angeles photo shoot, plenty of cool spots await. Try something different that is off the beaten path, like one of these unusual spots in LA for an engagement shoot.
#1. Bronson Cave
You can get pics in Batman’s cave with the Hollywood sign in the background in Griffith Park. Just take a short walk up the hill to Bronson Cave, which is actually the cave used in the Batman show in 1960. The Hollywood sign on the hill is a wonderful bonus!
#2. Old LA Zoo
Founded in 1912 and closed in 1966, the abandoned LA Zoo is an amazing spot for some of the most unique shots ever. You can get right up inside the large exhibits that used to house the bears and tigers or get some cool pics in one of the halls adorned with colorful graffiti. This is truly a one-of-a-kind place for engagement pics.
#3. Mural Mile
The 10,000 square foot Mural Mile is a special spot for any type of photo shoot with artist’s renderings of many of LA’s favorite places like Hansen Dam, Samar Aqueduct, and the LA River. You can get shots with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background without even having to do any hiking.
#4. Wayfarers Chapel
Wayfarers Chapel is an architectural work of art just begging for you to use it. Located on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, the chapel is a gorgeous structure that has been featured on TV shows like The O.C., 90210, Sliders, and The Rockford Files. And the grounds outside the chapel boast fountains and gorgeous gardens.
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Credit: Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
#5. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
With more than 50 acres, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people like Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin Jr., Mickey Rooney, and Rudolph Valentino. The peacocks that roam the grounds and the stunning reflection pool are great spots for some amazing shots.
#6. Underground Tunnels of Los Angeles
It may seem spooky or weird but the 11 miles of underground tunnels of Los Angeles are indeed a unique place to shoot engagement photos. Just take the elevator behind the Hall of Records on Temple Street and you will find yourselves in passages of street art that were used in the 1920s by bootleggers and speakeasies.
#7. Japanese Village Plaza
It may not be hidden or abandoned but the Japanese Village Plaza, also known as Little Tokyo, is a wonderful place to take creative engagement photographs. The outdoor mall features a variety of cultural shops and eateries as well as vibrant décor to take advantage of. Enjoy the food and the architecture while you are there.
#8. The Getty
Above Brentwood, the Getty boasts 24 acres with galleries, gardens, shops, and restaurants. The Central Garden has 134,000 square feet of splendor and the cactus garden is a serene spot for delightful shots. Don’t miss the fountains and sculptures around the grounds that make awesome backdrops.
#9. Llano Del Rio Ruins
What was once a socialist colony, Llano Del Rio is now a fascinating place where you can see the remains of giant structures as well as granite walls full of graffiti and interesting architecture. Just off CA138, the abandoned commune is a really cool place to get some photos you cannot get anywhere else.
One final note…
When you visit these places, make sure there are no restrictions. Although we did not find any such details, it is best to be sure. Also, bring your walking shoes because some of these places may be a bit of a walk (but not a hike).
