30+ Best Wedding Photo Locations in California, CA (2023)

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Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Address: Los Angeles, CA

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Address: Santa Barbara, CA

This Waterfront shopping complex is home to a wide variety of buildings in all different architectural styles, so there’s a little something for everyone. You can choose to have urban photos, waterfront photos or both. There are also plenty of places to get a snack – and matching ice cream cones make for a super cute wedding photography prop!

Style: Urban, Plaza

Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA

Facebook: Seaport Village

Offering 1200 acres of sprawling urban gardens, Balboa Park is a fantastic place for wedding photography for nature-lovers alike, without having to travel outside of the city. There are almost 20 different gardens within the park, from a Japanese Garden to a hundred-year-old cactus garden, so the options are truly endless. An afternoon at Balboa park will certainly result in wedding photos that are full of variety and natural beauty.

Style: Natural, Garden, Architectural

Address: 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101

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Another iconic beach location, Coronado island is also home to Hotel Del Coronado, a stunning historic Victorian-era beachfront hotel. The hotel served as a filming location for a Marilyn Monroe movie, so you know that it’s got plenty of glamour to lend to your wedding photographs.

Style: Beach, Historic Hotel

Address: 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA

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An impressive estate with all of the luxury touches that a location with a rich history should have, this is the place that many famous movies have featured the gorgeous architecture and its stunning grounds. Ideal for wedding photos that have a stylishly regal look, the mansion features several gardens, courtyards, water features, and an impressive pool area for memorable portraits that will be cherished forever.

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An iconic landmark that anyone can recognize, Union Station is a bustling hub that anyone can easily get lost in Perfect for romantic shots that feature the stylish architecture styles from the 1930s, the history and design elements both inside and out are perfect for beautiful photo backdrops. A great place for modern and vintage styles, the station has impressive visuals in grandeur and sheer size.

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A gorgeous place any time of year, this is a beautiful location that features hundreds of different plant and flower varieties from all over the world. Filled with an array of bright colors and natural landscapes, this is a wonderful spot for nature photography in a peaceful setting. Ideal for romantic strolls and sweet moments under trees, the gardens have several impressive structures, water features, and native wildlife for a wonderful show of the natural world.

Instagram: Arboretum of Los Angeles County

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Address: 30952 Oso Pkwy, Coto De Caza, CA 92679

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Address: Newport Beach, CA

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Address: Dana Point, CA

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Address: Anaheim, CA

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Address: 7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807

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Address: 6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807

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Address: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701

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Address: 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Address: Santa Ana, CA

Shoreline Village is a thriving shopping destination with too many ocean view sites you could ask for during your visit. The entire village is on the velvety water. If you want a nautical theme, you can visit the Marina or the Lions Lighthouse. On the other hand, you can hire a four-wheeler or a bike to cover rough terrains for some unique shots for an adventurous rugged look. Walk around the region with your camera crew, and you can easily find surroundings that you would appreciate as a perfect wedding photography theme.

Style: Waterfront

Address: 429 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802

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Lions Lighthouse is a ten-story tall lighthouse built to end blindness in the world. It is a faux lighthouse and is also an important tourist destination. The lighthouse and the park around it are among the top places to capture a nautical themed photoshoot. If you prefer more lighthouses, you can also try the Parker’s Lighthouse, located across the water from Lions Lighthouse, and The Robot Light on the port of Long Beach.

Style: Lighthouse

Address: Long Beach, CA

This aquarium, the largest in the world, is one of the stunning spots of Long Beach. Found closer to Shoreline Village, this attraction offers multiple sites for unique underwater-themed pictures. Apart from watching hundreds of underwater species, you can also take up boat adventures to watch whales, dolphins, seals, and more. What could be more original and magical than a whale photobombing your wedding picture? You could also choose one of the exhibits for a more lively touch, like the shark lagoon, penguin habitat, the Harbor Terrace, and more.

Style: Aquarium

Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA

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Address: 2601 Fairmount Blvd, Riverside, CA 92501

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Address: 1 Botanic Gardens Dr, Riverside, CA 92507

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Address: 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501

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Address: Hart Park, Bakersfield, CA 93308

Address: 11298 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311

Address: 901 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305

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Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

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Address: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265

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Address: Malibu, CA

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Address: 7755 Folsom Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630

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Address: South Lake Tahoe, CA

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Address: Sacramento, CA

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Address: Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA

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Address: 1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

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Address: Sausalito, CA 94965

The Golden Gate Bridge is a picture-perfect wedding photo location in San Francisco, blending iconic elegance and natural splendor. Its vivid vermilion arches, contrasted against the azure waters of San Francisco Bay, provide a stunning backdrop, symbolizing love’s enduring strength. Towering pillars reach for the heavens, mirroring the aspirations of the newlyweds. The scenic surroundings, from Marin Headlands to the city skyline, offer diverse settings for timeless shots. As the sun dips below the horizon, it bathes the bridge in a warm, golden hue, crafting an ethereal atmosphere for capturing unforgettable moments. In the embrace of this architectural marvel, love is immortalized against a mesmerizing canvas, creating wedding memories to treasure forever.

Style: Bridge

Address: Toll Plaza Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco, CA 94129

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Travel to a coastal gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco, renowned for its natural beauty and serene ambiance. With its pristine shoreline stretching beneath the rugged cliffs of the Presidio, Baker’s Beach offers a captivating backdrop for wedding photos. The golden sands invite visitors to stroll along the shore while the iconic Golden Gate Bridge looms majestically in the background, making it a photographer’s paradise. The beach’s tranquil atmosphere fosters a sense of escape from the bustling city, providing a peaceful oasis for couples in love. Baker’s Beach is a cherished destination where nature’s charm and urban allure harmoniously coexist, making it perfect for wedding photos.

Style: Beach

Address: San Francisco, CA 94129

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Capture your love at a dreamy wedding photo location in San Francisco. Palace of Fine Arts radiates timeless elegance and architectural splendor. Its Greco-Roman-inspired rotunda and tranquil lagoon create a romantic atmosphere perfect for seizing cherished moments. The grandeur of its Corinthian columns and intricate details adds a touch of sophistication to any wedding album. Surrounded by lush gardens and swaying cypress trees, this wedding photo location exudes serenity and charm, making it a haven for couples seeking enchanting backdrops. As the sun sets, the Palace of Fine Arts is bathed in a warm, golden glow, lending an ethereal quality to every shot. This iconic site ensures that love’s beauty is forever etched in photographs.

Style: Monument, Art Gallery

Address: San Francisco, CA 92672

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The Municipal Rose Garden serves as an idyllic setting for weddings, enchanting couples with its natural beauty. Vibrant and meticulously maintained, the garden provides an exquisite backdrop for timeless photographs. Its diverse array of roses in various hues and sizes adds a touch of romance and elegance to every shot. Meandering pathways, charming pergolas, and serene fountains offer endless photo opportunities, ensuring every moment is captured in its most picturesque form. Throughout the seasons, the garden’s ever-changing scenery provides a versatile and stunning canvas, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the rich, warm autumn tones. Love and nature come together in this enchanting garden, creating unforgettable memories for newlyweds.

Style: Outdoor

Address: Dana Avenue & Naglee Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

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Nestled in the heart of the city, this historic square offers a captivating blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The lush, manicured gardens at Plaza de César Chávez provide a lush backdrop, while the iconic rotunda adds architectural grandeur to the photos. The play of light and shadows among the towering trees and fountains creates a romantic atmosphere. The plaza’s cultural significance and its proximity to renowned landmarks add depth to the wedding album. Whether capturing intimate moments or grand celebrations, Plaza de César Chávez elevates wedding photography to an art form, celebrating love against a backdrop of history and elegance.

Style: Plaza, Park

Address: 1 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA

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Capture splendor among verdant landscapes, tranquil riverbanks, and colorful blooms at Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. This San Jose wedding photo location provides a stunning backdrop that encapsulates the essence of romance. Its winding pathways, picturesque bridges, and charming gazebos offer an array of captivating settings for capturing cherished moments of love and joy. The soothing murmur of the Guadalupe River adds an extra layer of serenity to the scenes. In every season, Guadalupe River Park and Gardens beckon couples to create lasting memories against a backdrop of captivating beauty. Nestled in the beating heart of the city, make sure you visit Guadalupe River Park and Gardens for the best photo ops. 

Style: Park

Address: 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110

Facebook: Guadalupe River Park and Gardens

If you prefer to add sunset shots to your album, nothing can do more justice than Lake Merritt. The region has three miles of shoreline with urban spaces sprouting in random spots. The lagoons of the area would add more richness to your photos. If you have time, take a Gondola ride for some Italian touch to the pictures. You can visit the Children’s Fairyland amusement park for some rides and photos for kindling your inner child. Apart from these, there are Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge, Garden Center, Lakeside Park, Bonsai Garden, Rotary Natural Center, and more.

Style: Lake

Address: Lake Merritt District neighborhood, Oakland CA

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The coast redwood trees of this region would add a pristine look to your pictures. There are horseback rides and several trails for jogging and hiking in this region. You can also choose a secluded region for some romantic images. Some prefer to stay back in the camping areas to capture some sunset and sunrise pictures. The best site for some colorful photographs is the Canyon Meadow. If you are lucky, your photos will be photobombed by one of the famous animals that call this park home!

Style: Park

Address: 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605

Facebook: Redwood Regional Park

Downtown Oakland is the business district of the region and is mostly a residential area. However, the cultural beauty of this land makes it the perfect tapestry for your pictures. If you wish to capture the land’s culture, visit any or all of the Joyce Gordon Gallery, Parade Home, Rotunda Building, and the African American Museum and Library. The buildings might not allow photography inside the premises, but the exterior architecture would add an excellent backdrop to your pictures. If you are looking for a retro look, visit the City Center to capture some photographs in front of concert halls, clubs, café regions, and more. Preservation Park is the right place to get a Victorian look amidst the historic buildings.

Style: Culture

Address: Downtown Oakland, CA

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