10 Awesome Engagement Photo Locations in Vancouver, BC
While you might be inclined, to just pick “any ol’ place” for your engagement photos, remember, these will still be memories for you to cherish in years to come.
Choosing an engagement photo location that feels true to you both, or that means something to you, will mean so much more.
In case you’re suddenly drawing a blank, don’t worry, I gotchu! I’ve created a list of 10 awesome engagement photo locations in and around Vancouver to choose from or to help spark an idea of where to go for your engagement session.
Vancouver Engagement Photo Locations
Located in West Vancouver, approximately a 40-minute drive from Vancouver. It offers amazing old Red Cedars and Douglas Firs, as well as ocean views that on clear days, let you see out to the Island.
Pros: It’s a big enough park that you can find a more secluded spot for photos if you’re feeling anxious about having your photo taken, and it helps avoid having other people in the background of your photos. Great location for sunset sessions.
Cons: It can get quite busy in the summer, especially on the rocks at the edge of the water.
Parking/accessibility: There is free parking but it’s limited and it can be tough to find parking in the summer. Recommend bringing flats/runners/comfy shoes to walk in and then changing into nice shoes or heels. The trails are fairly even but there are some ups and downs so I would not recommend only wearing heels.
750 hectares of forest located on the west side of Vancouver is the perfect way to escape the city without having to leave the city.
Pros: You can almost always find a spot that isn’t crowded. A good backup location if it happens to sprinkle on your session date because of the dense trees in some locations.
Cons: May require some walking to get to a quiet, secluded spot. Can often be muddy even in the summer due to the dense foliage cover.
Parking/accessibility: Free street parking. Recommend bringing shoes to walk in, though not very hilly, some trails are more uneven than others.
With tons of trails to choose from, this 535-hectare park located in the south Fraser Valley is also home to the Campbell Valley Downs Equestrian Centre in case you want to do something different for your engagement photos (casual horse-back ride around the park while taking photos, anyone?)
Pros: Many options for a secluded, private location for photos.
Cons: Can be muddy/wet after rain falls and is a popular location in the summer.
Parking/accessibility: Free parking at all main entrances of the park. Can get busy in the summer months.
This popular park is located on the North Shore and offers a variety of trails varying in length + difficulty. Keep things light by exploring many locations in and around the entrance to the park, or if you’re feeling adventurous, hike the many trails in the area.
Pros: Generally cooler in temperatures during the hot summer months.
Cons: Very busy in the summer months.
Parking/accessibility: Both free + paid parking are available but very busy in the evening in the summer. Keep in mind the free parking lot is further away, so you may need to arrive 15-20 minutes early to walk to the entrance of the park.
5) Stanley Park: Vancouver’s iconic park offers views of the North Shore, epic sunset views + trails amongst the tall trees that make you forget you are in the city.
Pros: You don’t have to leave the city to get amazing nature views. Enjoy drinks with a view after your session at the Tea House or for more of a Happy Hour vibe, check out the views from Prospect Point Cafe.
Cons: Extremely busy in the summer. Takes a very long time to drive out of the park with recent traffic changes.
Parking/accessibility: Paid parking throughout the entire park.
For water lovers, Jericho Beach, located on the west side of Vancouver, is the perfect location. With gorgeous sunsets + views of the north shore, enjoy a picnic, go for a paddleboard or walk along the beach.
Pros: Hidden gems in and around the park including, grassy fields, a bridge going over a pond + a little bit of a trail to give your engagement session gallery a bit of variety without having to go anywhere.
Cons: Very busy in the summer months.
Parking/accessibility: Free parking however it fills up fast in the summer. Some paid parking lots as well.
Found on the coastline of the Howe Sound, this West Vancouver park offers amazing ocean views, beautiful sunsets + low-key trails.
Pros: Close to the city, pet friendly, and offers both forest + water views.
Cons: When it’s high tide, it can be quite crowded on the beach. Very popular for scuba diving year-round but mostly in the summer.
Parking/accessibility: Parking is limited and can be difficult to find in the summer.
8) Gastown
12 blocks of historic charm that all started with the founding of a single tavern by John Deighton (aka ‘Gassy Jack’) back in the mid-late 1800s (or so I’m told, history buffs, please let me know if I’m wrong!).
Pros: It’s in the heart of downtown, easy to turn into a date night afterwards. The old-timey feels of the neighbourhood make for a unique backdrop for your engagement photos
Cons: Can be quite crowded all year round as it’s a popular tourist spot.
Parking/accessibility: Limited street parking but very accessible via Uber or cab. Please keep in mind when there are any major sporting events, shows, etc happening downtown, it can get trafficky so please allow for extra travel time getting there. Recommend bringing a pair of shoes you can walk in, the cobblestone streets can be tough in some heels.
9) Jack Poole Plaza by the Vancouver Convention Centre
Located downtown Vancouver, enjoy the North Shore mountains and ocean views during your engagement session.
Pros: Even if it’s raining, there are many covered areas around the convention centre so you won’t need a backup location.
Cons: Busy all year round.
Parking/accessibility: Pay street parking + various parking lots close by. Also easily accessible via transit
10) Your Neighbourhood. Love where you live? Let’s go explore your neighbourhood!
Pros: You know all your favourite spots. Neighbourhoods often have quiet side streets without too many pedestrians in case you’re feeling awkward being photographed “on the street”.
Cons: Your neighbours might see you.
Parking/accessibility: Non-issue 🙂
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