Engagement Shoot Locations Around Vancouver, BC
..updated for 2024 ❥
We’re pretty lucky here on the coast to have a variety of settings available to us - so that is how I’m going to break down my list. *Bonus points if it’s got some shelter from rain!
First and foremost, the best place for your engagement session is somewhere special to the two of you. Where you met, where you went on your first date, where you got engaged, etc. Take the opportunity to capture another piece of your story along with your wedding.
Without further ado, 30 engagement shoot locations ~
☀Beach☀
Iona Beach, Richmond
Iona Beach is a beautiful location for a to-the-horizon sunset, sand, logs, and just enough patches of tall grass to give you a little California feel. (It is also right next door to a water treatment facility so not the spot I recommend to finish with a jump in the ocean!)
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessibility: Drive right up to beach
Privacy: Typically not too busy, will probably only have a handful of people right on the beach with you
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes, public bathroom beside parking lot
Rain: Not sheltered, but if up for a rainy shoot it’s still a good spot!
Stanley Park, Van
Technically a location with beach and forest options! I always recommend to those who want a forest/tree setting for their photos to stand at the entrance of the forest or in a clearing to get optimal lighting in your green surroundings.
Parking: Paid parking throughout
Accessibility: Can drive right up to several locations
Privacy: Moderately popular year-round, busiest during Summer
Bathroom/Changing Area: Usually near beaches
Rain: Semi-sheltered (trees)
Wreck Beach, Point Grey
Wreck Beach is, in my opinion, the best spot to get dreamy golden hour photos. I do recommend going either in early Spring or Autumn because Wreck is of course a clothing optional beach and cameras are generally not welcome during busy season. If you are going to go, try and keep right to the shore and facing away from the beach itself while shooting.
Parking: Paid parking lot or free street parking
Accessibility: Come prepared to have jelly legs after the long set of stairs down to the beach
Privacy: Very busy during summer, relatively quiet in the off season
Bathroom/Changing Area: Public bathrooms at both top and bottom of stairs, not a lot of space for outfit changes
Rain: Be cautious on the stairs! Not sheltered. Perfect spot for moody, rain city shots of you running down the beach in your blundstones.
Spanish Banks + Jericho +Kits Beach, Kitsilano
You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches along Kits into Point Grey and you get the bonus of having the downtown city skyline in your background (at most spots) if you want.
Parking: Paid parking lots in Kits and free parking lots and street parking along Jericho and Spanish Banks
Accessibility: Drive right up to beach
Privacy: Moderately to very busy year round between joggers, dog walkers, cyclists, and beachgoers
Bathroom/Changing Area: Some public bathrooms along beaches as well as nearby businesses with bathrooms in Kits
Rain: Not sheltered but still a good spot if okay with rainy photos!
Ambleside, West Van
I will occasionally get requests for Prospect Point lookout for the views of the Lions Gate Bridge - and if that is the spot for you, let’s do it! But if you were to ask for my personal recommendation for a location with the bridge in the background, it would have to be Ambleside dog beach.
Parking: Paid parking lot
Accessibility: Sandy beach
Privacy: A fairly popular spot year round
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes, public bathroom available
Rain: Not sheltered. Another great rain city spot if you’re okay with getting wet!
Lighthouse Park, West Van
Coastal Pacific vibes abound at Lighthouse Park. As stated in the name, a Lighthouse atop a rocky lookout is a possible backdrop to your photos here. It is a rocky spot, so mind your footing!
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessibility: Not quite a hike, but a bit of a trail walk out to the rocks
Privacy: A generally busy location
Bathroom/Changing Area: Public bathroom available
Rain: Not sheltered. While the lighthouse in the rain is appealing, the rain could make the rocky terrain dangerous
Whytecliffe Park, West Van
Whytecliff has beautiful ocean and mountain views at its higher points as well as forested areas and beach access at its lower points. Versatility is probably the biggest plus where, if you like a lot of movement in your photos like I do, the terrain in several spots is a bit of a drawback.
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessibility: Drive right into park
Privacy: Moderately popular in off season and very busy during Summer
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes, public bathroom
Rain: Semi-sheltered. Not recommended due to large amount of rocky, uneven ground
▲Mountain Backdrop▲
Pitt Lake, Pitt Meadows
We are in one of the most beautiful places in the world and yet some of my favourite spots are such because they look like they could be somewhere else.. Not pictured: the go-to Pitt Meadows standing in the middle of the road with mountains at your back photo.
Parking: Free roadside parking
Accessibility: Short walk from road
Privacy: A favourite for shoots, you’ll likely see another photographer/couple or two as well as the odd dog walker
Bathroom/Changing Area: None
Rain: Not sheltered. Depending on the area, may be quite marshy - not recommended.
Alouette Lake, Maple Ridge
North Beach of Alouette Lake is as BC of a backdrop as they come for your engagement session. Make sure everyone knows the plan when heading out - there’s little to no cell service once out there!
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessibility: Approx 1km trail walk from parking to the beach
Privacy: Moderately popular year-round, quite busy during summer
Bathroom/Changing Area: Outhouses on trail
Rain: Not sheltered outside of trees, gets quite muddy. Not recommended for rain.
❀Garden/Park❀
Lavender/Tulip/Sunflower Fields, Lower Mainland
First and foremost, keep in mind that all of these things are very seasonal - and what those seasons look like will be different depending on the floral setting you’d like to be in. Found throughout Richmond, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and so on, if you’re coming from Vancouver there will be a bit of travel time to account for.
Parking: All (that I’ve been to so far) have free lots on site
Accessibility: Typically looking at largely or entirely dirt and grass
Privacy: The brief seasons make the window of time you can be there busy almost always
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes
Rain: Probably somewhere between a muddy mess and outright closed to protect the fields
Stanley Park Rose Garden, Van
An incredibly popular area, you’ll have close access to forests, ocean, and even city backdrops if you’re willing to take a bit of a walk from the garden.
Parking: Several paid parking lots throughout the park
Accessibility: Nearest parking lot is a relatively short walk away
Privacy: Popular during warm weather
Bathroom/Changing Area: May be able to utilize the Stanley Park Pavilion in an emergency
Rain: Not sheltered.
UBC Rose Garden, Van
Not to be confused with the aforementioned Stanley Park Rose Garden, the UBC Rose Garden is another favourite. Also an incredibly popular area, this rose garden is lush and has great views. You’ll be a short walk from several lovely buildings and treelined paths on campus.
Parking: Rose garden parkade
Accessibility: Walk straight from level 5 of the parkade out to the garden
Privacy: Popular, don’t expect much
Bathroom/Changing Area: Technically none, but the parkade could be used strategically for a quick outfit change if need be
Rain: Not sheltered.
Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
At Deer Lake Park you have the option of the lakeside beach or the gardens behind the Burnaby Art Gallery (not to be confused with the museum). Both give beautiful, nature spaces perfect for a picnic date photo session.
Parking: Several free parking lots
Accessibility: Can drive right up to the art gallery or beach
Privacy: Moderately popular year-round
Bathroom/Changing Area: Available when Art Gallery is open
Rain: Not sheltered. Not recommended for rain.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Van
A fan favourite, Queen Elizabeth Park is home to lush gardens, ponds, a small waterfall, a variety of trees and all kinds of cherry blossoms in the Spring. The nicest gardens are roped off, so you won’t be able to get right in amongst the flowers (probably for the best, just not ideal for your whimsical photos!)
Parking: Paid parking lot
Accessibility: Drive right into park
Privacy: A favourite for a reason, there will always be people here. Cherry blossom season is a whole new level of crowded.
Bathroom/Changing Area: Public bathroom across from Bloedel Conservatory
Rain: Semi sheltered. As always, if you’re okay with the rain this is still a great spot to shoot - but you won’t stay dry.
Bloedel Conservatory, QE Park
A gem within Queen Elizabeth Park itself. A tropical oasis filled to the brim with vegetation and a handful of sassy birds ready to give commentary on your shoot, Bloedel is a great albeit expensive photo location opportunity. They do require you to rent out the space if you want to take photos and it must be outside their regular hours of operation. Mind the humidity.
Parking: Paid parking lot
Accessibility: Steps away from parking
Privacy: Must rent to shoot, so it’s just you and the birds!
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes
Rain: Sheltered baby! Watch the rain fall on the glass dome while you stay warm and dry.
Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Van
Home to the Festival of Lights, Van Dusen is a beautiful spot in both Summer and Winter. Rates to enter change depending on age and time of year, be sure to check the website before your arrival.
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessibility: Parking lot attached to garden
Privacy: Busiest during Summer and Festival of Lights
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes
Rain: Not sheltered.
UBC Botanical Garden, Point Grey
The UBC Botanical Garden is entry by donation and hours of access change depending on the season, be sure to check the website before arriving!
Parking: Paid parking lot
Accessibility: Can drive right up to entrance, dirt trails once inside
Privacy: Moderately popular during spring/summer
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes
Rain: Semi-sheltered (trees)
☁Mountaintop/Viewpoint☁
Mt Seymour, North Van
The Dog Mountain trail isn’t a steep incline but it is absolutely covered in tree roots so mind your footing! As long as you’re agile you’ll be able to reach the view point and still get a gorgeous shoot in with a stunning view of Vancouver (on clear days!) 5.6km total
Parking: Free parking lot at trail base
Accessibility: For moderate to experienced hikers
Privacy: Moderately popular through Summer and Winter (with snowshoes)
Bathroom/Changing Area: Available when restaurant near parking lot is open
Rain: Very slippery. Not recommended for rain.
Cypress Mountain, North Van
My go-to spot for couples who want a winter wonderland kind of engagement session when we can’t always rely on our weather at lower elevations. Make sure to get the free trail pass before walking over to the trail base.
Parking: Free parking lot
Accessibility: Not a strenuous hike but still a snowy trail up an incline, winter tires are required on the road up
Privacy: Usually fairly private, will probably cross paths with others a handful of times along your walk
Bathroom/Changing Area: Bathrooms available at the lodge
Rain: Depending on the time of year, it’ll be snow! Yay!
Lynn Peak, North Van
Fitz would like to share one of his favourite hikes to a view with you! Best for experienced hikers if you’re going to still have enough energy for a shoot once you reach the viewpoint but boy is it worth it!
Parking: Paid parking lot at trail base, free parking if you’re up for an additional walk
Accessibility: For experienced hikers, under 2 hours one way at a brisk keeping-up-with-Fitz pace
Privacy: Not very busy, will likely have the viewpoint to yourself
Bathroom/Changing Area: Outhouse at trail base
Rain: No shelter, not recommended
☽Urban☾
Gastown, Van
An icon of Vancouver and the location of the original town site of the 1870’s, Gastown is the perfect spot for a day to night shoot. The Steam Clock intersection has just the right amount of character to be the backdrop to your photos.
Parking: Limited. Paid downtown street parking or parkades
Accessibility: Should be able to park within a short walking distance
Privacy: Expect a spot frequented by locals and tourists alike to be busy!
Bathroom/Changing Area: You may find a business that will give you bathroom access, but I wouldn’t count on it
Rain: Semi-sheltered. Bring an umbrella and the show can go on!
Vancouver Art Gallery, Van
A fan of stone architecture or teasing people with a “might’ve been a courthouse wedding” post? This one is for you. A setting easily made to look luxurious if you’re dressed up or casual and fun if you’re dressed down.
Parking: Limited. Paid downtown street parking or parkades
Accessibility: Should be able to park within a short walking distance
Privacy: Generally as busy as the rest of this area of downtown
Bathroom/Changing Area: You may find a business that will give you bathroom access, but I wouldn’t count on it. Nordstrom is across the street though!
Rain: Semi-sheltered. Another one worthy of an umbrella or a to-hell-with-it, hollywood-kiss-in-the-rain sort of deal
Parkade Rooftop, Seymour St at Pender
**2024 update - this is a privately owned parkade and they are enforcing no photography here anymore. I can’t exactly recommend this spot anymore but given it’s pre-existing popularity I wanted to leave it on the list with this note, to help those who may not have known adjust their plans as needed**
If you love the bokeh of distant car and street lights as well as the way the sun bounces off the many windows of nearby office buildings, this is the spot for you. The cement barrier can get pretty grungy, especially coming out of the most rain filled months, so not the spot to go it you’re looking for that penthouse and champagne aesthetic.
Parking: The location is a parkade. An anxious parkers dream
Accessibility: See above
Privacy: You’ll likely have the spot to yourself unless someone else is trying to shoot at the same time
Bathroom/Changing Area: Not readily available, but may have some luck with a nearby business
Rain: Go one level below the top and you are completely sheltered, but it will be dark
Vancouver Public Library, Van
Marrying a book lover? Take a trip to the library and find a quiet spot in the stacks - to take pictures without disturbing readers of course! And on sunny days you can utilize the unique style of the exterior too.
Parking: Paid parkade under library as well as street parking
Accessibility: Elevators to all floors
Privacy: Public library will probably have a few patrons at all times, exterior is fairly busy in good weather
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes
Rain: Sheltered! Yay!
Granville St Bridge, Van
I’m not entirely sure why there is a giant chandelier under the Granville St bridge but it is a cool place to frame a photo!
Parking: Paid street parking
Accessibility: Parking right under bridge available
Privacy: Not a particularly busy spot but you will have some pedestrians and vehicle traffic to contend with
Bathroom/Changing Area: No
Rain: Sheltered!
Granville Island, Van
Granville Island has a wonderful variety of colourful backdrops, cute storefronts, boats, and city views all in a relatively small radius. Definitely the spot for you if playful and fun are the vibes you’re going for.
Parking: Paid parking 11am-6pm
Accessibility: Parking available throughout
Privacy: Almost none. This is a hot spot in the summer!
Bathroom/Changing Area: Yes, public bathrooms
Rain: Semi-sheltered. Definitely a different feel in the rain but still a great spot
☏Indoor☏
Studio
Not feeling the standard, couple-y style photos? Think you could better utilize your time with a professional photographer? An editorial inspired studio shoot might just be the best choice for you. Check out giggster.com and find the studio that you’re dreaming of.
Parking: Varies greatly depending on location
Accessibility: Varies greatly depending on location
Privacy: Check
Bathroom/Changing Area: Check
Rain: Check
At Home
What better way to personalize your engagement photos than to take them in your own home. Are you and your partner living in your first apartment? Capture it! Bake some of the bread we all learned how to make in 2020, throw some flour around your kitchen, bring your pets in for some cuddles, and save a real, lived piece of your story.
Parking: Check
Accessibility: Check
Privacy: Check
Bathroom/Changing Area: Check
Rain: Check
Air Bnb
Home not have the vibe you’re looking for in your engagement photos? I hear you. Let’s use these over abundant Air BnBs to our benefit. Find a cute spot you love and shoot that perfectly interior designed staycation.
Parking: Varies greatly depending on location
Accessibility: Varies greatly depending on location
Privacy: Check
Bathroom/Changing Area: Check
Rain: Check
Your Favourite Cafe
Or diner! Or restaurant! Or arcade! The goal here is a spot the two of you enjoy and actually frequent. A word of advice, most places are used to people coming in and taking pictures of themselves with their food/drink for social media etc. If you don’t make a huge production out of it, don’t disturb other patrons, and actually purchase something while there you shouldn’t have any issues. But be aware that even if you follow all these things, you may still be asked to stop - have a secondary location planned.
Parking: Varies greatly depending on location
Accessibility: Varies greatly depending on location
Privacy: Probably not much
Bathroom/Changing Area: Check
Rain: Check