Best Engagement Photo Locations in Vancouver
Excited about choosing your engagement photo locations in Vancouver but don’t know where to start? Well, search no further – here’s a Vancouver wedding photographer approved list of some of the most breathtaking locations that Vancouver has to offer!
We’re breaking it down by location, season, and views, so you can find the perfect spot for you that’s true to what you envision for your big engagement. Disclaimer - we’re diving into the greater Vancouver area, so these spots are within a 1.5 hour drive, but stunning and well worth the trip regardless!
Overview: (in no particular order) - Click to Skip Ahead
Honourable Mentions
Things to Consider
Best Locations Organized by Type of Setting
Best Locations Organized by Season
Want to get started right away with your Vancouver Engagement Session?
Best Photo Locations in Vancouver for Engagement Sessions
Located north of Maple Ridge, this park is very popular for photos and rightfully so – it’s stunning! Packed with evergreen forests, mossy ferns, pebble beaches, crystal lake waters, and mountain views, what is there not to love?
Best time of year: Spring or fall! Summer is too busy – with masses of photoshoots, people swimming and camping, so it’s not ideal. Winter is fine, but oftentimes the gates close due to snow. 1.
Things to note: May to September, you’ll need a park pass to enter the park. They are free, but they go quickly due to its popularity.
2. Blackie Spit
Right on the ocean, you’ll find this stunning park in White Rock, South Surrey. Even though it’s right by the water, Blackie Spit is home to grassy fields that’ll be perfect for adding movement in your photographs – one of my favorite parts! If relaxed portraits are more your style for your engagement photo ideas, this spot is perfect. Plus, this area has beautiful homes. So, if you’re down to admire stunning architecture, this area is one that’ll entertain.
Best time of year: Spring and fall is your best because this spot gets really busy!
Things to note: Parking is tricky so plan to get here early!
3. Stave Lake
Hiding between Mission and Maple Ridge, that’s where you’ll find Stave Lake. Although this location isn’t the most popular spot there is, don’t count it out. It’s also pretty similar to Golden Ears! This location pairs really well with Steelhead falls since it’s only about five minutes away (you’ll have to take a little hike to get there). Perfect for offroading and camping, you can get some gorgeous shots of you surrounded by lush greenery or even by the stunning shoreline.
Best time of year: Summer & Fall! July, August, or September will be great for warm, sunny weather. And those golden hour shots will be killer!
Things to note: While this lake is gorgeous, the water is controlled by a dam. Sometimes there’s a bit of beach, but when the dam closes – bye bye beach! And parking can get full in the summer, so make sure to plan ahead.
Check out more pictures from this location HERE.
I’ve got quite the sweet spot for Cleveland Dam because I took my wedding photos here! Home to gorgeous mountain scenery and lush evergreens, the nature scene is totally captivating here. Capilano Hatchery has a stunning forest and rarely gets super busy, so this would be great to do together! And the canyon in the Capilano Hatchery is pretty dang beautiful too. If you’re up for a lil adventure, you can even climb down into the canyon – I did it and it was a blast! This spot can get pretty busy during summer weekends since it’s a great spot for fishing, but it’s home to some fun hidden gems! Coming in the spring (early June) can be fun too because you’ll have access to go down to the river. I can’t rave about this location enough!
Best time of year: Swinging by during the summer or fall are your best options for this location. Great thing about Cleveland Dam is that any season would be great too! The mountains are beautiful year round and you’ll even catch some snow on the mountain tops during winter or spring. The forests never change either, score!
Things to note: This location has great walking trail options if you want to bring your furry friends along! And although it’s not as well known, people tend to hang around still so it’s not extremely private. You’ll still get less people than other locations, though!
5. Pitt Lake
This location is gorgeous and very popular for shoots. Marshy greenlands, gorgeous mountains, stunning forest scenery, and more! Keep in mind that this location isn’t on the way to anything, so you have to be purposeful in coming here. But going back to the aesthetics of this location, it’s popular because of the beautiful mountain backdrops, grassy areas, and even a snazzy, super straight road that's amazing for photos.
Best time of year: Spring or early fall are the best options! During the late spring and summer, the mosquitos are nuts. You’ll survive, but it’s definitely a thing! Maybe bring insect repellent?
Things to note: The close-up mountain views here are stunning – there’s a reason why everyone loves it here! Since this spot is pretty popular, be aware that other shoots will probably be happening in the area. In the last couple of years there has always been at least one shoot going on in the area at the same time, and one time there were even 5-7 shoots going on at one time! It’s still very doable for everyone to get their shots, but if you’re looking for something more private, this might not be the best.
A gorgeous natural park in West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is a pretty popular pick for couples who are looking to get some stunning shots while surrounded by beautiful evergreens. Despite its popularity, there’s a lot of different views and spots you can go to, so it still works great! You have rock cliffs and ocean views with some gorgeous sights of the neighbouring mountains, so make sure to bring a good pair of shoes! It’s about a fifteen-minute hike to get onto the water’s edge, so you’ll also get to take a walk on the wild side.
Best time to go: It’s great to visit all year round, but in the summer it’ll be on the busier end.
Things to note: Parking is very limited, so summer weekends may be a no-go. Summer in general is busy, but still doable! Becaus e of the terrain, heels wouldn’t work here either, so pack accordingly!
7. Vedder River
Located in Chilliwack and about an hour and a half from Vancouver, Vedder River is a beautiful hidden gem with a beachy landscape and gorgeous mountain views! It’s less popular, which is always a plus for portraits, and would be a great place to couple with Cultus Lake (just not in the summer). The riverside scenery here is breathtaking for sure, the shots are always stunning!
Best time to go: All year round for this one! But it’ll be especially great in the fall or summer. The weather and colours are most vibrant here!
Things to note: It’s not too big of a hike to trek here, but you’ll cross paths with a handful of streams and trees on the paths. Bring your walking shoes!
If you are a lover of forests and want to stay closer to Vancouver, Pacific Spirit Park is the spot for you! You get beautiful straight trees and no real hiking - it’s a win-win! This one is also cool to pair with Jericho Beach – home to different sceneries, so stunning in the fall, and they even have bunnies there! Sold yet? This park is perfect for those couples who also want a more mystical, forest feel to their photographs. Seriously, these trees are paid actors!
Best time to go: This spot looks gorgeous all year round.
Things to note: You’ll likely see some bikes passing by, but during the busy summer months, it’s still a great location.
Looking to have a field day? This place has tons of them – fields that is! Located in the Langley area and closer than some other locations, Campbell Valley Park also has a thick forested area to add some fun variety to your photos. For my couples who are looking for a more flowery vibe, this spot could be a place to consider! You can sometimes find lupines and daisies, and the trails here are very easy and accessible too! Need more ideas to add to your engagement itinerary? This spot is also popular for birdwatching, picnicking, and even horseback riding!
Best time to go: Like some of the other spots, this location is beautiful in all seasons. But prime time is definitely spring, summer, and fall because winter makes the area look bland and trampled down.
Things to note: Trails are easy so bringing your dog along for the adventure is definitely doable!
10. Seymour Mountain
This one’s a fun one and one that I love so much! It’s a blast here, seriously. This is a spot I 100% recommend for couples looking to have an all-purpose adventure mountain to play around with! Regardless of the occasion, this one’s a beauty. It does have a little bit of a hike, but nothing too crazy, so it’s perfect for a mini adventure! And the views are spectacular - especially at sunset. These mountains are dreamy!
Best time to go: This location does best in the summer and winter. Either sun or snow, so you can't go wrong and your pictures will turn out stunning regardless!
Things to note: It’s less busy than other locations but still has a bit of a hike at Goldie Lake and Dinky Peak. Dog Mountain is especially great in the winter – I wouldn’t recommend this hike in Autumn because the roots were slippery, making this a time constraint issue.
Check out more pictures of Seymour Mountain HERE.
11. Grouse Mountain
My favourite winter wonderland and the only place I recommend specifically for the winter, Grouse Mountain is so stunning and romantic that it looks like it's straight out of a fairytale. Rolling landscapes of snow and powdery white mountains surrounded by snow dusted trees, it almost feels like the inside of a cute lil snowglobe! This spot is known for its snowy, wintery vibes and has a lot of activities and amenities to really get the most out of this location. So maybe take a sweet lil walk, grab a bite to eat, and then celebrate your forever! The views of the city are beautiful and you can’t go wrong with ice skating either!
Best time to go: WINTER hands down. You’ll really get the most out of its natural beauty during this season!
Things to note: Like most stunning locations, it’ll get busy. Plan on coming on a weekday and make sure to book your gondola tickets early!
Check out this winter wonderland engagement session at Grouse Mountain HERE.
Changing the scenery a little bit, Downtown Vancouver takes the cake for couples looking for a city style engagement session. While I love a great outdoorsy, adventure session, shooting downtown can be tons of fun and there’s so much beauty to be found here. Need some location inspo?
Gastown has some parkade rooftops with stunning views, cafes and pretty brick buildings, famous lights, the steam clock, and a handful of other popular spots to check out! Close to Gastown, Coal Harbour offers a modern touch with its posh classy buildings and even a noteworthy grassy hill with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
Taking you down to the Financial District, the Fairmont is a killer and has some amazing architecture! The Vancouver Art Gallery is also a beautiful spot to consider too. And last but certainly not least: Yaletown. This area is more of a lowrise type of downtown and has a more old classic feel. Red brick alongside the beautiful waterfront, the photos here are guaranteed to be stunning.
Best time to go: Year-round, baby!
Things to note: While Vancouver has some gorgeous locations, it’s vast so you can’t do it all. You’ve got to pick one area and roll with it!
13. Lynn Canyon
Lynn Valley’s best kept secret and for good reason! Want to add a little thrill and exhilaration to your day while in the midst of beautiful forestry? This location has big trees, big adventures, and a 50 meter high suspension bridge to help you soak in the atmosphere – and it’s free! Lynn Canyon would couple well with the Lonsdale Quay since they have a sweet little pier there.
Best time to go: Shoulder seasons or even winter will be your best bet. Don’t go in the summer because it’ll definitely be busy!
Things to note: If you want the bridge with no one there, that’ll be pretty difficult since the bridge is a pretty neat attraction. The park also has closing hours to be aware of that!
14. Buntzen Lake
Breathtaking scenery is the theme for this cozy spot. Buntzen Lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, evergreen trees, crystal waters, and is only about 45 minutes out from downtown Vancouver. Did I mention that it’s also pretty close to my house? Total Twilight vibes from this place and it’s a Vancouver wedding photographer’s dream!
Best time to go: Winter, early spring and fall are the best times to come.
Things to note: Buntzen Lake does require a pass during the summer months and the parking tends to fill up like crazy, so because of that I don’t recommend it in the summer.
15. Stanley Park
A go-to spot for photos and tourists, this list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t talk about Stanley Park! This location is Vancouver’s largest urban park and while this is never my first suggestion, it’s perfect for my couples who want a mix of downtown and nature for their sessions – it’s the closest natural place to downtown so you get the best of both worlds!
Best time to go: All-year round (although it looks its best in summer & fall). The maple trees in the fall are stunning if you want those firey colours to be a more central part of your photos.
Things to note: Coming here may look like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but don’t fret! This location is really close to the urban center. You also get a cityscape with some water in between, so if this is your jam, Stanley Park is the best place!
Best Photo Locations in Vancouver – Honorable Mentions
Sometimes, gorgeous locations are worth the drive. These next few spots aren’t too close to Vancouver, but if you are willing to drive a bit further, I don’t think you’ll regret it!
Manning Park
Beautiful Manning Park is home to delicate wildflowers, snow powdered terrain, and cozy rustic charm. If you’re up for a hike, you can have some fun taking in the larches up or a stroll around Lightning Lake where you can also munch on some blueberries in the surrounding areas.
Best time to go: Definitely summer if you want to go up to the alpine meadows and enjoy the wild flowers! Super snowy in the winter, so that’s always great! Otherwise, fall will give you beautiful colours. Bascially anytime except spring - there will still be snow making it inaccessible and it won’t be very pretty during that time.
Things to note: The road up the alpine meadows is only open in the summer and fall, so check to see if it’s open. It can also get quite smokey at times because the area is vulnerable to wildfires. There is a handy smoke forecast site that can help you plan accordingly.
Check out this gorgeous MANNING PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSION on the blog!
Squamish
I can seriously go on and on about how freaking gorgeous Squamish is. You have so much natural beauty minus the big crowds of people, so your session here would be awesome and so breathtaking. This location is known for its gorgeous mountain scenery and bustling nature views. There’s also quite a lot of activities to do if you’re looking to add some adventure to your day! Hiking, rock climbing, kite surfing, and more with some impressive landmarks to match.
Best time to go: GREAT for summer time – it’s perfect, not busy and as beautiful as ever. If your eyes aren’t glued on your partner, they’ll definitely be fixed on the surrounding views. Otherwise, you can find beauty here all year-round, although driving the 99 highway does require M+S tires in the winter.
Things to note: Depending on your comfort level, sometimes going up on the mountains may be a little nerve wracking. It’s absolutely gorgeous, but keep in mind that some of the hikes can have crazy heights.
Whistler
This spot is a four-season location and home to North America’s largest ski resort and offers stunning mountainous backdrops for couples with youthful and adventurous souls. Home to beautiful lakes and rich wildlife, you can also ski, snowboard, hike, and more!
Best time to go: Whistler is great in the summer. I find it quite beautiful when the sun shines through the trees – so romantic and dreamy!
Things to note: Accessibility isn’t too difficult for this location! You can easily get up in the Alpine without too much fuss, just take the gondola! Again, the 99 highway does require winter tires in October through April, so plan accordingly.
Pemberton
Stunning mountaintops, icy glaciers, open valleys, and a sweet lake, Pemberton nature scenery is golden. But to shine light on Mount Currie, now those views are unmatched. This location has more of a quiet, rural vibe and is about 30 minutes away from Whistler.
Best time to go: Summer months to avoid the cold! The evergreens look stunning when kissed by sunlight.
Things to note: Always check the high way conditions before you head up there, as there are often accidents that close the highway. Plan to arrive early and check traffic and DriveBC’s website before you’re planning leave.
Still need help deciding which location would be best?
Things to Consider When Brainstorming your Engagement Photo Ideas
The Season: What is available and what looks the best?
Keep in mind what’s available - some places require a pass to get in.
Summertime can be much busier.
Some places look dramatically different in different seasons.
Some places look the same all year round.
Questions to consider: What will it look like? How many people will be there? What are the views/closing hours? Sunset times also vary from 4:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Days of the Week
If possible, always choose a weekday. Weekends are very popular for tourists and hikers enjoying recreation.
Sunset Times
Schedule things about two hours before sunset.
Sunset varies on location - like forests are darker, etc.
Maybe consider even after sunset? For example, Grouse Mountain is beautiful at dusk in the winter with the light walk.
Special Occasions
If you want photos for fall + Christmas cards, etc you need to book early.
Contact a photographer as early as July.
Schedule for September + October.
Locations: Room to move freely
Fields of grass or flowers are quite roomy.
Open sections in a forest or beach can be pretty free.
Viewpoints of hikes are often beautiful, but logistically they don’t always work.
As soon as you are on a cliff or a path or platform, it is harder to create photos that are more relaxed or loose.
If you are stuck on where to choose, flat areas to move around are great. Don’t sleep on the fields!
Still have questions? Don’t worry, I can help!
Choosing the Best Engagement Location by Setting and Views
Have a specific vision? Here’s where we break down the locations in accordance to their nature scenes and overall aesthetics.
Best Engagement Locations for MOUNTAINS AND WATER
Golden Ears
Stave Lake
Buntzen Lake
Cleveland Dam
Pitt Lake
Squamish
Whistler
Best Engagement Locations for FIELDS
Black spit
Stanley Park
Campbell Valley Park
Seymour Mountain
Manning Park
Squamish
Best Engagement Locations for BEACH
Blackie Spit
Jericho Beach
Vedder River
Golden Ears
Buntzen Lake
Best Engagement Locations for FOREST
Golden Ears
Cleveland Dam
Pacific Spirit Park
Campbell valley
Seymour Mountain
Lynn Canyon
Buntzen Lake
Best Engagement Locations for FLOWERY FIELDS - only in Spring and Summer
Manning Park
Alpine of Whistler
Squamish (end of May - beginning of June)
Campbell Valley Park
Best Engagement Locations for FALL FOLIAGE
Downtown Vancouver
Stanley Park
Campbell Valley Park
Vedder River
Jericho Beach
Best Engagement Locations for SNOW – go in the Winter
Grouse Mountain
Seymour Mountain
Whistler
Manning Park
Best Photo Locations in Vancouver: Choosing by Seasons
I know your engagement is a huge milestone to celebrate, so if you’re particular about the season you want to have your engagement sessions, here are the best locations according to the season and setting you have in mind.
Best WINTER Engagement Locations in Vancouver:
Baby, it’s cold outside! Looking for a winter wonderland vibe? Here are your best options!
Seymour Mountain
Grouse Mountain
Cleveland Dam
Lighthouse Park
Pacific Spirit Park
Downtown Vancouver
Stanley Park
Best SPRING Engagement Locations in Vancouver:
Like a breath of fresh air, Spring is a beautiful time because it feels as if nature is waking back up from the chill of the winter! Here are the locations that would look stunning during this season. To be fair though, all of the locations would be great, but these ones look best in the spring.
Golden Ears
Blackie Spit
Pitt Lake
Cleveland Dam
Campbell Valley Park
Lynn Canyon
Buntzen Lake
Best SUMMER Engagement Locations in Vancouver:
Who doesn’t love the summer? Full of life and sweet heat - these spots are golden during this season.
Manning Park
Squamish
Whistler
Pemberton
Cleveland Dam
Lighthouse Park
Vedder River
Campbell Valley
Seymour Mountain
Downtown Vancouver
Best FALL Engagement Locations in Vancouver:
This spot will have you falling deeper in love with autumn!
Campbell Valley Park
Vedder River
Whistler
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Pacific Spirit Park/Jericho Beach
Downtown Vancouver
Stanley Park
Now that our quick little tour has come to an end, where are you visiting next? You’ve got a lot of breathtaking options! Need a plus one? Because I’d love to join in on the adventure! Regardless of where you end up, it’ll be magnificent and I’m so excited to see it all come together. See ya in the wild!
Found your perfect engagement photo location?
Let’s get to planning your day!
Want to see more from the blog? Check out some of my other posts!
Follow along on Instagram to see more couples live their dream adventure! @CANDICE.MARIE.PHOTOGRAPHY
