The question’s been popped. Now it’s time to document the special occasion in engagement photos that will preserve those happy memories for years to come. While there’s probably not a bad place to take engagement photos in Newport Beach—what with the amazing downtown area and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches easily at hand—we checked in with some area photographers to find their go-to spots for exquisitely capturing a couple’s love and commitment for eternity.

“As wedding photographers for over 70 years, we’ve spent the last 40 years inspired by the natural beauty of Newport Beach,” says Celia Lerum of Figge Photography. “We use many local backdrops to highlight our subjects with the warmth and glow of gorgeous coastal light. A few of our favorite locations include Big Corona Beach, “The Castaways Park,” private boat docks and Balboa Pier, to name a few. We especially love photographing couples on their boats or local boat dock; the background is always vibrant with pops of color and showcases the Newport Beach lifestyle so well.”
From a fun Ferris wheel to the sandy seaside, here are yet more suggested backdrops, each possessing a character all its own.

Balboa Island
“I love Balboa Island for engagement sessions,” says Taylor Cole Simshauser (who you might remember from the MTV series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County). “This particular spot is great, because it offers a few different settings all in one place. We can start off on the cute main street, explore the alleyways, and then hop on the ferry and take it across to the Fun Zone side. It is a playful and fresh vibe.”
Adds Esther Sun, “Balboa Island is charming, with cute storefronts and the Fun Zone.”

Taylor Cole Photography

Newport Pier
“Shooting underneath the Newport Pier offers some gorgeous lighting,” says Simshauser. “I love playing with the textures of the waves and the pier.”

Crystal Cove State Park
“One of my favorite spots is at The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove,” says Tony Lattimore. “It has the allure of the beach, with rustic shacks (small beach houses) and tide pools ideal for a few ocean shots, without going all in…although those are great shots as well. There are great sand and rock formations, pathways and it’s somewhat private when you get off of the beaten path.”
Sun agrees: “I like shooting at Crystal Cove because the beachfront is beautiful and secluded.”

The Points
Overlooking the Newport Harbor entrance at Helioporte, stunning Lookout Point offers views of the ocean, cliffs, harbor and Catalina Island as well. Adjacent Inspiration Point—found at Ocean Boulevard and Narcissus Avenue—is aptly named for its inspiring panoramic ocean views of the Newport Beach channel, ocean and rocky cliffs below. Stay up top, where you’ll find grass and benches, or take the “Disappearing Path” to a lower level sporting rocks, benches and small stone bleachers. Feeling adventurous? Continue on down the path to the Pirate’s Cove, Little Corona and Big Corona beaches.

“I love Big and Little Corona and Pirate’s Cove,” says Simshauser. “There’s lots of easy parking and beach access. There are some beautiful rocks, an open beach and a jetty that is very pretty at the ‘golden hour.’ The rocks by Pirate’s cove offer some fun texture. I love to combine this beach vibe with the streets of Corona Del Mar and a stop over at the Goldenrod Footbridge.”

Back Bay Trails
“Another favorite spot is the Back Bay trails,” says Simshauser. “They offer miles and miles of terrain, and oftentimes, we can find a spot and have it all to ourselves. This is a nice option if the couple is looking for something outdoorsy that isn’t at the beach.”

Blink Inc
This new photo shoot experience at Fashion Island delivers beautiful photography instantly in a stunning studio setting with white walls, concrete floors and light wood decor. Blink Inc is fun, easy and affordable—in 10 minutes, for $25, professional photographers capture about 100 digital images that cost only $10 each.

Customers create an account at Blinkinc.com, and book their shoots online. “From the moment a person walks into the studio, the customer is greeted by professional photographers who listen to what they want,” says Lisa Slatkin, Blink Inc’s director of customer experience. “Whether it’s a professional family shoot, engagement, fashion, pet, active lifestyle and more, a customer not only gets the desired shots, but even more while having fun moving to the hip music that plays while the photographer directs the shoot.”

All images are beautifully lit and taken against a white background. Apple boxes are the only prop used on the set, adding dimension and interest to the shoots. “Some couples dress in elegant attire, while others ham it up with fun props,” Slatkin adds. “One couple wore black and white plastic glasses that said, ‘Bride and Groom.’ Others have chosen to announce their engagement by bringing in signs and chalk boards that say, ‘Save the Date.’

Customers can even log into their accounts on their phones as they leave the studio, purchase and download their images, and announce their engagement to their friends and family right away.