10 Best Engagement Session Locations for Beaches in Southern California

Elevated settings for intimate, sun-drenched storytelling.

For the bride who dreams of sand-kissed elegance and ocean-backed romance, Southern California’s coastlines are nothing short of cinematic. From sun-soaked cliffs to quiet coves, there’s a reason why so many luxury couples are drawn to the shore for their engagement session.

At Modern Ivory Co., we know that location sets the tone. Whether you're drawn to dramatic rock formations or soft, golden sands, these ten hand-selected coastal locations are more than backdrops—they're characters in your love story. Each location has been chosen not only for its visual beauty but for its sense of privacy and seclusion, which is essential when capturing genuine, uninterrupted moments.

We use the location as a foundation for creative direction—exercising technical skill in color coordination, fashion, and emotional intelligence to breathe life into every session a couple invests in.

Planning the full look? Read our guide to styling elegant engagement outfits or explore casual luxe styling for the beach.

1. Point Dume – Malibu

Our only Los Angeles pick, Point Dume offers cinematic cliffs and sweeping ocean views with far fewer crowds than more popular LA beaches. It’s a dream for couples seeking grandeur without distraction. The expansive blufftop trails and soft, golden sand below create a perfect duality of natural elegance and dramatic scale.

📌 Related: How to Get Vogue-Status Wedding Photos

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2. Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach

Home to the famous pirate tower and nestled staircases, Victoria Beach is effortlessly whimsical with an Old World touch. It’s best visited on weekday mornings for optimal privacy. The curved shoreline and weathered stone textures lend a fairytale charm that's ideal for a romantic, editorial look.

💬 Planning a fashion-forward session? Pair this location with poses from our 10 Powerful Editorial Engagement Poses guide.

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3. Table Rock Beach – Laguna Beach

Small and secluded, this hidden cove features dramatic rocks and a quiet atmosphere, making it a favorite for couples wanting a peaceful, romantic session. With golden cliffs hugging the shoreline and crystal-clear water at your feet, the setting invites both serenity and sophistication.

📌 Related: 10 Poses to Elevate Your Engagement Photo

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4. Annie’s Canyon Trail – Solana Beach

This natural slot canyon just minutes from the water feels like a desert-meets-coast moment. With its narrow passageways and earthy textures, Annie’s Canyon offers editorial edge and storytelling variety for couples who want something refreshingly different. The trail’s intimate twists and sandstone curves offer captivating shadows and light play.

💬 Into movement and texture? See how we use natural posing to bring your story to life.

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5. Del Mar Beach – Del Mar

Wide and open, Del Mar’s beach offers natural privacy due to its size and residential setting. Soft sand and tall bluffs make it perfect for romantic, editorial-style imagery. The subtle gradient of sand tones and rolling tide gives every frame a sense of timeless ease.

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6. Terramar Beach – Carlsbad

A lesser-known gem in San Diego County, Terramar’s tide pools and cliffside paths provide texture and variety, all with minimal foot traffic. The area’s rugged charm and layered vistas offer a sense of intimacy while still feeling expansive.

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7. Black’s Beach – La Jolla

Accessible via the Ho Chi Minh Trail (also known as the Saigon Trail), Black’s Beach is a hidden treasure beneath sandstone cliffs. The journey down is an adventure in itself, rewarding couples with one of the most private and striking beaches in San Diego. The raw natural textures and open space create bold visual opportunities for adventurous pairs.

Visual Reference:

💬 Related: Why Content Creation Captures the Moments In Between

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8. Windansea Beach – La Jolla

Known for its surf culture and textured rock formations, Windansea is ideal for golden hour sessions and offers surprising seclusion, especially at sunrise. Its natural outcroppings frame the shoreline beautifully, creating compelling composition lines for both photo and video.

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9. Sunset Cliffs – La Jolla

As the name suggests, this location offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in SoCal. Its cliffside trails and expansive views offer both drama and intimacy, all while remaining surprisingly peaceful on weekdays. The rhythmic crash of waves below adds a sense of wild romance to every shot.

💬 For couples seeking emotion-forward visuals, see how we capture editorial moments in motion.

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10. Catalina Island – Avalon or Descanso Beach

Though a boat ride away, Catalina Island offers an entirely elevated and exclusive experience. Its crystal-clear waters, charming architecture, and Mediterranean vibes create an unmatched coastal backdrop for couples seeking destination-style elegance. The island’s lush hillsides and historic touches allow for a variety of visual narratives.

📌 Related: Why You Should Treat Your Engagement Like an Editorial

Conclusion

The right beach isn’t just a pretty place—it’s a mood, a feeling, a chapter of your story. These ten beaches represent more than locations; they’re an invitation to step into an elevated version of yourselves as a couple.

At Modern Ivory Co., we help guide you toward the setting that best suits your vision, wardrobe, and aesthetic. Because your engagement session shouldn’t just be remembered—it should be felt.

Curious if your wedding dates available? Fill out the form below - Then begin crafting your editorial engagement session. If we're avilalable, We’ll guide you every step of the way with gentle direction and a refined artistic eye.