Top 10 Places to Take Engagement Photos in Arizona
So you’ve picked out your photographer, put together two great outfits, and now comes the hard part: choosing a location. If you live in Phoenix or in the surrounding area, the good news is that there are endless places to take engagement photos in Arizona. The bad news? You have to choose, which is no easy decision!
Instead of spending hours researching, we’ve done all of the hard work for you. Here are some of the most beautiful spots in the area that will serve the perfect backdrop for your engagement photos.
1. Lost Dutchman State Park
Dreaming of incredible sunset engagement photos with a red rock mountain backdrop? If so, check out Lost Dutchman State Park, which is located right outside of Phoenix. With the right lighting, usually at sunset, Superstition Mountain turns a beautiful deep red orange that makes it look as if it’s glowing.
Aside from the spectacular backdrop, Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the most easily traversed locations. The trails are easy to maneuver, which means you can rock your heels with not a worry in the world!
The park is open from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and costs $7 per vehicle to park. There’s also a photo pass requirement that costs $50 an hour.
2. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is one of the more popular spots on the list, but don’t let that deter you. There are many places to take photos here, including in the green room, which has all sorts of cacti gardens. It’s also shaded, so you don’t have to worry about the sweltering Arizona heat!
The trail loop has some of the best photo spots, including the Red Rock backdrop, arching trees, several bridges, and beautiful wild flowers. With all of the different types of scenery to choose from, your photos will turn out better than you ever expected.
A trip here costs just $15 per person and, if you’re a member, entrance is free! Boyce Thompson Arboretum has different hours based on the time of year, so be sure to plan accordingly.
From October-April, you can visit between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and, from May – September, hours are 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing for enough time to take all of the must-have engagement photos.
3. Salt River
Located just outside of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest, Salt River is sure to impress. Here you’ll find endless views of the river with a beautiful mountain backdrop. For some unique photos, hop on in the river!
Salt River offers the perfect combination of red rock, water, and endless greenery. You may even get an awesome photobomb from one of the wild horses.
What’s great about this location is that the backdrop can create a totally different look if you choose a sunrise photoshoot versus a sunset one. Either way, no matter the timing, Salt River is a beautiful location for your upcoming engagement photos.
Be sure to bring some sandals, as the area is quite sandy. Walking in heels will be quite the challenge.
4. Scorpion Gulch
Scorpion Gulch, which is located in South Mountain Park, is another place for catching those perfect golden sunsets. This is also a great location for history buffs, as the ruins here date back to the 1930s and operated as stores until the 60s. During the 70s, the building served as a bar, but it was eventually closed.
The park has marked paths and easy access, which means you don’t have to move far to get a wide variety of photo backdrops. Scorpion Gulch is a great place for some picnic-esque photos, so don’t forget to bring a cute blanket!
5. Downtown Phoenix
If you want some not-so-nature-filled engagement photos, downtown Phoenix is the prime place to take some shots. There are all sorts of hidden gems in the area, including alleys, murals, and tons of buildings, which serve as great textural backdrops.
What’s nice about taking photos in the downtown area is that you can dress up or down, whichever you two prefer! The best part? For a memorable end to the day, you can head to your favorite bar or restaurant after taking photos.
6. Devil’s Bridge Trail
If you don’t mind hiking for some amazing engagement photos, be sure to consider Devil’s Bridge Trail. This area is definitely one of the best hikes in Sedona, but it does require some walking! While most of the path is a straight path, the end is an incline, so be sure to pack some comfortable clothes and a backpack with your engagement photos.
Since this location has become Instagram-popular, it’s best to get here as early as possible. Early rises can catch some amazing sunrise photos and, if you get there soon enough, you can catch a beautiful view of the sun rising over the rocks.
Aside from the rock formulations, Devil’s Bridge Trail also offers some beautiful foliage.
7. Horseshoe Bend
Over the last few years, Horseshoe Bend has evolved from a smart dirt parking lot to an Instagram phenomenon. This has become “the spot” for those epic, jealousy-inducing Instagram shots.
Horseshoe Bend offers a paved path and untouched overlooks that offer astounding views of the water below. While it costs $10 per vehicle to get into the area, the views you’ll get in your engagement photos will be absolutely priceless.
Be sure to visit on off-times to avoid crowds. There’s nothing worse than having to share the perfect spot for your photos with others in the area!
While in the Page area, be sure to check out some of the other amazing attractions as well.
8. Monument Valley
If you’ve ever watched the movie Forrest Gump, then you’ve seen Monument Valley. This awe-inspiring location has also gained some popularity, thanks to Instagram. Expect some crowds, but you can get some relief by going before or after peak hours.
Monument Valley offers an amazing landscape that will serve as the ideal backdrop for your engagement photos. What’s cool about this location is that part of the trail crosses into Utah and then loops back into Arizona!
The park has seasonal hours: May – September 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and October – April 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Entrance costs $20 per car and there is no photo pass requirement.
9. Cathedral Rock Trail
If you don’t mind a little adventure and exercise before taking your engagement photos, check out Cathedral Rock Trail. Though it’s only a 1.2 mile hike, it’s definitely a challenging one! The straight-up incline will have you putting in some serious work, but the views when you reach your destination are simply breath-taking.
Because this spot is, unsurprisingly, popular, be sure to get there during off-peak times. For amazing views of the mountain, consider a sunset photoshoot.
10. Saguaro Lake
Want something a little different than the typical Arizona desert backdrops for your engagement photos? If so, Saguaro Lake is definitely a top contender. Here, you can snap some amazing photos next to tall saguaros and the mountain-lined backdrop. There are also great lake views!
Though it does require a little bit of climbing—so be sure to pack some tennis shoes!—you can get great views of the lake. Get a few shots during blue hour by planning your session close to sunset.
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