Wedding photographers often get asked about the best places for taking engagement photos. Here are our best answers to that question for couples in the Phoenix area.
An ideal location for your engagement photos and marriage proposals is a place that means something special to the two of you. Perhaps none of your special locations are easily photographable, though. In that case, here are ten suggestions of beautiful, scenic places to make a new memory.
Phoenix is chock full of lovely locations that make excellent backdrops for couples photography. Most of our choices are free and open to the public. If the location charges a fee that we know of, we’ve noted it below. All of these locations are nicely suited to serve as a background for your special photography session.
Agritopia (Gilbert, Arizona) near Chandler
For a $50 permit fee, you can walk the wooded trails of this organic farm area. Lots of couples choose Agritopia to be photographed under its grapevine arch. If you want lots of greenery in your photos, this is the place for you. Be sure to make arrangements in advance.
Coon Bluff (Tonto National Forest, Fort McDowell, Arizona)
Located to the north of Mesa, AZ, Tonto National Forest is a beautiful outdoor location full of picture ideas with cactuses, desert trees, and the park’s salt river. The forest is also home to wild horses, which you might see if conditions are just right.
Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix & Chandler, Arizona)
If you really love the look of desert vegetation, consider Desert Botanical Gardens, known for its many varieties of cactus. Thousands of cactuses call the garden home. Admission is normally $30, although on the second Tuesday of the month admission is free.
Downtown Gilbert (Gilbert, Arizona)
For those couples who enjoy a more urban vibe, downtown Gilbert has a wide variety of scenic locations that can serve as a . Drive around downtown to get a feel for the area’s streets, walls and sidewalks. You’re sure to find a spot that speaks to you.
Downtown Chandler (Chandler, Arizona)
For those engaged couples who enjoy a more rustic downtown vibe, downtown Chandler AZ has a wide variety of spots that can serve as a perfect engagement ceremony.
Goldfield Ghost Town (Apache Junction, Arizona)
Close your eyes and imagine a ghost town…that’s exactly what you’ll find in this destination northeast of Mesa. Stage your photos in front of the cactuses and weathered, abandoned buildings. From certain angles you can also capture the gorgeous Superstition Mountains. As the sunlight hits them different ways throughout the day, the mountains create different moods.
Heritage Square and Arizona Science Center (Phoenix, Arizona)
With this location, you get two completely different feels right next door to one another. Arizona Science Center is a simple, modern-looking backdrop for photos with minimal distractions. Heritage Square has more of a historical feel, with some nice touches of greenery.
Old Town Scottsdale (Scottsdale, Arizona)
If you’re looking for greenery in the middle of a wilting Arizona summer, try Old Town Scottsdale. This is a flexible location that offers a little bit of everything: Some urban backgrounds, historic locations, and the green plants.
Papago Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
One of the most popular locations for engagement photos, Papago Park is simple to get to, yet offers some spectacular views of Phoenix’s legendary red buttes. As a bonus, the Phoenix Zoo is nearby, and the water features and palm trees that make up the landscaping of the zoo can double as engagement photography backgrounds.
Riparian Preserve (Gilbert, Arizona)
When you hear the word “riparian,” the first thing you think of is water, and indeed this location has the beautiful reservoir, along with walking trails alongside it, shaded by mature trees. If these background elements weren’t enough, there’s also a cactus garden.
Sedona, Arizona
Many people know Sedona for its famous and sentimental red rocks, but there are many other locations in Sedona that make beautiful backgrounds for engagement photos. Sedona has many creeks that cross through it as well as many stunning examples of desert landscape. Please note that there is a travel fee if you want to book a photography session in Sedona.