Vancouver is a photographer's paradise, boasting an abundance of picturesque locations perfect for your engagement photoshoot. Whether you're dreaming of lush forests, breathtaking mountain vistas, or urban cityscapes, Vancouver has it all. As a bride-to-be, choosing the right backdrop is essential to capture the essence of your love story. Here are some of my absolute favorite spots, each offering its unique charm and beauty.

Cleveland Dam; Where Mountains Meet Lush Forests

If you’re searching for a spot that perfectly blends stunning mountain views with lush forests, Cleveland Dam is the place to go. This incredible location offers a variety of landscapes, including beautiful trails with stairs that create perfect leading lines for your photos. Imagine a picturesque staircase winding down a trail, providing captivating photo opportunities at every turn. Exploring the dam itself is a blast too, with plenty of interesting things to see and discover.

One of the standout spots is right in front of the dam where the bushes are just the right height, giving you an unobstructed view of the mountains. It’s an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay close to the city—it’s only about 20 to 30 minutes from Vancouver. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the adventure!

Tip: This place can get pretty busy, so try to go early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time.

Address: 5077 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K6

Sunset Beach to David Lam Park: From Beachfront to Blossoms

For those who want to capture the beauty of downtown Vancouver, the walk from Sunset Beach to David Lam Park is unbeatable. You’ll get amazing shots from some of the best waterfront spots in the city. This route offers views of the Burrard and Granville Bridges at Sunset Beach and the cherry blossoms at David Lam Park, depending on the season.

It’s also very pet-friendly, so your pets can join in on the fun. Downtown can be bustling, but the mix of lively beach scenes and urban architecture makes it totally worth it. We usually start our walk at Sunset Beach and make our way down to David Lam Park near the marina. Along the way, we pass by the large chandelier hanging underneath the Granville Bridge, which is one of the coolest sights to see.

Tip: This route is perfect for both daytime and nighttime shots. Plan for a sunset photoshoot to capture beautiful nighttime images with Vancouver’s skyline as your backdrop.

Address for Sunset Beach: 1204 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6E 1V3
Address for David Lam Park: 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1

Downtown Vancouver Public Library: Architectural Grandeur

One of my favorite places to shoot is the Downtown Vancouver Public Library. I stumbled upon this gem by chance when I was meeting a couple at the library to chat about their wedding day. We went up to the top floor, and it was absolutely stunning. The rooftop garden offers a breathtaking view of downtown Vancouver, with colorful trees creating an unforgettable scene.

The beautiful architecture of the staircases and surrounding areas is unlike anything else in Vancouver. If you’re looking for a backdrop with gorgeous architecture and diverse settings, this library is the spot. Just keep in mind that it’s a public space, not specifically meant for photoshoots, but the staff are pretty accommodating as long as you’re not being too disruptive to other guests.

Tip: Schedule your photoshoot during the library’s open hours to access the top floor. Remember to be respectful and quiet to ensure everyone has a pleasant experience.

Address: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1

Lighthouse Park: Natural Coastal Beauty

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is a fantastic nature walk and hike that offers breathtaking views of the city and a picturesque lighthouse. It’s very dog-friendly, making it a great place to take your pet for a lovely walk or hike. You’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the city and the lighthouse, creating unique images by the water that you won’t find anywhere else.

The park is filled with lush trees and beautiful forests, and it feels quite secluded depending on the time of day you visit. There are usually fewer people around, and you can find plenty of spots to get photos that make it feel like your own private paradise.

Tip: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5

White Cliff Park: Natural Coastal Beauty

Whytecliff Park is definitely one of my top picks for a photoshoot. It features a diverse landscape, including a unique island that you can walk to, beautiful waters, a climbable cliff, and a fascinating forest to explore. This variety really showcases Vancouver’s stunning natural beauty.

There’s a small cliff you can climb up to capture stunning photos with Vancouver’s beautiful landscape as your backdrop. This location is a true stunner and one of the most popular spots for photoshoots in Vancouver.

Tip: Get there early because it gets crowded quickly. Early morning photoshoots are ideal. It’s also dog-friendly, so bring your pet along for the fun.

Address: 5970 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2S2

Deep Cove and Quarry Rock Hike: Adventure in the Wilderness

If you love the woods and mountain views, the Deep Cove and Quarry Rock hike is perfect for you. This hike offers breathtaking views of North Vancouver and is one of those trails where you really need to get there early because it gets insanely packed.

You’ll be treated to beautiful views of Lake Buntzen and a scenery that makes you feel like you’re above the clouds. It was definitely a photoshoot of a lifetime when we captured those early morning shots.

The hike itself isn’t too long—about 45 minutes to an hour—and even the walk there is filled with beautiful scenic views. The trails are lush and green, with lovely bridges that create great leading lines. At the top of Quarry Rock, you’ll find mountain-top views that are truly unique.

Tip: I highly recommend this spot if you don’t mind hiking to the top. Bring a change of clothes so you can freshen up for your photos once you reach the summit. Wear good walking shoes because the hike up and down, while not too challenging, is much more comfortable with proper footwear.

After the hike, you can capture stunning images down by the lake and the pier, which offer a completely different vibe. It’s a busy location, so make sure you head there super early—I can’t stress that enough!

Address for Deep Cove: Deep Cove, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1T8
Address for Quarry Rock: 2400 Panorama Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V5

FAQs

All these locations can get quite busy, so it's best to head there early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Weekdays are preferable as there are fewer people at these popular spots. Account for travel time and traffic, especially when planning sunrise or sunset photoshoots. Arriving on time is crucial since the available window for great light is so short.

Q: What's the best time of day for photoshoots at these locations?

A: Just before sunrise and just before sunset, known as the golden hour, are ideal for the most flattering light. It’s important to be punctual because this perfect lighting is fleeting.

Q: Do you need a permit to do a photoshoot at the parks?

A: Typically, you won't need a permit for taking photos in Vancouver parks unless it's on city-owned land. This makes parks a convenient option for photography without any hassle.

Q: Is it easy to get to these places using public transportation?

A: Most locations within the city are easily accessible by transit. However, if you're heading to hiking trails like Quarry Rock, having a vehicle might be necessary since public transit options could be limited.

Q: How should I plan for my engagement photoshoot?

A: I always recommend bringing two outfits—one a little more casual and one slightly dressier. This gives you a variety of looks and allows you to showcase different aspects of your personalities in your photos.

Q: How long is the engagement photoshoot?

A: My engagement photoshoots typically last anywhere from two and a half to three hours. This duration allows us to make the most out of the experience, giving you time to warm up and ensuring we capture those truly authentic and heartfelt images.

Q: I'm having a hard time deciding on which location. Any advice?

A: Vancouver offers a plethora of beautiful locations, so it really depends on your personal style and the kind of scenery you prefer. If you love the outdoors and want to experience Vancouver's natural diversity, locations like Cleveland Dam or Lighthouse Park are perfect. On the other hand, if you prefer urban settings, downtown Vancouver offers stunning cityscapes and vibrant waterfront views. You might also consider a location that holds personal significance, such as where you first met or a favorite spot you both cherish.

Q: What should I wear for my engagement photoshoot?

A: I typically recommend form-fitting clothing that isn't too baggy, as it tends to be more flattering. Avoid large logos and overly distracting patterns. Opt for complementary colors rather than perfectly matching outfits. The most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Think about what you would wear to a friend's wedding for a formal look, or something akin to a nice dinner outfit for a more casual vibe. When you feel good in your attire, it will shine through in your photos.
Click here to view the full guide on dressing for your engagement photos! 

Final Thoughts

If you have any inquiries about these spots or need assistance in selecting the perfect location for your photoshoot, feel free to contact me. If you're having trouble deciding, I can help determine what fits your needs and the aesthetic you're aiming for. Reach out anytime using the form below. Let's create some unforgettable memories together!