6 Engagement Photo Locations in Malibu You’ll Fall in Love With

Malibu isn’t just waves and sunsets (though yeah, they’re basically the Beyoncé of beach views). Driving down the PCH here feels like you’re in the trailer for your own rom-com. Want golden beach vibes? Check. Epic cliff views? Yep. A random hidden spot that feels like you discovered it before everyone else? Absolutely. Malibu’s got it all.

Couple kissing on the wet sand at sunset, surrounded by glowing light at one of the most romantic engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Couple holding hands and playfully spinning near the waterline, with the beach and waves creating a joyful scene at one of the most fun engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Film photo of a man holder her face about to kiss her during their beach engagement shoot.

As a Malibu engagement photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring these gorgeous locations with couples, and I’ve learned exactly which spots bring out those “we’re in love and nothing else matters” vibes and photograph beautifully.

In this blog, I’m sharing my favorite engagement photo locations in Malibu, a mix of iconic and underrated spots, including some hidden gems you probably haven’t seen all over Instagram. These aren’t just places that look good; they’re spots that make you feel something, and I can’t wait to share all of them!

Film photo of a couple sofly smiling at each other while hugging with waves crashing and the sun setting behind them during their Malibu engagement shoot.

Close-up of a couple touching foreheads and smiling softly, the ocean breeze adding to the charm of this engagement photo location in Malibu.

Woman in a white dress kissing her partner’s cheek as they sit on the sand, waves in the background, at a relaxed beach engagement photo location.

How to Choose the Best Engagement Photo Locations in Malibu

Before we jump into my go-to Malibu spots, here’s the thing about finding the right location. It’s not just about the view. Yes, Malibu has endless golden beaches and amazing hidden trails, but the best engagement photo locations in Malibu are the ones that match your vibe.

Some things to think about when choosing your engagement photo locations:

Privacy – Some beaches stay chill at sunset, so you can actually enjoy the moment without random beach walkers in the background.
Accessibility – If you’re rocking heels or a long dress, trust me, you don’t want to be scaling a cliff just to get there.
Variety – Sand and rocky cliffs? Boom, two vibes in one spot.
Meaning – Got a date spot or “your place”? Using it for your session makes the photos way more you.

Whether you’re picturing barefoot-in-the-sand energy or a cozy coastal date night, there’s a Malibu location to match. Heresmy top picks!

Film photo of girl leaning against her fiances chest while they smile and look out at the ocean with the sun setting behind them.

Couple running along the shoreline at sunset, holding hands and laughing, a dreamy example of engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Engaged couple hugging and walking along the PCH with the sunset behind them during their Malibu engagement shoot.

1. Leo Carrillo State Beach

This is where Allie and Chris had their engagements, and this one’s a no-brainer for me. Leo Carrillo State Beach is where rugged, rocky cliffs meet wide stretches of soft sand, and the light here? Omgggg, chef’s kiss. You can wander through little tidepools, climb over rock formations, and then kick back barefoot as the sun dips into the ocean.

The variety here is what makes it a dream for engagement photos; we can get a mix of romantic, wind-in-your-hair beach shots and adventurous cliffside moments without having to move locations.

Bonus Tip: Leo Carrillo State Beach is also dog-friendly in certain areas, so if your pup is part of your love story, this is a perfect way to include them.

A couple standing barefoot on rocky shorelines at sunset, waves crashing behind them at one of the most scenic engagement photo locations.

Couple hugging and touching forheads on a rocky cliff on the ocean with the sun setting behind them during their Malibu engagement shoot.

Leaning back together on seaside rocks, laughing as the golden light wraps around them at one of the most unforgettable engagement photo locations in Malibu.

2. Little Sycamore Point View & Neptune’s Net

This spot is perfect if you want more than “just beach photos.” You get this killer mix of ocean views and greenery at Little Sycamore Point, basically the kind of view that makes you go, “okay, wow.” Hang out up top for a bit, wander down to the sand for some barefoot-in-the-sunset moments, and then end the night at Neptune’s Net like you’re in your own little rom-com

It’s the perfect combo of romantic and real-life, almost like your engagement session is just another adventure together.

Man leaning in and kissing his fiances cheek while she softly smiles and hugs him with the waves crashing behind them.

Close up shot from the chest down of an engaged couple standing on tide pools with waves crashing behind them and the sun setting during their Malibu engagement shoot.

Spinning together on the sand with the ocean in the background, showing off a joyful and carefree engagement photo location.

Girl leaning against her fiances back while they watch the sunset behind them with the waves crashing.

3. Little Dume Beach

Little Dume feels like Malibu’s secret hideaway. Accessible only by a few paths (and sometimes a bit of a walk), this spot is worth every step. You get Rocky cliffs, sand, waves, (what else do you need?!) Plus, when the tide’s right, you can wander into hidden coves for more private moments!

It’s one of my favorite engagement photo locations in Malibu because it gives that “we found our own little corner of the world” energy, which is exactly how I want couples to feel during their shoot!

Holding hands and strolling along an empty road at sunset, enjoying the warm light at a stunning engagement photo location in Malibu.

Walking arm in arm down a coastal road at golden hour, smiling and relaxed in one of the most beautiful engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Playful moment as a couple twirls barefoot in the middle of the road, the ocean and hills creating a dreamy engagement photo location.

Couple embracing at sunset on a bluff overlooking the ocean, a romantic moment at one of the most scenic engagement photo locations.

4. El Matador State Beach

Yes, it’s popular… but for good reason. El Matador State Beach is basically a celebrity in the beach world. Those rock arches? Insta-famous. The cliffs? Straight-up epic. And the golden light in the evening? It doesn’t just show up—it performs.

Check out this blog, El Matador State Beach: Malibu’s Best Kept Secret, for a full guide + directions here!

The trick to making this spot feel like yours is timing. I always recommend planning your engagement shoot on a weekday and aiming for golden hour or even slightly after for those moody, post-sunset blues. This way, we get the beauty without battling the crowds!

If you book your engagements with me, I will always tell you the best times for our shoot based on the time of year, etc.

Couple embracing on rocky cliffs as ocean waves crash behind them, golden sunlight streaming through at one of the most breathtaking engagement photo locations.

Walking barefoot along the rocky shore at sunset, arms around each other, enjoying a peaceful moment at one of the most romantic engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Man hugging his fiance from behind on a rocky cliff on the ocean, with the waves crashing behind them.

Film photo of a couple walking barefoot along the rocky shore at sunset, arms around each other, enjoying a peaceful moment at one of the most romantic engagement photo locations in Malibu.

5. Point Dume Nature Preserve

If you want sweeping coastal views, soft hiking trails, and wildflowers in the spring, Point Dume is a stunner. We can start on the cliffside paths for those dramatic, wind-swept shots, then wander down to the beach below for something softer and more playful!

It’s also an amazing spot for couples who want variety in one session, you get mountains, cliffs, and beach all in one (literally a photographer's dream spot!)

Point Dume Nature Preserve is also part of the California State Parks system, so be sure to plan ahead for parking and possible small permit fees.

Close up image of a couple walking barefoot along the rocky shore at sunset, arms around each other, enjoying a peaceful moment at one of the most romantic engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Man hugging his partner from behind as she smiles up at him, with the ocean and setting sun in the background at a joyful engagement photo location.

Standing face to face, holding hands as the sun dips low behind them, soaking in the magic of this golden engagement photo location in Malibu.

6. Malibu Pier & Surfrider Beach

For couples who want a mix of coastal charm and Malibu’s surf culture, Malibu Pier and the adjacent Surfrider Beach are perfect. The pier itself gives you that classic SoCal backdrop like whitewashed wood, blue railings, endless ocean views, etc, while the beach is all about golden light and waves rolling in!

Plus, we can grab a coffee or cocktail at Malibu Farm Café before or after for a casual, date-like feel in your photos!

Barefoot stroll down an empty coastal road at sunset, laughing and looking back at the camera at a playful engagement photo location.

Standing together at a grassy cliffside, looking out over the waves at one of the most serene engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Man giving his partner a piggyback ride along a coastal road at sunset, laughing together at a playful engagement photo location.

Extra Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Malibu Engagement Photo Location

Think about variety: Do you want all beach shots, or do you love the idea of mixing cliffs, greenery, and water?
Plan around lighting: Malibu’s golden hour is everything (not even kidding). The sunset over the water is unmatched, so let’s time your session accordingly!
Bring the personal touches: A picnic, your favorite drinks, a blanket to wrap up in, your sweet pup (if the location allows), the little details make the photos even more “you.”
Consider weekday shoots: To avoid crowds and get more space to yourselves, weekdays are your best bet for sure.

Romantic photo of a couple running hand-in-hand along the beach towards the sunset during their Malibu engagement shoot.

Blurry film photo of a couple kissing on the wet sand with rocks behind them during their Malibu engagement shoot

Smiling and dancing together by the shoreline, waves and golden light making this a joyful engagement photo location in Malibu.

Close up photo of couples feet walking through the wet sand during their Malibu engagement shoot

Final Thoughts

Malibu is one of those rare places where every corner has a story to tell, and your engagement session can be part of that. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic cliffs of Point Dume, the hidden charm of Little Dume Beach, the laid-back feel of Neptune’s Net and Malibu Farm Café, or my personal favorite: Leo Carrillo State Beach, there’s a perfect spot here for you, and I would love to capture all your precious moments!

Close up shot of couple walking barefoot on the highway during their Malibu engagement shoot

Standing arm in arm on a grassy cliff, gazing out at the ocean under pastel skies at one of the most peaceful engagement photo locations in Malibu.

Kissing on the wet sand as foamy waves rush up behind them, a tender moment at a dreamy engagement photo location.

Ready to Book Your Malibu Engagement Photographer?

Choosing a Malibu engagement photographer who knows these spots inside and out means we can skip the guesswork! With every shoot, I will help you choose the best time for the tide, lighting, and even backup options if the weather changes, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy each other!

Plus, I’ve learned how to make even the busier spots feel private and intimate, so your gallery feels like you two, not a tourist photo!

For even more inspiration on Malibu engagement shoots, check out my blog: Why Malibu Engagement Photos Are the Perfect Choice for Your Los Angeles Engagement

Or check out my Pinterest for even more engagement shoot ideas in Malibu!