Tips For Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, From a SoCal Photographer

Shaw’s Cove is one of those Laguna Beach spots that makes couples text me “wait… THIS is where we’re shooting?” the second they walk down the path, because it feels tucked away in the best way, like you just found a little pocket of ocean that isn’t trying to audition for Spring Break. It’s still very much Laguna (salt air, cliffs, the water doing its sparkly thing), but it has that cozy-cove layout that makes engagement photos feel more like hanging out together with the prettiest background ever, and less like you’re dodging a million beach towels while a seagull steals someone’s chips.

I am always recommending this spot because it gives you the ocean, the cliffs, the little tucked-away corners, and that we’re actually having fun energy… without forcing you to hike a mile, fight for parking like you’re entering the Hunger Games, or spend your session dodging crowds like it’s a sport.

Couple standing barefoot at the shoreline, holding each other as waves roll in during golden hour, capturing romantic laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

Wide shot of an engaged couple embracing on wet sand with palm trees and cliffs in the background as the sun sets over the ocean.

The couple kissing at the shoreline with waves washing around their feet, photographed during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

As a SoCal engagement photographer, I’ve photographed a lot of beaches (like… a LOT), and Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach is still one of my favorites for couples who want the ocean in the background but also want the whole thing to feel like a date night with a third wheel who happens to be holding a camera (hi, thats me!).

This shoot with Steph and Max in Laguna was such a good reminder of why I love this job. They weren’t trying to “do engagement photos correctly.” They were just excited to be here, letting the waves do their thing, laughing when the water chased them, and soaking up one of those May evenings where the coast feels like it’s showing off on purpose.

I wanted to share why Shaw’s Cove is such a good pick, what couples always ask, what nobody tells you until you’re already on the sand, and how to plan engagement photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, that feel like you!

Close-up of the couple walking hand in hand along the water’s edge, laughing together during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach with soft coastal light.

Black and white portrait of an engaged couple standing close together, wind blowing through her hair as they share a quiet moment by the beach.

The engaged couple standing ankle-deep in the water, laughing together as the tide moves in along the sandy shoreline.

Why Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, Works So Well For Engagement Photos
A Real Engagement Session at Shaw’s Cove with Steph and Max
What Makes Shaw’s Cove Different from Other Laguna Beach Engagement Spots
The Best Time of Day for Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove
What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Best Months for Shaw’s Cove Engagement Photos
How to Plan a Relaxed, Easy Engagement Session at Shaw’s Cove
Why Shaw’s Cove Is Perfect for Film Engagement Photos
FAQ About Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
How Shaw’s Cove Fits into a Full Laguna Beach Engagement Experience
How To Make Your Session Feel Like a Date
Final Thoughts on Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Ready to Plan Your Laguna Beach Engagement Session?

Romantic moment of the couple walking away from the camera with arms around each other, photographed as laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach during sunset.

Why Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, Works So Well for Engagement Photos

Okay, so here’s the deal with Shaw’s Cove: it’s not trying to be the loudest beach in Laguna. It’s not out here begging for attention. It’s just casually being gorgeous and letting couples have a moment without making it a whole production.

It’s tucked into a cove shape (hence the name), which means the space naturally feels more contained than some of the wide-open Laguna beaches, and that changes everything for engagement photos because you’re not standing in the middle of a giant stretch of sand wondering where to put your arms while twenty people walk behind you.

Intimate portrait of the couple facing each other near the ocean, her hands around his neck during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

Soft coastal portrait of the engaged couple sharing a kiss near the water with palm-lined cliffs in the background.

From a photographer's perspective (aka my brain that never turns off), Shaw’s Cove is a goldmine because you get variety fast. You can go from rocky edges to softer sand to little cliffy backdrops within like… two minutes of walking, which means your gallery feels full and dynamic without us doing a whole beach marathon.

Here’s what I notice every time I shoot engagement photos at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach:

Couples actually loosen up faster

Not in a “breathe in the ocean air and become one with the universe” way. In a real way. Like you’re laughing sooner, you’re not whispering “what do I do with my hands,” and you stop thinking about the camera because there’s enough natural movement happening around you.

The backgrounds don’t steal your spotlight

The ocean is doing ocean things, the rocks are doing their textured little rock thing, and your photos still feel like you two are the main storyline, not “Look at this big beach behind us.”

The light plays nicely

Laguna can be bright (hello, reflective sand), but Shaw’s Cove tends to photograph beautifully in the late afternoon and into sunset because the cliffs and angles help soften things up and give you that glowy, flattering look without you squinting through half the session.

If you want Laguna Beach engagement photos that feel romantic and fun and genuinely like time together, Shaw’s Cove is a very strong choice, and I will die on that hill (or that cliff, I guess).

Back view of an engaged couple standing close together at the edge of the water, palm trees lining the cliffs during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

Close portrait of the engaged couple as he kisses her temple, soft coastal light and ocean water behind them.

Wide shot of the couple splashing through shallow waves, laughing and reaching for each other during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

Seated portrait of the engaged couple on the sand, facing each other with rocky cliffs and coastal homes in the background.

A Real Engagement Session at Shaw's Cove, Laguna Beach

Steph and Max’s session was the definition of why I’m obsessed with engagement sessions that aren’t trying to be “a concept,” they’re just two people doing life together somewhere pretty. No stressful schedule. No pressure to hit ten locations. We literally just met up, walked down toward the water, chatted, and let the evening unfold like a normal beach date night, except with a professional third wheel hyping you up and occasionally telling you to spin or kiss your fiancé's forehead.

And the film?!?! If you didn’t know, film is my love language, and Shaw’s Cove is one of those places where film is always perfection. The tones stay soft, the ocean doesn’t turn into a glowing white blob, and the skin tones stay true, which is all I want in life besides a Diet Coke and front row tickets to a Taylor Swift concert.

There was also this sweet little moment where the sun got lower, the water got closer, and they just stopped thinking about photos and started paying attention to each other, and I was standing there like (do not cry, do not cry, do not cry) because it was so simple and so good.

And that’s what I want for you, too. Not a session where you’re performing. A session where you’re having fun, being yourselves, and the photos end up looking like a movie anyway.

Distant view of the couple standing alone on the beach with waves rolling in, photographed as laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach under a moody sky.

Black and white close-up of the couple touching foreheads, sharing an intimate moment near the shoreline.

Motion-filled image of the engaged couple kissing in shallow water, waves swirling around them during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

What Makes Shaw’s Cove Different from Other Laguna Beach Engagement Spots

Laguna Beach is packed with engagement photo spots, which is amazing… but also overwhelming if you don’t know the vibe of each one and you’re trying to pick the “best” one like it’s a life-or-death decision.

Here’s how I explain it to couples without turning it into a spreadsheet:

Shaw’s Cove feels tucked away and easy to settle into.

It’s great if you want photos that feel connected and intimate without having to go on a full adventure.

Some other beaches in the area can feel more “big scenic moment” or more “busy beach day energy,” which can be perfect depending on your personality, but Shaw’s Cove tends to attract couples who want something romantic, natural, and fun without extra chaos.

If you want to explore other Laguna and nearby options (and also see what those sessions look like), here are a few of my favorites to peek at:

The couple walking side by side through the surf, barefoot and smiling with palm trees rising behind the cliffs.

Close-up detail of the couple holding hands near the water, captured during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

Playful candid of the engaged couple walking together through wet sand as waves reflect the cloudy coastal sky.

The Best Time of Day for Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove

If you take nothing else from this guide, take this: plan around light, not convenience.

Late afternoon into sunset is the sweet spot at Shaw’s Cove because the light starts to soften, the tones get warmer, and the whole cove starts looking like it’s in a music video (and yes, sometimes I want to cry about it).

Here’s the timing cheat sheet I give couples:

Golden hour (the hour-ish before sunset):

Best for flattering light, glowy film photos, and that romantic look that feels natural
Usually, when the beach vibe starts to shift from “busy daytime” to “evening walk.”

Sunset:

This is when the sky starts doing the most, it’s literally my favorite time EVER!
Also, when you get those silhouettes and reflective water moments that feel extra special and cinematic!

Right after sunset (blue hour):

Softer, moodier tones, a little more editorial without feeling forced
Great if you love a slightly darker, more cinematic finish

I personally love doing shoots right around golden hour because we get the warm and glowy photos, and then as it fades into blue hour, I love to pull out my flash and go crazy. It’s just the perfect lighting combo!

If you’re planning your session and want to sanity-check timing, the National Weather Service forecast tool is helpful for a quick look at conditions (fog, clouds, wind, etc.). National Weather Service BUT if you book your engagement photos with me, I will let you know the best time and place depending on when your shoot is!

Couple holding hands and spinning together on a sandy beach, motion blur capturing laughter and movement during a coastal engagement session at golden hour.

Wide shot of a couple embracing on a quiet beach with palm trees on the cliffs behind them, soft clouds and moody coastal light creating a cinematic engagement photo.

Couple standing barefoot in shallow ocean water with reflections in the wet sand, wearing neutral outfits during a relaxed beach engagement photo session.

Close-up of a couple laughing while wrapped in each other’s arms near the shoreline, natural expressions and wind-blown hair during an intimate beach engagement session.

What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach

I know you said nobody wants a paragraph about outfits, and you’re right, because the internet always makes it feel like you need to dress like a curated Pinterest board with no personality.

So here’s my photographer version with actual guidance you can use, and I’ll keep it simple.

Pick a color palette that makes sense with the beach

Shaw’s Cove has sand, rock, ocean, and cliff tones, so outfits that photograph beautifully usually fall into these categories: Safe and always pretty: creams, whites, soft beige, warm tan, light blue, muted navy, soft gray, sage, muted green, dusty rose, etc.

If you want a little pop without regretting it later: I recommend deeper blues, warm rust tones, or soft yellows, pinks, etc. (not neon, please, I’m begging)

Choose fabric that moves

This might be the most crucial tip: movement makes photos feel alive, and the beach gives you natural wind, waves, and walking prompts, so give your outfit permission to be part of that. Yes to linen, cotton, flowy skirts, dresses with movement, but be careful with super stiff fabrics that don’t move and end up looking awkward when you sit or walk

Don’t sabotage yourself with shoes

This is the part where couples always laugh and then later text me, “wait, you were right.”

Just bring sandals or slides for walking down, go barefoot for photos if you want (most people do, and it looks great), or you can bring an extra pair if you’re wearing anything that might annoy you after ten minutes!

Bring one “fun detail” if it feels like you

This isn’t required, but if you want to make it feel personal without being cheesy, I love adding one thing that fits your vibe like a jacket you love, a bottle of champagne for a quick celebratory moment, a blanket if you want cozy sitting photos, or a second outfit if you want the “dressy + casual” variety!

Wide coastal engagement photo of a couple standing together near the water with palm trees and dramatic clouds in the background, calm and romantic beach setting.

Best Months for Shaw’s Cove Engagement Photos

Steph and Max’s shoot was in February, so it was a little gloomier, but it was still perfection. I personally love shooting here in the spring or February-May because Laguna tends to be so nice for sessions, the temps are comfortable, the evenings feel easy, and it’s not peak summer crowds yet.

General vibe check:

Spring: Great light, comfortable weather, less chaotic than summer.
Summer: Gorgeous, but busier (and parking gets spicy).
Early fall: Still warm, still golden, usually a great sweet spot.
Winter: Can be moody in a really pretty way, but you plan with the weather

Couple hugging on the beach during their laguna beach engagement photos

Black and white photo of a couple kissing with intentional motion blur, artistic and documentary-style engagement photo taken on the beach.

How to Plan a Relaxed, Easy Engagement Session at Shaw’s Cove

This is where most couples either set themselves up for a smooth day… or accidentally create stress they didn’t need. So here’s the in-depth guide part, the stuff that actually matters. The “don’t overthink it” plan that still makes you look like you have your life together:

Arrive early enough so that you don’t start the session annoyed

Give yourself buffer time for parking and walking down. If you roll up two minutes before we start and you’re already stressed, your body shows it (and I want better for you).

Pack light, but pack smart
Bring a small tote with water (especially if it’s warm), a hairbrush or comb (if you want, I personally love the windy hair look), blotting sheets or powder, a towel if you want to dry your feet quickly, sandals, or even an extra layer if it’s supposed to be windy!

Choose a day that fits your schedule and your crowd tolerance

Weekdays are usually easier than weekends. Sunset is usually prettier than midday. This isn’t me being dramatic, this is just Laguna Beach, honestly.

Let me direct, but don’t try to “perform.”

The best sessions happen when you show up ready to hang out with your person, not ready to act like engagement photo mannequins.

I’m going to give you prompts that feel like you like walking and talking, little spins or forehead kisses if that’s your vibe, sitting and cuddling without feeling staged, playful moments where you’re laughing for real because you’re doing something, not posing

Know what the beach is doing before you get there

If you’re aiming to get in the water or walk close to the shoreline, check tide conditions so you’re not surprised by how much sand is actually available. (This matters more than people think, especially for rockier coves)

Couple running hand in hand along the shoreline, barefoot on wet sand, motion blur emphasizing movement and joy during a candid beach engagement session.

Black and white photo of a couple hugging and laughing while smiling during their engagement shoot

Wide shot of an engaged couple standing near the edge of the ocean, dramatic clouds and palm-lined cliffs framing a relaxed coastal engagement session.

Why Shaw’s Cove Is Perfect for Film Engagement Photos

Okay, this is how we talk about film in a way that actually helps you as a couple (not filler, not “timeless,” not vague). If you’re considering film photography for your engagement session, here’s what Shaw’s Cove does really well for it:

Film loves softer coastal light

At Shaw’s Cove, you get light bouncing off the water and sand, but it usually isn’t that harsh, top-down brightness that makes everything look crunchy, so film can do what it does best: smooth tones, gentle highlights, and that creamy look that doesn’t scream “edited.”

The textures photograph insanely well

Film is obsessed with texture, like I’m obsessed with film. The rocks, the cliffs, the water, the movement in your dress, the way the breeze catches hair, all of that shows up in a way that feels real and lived-in.

It’s perfect for couples who want photos that feel like a timeless memory

Not “vintage” in a costume way. More like… the photos feel like something you’ll look back on in ten years and still feel your stomach flip a little, or maybe you’ll show them to your future kids (and yes, I’m emotional, it’s fine).

If you’re already drawn to film, Shaw’s Cove is one of those locations where it doesn’t feel like we’re forcing it; it just supports that style naturally, and your gallery ends up feeling cohesive.

A couple walking arm in arm along the shoreline, waves rolling in beside them as palm trees line the cliff in the distance during a cloudy beach sunset.

A couple holding hands while walking barefoot through shallow ocean water, dressed in neutral outfits with palm trees and coastal cliffs behind them.

Close-up of a couple standing chest to chest on the beach, smiling softly as the ocean and rocky shoreline blur in the background.

A couple standing side by side from behind, looking out toward the ocean with palm trees and coastal cliffs reflected in the wet sand.

FAQ About Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach

This is the FAQ couples actually need answers to.

Is Shaw’s Cove hard to get to?

Not hard, but there’s a walk down and back up, so wear shoes you can walk in and don’t bring fifteen loose items you’ll regret carrying.

What if it’s cloudy or foggy?

Cloudy coastal days are honestly a gift because the light stays soft and flattering, and your eyes won’t be squinting like you’re staring directly into the sun (because you are). If it’s super foggy, we lean into it and make it feel romantic, moody, and coastal, and you’ll end up obsessed later, even if you were unsure in the moment.

Can we get in the water?

Yes, if you want to. Just know your clothes will get wet, your feet will get sandy, and your hair will do whatever it wants (which is honestly on brand for a beach session).

What if we’re awkward in front of the camera?

First of all, welcome, you are literally most couples. Second, this is why I direct with movement and prompts that feel natural. You don’t need to know how to pose. You just need to show up and like each other (preferably a lot).

Do we need a permit?

Rules can change depending on the city, group size, and what you’re bringing (lighting stands, big setups, etc.). Laguna Beach has a Film & Photography Permits section on its city site, so if you’re planning anything beyond a simple engagement session, it’s worth checking the current requirements. BUT that’s kind of what I’m here for, I’ll let you know if there are any concerns!

What should we do if it’s windy?

Wind happens. The trick is planning outfits and hair with wind in mind:

Choose hairstyles that still look cute, a little messy
Bring a clip or pins
Pick fabrics that move well instead of clinging weirdly

Can we bring our dog?

Usually, yes, if your pup is chill and you’re okay with some sandy paws, but I recommend bringing a friend to help so you’re not juggling leash management the whole time!

A couple holding hands while standing on a rocky outcrop above the beach, facing the ocean as waves crash along the shore.

How Shaw’s Cove Fits into a Full Laguna Beach Engagement Experience

This is the fun part because you can absolutely do Shaw’s Cove as your entire session, and it will be gorgeous, but if you want variety, you can pair it with another spot nearby and make the whole thing feel like an evening date that happens to be photographed.

Here are a few session “vibe plans” couples love:

The “keep it simple” plan

Start at Shaw’s Cove, stay put, let the light change, finish near sunset, and go to dinner after. No rushing. No bouncing around. Just a really good evening.

The “two looks, still easy” plan

Start at Shaw’s Cove for the water and cliffs, then head to a nearby neighborhood street for a second look with a cleaner, classic Laguna feel (and yes, those walking photos are always adorable).

The “I want more Laguna inspo” plan

If you want to explore different beaches or you’re still deciding what feels most like you, these posts are great to check out from my other couples!:

A couple playfully moving through shallow water at sunset, creating soft motion blur with reflections in the wet sand and pastel sky overhead.

A couple holding hands while walking along the shoreline, backlit by golden sunset light with palm trees silhouetted against the sky.

Black and white image of a couple walking hand in hand along the beach, ocean waves and palm trees creating a moody coastal backdrop.

How To Make Your Session Feel Like a Date

This is how you get the engagement gallery that feels like you, not like you were trying to copy someone else’s Pinterest board.

Ideas that work so well in Laguna:

Grab a coffee before and walk down together like it’s a normal day (it makes the start feel less awkward).
Bring a small champagne bottle for a quick celebratory moment after sunset
Plan dinner after, so you have something to look forward to that isn’t “go home and collapse.”
Pick one “you” thing, your favorite song playing in the car, a mini picnic blanket for ten minutes, whatever actually feels like your relationship.

Literally don’t overthink it, just keep it personal to you two, make a full date day or date night out of it, and enjoy some quality time together!

A couple holding hands and spinning playfully in shallow water, motion blur capturing movement and reflections in the wet sand.

Final Thoughts on Engagement Photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach

If you want engagement photos at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, that feel like you’re actually having fun together, that give you ocean + cliffs + that dreamy coastal vibe without turning your session into a stressful mission, this is one of my favorite places to take couples.

It’s also one of those locations where the photos don’t feel like “we went to the beach to take photos.” They feel like “we went to Laguna, we got to be together, we laughed a lot, the sunset on the water was so epic, and somehow now we have a gallery that looks like it was straight out of a romcom!”

Black and white portrait of a couple standing close together on the beach, smiling at each other with the ocean and shoreline behind them.

Black and white portrait of a couple standing close together on the sand, arms wrapped around each other and smiling softly during laguna beach engagement photos at shaws cove laguna beach.

Couple seated together on rocky shoreline as he kisses her forehead, palm trees and coastal homes in the background during a relaxed beach engagement session at sunset.

Ready to Plan Your Laguna Beach Engagement Session?

If you’re looking for a SoCal engagement photographer who will hype you up, keep it real, help you plan the timing and details so you’re not guessing, and photograph your session in a way that feels natural, fun, and very you, I’d love to be your person!

Reach out through my contact page and tell me what you’re dreaming up, and if you want more Laguna ideas, keep exploring the blog posts linked above, because I have thoughts and I will gladly help you pick the best spot. And if you’re a Pinterest person like me, you can find more inspo on my Pinterest!