What You Need to Know for the Best Sunset Beach Engagement Photos in California

Sunset Beach Engagement photos? Oh, heck yes! If you’re dreaming of a romantic engagement session on the beach, there’s no better place than Southern California, especially when you get that perfect sunset. It’s the kind of backdrop that just screams, “We’re in love!” But before you head out for your shoot, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure you’re fully prepared to make the most of that golden hour glow. Let’s talk about timing, tides, and what makes sunset beach engagement photos truly magical, because Chelsea and Bailey’s shoot at Sunset Cliffs in La Jolla, CA, was a perfect example of all of this and more!

Timing Is Everything for Sunset Beach Engagement Photos

If you want that iconic "golden hour" glow in your sunset beach engagement photos, timing is key! Sunset doesn’t wait for anyone, so the first thing you need to do is check the exact time of sunset. This can change depending on the season (oh, how I love daylight savings), so make sure you're not showing up late for the best part of the session!

When I’m scheduling an engagement session at the beach, I always plan to arrive about an hour before sunset. This gives us enough time to get some shots with the soft light, play around with different angles, and have some fun before that golden hour magic really kicks in. For Chelsea and Bailey, we had this gorgeous, warm glow lighting up the cliffs right before the sunset, and wow, it was literally INSANE!! I’m talking one of the best sunsets I’ve ever had the privilege of shooting! I mean, the sky was bursting with colors, the ocean was reflecting it all, and there they were, of course, looking SO stunning in the glow. 

Check the Tides

Now, if you’re planning a beach engagement, you need to make sure to keep an eye on the tides! Depending on the beach, the tides can change dramatically, and that can make or break your photos. Trust me, I’ve had sessions where the water was rushing in faster than we expected, and it changed the vibe we were going for. In some spots, the tides can make it impossible to get close to the water without risking wet feet (or worse).

For our session with Chelsea and Bailey, we checked the tides in advance to ensure we had enough beach to work with and could get close to the water without any surprises. It worked out perfectly! We had the beautiful, wide-open beach to ourselves, and by the time the sun dipped below the horizon, they were running around in the waves, totally carefree and having the best time. I absolutely loved seeing them let loose. A little bit of water and sand in your shoes? Totally worth it for those genuine, candid moments!

Candid Moments Are EVERYTHING

One of the most magical parts of sunset beach engagement photos is the candid shots. There’s something about the beach that just lets people relax and let their guard down. With Chelsea and Bailey, they started off a bit shy (which is totally normal, we’ve all been there!). They were a little reserved at first, but by the end of the shoot, they were running around, laughing, and splashing in the water like nobody’s business. Watching their energy change throughout the session was so fun! They went from a little nervous to having the time of their lives, and it was all captured in the most beautiful, natural way. 

That’s the beauty of beach engagement photos, you get to just let loose and be yourselves. The natural surroundings help you forget you’re even being photographed (which is my favorite kind of moment). For me, this is where the magic happens. Candid moments are what make your engagement photos feel like you. They’re not posed or forced, they’re authentic, raw, and full of life!

What Makes Sunset Beach Engagement Photos So Special?

So what makes sunset beach engagement photos stand out? Besides the obvious fact that you’re at the beach (which, let’s be real, is pretty amazing on its own), it’s the light, the energy, and the overall vibe that makes it unique. A sunset at the beach is romantic and timeless. The golden hour light gives everything a dreamy feel, especially when you’re with the love of your life!

For Chelsea and Bailey, I’ll say it again, the sunset was INSANE. It was one of those sunsets that just felt like it was meant to be. The colors were perfect and we had the whole place to ourselves. That’s one of the best parts about shooting at spots like Sunset Cliffs in La Jolla. It’s not overrun by crowds, and the beauty just hits you in the chest.

Not only is the sunset epic, but it’s also the perfect time to take those intimate, close-up shots. It’s quiet, it’s serene, and it’s romantic as hell. If you’re someone who loves the idea of a super intimate session with no distractions, sunset beach engagement photos are absolutely the way to go.

A Sunset Beach Engagement Shoot Is an Adventure!

One of the coolest things about this kind of engagement session is how much fun it is. I mean, who wouldn’t love running around in the sand and water with their favorite person? Chelsea and Bailey weren’t just “posing” for photos, they were living in the moment. They were reliving the first days of their relationship, running around the beach, taking it all in. And that’s the beauty of a sunset beach engagement session, it’s an adventure, not just a photoshoot. You’re getting the chance to live out your love story in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I get to capture it all.

California Engagement Photographer | Cambria Shelley Photography

Sunset Beach Engagement photos in La Jolla are a must-do for any SoCal couple. If you want your engagement photos to feel as epic as your love story, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to help you plan every detail, from checking the tides to making sure you’re ready to take full advantage of that perfect sunset. 

Get in touch with me today, and let’s make this happen! I can’t wait to capture your love in a stunning setting and create images that you'll treasure forever. See more of my work on Pinterest!

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