Top 5 Arizona Engagement Session Locations

One question I get asked frequently as a wedding photographer is “Where should we do our engagement photos?” or “Do you have location recommendations for your engagement photos?” And I have answers for both. So here are my top engagement session locations all over Arizona. First off, as a wedding photographer in the Phoenix, Arizona area, along with a destination photographer who travels to MANY spots both all over Arizona and even out of state (Michigan and Wisconsin are current two wedding locations I’ve traveled to). I have a list of my favorite locations (some of which are in this blog) that I provide to all of my couples when they book. It’s so important to have options. Some of my engaged couples want the typical Arizona desert scenery, and some want NOTHING to do with the desert and want greenery to avoid it looking like Arizona at all. I also love clients who want to travel outside of the Phoenix metro area and do an Arizona destination engagement in places such as Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, and so many more.

Now, there are some places I love more than others and this is mostly because I KNOW that the lighting is beautiful. However, I also know that some couples do not want to travel far outside of their city to get a specific look, which is why I have given locations all over the Phoenix metro area and a little outside of it such as the West Valley (Waddell and Cave Creek/Scottsdale) and the the East Side (Queen Creek and Mesa). So whether you’re wanting to stay local or travel, this blog will help you choose your location for your engagement session, anywhere in Arizona!

Desert Locations

For my desert loving brides, the White Tank Mountains is TO DIE FOR. The lighting during golden hour is absolutely breathtaking and I can’t replicate it anywhere. You get the dreamiest glow that truly makes you and your fiance POP right out of the picture. Saguaro cacti and mountains everywhere, it truly is the best of the best and in my top 5 locations for your engagement session. However, if you are on the East Side and do not want to travel to the West Side for your engagement session, The Superstition Mountains near Mesa, Arizona is also a must. I typically would say this is a sunrise location for your engagement session, but as a professional, I do know how to get the most beautiful glow and where to get it during sunset at this location. So if you are looking for a desert location for your engagement session, this one will NOT disappoint.

Green Locations

For those brides who want to look like they are not even in Arizona, I have a few locations for you as well, don’t worry! One of my favorite spots for engagement sessions in ALL of Arizona would be the Queen Creek Wash. It has the most gorgeous trees that take you to a whole other state it seems like. It is quite sandy, but is totally worth it. The further back you go into the wash, the more trees and greenery you get. It also has a beautiful glow during sunset. My other location is on the west side in Cave Creek. It used to be a hidden gem, but is now pretty common and you’ll be able to see why below. Jewel of the Creek has everything from cacti, to water, to green trees. So if you’re looking for a spot that has EVERYTHING for your engagement session, this is it. It has a beautiful creek/stream that runs through some gorgeous large trees. However, there is a bit of a walk to get down to it and a small hike to get back up to the parking lot. So if you’re planning on wearing heels for your session here, I suggest wearing other shoes until you get down there.

Urban Location

What better way to get a high end look and be central to most cities in the Phoenix metro area?! There is so much variety in Downtown. From rooftops and buildings to beautifully painted murals. Both colorful and black and white. The Phoenix Science Center is one of my go-to locations for that urban look. Gorgeous cement staircases. Abstract art. Rooftop views. Everything about it is beautiful and my favorite!

Destination Location *BONUS SPOT*

SEDONA! The red rocks. The beauty. Hikes that make you appreciate the true beauty Arizona has hidden. Vortexs for all you nature lovers. I dont think there is a single spot in Sedona that is not photo worthy. There is breathtaking views everywhere you go. I’m totally obsessed. My favorite is Bell Rock. There is a small walk/hike that is very easy; worth every second.

I’m hoping this helps all of you beautiful Arizona brides find a special spot to capture your love. I also hope this helps other photographers find new and exciting locations to share with their couples. I will never hide locations from others because why not share the beauty that Arizona has to offer? As a wedding and engagement photographer in the Phoenix area, I love learning of new places. Let me know below if there are any other locations you’d like me to share. Of course, reach out to me on my website if you have any questions or need suggestions/help – www.brittanynemecphotography.com