As an Arizona wedding photographer, I get asked many times what my top 5 Phoenix engagement locations would be. I have many couples who fly in to get the Arizona desert vibes for their engagement photos, so I decided to make a list of my favorite places to photograph engagement photos. Now, lets start off with one of my favorites, The Desert Botanical Gardens.

Desert Botanical Gardens

I have photographed many weddings and engagement sessions at The Desert Botanical Gardens. This is why it is one of my top 5 Phoenix engagement locations. Not only do you get the tried and true desert cacti look, but you get greenery from the many different plants they have. As a Scottsdale wedding photographer, I have trained my eye to look for the best light. I can say with the utmost certainty that Desert Botanical Gardens has the BEST lighting throughout the venue at all times of the day.

I have photographed so many different engagement sessions at the Desert Botanical Gardens from Alina and John, to Griffyn and Dakota, Nana and Ryan, and Winter and Michael and I have loved every single image from their engagement session galleries. As an Arizona wedding photographer who services the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best local spots because it is right in between the two which makes it an easy commute. So if you are looking for a good engagement session location in Arizona, this is one of them. Now, onto Wrigley Mansion!

Wrigley Mansion

Wrigley Mansion made it into my top 5 Phoenix engagement locations because it is truly one of the best locations for a fun speakeasy vibe. However, it is also great for stunning greenery and amazing views of Downtown Phoenix. With its beautiful bar and small speakeasy lounge, to its stunning staircases. There is a photo spot at every turn. As a Scottsdale wedding photographer, I have photographed many weddings at Wrigley Mansion and I am excited to come back this fall for another one. This venue not only has history, but it has character. Bringing to life every photo that is taken in it. I truly love this venue not only for engagement photos, but for weddings. The staff is amazing to work with and so kind. I highly recommend it as a Phoenix wedding photographer! Next up is Downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix

Now, as a Phoenix wedding photographer, Downtown Phoenix obviously had to be in my top 5 Phoenix engagement locations. The high downtown buildings, rooftop views, and the fun bars such as Wren and Wolf that lie in weight to be photographed at. I have done countless Downtown Phoenix engagement sessions and each one is so unique. There so many parking garages that can be used around the area, as well as many different bars that have fun decor. Emma and Ryan’s Wren and Wolf engagement session was one of my favorites. From the decor, to the vibes, and the drinks, everything was what a newly engaged couple would want for this vibe for their engagement photos. As a Scottsdale wedding photographer, it was an absolute dream come true. Next, we will be looking at Papago Park.

Papago Park

So many couples want the desert vibe but also want the stunning Sedona red rocks without having to travel. That is why Papago Park has made it into my top 5 Phoenix engagement locations. Right next to Desert Botanical Garden, you get an entirely different vibe but still the stunning Arizona sunset glow. Although there is a small hike to get to some of the iconic spots, as an Arizona wedding photographer, I promise it is well worth it. There are so many different pull offs along the road that make it so you can have so many different looks for your photos. So if you are wanting beautiful red rocks without the 2 hour drive to Sedona, Papapgo Park is your go to! Now, last but not least, Browns Ranch.

Browns Ranch

As a Scottsdale wedding photographer, I love Browns Ranch and wish I photographed at it more. It is slightly outside of the Phoenix area but it is one of my favorite locations which is why I put it on my top 5 Phoenix engagement locations even with it being in Scottsdale. The boulders that this location has are incredible. With some of the best views with such a small hike up a hill, I promise it is well worth your time and maybe a little sweat. It was the perfect Arizona desert backdrop for my couple Ally and Jackson for their Scottsdale proposal. As an Arizona wedding photographer, if you are wanting the true desert vibe with cactus and stunning Arizona sunsets, THIS is the location you want!

You can check out more of my favorite Arizona Wedding Venues here as well for more Arizona wedding inspiration!