Tuesday, June 10, 2014, by Natalie Alcala
Now that the question has been popped and you’re ready to share the exciting news, it’s time to tackle one very important question: where oh where will you take your official engagement pics? Whether your dream setting is floral, beachy, artsy or totally out-of-the-box, LA is packed with pretty places to get snapped for cheap or, better yet, free.
From the enchanting skyline view at Los Feliz’s Griffith Observatory (above) to the romantic rose garden at South LA’s Exposition Park to the mighty rock formations at Malibu’s El Matador State Beach, here are ten picture-perfect locations to consider.
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden (270 Arlington Dr): Back in the 1930s, this two-acre Pasadena gem was a private estate garden reserved solely for an aristocratic couple. Now open to the public, lovebirds often visit to stroll through the garden’s teahouse, bridge and various nature paths. Shoots can be booked for a minimum of two hours ($150/hour) by calling 626-399-1721. [Photo via]
Urban Light at LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd): What’s good for Vogue is good for you, right? Chris Burden’s eye-catching installation made of 202 restored antique street lamps is the site of many shoots, from casual tourist snaps to full-fledged fashion spreads. The best part: it’s open 24 hours and FREE. [Photo via]
Adamson House (23200 Pacific Coast Hwy): If you’re looking to take your engagement photo in front of a fancy home with a ton of history, go here. Armed with the triple threat of it being a National Historic Site, a California Historical Landmark and a California State Park, this 1929-built, Spanish colonial-style property offers a vibrant backdrop filled with rich hues and greenery. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm; entry is $7/person. [Photo via]
Exposition Park Rose Garden (701 State Dr): Operated by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks since 1928, this South LA urban oasis is a frequent stop for both locals and tourists. The best time to shoot here is April through November, when the garden’s many botanical offerings are in full bloom. Open daily from 9am to sunset; go here to obtain a $35 picture permit. [Photo via]
Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd): Besides being the site of many Instagram snaps, this Griffith Park attraction is also an engagement photography favorite. Given that the Observatory is 1,134 feet above sea level, it offers an incredible view of the Los Angeles basin. Open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 10pm and weekends from 10am to 10pm. Admission is FREE. [Photo via]
Hollyhock House (4800 Hollywood Blvd): Don’t be discouraged by the fact that this Hollywood landmark is closed for renovations through September; fall will be here in no time. Located at the center of Barnsdall Art Park, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property is arranged around a central courtyard overlooking the Mayan Revival-style home’s flat roof terrace. Call 323-913-4030 for more information. [Photo via]
Getty Villa (17985 Pacific Coast Hwy): This Pacific Palisades must-stop is art, architecture and nature eye-candy rolled into one. The space offers four tranquil gardens to shoot at, but you’ll have to keep things low-key because flash photography, tripods and monopods are not permitted. Open Wednesday through Monday from 10am to 5pm, with special summer Saturday hours from 10am to 9pm. Admission is FREE, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket here. [Photo via]
James Turrell Skyspace (330 N College Ave): Located in the Draper Courtyard at Pomona College’s Museum of Art, this is the only Turrell Skyspace available for public viewing in Southern California and is meant to “heighten the viewer’s awareness of light, sky and the activity of perception.” Although the space is FREE to shoot during non-lighting program hours (learn more here), the installation is currently closed through September 2. [Photo via]
El Matador State Beach (32215 Pacific Coast Hwy): Thanks to enchanting sea caves, unique rock formations and sprawling sand paths, this Malibu treasure is the beach to shoot at if you’re looking for that quintessential SoCal vibe. Open daily from 8am to sunset. FREE. [Photo via Getty]
Walt Disney Concert Hall (111 S Grand Ave): Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, this striking DTLA landmark—which happens to be celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year—is the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Its stunning exterior features stainless steel curves that almost look otherworldly, making it the ideal locale for both art fans and obscure architecture buffs. Shooting in front of the building is FREE. [Photo via]
The Toluca Life 