Engagement Session at Balboa Park | Daniel & Meaghan

This engagement session at Balboa Park was absolutely lovely. We had only met Daniel and Meaghan virtually before this our session but we really had a great time with them! We are so excited about their wedding next year at Sacred Mountain in Julian! Just bringing up the idea of shooting at Sacred Mountain is exciting, but seriously, the most important thing was meeting this amazing couple! They were so quick to laugh, to snuggle, to giggle, and to just be authentic! Their wedding is going to be so much fun!

Meaghan serves our country in the military and we are so grateful for her service! She was heading out on deployment soon, so we needed to get to their engagement session before she left. We are so honored to be a part of their story and to capture this season in their lives for them.

Shooting an Engagement Session at Balboa Park

I know Balboa Park more than any other location in San Diego. It’s like my second home! There are so many places here to photograph! I’ll walk you through my favorite locations. Please remember that this is one of the most iconic places in San Diego. Since that is the case, it can become extremely crowded on the weekends. Always check their calendar before you plan to schedule a session at this location. I would recommend shooting here during the weekdays if possible or even first thing in the morning.

I always choose to start my sessions at Balboa Park’s Organ Pavillion, which is beyond gorgeous! There are days when there are performances here, but it is rare. This is the perfect place for a photoshoot, especially of a couple! Iconic San Diego at it’s best…and it looks like a fairy tale! Sometimes you have to wait for the perfect location at the pavilion, but it is worth the wait.

The Alcazar Garden my choice for the second location and it is truly lovely. With a couple of fountains, flower beds, stairs, tiles, and a pergola, it is very romantic. The flower beds are hit and miss, depending on what time of year you decide to shoot. Obviously, the Spring is quite beautiful. The park frequently changes the types of flowers grown in these beds as well, so I am always surprised when I visit. I also love that you can see the Balboa Park Bell Tower from this location. Again, this area can be crowded at times and full of other photographers. I try to use each part of garden at the precise moment when it is free and then move around to each of the other locations in turn.

Other Ideas on how to shoot in Balboa Park

1. Museum of Us: the front facade of this museum is unmatched! Also, there is a couryard across the street with wonderful arches
2. Old Globe area: I don’t shoot this building, just the courtyard under the Museum of Us bell tower
3. San Diego Museum of Art: under the windows there is a walkway with a railing
4. Timkin Museum of Art: WHITE walls and the bell tower in the background
5. Botanical Building: they just remodeled this with beautiful pastels! The reflection pond area can get extremely crowded but are worth the wait
6. Walkway between the Prado Restaurant and Casa de Balboa
7. Wishing well by the Prado Restaurant – best for girls in big dresses
8. Casa del Prado Theater: walk in the crossing walk in front
9. Bea Evenson Fountain
10. Desert Garden – sounds weird but the lighting and color is FANTASTIC!
11. Rose Garden – be careful of the time of year since they trim the roses. Spring is best!
12. Spanish Village: if your clients like color have them sit on the ground since it is colorful here!