When this Sabrina and Justin first reached out, they were looking for an outdoor, nature-inspired engagement session in Los Angeles. After discussing a few location options, we decided on the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden, one of my favorite locations for engagement sessions, in Arcadia -- thanks to its lush greenery, peaceful walking paths, and timeless scenery.
The LA Arboretum offers plenty of variety for engagement photos, from lush gardens and open lawns to architectural details and shaded walkways. Because everything is within walking distance, we were able to explore the grounds together and create a diverse gallery without changing locations. We had a great time walking the Arboretum, allowing the session to feel relaxed and unhurried.
This engagement session combined guided posing with candid moments. Some poses were intentionally structured to create clean, elegant engagement portraits, while the in-between moments—natural laughs, quiet smiles, and subtle interactions—added authenticity and emotion to the final images. This balance creates engagement photos that feel polished, romantic, and personal.
Couples planning an LA Arboretum engagement session should note that the location requires a photographer permit fee, which is paid by the client. On the day of the session, we meet at the entrance and enter the Arboretum together to begin the session.
If you’re looking for an outdoor engagement photographer in Los Angeles and love natural light, greenery, and a refined yet relaxed feel, the LA Arboretum is a beautiful choice for engagement photos.
