9 Vancouver Engagement Photo Locations
Explore nine engagement photo locations in and around Vancouver, from mountain forests and lakes to city streets, with Ryan Funk's location tips and map links.
EDUCATION
Congrats, you just got engaged! If you’re choosing a setting for your photos, these nine locations around Vancouver offer a mix of mountains, lakes, forests and city streets.
I’m Ryan of Ryan Funk Photography. Use these ideas to start planning your photo shoot in Vancouver, then choose a place that feels like you.
Before your session, check current access, closures, weather and photography permissions with the park or property operator. These are public places, so privacy and exclusive use aren’t guaranteed. Map links show a starting point; we’ll agree on a meeting place and a suitable route.
Nine Vancouver locations for engagement photos
Cypress can be a beautiful setting when it snows. The provincial park picnic area offers a forest backdrop away from the ski runs, but it is a public space and may be busy. Check current access and conditions before choosing it.
The amazing thing about this location is how easily you can get that perfect west coast foresty vibe. You will look stunning hidden away in the trees with all the beautiful snowy greenery!
Cypress
Same as cypress this spot is a uniquely BC mountain spot. So close to the city that you can see it from the view. You’ll look stunning against the beautiful trees and snow views. It’s rocky mountain vibes all over.
Mountain paths can be icy or closed in winter. Check current conditions and choose a route suited to the weather and everyone taking part; we can use another location if access is unsuitable.
Seymour Mountain
Gastown is magical all year round. The lights of the city would take your photos to the next level! Whenever I do a shoot at night I bring extra light to make ya’ll shine in the dark.
In Vancouver, we have a problem where it's always pretty cloudy. However, if you shoot at night in Gastown you can’t tell because… it’s night! Also, if it’s raining it can make your shoot super romantic. I always have clear umbrellas that live in my car because you never know what will happen.
Gastown at night
If you want somewhere that is uniquely BC, there is always Alouette Lake. With the mountains and water, this place is the perfect to have your engagement shoot.
I prefer the north beach, because as you can see it's stunning! That being said the closest parking lot is about a 15min walk away if you feel up for the minist of hikes.
Alouette Lake
Now Pitt Lake is one of the most well-known and popular spots and for good reason. There is so much variety that when you see your photos you’ll feel like you went to 2 or 3 different locations. There is tall grass, a mountain valley view, and a long beautiful road.
It is important you go to the exact spot in the Google link. Sometimes Google wants to send you to the dock launch area which in my book is trash. Another benefit to this location is how close it is to Swannest golf course. There is a road there lined by overhanging trees. It will make you feel like you are walking through a movie.
Pitt Lake
Right in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is the perfect curated garden. Your photos will have such a lovely quality with all the flowers and greenery. With Queen E you can make a whole circuit of the park for a wide variety of different looks. Some of my favorites are going down to the small stone bridge for a beautiful shot against the greenery.
In springtime, there are cherry blossoms though it gets very VERY busy. Weekdays are kinda the only ideal time to shoot if you don’t want to have other people in your shots (nothing says romantic like that grandpa walking around in the background)
Queen Elizabeth
Whyte Cliff for me is the creme de la creme of the West Coast, explore BC, and the rocky mountain esthetic. You will feel like you are in an epic fantasy movie looking out on the water.
The park is massive and there are all sorts of hidden little spots that you’ll love. You’ll be amazed at how stunning the environment will make you look.
Whyte Cliff
You’ve heard of rolling hills, what about rolling stone shores? Light House has a scenic view that is perfect for your engagement session. During golden hour you get the perfect sunset glistening off the water.
The only problem is that it’s a little bit more of a hike to get to the water however, if you aren't a lazy piece of crap like me it’s totally fine!
Light House Park
Vancouver's biggest park has a lot of brilliant spots to do your engagement shoot. I really like the second beach because you have both the water and the forest.
When the sun starts to set you to have take photos with the dreamy light of golden hour reflecting off the water of the Pacific.