SAN FRANCISCO COUPLES & ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
DOCUMENTING THE SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER OF YOUR LOVE STORY
Gorgeous coastal views, unique landmarks, and lots of adventure - San Francisco offers a unique engagement for couples who love a mix of the hustle and bustle and epic views
Heather + Jack
Pacifica, CA
EMBRACE SAN FRANCISCO’S NATURAL BEAUTY
San Francisco is an incredible option for engagement photos along the Northern California coast. There are so many unique locations in and around the city - from redwoods, coastal bluffs, incredible beaches and sand dunes, city views, and one-of-a-kind landmarks - it’s one of the absolute coolest places to capture your engagement session.
And when you think about ‘the city’, it’s not all city streets and traffic. There are SO many beautiful natural gems to explore around the edges of San Francisco and see such a wide variety of backdrops within an hour radius of the city. Whether you’re traveling to SF for the first time or the city holds a special place to your heart, the photos here will not disappoint.
Think nature & beauty with all the comforts of adorable vacation rentals, adorable hotels, and gourmet food. Yeah, you can really have it all!
Colleen + Mark | Presidio
Dajah & Alex | Golden Gate Park
STEPS TO BRINGING YOUR DREAM SAN FRANCISCO PHOTOS TO LIFE
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STEP 01
INQUIRE
1 | Reach out through my site and tell me the vision for your session (it’s okay if you’re still figuring out the details!). Together, we’ll make sure we’re a great fit and then can work together on dreaming up a good plan.
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STEP 02
DREAMING UP THE PERFECT SESSION
It’s time to start brainstorming your dream session I can help with locations and activity ideas to start sorting through what would make for the best outing for you! Plus, I’ll send over my planning guide to help you along the way.
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STEP 03
PUTTING TOGETHER A PLAN
To ensure stunning photos and an amazing time out, we’ll put together a timeline. We can talk through outfits, I can recommend vendors like hair and makeup artists, and we can plan for the ideal light of the day - usually sunrise or sunset!
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STEP 04
PREP FOR THE SESSION
With some week-of preparation tips, I’ll be here to make sure you’re set up and ready to go.
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STEP 05
YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
Relax, enjoy, and trust that I’ll capture so many beautiful memories for you both.
HEY, I’M MEG!
I’m an adventurous homebody who loves hanging out with dogs, watching the lastest movie release, spending my free time hiking around San Francisco, and listening to Tiny Desk Concerts on repeat. I live with my cute husband and our sassy toy poodle, Teddy.
I’ve lived in the Bay Area my whole life, but didn’t realize how much San Francisco had to offer until I went to college in the city. I took full advantage of my time in SF, going on as many adventures as I could to explore this beautiful area, falling in love with all the hidden gems and beautiful views from Pacifica to Mt Tam, and everything in between.
The Best of San Francisco:
Tips & Recommendations
Views:
Billy Goat Hill - Just off Beacon street, steep switchbacks lead up to a beautiful view of San Francisco.
Twin Peaks - For beautiful views of the city and ocean, take a drive to Twin Peaks. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city.
Coit Tower - A large circular cement building stands predominately along San Francisco’s city line. For just $9, you can take an elevator up the tower and see 360 views of the city.
Food + Coffee Shops:
Verve Coffee Roasters - For those that appreciate a good cup of coffee, this is the spot to go!
Automat - A lovely restaurant and bakeshop for delicious small bites.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana - Pizza is a necessary food group. Check out San Francisco’s best pizza joint during your stay! Be sure to check in on their online waitlist though - this spot is popular. Or head to Capo’s down the street.
Shuggie’s Trash Pie - This pizza joint highlights ingredients that often go to waste and a wide variety of natural wines amongst an eclectic ambiance.
Abacá - For upscale Filipino dining, head to Abacá! This restaurant combines old family recipes while using Northern California’s best seasonal ingredients.
Blue Plate - Nestled in an old San Francisco home, this classic restaurant offers homey flavors in a comforting environment. Make sure to request a seat in the back patio!
Scomas - Along Fisherman’s Wharf, this restaurant is a great place to grab some seafood with a view. There’s also other delicious food vendors along the Pier selling famous SF clam chowder in a bread bowl that are just as delicious.
Andytown Coffee - A personal favorite with locations near Ocean Beach. You have to try their homemade whipped cream.
Acme Bread Company - Visit the Ferry Building and get some of the best bread in the Bay Area. A quick walk around the building and you’ll find some delicious cheeses or jams to pair with your bread.
Hiking:
Hike through Lands End - A fairly leisurely 3.5 miles round trip taking you to a scenic overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge. Continue hiking along the Batteries to Bluffs Trail for a hillier trail with great views of Marin Headlands.
Stow Lake Stroll - Take a leisurely stroll through Golden Gate Park and pass by Stow Lake and Strawberry Hill. You might even see some some blooms or a waterfall along the way.
Hike Dipsea Trail - This trail is a relatively difficult 10 miles round trip hike near Mill Valley that offers a mix of amazing redwood forests, beaches, and hilly overlooks.
Experiences:
Rent a RowBoat - For a fun afternoon, you can rent a rowboat or paddleboat at Stow Lake. It’s a great way to get an arm workout and enjoy San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Ferry Building by Pier 1 - Roam through San Francisco’s Ferry Building and grab a to-go meal and eat it outside with views of the Bay Bridge. On Sundays, the Ferry Building hosts Fog City Flea, a makers & merchants market; you can buy great local goods.
Muir Woods - Just a quick drive from San Francisco, Muir Woods is an amazing place to see the gorgeous redwoods. Don’t forget to buy your tickets and make parking reservations before you go! This is a national monument so you can also put your national parks pass to use here too.
Palace Games Escape Room - Have friends in town for your small wedding? Get a group together and participate in an escape room at the Palace of Fine Arts & walk around the Palace or nearby Crissy Field following your escape.
From the Blog
San Francisco Location Guides
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I always want to be transparent and aim to answer all your questions before you book. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get asked:
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First, fill out my contact form so I can learn all about you two. If any of my session options seem like a good fit, we can talk about dates. As soon as you have a date & general idea for the location, I just need a signed contract and a $200 retainer to save your date and I’ll officially be yours to capture this awesome adventure.
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I am currently based in Walnut Creek, CA, so most of my sessions take place either around my travel plans for weddings or within 40-80 miles of Walnut Creek, CA. For information on my travel plans, please reach out!
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Besides the fact that I am very goofy and fun… As a photographer, I go beyond just showing up and taking photos. Not only do I want to create a space that feels comfortable and inviting since taking photos can be outside of most people’s comfort zones, but I’m here to help. From make suggestions for locations, offering advice on outfits, answering questions, providing recommendations where I can, and doing what I can to make everything easier on you! I want to make sure this outing is fun and you leave with plenty of great shots.
on the blog
RECENT SAN FRANCISCO ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING INSPIRATION
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Every love story is unique. To tag along on some of my past photo work, join me on Instagram. @megs_marvels
