An engagement session is a really amazing way to celebrate this exciting new season of life – the one after the question’s been popped! Engagement photos also give you a chance to get to know your photographer, get more comfortable in front of the camera, and get some photos for invitations and save the dates. The Phoenix area offers so many scenic spots that make a gorgeous backdrop for photos – whether you want dramatic mountain views, towering saguaro cacti, or the hustle and bustle of the city. In this guide, we’ll talk about 10 of the best engagement photo locations near Phoenix!

The Best Engagement Photo Locations Near Phoenix

To help you narrow down the options for engagement photo locations, here are 10 of the best spots near Phoenix!

Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the best locations for couples who want those rugged desert landscapes. The park is about 40 miles east of Phoenix, in the Superstition Mountains, where you’ll have the most beautiful golden sunsets, and a dramatic backdrop of rocky cliffs and jagged peaks. At night, it’s an incredible place to see the stars – so the views don’t stop when the sun goes down!

To take engagement photos at Lost Dutchman State Park, there is a $50 photography fee, plus the cost of entry into the park, which is $10 per car. 

Throughout this guide, keep in mind that all prices are as of the time of writing this post! They can change, but as your photographer, I’ll help you navigate any permit requirements and make sure you have everything you need.

Desert Botanical Garden

For lovers of plants, the Desert Botanical Garden is a gorgeous, curated backdrop for engagement photos! Located in Phoenix, there are paved paths winding through the maintained collections of cacti, succulents, and other desert plants. There’s also some variety in the plant life, with lush green exhibits, flowering shrubs, and more. You get that stunning desert beauty, without having to go way out into the desert!

The cost of admission is $24.95 per person, and there are no additional fees for engagement photos.

North Scottsdale Desert

If you want those iconic, tall saguaro cacti in your photos, the North Scottsdale Desert is one of the best engagement photo locations near Phoenix! It’s got that classic desert scenery, with rocky terrain, vast plains and open skies, with mountains in the backdrop – and of course, the saguaro cacti that tower high over you. And, it’s all just half an hour away from Phoenix!

Salt River

Amid the dry desert scenery, you can find this oasis flowing through the rocky landscape. The river, framed by towering cliffs, winds through the desert, and in the spring, the banks of the river are lush with plant life, offering a splash of green against the reds and yellows. There are a lot of places to choose from along the river, and this is one of the best engagement session locations near Phoenix for peaceful nature views. If you’re really lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the wild horses that graze along the riverbanks!

Sedona

Sedona is famous for the red rock formations that surround the town, and it’s a really incredible location for your engagement photos. It’s about an hour and a half north of Phoenix, and turning your session into a little weekend getaway can be a fun way to celebrate, and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor adventures, or the rejuvenating spas and healing centers. One of the most famous red rock formations is Cathedral Rock, but there are more secluded areas and lesser known spots with stunning views!

Papago Park

Papago Park is right in the city, not far from downtown Phoenix. There are unique red rock formations around the park – the most famous of which is Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural arch formation that’s just a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. This is one of the best engagement session locations in Phoenix for couples who want natural beauty and desert scenery, without leaving the city!

Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix is surrounded by some amazing desert landscapes, but right in the city, you’ll find an urban, modern vibe that’s perfect for couples who want their engagement photos to be full of that vibrant city energy. There are so many places to explore, and the city streets are lined with murals, cafes, and modern architecture that provide a variety of backdrops. Rooftops also make for amazing photo locations!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum, just under an hour away from Phoenix, is home to an extensive collection of desert plants, trees, and cacti. You get the beauty of the desert in a curated space! The garden paths take you through the exhibits, and the desert hills in the distance provide a gorgeous backdrop for your engagement photos. Admission is $24.95 per person, but there are no additional fees!

Payson

Payson, Arizona is a town two hours away from Phoenix, on the edge of the Tonto National Forest. The weather here is cooler, so it can be a nice getaway from the heat! Tall Ponderosa Pines create a woodsy setting, so if you’re looking for more greenery and mountain views, Payson is a nice change of pace from the desert. Fall is an especially nice time for engagement photos here, when the leaves change color!

South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the best engagement session locations in Phoenix. Located in the south of the city, there’s a large variety of trail areas to check out, and gorgeous views of the city skyline and the Sonoran Desert. You can enjoy the cholla and saguaro cacti, or hike to the panoramic vistas with sweeping views of the valley!

Ready to Plan Your Engagement Session?

Having been born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I’m here to help you find the perfect spot for your engagement photos! As a photographer, I’m all about capturing who you really are, authentically. That means getting to know you, and making sure I’m documenting unposed emotions, and real moments – and that all starts with finding the perfect location to set the scene. If you just got engaged, and you’re ready to get some photos taken, contact me!