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While you're still glowing from that romantic proposal, why not make it a Kodak moment with official photography? If you're seeking some stunning scenery for your engagement shoot, you're in luck — LA is filled with tons of it.
It's worth noting that a few of these spots require permits, but all welcome candid photography (you're welcome to interpret that as you wish.) If street style-inspired shots are more your thing, don't forget that many blogstar-faved murals make great pre-nuptials backdrops. Without further ado, see six of our city's most charming spots for romantic photoshoots.
The Broad
Why: LA's coolest new museum is a stunning work of art on the outside, too. Designed by famed architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, the stylish structure's futuristic honeycomb exterior is the perfect backdrop for modern couples. The Broad, 221 Grand Ave., DTLA. Open Tuesday and Wednesday 11am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm, closed Monday.
LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
From sky-high bamboo stalks to aquatic gardens, this floral wonderland has a dreamy landscape for every greenery-loving couple. Permits are required, however the gardens "welcome you to take informal candid vacation style photography for personal use without a permit or special permission." LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Open 9am to 4:30pm daily and grounds close at 5pm. Admission is $9 and permits are $50.
Paramount Ranch
Not far from equally gorgeous Malibu Creek State Park, this Hollywood film history gem has starred as the Wild West, ancient China, colonial Massachusetts, and many a rustic- or country-inspired engagement shoot backdrop. Permits are required; call 805-370-2308 and get more info here. Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills. Open 24 hours a day year-round, parking lots open 8am to sunset.
Union Station
This is the ideal spot for vintage-inspired photos. If you're doing more than just a casual, point-and-shoot session, Metro has some pretty intense guidelines. Per the site, "all requests for filming on or with control of a train, or within a train station, must have final approval by Metro on the Wednesday prior to the week on which you wish to film due to Metro’s weekly track allocation meeting." Union Station, 800 North Alameda St., DTLA. Open daily from 4am to 1am.
Malibu Creek State Park
Home to the outdoor set of television's legendary program M*A*S*H, this park still draws visitors from all over the world. This site offers more than 7,000 acres of I-can't-believe-this-is-LA nature, from massive sycamore trees to chaparral-covered slopes. Contact 818-880-0358 for photography permit information. Malibu Creek State Park, 925 Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas. Open 24 hours a day year-round, parking lots open 8am to sunset.
Venice Canals Walkway
This Westside favorite is a great, easy way to capture your love without putting in too much legwork. Even a simple point-and-shoot sesh is good at this residential commune (it goes without saying to respect the neighbors), as the greenery-lined canals's beauty is easy to capture. Venice Canals Walkway, Carroll and Eastern Canal Courts, Venice. Open 24 hours year-round.