Plan A Date Around Your Santa Barbara Engagement Session

As a wedding photographer, I get to capture so many love stories in one of the most beautiful cities on the central coast. Santa Barbara is such a fun city with so many things to do. From the food and shopping to the gorgeous locations for your session. You really can’t beat it! Whether you are traveling from out of town or just looking for fun date ideas for after your Santa Barbara engagement session. Here are my recommendations if you plan a date around your session.

Santa Barbara Engagement Session Locations

I love being a Santa Barbara wedding photographer because of the countless locations that take my breath away. Many of my couples come from out of town for one of Santa Barbara’s many wedding venues. As a result, they don’t get to explore the city as much to discover the adventure that awaits them! These locations for engagement photos will help you experience the area and will also provide stunning backdrops.

Santa Barbara Courthouse

Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

Douglas Preserve

Alice Keck Park

Hendry’s Beach

couple playing for their engagement session ventura beach

couple standing in the water at ventura beach

San Marcos Foothill Preserve

What To Do Before or After Your Engagement Session

The best part of engagement sessions is that you can make a whole day out of the experience. Rather than just taking your pictures and leaving town, you can spend a few hours and turn it into a date. After all, there are so many eateries and places to visit. Here are some of our favorites.

Before your Santa Barbara engagement session, you can go grab a bite to eat! Caje Cafe is great if you are looking for something light, like a coffee, smoothie, or bagel. Or, if you are looking for a more formal dine-in option after your session, consider Aperitivo. This wine bar serves fresh pasta as well as other fresh and unique entrees. Making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

Continue the adventure with Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. This district, spanning from the beach to Highway 101, is known for its bars, galleries, shops, and tasting rooms. With so many different activities, you are sure to find something that both you and your partner will enjoy.

Trust me when I say that you will want to spend more than just a few hours in Santa Barbara! Palihouse is a luxury experience that offers guests an intimate and elegant stay. This coastal hideaway is the best spot to enjoy your evening in Santa Barbara’s downtown Historic Presidio Neighborhood. With a number of amenities and comforts, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway after your engagement session.