Golden Gate Park is a popular destination for engagement sessions (and even family sessions) and for good reason – it’s undeniably gorgeous! But, because it’s so big and has a variety of different spots to choose from, I know that it can feel overwhelming to know where in the park you should plan your engagement session.
As a San Francisco wedding photographer, I wanted to create this guide for you that not only has some incredible locations to choose from for your Golden Gate Park engagement session, but also gives you some essential tips + info on each location.
Keep reading to discover my round-up of beautiful locations to discover throughout Golden Gate Park!
The Best Spots in Golden Gate Park for Engagement Photos
Here’s a round-up of my favorite locations in Golden Gate Park that will all create a stunning backdrop for your engagement session:
AIDS Memorial Grove
The Aids Memorial Grove is a 10-acre memorial for those impacted by AIDS. It’s a charming, quiet spot surrounded by nature and towering redwoods.
Address – Nancy Pelosi Drive &, Bowling Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
How to access – This spot is located at the eastern end of Golden Gate Park. If you’re driving up Nancy Pelosi Drive from Martin Luther King Jr Drive, the entrance will be at the 2nd pedestrian intersection you encounter, on your right-hand side. You’ll see a stone monument.
Portals of the Past
Portals of the Past is a captivating monument in Golden Gate Park consisting of a white marble archway and tall columns. You’ll find it located on the shores of Lloyd Lake. It’s a dreamy spot for a black and white film-inspired session, as this location is timeless and chic.
Address – J.F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Avenue in Golden Gate Park
How to access – The portals are on the far side of Lloyd Lake along John F Kennedy Dr. in the west end of Golden Gate Park. Parking can be found along JFK Drive.
Stow Lake
Stow Lake is a tranquil, beautiful oasis for an engagement session. The 12-acre lake surrounds Strawberry Hill Island, and if you follow the trail at the lakeshore, you can get to the hill’s summit. The summit is another fantastic spot for photos, and it’s the highest point in all of Golden Gate Park.
Also, did you know you can rent a rowboat here for your engagement session? You can rent a rowboat from the Blue Heron Boathouse on Stow Lake. Rentals here are first-come, first-served, and no rentals are available after 4 pm.
Address – Blue Heron Lake Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
How to access – Blue Heron Boathouse can be found on the lake’s north shore, which is where you can rent pedal boats and row boats. The row boats cost $26 per hour to rent, and the pedal boats cost $32.50 per hour. For more info, go here!
Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers is a greenhouse and botanical garden set in a landmark building. It’s a spot with rich greenery, towering palms, and eye-catching architecture, all of which create a magical backdrop for your photos. Also, throughout, you’ll find a variety of romantic pathways to wander down.
Address – 100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
How to access – There are many ways to get here. You can take the free Golden Gate Park shuttle to the Conservatory, or you can park for cars and bikes in the Music Concourse Garage. You can also be dropped off at the intersection of Nancy Pelosi Drive and JFK Drive or the intersection of Bowling Green Drive and JFK Drive (near Goldman Tennis Center)
Additional things to know before you go – Admission to the Gardens is free to San Francisco residents, veterans, Museums For All participants, and Gardens members. The Conservatory also has free admission on the 1st Tuesday of every month. For pricing, if you are a non-resident, go here!
The Conservatory of Flowers is closed on Wednesdays, but open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 am-4:30 pm.
San Francisco Botanical Gardens
The San Francisco Botanical Gardens has so much to offer you. Here you’ll find redwood trees, 55 acres of garden to explore, a succulent garden, a bamboo grove, and so much more. It’s also full of lush scenery and several paved pathways to discover!
Address – 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
How to access – To get here, you can use the same “how to access” tips mentioned above, as the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, the Conservatory, and the Japanese Tea Garden are in the same area of the park!
Admission fees – Admission is free to San Francisco residents, veterans, Museums For All participants, and Gardens members. The botanical gardens are free daily from 7:30 am-9:00 am and on the second Tuesday of every month. For pricing, if you are a non-resident, go here!
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is where natural beauty meets tranquility. It’s filled with cherry trees, Japanese maples, azaleas, and pines. There is a lot of color to be found here, as well as a variety of foliage, serene koi ponds, pagodas, and arched drum bridges!
Address – 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
How to access – To get here, you can use the same “how to access” tips mentioned above, as the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, the Conservatory, and the Japanese Tea Garden are in the same area of the park!
Admission fees – Admission is free to San Francisco residents, veterans, Museums For All participants, and Gardens members. For pricing if you are a non-resident, go here!
Shakespeare Garden
Shakespeare Garden has over 200 species of flowers and plants. Fun fact: the garden includes every flower mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poems! It’s a very romantic and peaceful spot in the park, featuring a lovely, classic wrought-iron gate at the entrance that’s perfect for some photos, as well as the garden itself.
Address – 335 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
How to access – The Shakespeare Garden can be found on Martin Luther King Drive, between Nancy Pelosi Drive and Music Concourse Drive.
Music Concourse
The Music Concourse is an open-air plaza with various interesting architectural elements that can serve as backgrounds for your photos. In one area, you’ll find lush greenery, in another a fountain, in another a museum. It’s such a fun place to wander around!
Address – San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
How to access – There are a few different ways to get to the Music Concourse, depending on which direction you’re coming from! The San Francisco Recreation and Parks website breaks everything down in a very detailed manner here.
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is an enchanting spot, especially when the flowers are blooming! Another noteworthy feature is that it has an authentic Dutch mill!
Pro tips – plan your engagement session here in March, as that’s when the flowers (including the famous tulips) are usually in full bloom!
Queen Wilhelmina Garden is closed every year the entire months of May and October, for annual re-planting.
Within walking distance to Ocean Beach, you can check out the ocean by just crossing over the Great Highway!
Address – 1690 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
How to access – You’ll find this location under the grand Dutch (North) windmill at the west end of Golden Gate Park. Parking can be found along JFK Drive.
General Tips
Street parking can be difficult in Golden Gate Park, especially during weekends and hot days, so always give yourself an extra 30 minutes and even 45 minutes to find parking during prime times.
There is a parking structure available in the Eastern half of the park, the Music Concourse Underground Garage.
More of a general SF tip, but especially for those who are visiting, don’t leave any valuables in your car! Thankfully, car break-ins have definitely decreased in recent years, but a general rule of thumb from this Native San Franciscan is to not risk leaving valuables within sight in your car.
Ready to Plan Your Engagement Session in Golden Gate Park?
I hope you found this guide on different engagement session locations throughout Golden Gate Park helpful! One of the reasons I love Golden Gate Park is that every session feels unique here – there’s always so much more to be discovered!
And… if you’re still looking for a San Francisco wedding photographer with a documentary style approach who values inclusivity and authenticity, then let’s connect! Your love story is a one-of-a-kind celebration of authenticity and connection that deserves to be captured on camera.
You can learn more about my wedding services here or get in touch with me here.
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