Santa Barbara Engagement Photos at The Courthouse and Elwood Bluffs Beach

This session was actually an anniversary shoot, but I love it for semiformal engagement photo inspiration! After getting married in Utah, Emma and Tyler moved to Southern California. I actually met Emma before making the same move myself, while we swam together for Brigham Young University. Since meeting, I have photographed Emma and her husband Tyler many times: while they dated in college, their actual engagement photos, bridals, and their wedding day!

When we found ourselves both living in California, we planned this anniversary photoshoot in Santa Barbara. I absolutely recommend an annual anniversary shoot in a location that is special to you and your partner. For Emma and Tyler, these Santa Barbara spots are well loved. They love the Spanish influence in the architecture everywhere you look, so we started the shoot at the beautiful Santa Barbara courthouse. 

Next we headed to Elwoods Bluff Beach for some cliffside looks and photos on the sand. This spot is full of rocks to climb and pebbles to navigate, and I always notice locations this this add to the adventure and loosens everyone up a bit. Which makes for easygoing and effortless feeling photos, which is how I would describe this entire gallery. We hit golden hour and later the sunset. Overall, it was a classic Santa Barbara shoot.

I love it when photography sessions help build lasting friendships, even over state lines. Especially when I get to photograph a couple or family through so many stages in their life. After we got all of the shots Emma and Tyler were hoping for, we caught dinner at a local restaurant together. It was fun to hear updates about their life since their wedding day. 

As you explore my other favorite photo galleries, you will start to see some familiar faces in multiple posts. I am so grateful for the many couples and families who invite me to take their photos year after year. Not only is this so fulfilling for me, but it makes family photos so much easier when they are familiar and consistent.

Begin your own anniversary or family photo traditions. Learn more about my photo session options here.