Planning your engagement photos is such an exciting part of the engaged era, and I love to help bring your vision to life! As an engagement photographer and obsessed dog mom, it makes me so happy when couples want to include their pup(s). If you’re looking for tips from a dog friendly engagement photographer in San Diego, this one’s for you! If you’re a dog parent, your pup/pups is undoubtedly a big part of your life. Including them in your engagement photos can add an extra layer of meaning to your session – and yes, a little chaos. But we can figure that part out together… with some help from treats and toys 😅

As a San Diego engagement photographer with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many couples who wanted to include their dogs in their photos. From beaches to parks or even in home, San Diego offers plenty of dog-friendly spots that can make your engagement session pup friendly.

Why Include Your Dog in Your Engagement Photos?

Your dog is a significant part of your life together! For many partners, their adventure feel incomplete without their pup. Some couples also choose to include their dog for the engagement photos because the dog won’t be at the wedding. Or maybe – like me – your pets are just the lights of your life. San Diego is a dog-loving city, and there are plenty of great locations for your engagement session.

Choosing the Right Location

San Diego has no shortage of locations in general, and adding dogs to the mix doesn’t narrow it down too much! Here are some of my top picks:

1. In-Home Sessions

For couples who want a cozy, intimate vibe, an in-home session can be a fantastic choice. Your dog is likely to feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. Plus, it allows you to capture candid moments of your everyday life together. Whether you’re snuggling on the couch, playing in the backyard, or just hanging out, these photos can feel incredibly authentic and personal. Sometimes, couples opt to start in home with their dog then have a part 2 somewhere else just them (or vice versa to avoid the dog hair…).

2. Dog-Friendly Parks

San Diego has a TON of beautiful parks with off-leash areas where your dog can roam freely while we capture candid shots and/or secluded trails that are less stressful. Some favorites include Balboa Park, with its open spaces and less crowded trails, and Kate Sessions Park, with scenic views and a super relaxed atmosphere. These parks offer a mix of natural beauty and lots of space for your dog to hang.

3. Dog Beach

If you and your pup love the ocean, we have so many options – my favorite is Del Mar Dog Beach. The beach has a beautiful cliffside and very soft shoreline for your dog to roam off leash. There’s also Coronado Dog Beach and the classic Ocean Beach Dog Beach. All are great options for an off leash ocean session!

4. Secluded Hikes

For couples who enjoy being outside and exploring trails, San Diego’s numerous hiking trails provide beautiful, natural settings for your engagement photos. Consider planning your session during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and lower the risk for doggy distractions! Iron Mountain Trailhead and Mission Trails Regional Park are excellent options for a peaceful hike with stunning scenery.

Planning a Longer Session

When including your dog in your engagement photos, consider extending your session to give yourselves plenty of time to get the shots you want. Dogs can be unpredictable, and allowing extra time will help ensure everyone stays relaxed and enjoys the experience (versus being stressed trying to get your pup to sit, look at camera, etc). You might want to start with some photos of just the two of you. Then, bring your dog in for the second half of the session. This way, you can capture a mix of romantic couple shots and playful, candid moments with your pup.

Tips for a Successful Dog-Inclusive Session

1. Bring Treats and Toys: Keep your dog engaged and happy with their favorite treats and toys. This can help grab their attention and keep them focused during the shoot. I’ll bring treats too! There’s just something more enticing about the new treats…
2. Consider Bringing a Friend/Dog Watcher: If possible, having a friend or dog sitter on hand can be a big help. They can manage your dog during shots where you want it to be just the two of you. If you want to keep your session at one location, you could also arrange for the pup(s) to be picked up halfway.
3. Dress Comfortably: Engagement sessions are meant to be fun, so wear something that you’re comfortable moving around in – especially if you’ll be at a park or beach. Consider bringing a change of clothes if you want to switch up your look halfway through! Just let me know if you do, and I will bring my changing tent 🙂
4. Embrace the Candids: I might be biased, but the best kind of photos are the candid ones the document genuine interactions! When dogs are included, I like to start first with the more traditional posed ones while we have their energy. Then… prepare for all the candids!

Final Thoughts…

Including your dog in your San Diego engagement photos is a wonderful way to celebrate your relationship and include part of your fam. With the right planning and location, your session can be a fun and not stressful experience that results in beautiful, authentic photos. As a dog friendly engagement photographer in San Diego, I loooove helping couples craft their dream, pup-inclusive session.

As a local San Diego engagement photographer, I’m here to help you every step of the way! Whether you’re looking for location suggestions, tips on preparing for your dog, or simply want to chat about your vision for your session, I’d love to chat with you. Let’s create your dream engagement session together that doesn’t leave our your dog!