Saguro National Park | Engagement Locations in Phoenix

7 Engagement Locations in Phoenix

Couples

HEY - I'm Annette

An Arizona based Wedding, Elopement & Couple's Photographer. I am here for the wild, messy and imperfect moments. Let me help you create an experience that will last a lifetime.

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FILED ON //

June 7, 2022

These 7 Engagement Locations in Phoenix will have you booking the next flight to the desert!

Do you want to know my favorite thing about being a wedding photographer in Arizona? You do not have to go far to get stunning views — especially in the Phoenix area! After capturing many couples all around Arizona, I wanted to share my favorite spots for couples to consider for their engagement locations in Phoenix.

Here are my top favorite engagement locations in the Phoenix area for couples.

AN ARIZONA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOP
ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS IN THE PHOENIX AREA

SALT RIVER

Salt River is located near Saguaro Lake. It is about 40 minutes from the Scottsdale area.

It is all preserved rolling hills covered with cacti. My favorite part? You literally see wild horses run free. The lake is hidden in the hills where it has a beautiful landscape view of tall mountainous rock sculptures overlooking the lake.

Salt River | Engagement Locations in Phoenix

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS

It has a gorgeous landscape view of a mountain range surrounded by cacti on all sides.

The Superstition Mountains just so happen to be my favorite location in Phoenix for engagement sessions. The classic cactus vibe is just jaw-dropping. I like to explain the Superstition Mountains as a closer Sedona location with neutral colors instead of the red rock colors.

These mountains are one of the most widely known places in Arizona to photograph, and it is about 45+ miles from the Phoenix area. The Superstition Mountains are located in Gold Canyon and have an amazing scenic drive once you drive out there.

Superstition Mountains | Engagement Locations in Phoenix

USERY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

The Usery Mountain Regional Park is located northeast of Mesa. It has acres of small rocky hills with surrounding mountains everywhere. If you are located in the Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler areas, this is the perfect spot for the typical Arizona cactus desert look in photos.

There is a $6 entrance fee when visiting.

PAPAGO MOUNTAINS

Papago Mountains is a desert hilly park located right next to the border of Tempe and Scottsdale.

It is popular for the distinctive landmarks of red rocks with your typical desert cactus plants. For being so close to town, it is a popular park that has the red rock vibe like Sedona and you don’t have to drive very far. Next door to the park is the Desert Botanical Gardens so you could go to both locations if you wanted in one session. The most popular place to hike around this park is “Hole in the Wall” where a lot of people watch the sunset; one of the best views of the sunset!

Papago Park | Engagement Locations in Phoenix

 DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS

This isn’t your typical flower garden in most cities, it’s a flower garden in the desert!

The Botanical Gardens is located right next to the border of Tempe and Scottsdale. There are acres of various desert plants and cactus which gives it a stunning place for an engagement session. The garden has a ton of trails to walk through which also make it a fun date night to explore with your special person.

The entrance fee to get in is $24.95-$39.95 with a photographer permit of $50.

 SONORAN MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

The Sonoran Mountain Preserve is a desert landscape is located north of Phoenix and the Scottsdale area that stretches across to Cave Creek. It has Rolling cactus desert hills of cactus everywhere. It is a great spot if you live in the Scottsdale area and want the desert cactus vibe.

 BARTLETT LAKE RESERVE

Bartlett Lake is about 18 miles from Cave Creek and it is a hidden gem for sure! It is a beautiful reservoir that is nestled in the mountains of Arizona. The drive to Bartlett Lake is stunning with rolling hills of cacti. This reservoir is a great place to cool off in the summer. You can also hike, fish, and boat in it!

If you are looking for a location that is a little more private, Bartlett Lake is perfect for you! It isn’t a very big lake, but it’s hidden in the hills. Looking for the perfect date night to explore a new area or just simply get out and spend the day on the lake, make sure to check out Bartlett!

Bartlett Lake | Engagement Locations in Phoenix

 MEET YOUR NEW ARIZONA ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi! I am Annette, and I am an Arizona-based wedding + elopement photographer. I love helping couples capture memories in the desert.

FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS, I HAVE BEEN CAPTURING
LIFE’S MOMENTS THROUGH A LENS.

Undoubtedly, I am out of this world in love with adventuring and capturing humans. I started out shooting my friends when we traveled abroad and then moved on to capturing the candid love of two people. By capturing the energy of couples, I am able to also capture the connection they make. I am definitely a hopeless romantic and I love bringing my bright, playful energy out when shooting for the adventurous souls.

Let me help you capture the sweet moments with your special person in the golden Arizona sunlight!

Saguero National Park | Engagement Locations in Phoenix

Looking for more location ideas in Arizona? Check out these blogs for more engagement ideas in the Phoenix area.

Superstition Mountain Engagement

Saguaro Lake Engagement

Usery Mountain Regional Park

Sedona Engagement Session

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HEY - I'm Annette!

An Arizona based Wedding, Elopement & Couple's Photographer. I am here for the wild, messy and imperfect moments. Let me help you create an experience that will last a lifetime.

explore

Annette Ambrose

Weddings, Elopements, & COUPLES

photographer

PHX // AZ