Malibu Engagement & Couples Photographer

There is something entirely magical about the chapter between saying “yes” and saying “I do.” My engagement and couples photography philosophy is built entirely on capturing your authentic, unposed connection.

We skip the stiff, traditional prom-style posing and forced smiles. Instead, we plan an evening focused entirely on your unique dynamic—capturing the candid laughter, the quiet embraces, and the effortless romance that defines your relationship right now.

Cinematic Southern California Sessions

Whether you are looking for timeless portraits to feature on your wedding website and save-the-dates, celebrating an anniversary milestone, or simply wanting to document your love story, we will find the perfect backdrop.

From running along the shoreline at El Matador State Beach to exploring the sun-drenched trails of Topanga Canyon and the golden hills of Calabasas, I guide you through varied landscapes shaped beautifully by California light. My sessions are entirely interactive and free-flowing, ensuring you feel comfortable, confident, and completely like yourselves in front of the lens.

In-Home Lifestyle Engagement & Couples Sessions

While chasing the coastal golden hour is unforgettable, there is something deeply romantic and intimate about capturing your love story inside the walls of your own home. My lifestyle in-home couples and engagement sessions are completely relaxed, fun, and free-flowing. We skip the sunset timelines and instead utilize the soft, beautiful morning or afternoon window light inside your space. Whether we are making coffee in the kitchen, sharing a quiet moment on the couch, or simply laughing together in your favorite room, I travel directly to homes in Malibu, Calabasas, and across Los Angeles to document your genuine, everyday connection exactly as you are.

Transparent, Flat-Rate Packages

Planning a wedding or coordinating life milestones can be overwhelming, which is why I keep my photography packages entirely simple and straightforward. I believe in absolute trust and zero hidden stress.

My couples and engagement sessions are offered at an all-inclusive flat rate. Following our evening together, you will receive access to a comprehensive digital proofing gallery to select your absolute favorite 35 high-resolution images, complete with full print rights. There are no mandatory print minimums, no high-pressure post-shoot sales meetings, and zero hidden fees. If you want to purchase additional images beyond your included 35, you always have that option.

Let’s Tell Your Love Story

Your milestones deserve to be preserved beautifully, and I would love nothing more than to document them for you. Ready to explore the Malibu coastline or the canyons of Los Angeles together? Fill out the contact form HERE to check availability. Once you reach out, I will send over my complete Engagement & Couples Session Guide, packed with wardrobe styling inspiration, timeline strategies, and my favorite hidden, secluded local backdrops.

Romantic beach engagement photos of a man hugging his blonde fiancée from behind in Malibu by Erica Montgomery Photography.

Engaged couple cuddling on wooden beach stairs during a sunset engagement session at El Matador State Beach by Erica Montgomery Photography.

Cinematic couples portrait of a man and woman sitting in a sunlit field in Calabasas by Erica Montgomery Photography.

Man holding hands and spinning his fiancée along the shoreline during a cinematic Malibu beach engagement session by Erica Montgomery Photography.

Married couple walking barefoot through glistening ocean waves at sunset during a romantic Malibu coastal photoshoot by Erica Montgomery Photography.

Malibu Engagement & Couples Photography FAQ

When is the best time of day to schedule our couples portrait session?
All outdoor engagement and couples sessions are intentionally scheduled during the golden hour, which begins roughly one hour before sunset. This ensures your portraits are wrapped in the soft, warm, luminous, and cinematic lighting that Malibu beaches and Calabasas hills are famous for.

What should we wear for our beach or canyon engagement photos?
I always recommend choosing outfits that offer movement and complement our natural surroundings. Flowing dresses, neutral tones, and textured fabrics photograph beautifully against coastal sea breezes or earthy canyon backdrops. Your Session Guide will include a comprehensive styling framework to help you coordinate effortlessly without looking overly matched.

How do you help couples who feel awkward or nervous in front of the camera?
Feeling a little nervous is completely normal, but you don’t need to worry for a single second. I don’t expect you to know how to pose. I use an organic, prompt-based guiding style that focuses on action and connection—like walking together, sharing a joke, or listening to the waves—so you forget about the camera and focus entirely on each other.

Can we change outfits during our engagement session?
Yes, absolutely. Bringing two distinct outfits is a fantastic way to get a great variety of looks out of a single session. Many couples choose to start with a slightly more elevated, formal look (like a maxi dress or a structured linen shirt) and transition into a more casual, relaxed outfit for splashing around in the ocean at sunset.