Snowy Flagstaff, Arizona Engagement Session | Arizona Adventure Photographer

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Vanessa & Danny’s Snowy Flagstaff Engagement Session

Adventure Engagement Photographer

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Say hello to Danny & Vanessa - who I actually took engagement photos of in January & are already married now, but I still wanted to finally share their cozy engagement session. These two have been together for SEVEN years now, since my boyfriend & I met in the 9th & 10th grade, I have a special place in my heart for high school sweethearts. There’s just something so easy going with couples that know the ins & outs of each other & aren’t afraid to goof around during photos & show their personalities off - that’s these two!

Since they live in Phoenix & were getting married in the Valley, they wanted something a little different for their engagement photos. So we made our way up to Flagstaff (my first time) & bundled up to adventure around in the snow - which I only fell down in once the whole trip. The area had gotten so much snow the weekend before that certain trails were closed off, so instead of our original plan, we pulled over on the side of the road & found a clearing in the trees. I make jokes all the time how I am up to adventure anywhere - whether it’s surrounded by cacti, on top of a mountain, or just on the side of the road somewhere, I’m up for anything - this engagement session was a prime example. As long as you & your significant other choose a location that feels special & personal to the two of you, that’s all that matters.

I can’t wait to finally share photos from their February wedding on the blog soon! It was such a fun day surrounded by Vanessa & Danny’s closest friends & family - lots of dancing & good food was included as well.

No matter where you’re located & wherever you want to have your love captured - I’d love to be a part of preserving memories & being a part of these special moments in your life. Let’s chat about how you want your adventure captured.

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Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling wedding, elopement & couples photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not headed to an engagement session she can be found binge-watching Netflix, attempting to do some yoga, or reorganizing her closet.

Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix, Arizona

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Where to take engagement photos in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Engagement Photographer

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Anywhere you go in Phoenix for your engagement session photos is going to be beautiful & have their own unique look. Whether you’re wanting the side of a mountain with saguaros or palm trees & water, the Phoenix area has so much to offer. If you have a love for the southwest & adventuring around the desert, these locations are for you.

I’ve created this list of some of my favorite areas that I have photographed engagements & couples in & around Phoenix. If you’re recently engaged & looking for a photographer to help you find the perfect spot to celebrate & capture your love, please reach out!

After reading this blog, let me know which location in Phoenix is your favorite in the comments below!

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Phoenix Engagement Locations

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The Salt River

A little outside of Phoenix located in the Tonto National Forest, the Salt River offers a variety of water views (hopping in the river for photos not required, but definitely extra fun) and mountain backdrops. If you’re looking for something with a more beachy vibe & different from the usual desert backdrop for your engagement photos, this area by Coon Bluff is perfect for engagement or couples photos. If you’re lucky you might even spot some wild horses.

Pro Tip: Bring sandals or water shoes to walk around in because there is actual sand at this area & it can be tough to walk around in any type of heels. Keeping a towel handy is also recommended, just in case you get wet!

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Downtown Phoenix

If you & your love are looking to get away from the cacti & mountains & want a city atmosphere, downtown Phoenix is the place to capture your engagement photos. Offering a variety of murals, alleys, & textures – the colors of the city offer cooler tones & make it easy to either dress up or dress down your wardrobe.

Have a restaurant or bar downtown you love? Grabbing a drink after running around the city can add something special to the end of your engagement session.

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Scorpion Gulch

Located at South Mountain Park, Scorpion Gulch offers a perfect golden glow at sunset. The ruins at the location were originally built in 1936 & operated as a store for many years through the 60s until becoming a bar in the 70s & eventually shutting down. The area was preserved & now is a great spot for capturing your engagement photos in the Phoenix area. The marked paths & easy access make it easy to fit in a variety of backdrops in a small area.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket to sit down for some photos to keep your clothes clean (don’t worry – I always have extras in the trunk of my car).

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Papago Park

Papago Park is a beautiful, public park located in Phoenix near the Desert Botanical Garden & the perfect spot for engagement photos! This park is great if you want a mix of everything – cacti, mountains, palm trees, water, & you can even see the Phoenix skyline in certain areas.

I recommend starting on the north east side of the park, near Hole in the Rock, while the sun is still high in the sky. Then end your engagement session with a great view of the sunset near Hunts Tomb.

Want to explore more of Papago Park? Check out this Phoenix Engagement Session here.

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Lost Dutchman State Park

Although this location is technically located in Apache Junction, AZ – it’s still a part of the Phoenix Metro, making it a great area for engagement photos! The Superstition Mountains offer a unique landscape that you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park has easy, accessible trails, as well as longer hiking opportunities for those that want more adventurous engagement photos.

At sunrise, you’ll have the sun coming up from behind the mountain during your session. And during sunset, the mountains will be lit up with the sun’s glow at the end of the day. Either time of day is sure to give you beautiful, unique photos.”

Take your engagement photos in the spring time for wildflowers!

*Lost Dutchman requires a photography permit to have your session here. Photo permits currently run $50, along with entry into the park which is $7-$10/car.

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Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is another area that offers breathtaking views & something a little different than your typical desert backdrops. Here you can get right next to the mountain & tall saguaros for your engagement photos, all while being surrounded by lake views.

This is a great area for sunset sessions that lead into blue hour. There is a small hike involved that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Check out more photos from Saguaro Lake here.

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Desert Botanical Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in all of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has so much to offer for engagement photos. Whether you want wild flowers, tall cacti, short cacti, or a mix of it all – the colors & layout of this place really show off what makes Phoenix, Arizona unique.

*Pro-Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

*Admission into the garden is required. I’m a member of the Desert Botanical Garden & can get one person in for free & 20% off regular admission.

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I help plan out your whole engagement session – giving advice on time of day to start & taking you to all the best view points.

Check out this blog post all about how to plan & prepare for your engagement session here.

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The Phoenix area has so much to offer when it comes to the perfect location for your engagement photos. Whether you’re looking for the side of a mountain, in the city, or an easy trail surrounded by cacti - you can’t go wrong with any of these spots. These also aren’t the only options, just some of my favorite spots that I’ve captured photographs at. No matter where you choose to have your engagement photos, make it somewhere that feels special to the both of you.

Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling elopement photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found re-watching the Office, drinking too much Mountain Dew, or hiking a new trail.