We are all aware of the big named beaches along the Orange County coastline, but how many smaller beaches do you know? If you are in the market for an engagement photo session, and you’re looking at beach locations, weigh out all the pros and cons of both the larger beaches and of the smaller ones. As Orange County engagement photographers, we typically prefer the less crowded with interesting backgrounds. One beach we really enjoy is Woods Cove. Woods Cove Engagement Photos in Laguna Beach shot by Three16 Photography will leave you with many great memories for years to come.

Woods Cove, or also known as Lovers Cove or Diamond Cove, can be a bit tricky. First of all, we need to consider both the time of the year you want to plan your session, but also tide reports. During the summer months, the weekends can get pretty crowded with the locals that live there, which makes it tougher to get photos without anyone else in the background to your photos. Weekdays are recommended or out of the summer season isn’t too bad. In terms of the tides, if we meet up for your session during a high tide, chances are we won’t even be able to see the beach, much less go on it. But if we get a low tide, not only do we have the full beauty that this cove has to offer, but much of the small tide pools are fully exposed and they can make for some fun backgrounds to your photos as well as the many rock formations.

Another highlight that takes place during the summer season, is that often the ocean water will be a beautiful shade of blue, much like you see in photos of the Caribbean Islands. In addition to the ocean, sandy beach, rock formations and tide pools, Woods Cove is surrounded by absolutely stunning homes. Capturing the homes on the cliffs as a backdrop in your photos will really allow your shots to pop. One point of interest if you are an old movie buff, just to the north of the staircase is the home that once belonged to actress Bette Davis.

Parking is relegated to the residential streets, but if we are there on a day that’s not very crowded and we get a low tide, this location is worth it. And if time permits, Pirate’s Tower is just a half mile south from Woods Cove and another half mile from there is Victoria Beach.

You can learn more about Woods Cove as your engagement location by visiting visitlagunabeach.com/things-to-do/beaches/woods-cove.

Some locations are subject to permit and/or travel fees.