IN THIS GUIDE – (Reading Time 10 min)
Photo Spots You’ll Love
Tips & Inspiration
Best Time Of The Day for Photoshot
For couples getting married in the Long Beach area, or if your wedding venue is in Long Beach, we truly recommend doing your couple photo shoot at Shoreline Park. The park offers a mix of different spots—beautiful nature, ocean views, the marina , and well-known landmarks. That’s why it’s a perfect place for wedding, elopement, or engagement photos.
In this post, we’ll cover all the details about planning a photo shoot at Shoreline Park and share tips on where to take pictures and what you can expect during your session with your Long Beach wedding photographer.
Bride and Groom Posing in a front of the Lions Lighthouse, Long Beach, CA | NZ WEDDING STUDIO
From Palms and Ocean to Shoreline Village and Lions Lighthouse | All the Photo Spots You’ll Love
As I already mentioned at the beginning, the best part of this spot is its variety. This wedding photo location is perfect for couples who want to get the most out of their photo shoot—mixing the beauty of nature with famous landmarks like the Lion Lighthouse, Shoreline Village, or the Queen Mary ship.
A walking path around the park gives you the opportunity to have nice photos next to the Ocean and the marina with beautiful views on the boats and landmark Queens Mary Ship.
In the center of the park, there are tall, beautiful palm trees and walking paths that give you a great chance to take lovely photos, especially during sunset.
At the end of the park, you’ll find the Lions Lighthouse standing on top of a small hill. Its striking white structure against the blue sky provides a timeless backdrop for romantic photos. The surrounding grassy areas and palm trees add to the charm, making it a favorite spot for couples.
If you like a more natural, wild look in your photos, there is a wooden path by the marina that goes over the sand. It’s a great spot to get creative and mix your photos with the view of the boats.
To take photos at Shoreline Village, you’ll need to go to the other side—it’s not part of the park. This waterfront area is known for its bright buildings and fun boardwalk feel. The mix of different styles and happy atmosphere makes it a great spot for engagement or wedding photos. The colorful houses are perfect for a fun and creative couple photo shoot.
One thing I really want to point out is that Shoreline Park is much less crowded than Los Angeles beaches, even on busy days like Sunday. It feels open and peaceful, which helps you relax and enjoy your photo session without feeling rushed or surrounded by big crowds.
Tips & Inspiration | Planning Your Wedding Photos at Shoreline Park
There’s no strict rule on how to approach a wedding location—especially when you have so many great options like at Shoreline Park. It’s up to the photographer to work closely with the couple and make a plan that matches their style and vision.
Photographers should bring their own ideas while also using the details and info shared by the couple. That mix of personal style and thoughtful planning is what sets each photographer apart.
Each location offers different chances for great photos. Since Shoreline Park has so much to offer, I like to plan the shoot ahead of time with a little guide I follow during the session.
I always arrive early to walk around and check out the best spots depending on the light and weather. This helps everything go smoothly, and avoids wasting time during the shoot. It can be frustrating for couples if you’re figuring it out on the spot.
Planning like this is super important to me—because if you’re jumping from one place to another without a plan, it’s easy to miss a great shot.
Permit Rules: If you’re just taking casual photos, you usually don’t need a permit. But if it’s a professional shoot with lots of gear, it’s a good idea to check with local officials first.
Parking: Parking is generally available near Shoreline Park, but arriving early can help secure a convenient spot.
Best Time of Day for Photos at Shoreline Park, Long Beach!
The best time to have a photo shoot at Shoreline Park is early in the morning at sunrise, when it’s calm and quiet, or during sunset—my favorite time—when the light is soft and warm.
Sunset at Shoreline Park is especially beautiful because of the open views of the water, palm trees, and wide sky. The golden light makes everything look more romantic and dreamy, perfect for wedding or couple photos.
Shooting during sunrise or sunset also means fewer people around, so the experience feels more private and relaxed. Plus, the light at these times is the most flattering and natural for photos.
Let’s Chat About Your Wedding Shoot
Shoreline Park in Long Beach is a truly special place for wedding, engagement, or elopement photos. With its mix of nature, ocean views, and iconic spots, it gives you everything you need in one location.
Whether you’re looking for peaceful, romantic moments or something fun and colorful, this park has it all. With the right planning and timing, your photo shoot here can be both easy and unforgettable.
