Mission San Juan Capistrano Engagement Photos

couple facing each other standing under the cross at Mission San Juan Capistrano

I had a great time working with Graci and Alex! We had so much fun taking their Mission San Juan Capistrano engagement photos while exploring the property. It was my first time photographing here and meeting this couple. We walked around on a Sunday afternoon, getting to know each other better. While exploring the property I had the chance to learn more about them and their relationship. This engagement session, and others like it, are always a great way for me to meet and work with my couples for the first time rather than on their wedding day. Engagement sessions are where we start to form the bonds that will lead us to your wedding day!

When we were planning Graci and Alex’s engagement session, Graci mentioned that she wanted something unique and very Southern California feeling. We started talking about the Mission San Juan Capistrano for possible engagement photos and she knew that that was the spot! We spent two hours adventuring around the space and taking photos. Which was the perfect amount of time for this engagement session. Being that it is a spot a lot of people visit daily, we planned for the full two hours because we knew we would have to work around where people were and wait for our turn at certain locations. 

Mission San Juan Capistrano engagement photos

Before deciding on a date and time to take Mission San Juan Capistrano engagement photos, consult with your photographer because you will need a permit to photograph there. The mission’s permit was simple to obtain. You simply notify the mission of your preferred date and pay a small fee in advance for photographing there. As an added bonus to purchasing the permit, this permit fee will also cover the cost of admission.

San Juan Capistrano is a historic and iconic location in Southern California. This historic mission was built in 1776 and served as the birthplace of Orange County. The old bell wall, which still rings daily to honor the legacy of Saint Junipero Serra, is one of their most recognizable features. This historic stone and brick mission is decorated with lush bright florals and cactus. It creates numerous photo opportunities throughout the space.

Every nook and cranny appears to offer a unique photo backdrop and transports you back in time. If you plan to take mission san juan capistrano engagement photos, keep in mind that they host family-friendly cultural festivals throughout the year, as well as a Summer concert series. The mission is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is best to schedule your session right when it opens or a few hours before closing, as the middle of the day is the busiest.

I just got to photograph Graci & Alex’s wedding last week and I just cannot wait to share their stunning wedding photos! I got to work with Suher with Forever Refined Events and the amazing team she put together. Stay tuned for their wedding day.

If you are looking for a Mission San Juan Capistrano engagement session photographer, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website or just click here. I focus on capturing life’s most precious moments and turning them into lifelong keepsakes.

For other sessions by Camila Margotta take a look at these other sessions:
Luce Loft Wedding Inspiration
Studio Maternity Session
Scripps Pier Family Session

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