14 Stunning Malibu Engagement Photos at Point Dume | LGBT Love Story
Pre-Wedding
14 Stunning Malibu Engagement Photos at Point Dume | LGBT Love Story
If there’s one thing I love about photographing in Malibu, it’s the magic of golden hour on the beach. Melanie & Kim’s engagement session at Point Dume was the perfect blend of romance, laughter, and the breathtaking California coastline.
As an LGBT engagement photographer in Los Angeles, I’m always inspired by couples who bring their full, authentic selves to a shoot — and Melanie & Kim did just that. We started on the sandy beach with the ocean breeze in our hair, and ended high above the water for a sunset finale that took our breath away.
Beachside Malibu Engagement Photos at Point Dume
Malibu’s Point Dume State Beach and Natural Preserve is a dream location for engagement photos. The soft sand, rolling waves, and wide-open views create a relaxed, natural atmosphere. Melanie and Kim arrived in matching white tops and denim shorts — a simple, timeless choice that let their personalities shine.
We began by walking along the shoreline, letting them settle in while I captured natural interactions. They laughed, held hands, and splashed in the water without worrying about perfect poses. That’s my favorite kind of engagement photography — the kind that feels like you’re just hanging out with the person you love most.
Golden Hour Malibu Beach Engagement Photos: The Glow Before Sunset
As the afternoon shifted into golden hour, the light wrapped around us in a warm, romantic glow. This is when Malibu truly shines — the sun gets low, shadows stretch, and everything feels cinematic.
I captured Melanie leaning into Kim’s arms as the waves sparkled behind them. We alternated between close-up portraits full of emotion and wide shots that showcased Malibu’s breathtaking backdrop. If you’re planning your own sunset engagement session in Malibu, this is the time of day you’ll want to aim for.
Cliffside Malibu Engagement Photos with Sunset Views
After our time on the beach, we climbed to the top of Point Dume. From up here, you get 360-degree views — rugged cliffs to the north, endless Pacific Ocean to the west, and golden light pouring over the hills.
We captured silhouettes of Melanie and Kim holding hands against the fiery sky, tender forehead kisses framed by the horizon, and quiet moments where they simply took in the view together. These cliffside portraits are the kind of images couples frame and treasure for decades.
Why Point Dume is Perfect for Malibu Engagement Photos
For couples in Los Angeles or Orange County, Point Dume offers the best of both worlds: a soft, sandy beach for playful shots and dramatic cliffs for epic portraits — all within a short walk. You can get variety without hopping between locations, which means more time spent enjoying the session and less time in the car.
Malibu isn’t just a photographer’s dream — it’s a destination. From stunning beaches to iconic cliffs, there’s so much for couples to explore. For more inspiration, check out Visit California’s Malibu travel guide.
Tips for Planning Your Malibu Engagement Photos
- Arrive early to find parking and settle in before golden hour begins.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up to the cliffs — you can switch into dress shoes or go barefoot once you’re there.
- Plan for wind — let it add movement to your hair and clothing for a natural look.
- Coordinate outfits with the environment — neutral tones work beautifully against Malibu’s coastal colors.
- Hire a local photographer who knows the lighting, tides, and best spots for privacy.
If you’re dreaming of your own Malibu engagement photos at Point Dume — full of laughter, romance, and unforgettable views — I’d love to help you bring that vision to life. Contact me today to start planning your perfect Southern California engagement session.