Top Locations for Malibu Maternity photography | Malibu, CA
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksOne thing I absolutely love about Malibu Maternity Photography (and being a photographer who lives in Malibu) is that there are so many different locations for outdoor photos! I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite locations in and around Malibu that are absolutely perfect for Maternity Photography!
Keep reading to learn all about my favorite locations, and see some of my beautiful
Malibu Maternity Photography from these locations.
Table of Contents
Beach Locations
Mountain Locations
Malibu Wineries & Historic Mansions
Gardens & Parks
Malibu Maternity Photography - Beach Locations
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is my favorite beach maternity location by far because it is the most easily accessible, and scenic location in Malibu. It has 3 beautiful rocky coves to keep you sheltered from the wind, a sea tunnel to explore at low tide, an easily accessible cliff that you can walk out on and take stunning photos, and a wide beach that can be utilized at high tide.
There are 3 main areas to park and enjoy Leo Carrillo. Parking in the two parking lots is $3 per hour, or $12 all day. You can also park for free along PCH, but watch out for cars.
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at Leo Carrillo.
Famous Movies that feature Leo Carrillo: Grease, 50 First Dates, the Craft, Point Break, and the Karate Kid.
El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is Malibu’s most popular location by far. With its stunning sea stacks, dramatic cliffs and sea caves, it’s sure to lend a beautiful backdrop to your maternity photos.
It’s beautifully romantic and absolutely breathtaking during the late fall/winter months.
However, there are a few safety matters to consider.
Tides: This location is very dependent on the tides. Anything above a 5ft tide is flat out unsafe for your session. My favorite tide height is between a 3ft to 4ft tide or negative low tides.
Walkability: El Matador State Beach rests below a 150ft cliff face. The dirt trail leading down to the beach is steep, uneven, and rocky, and there are a couple narrow, steep staircases to contend with. If your mobility has been limited due to pregnancy, I would consider skipping this location.
Parking is $3 per hour, $12 all day in the parking lot. But be aware! The parking lot is small and fills up quickly, so try to get there well before your session start time!
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at El Matador State Beach.
Famous Movies that feature El Matador: The Notebook and A Family Affair
To learn more about El Matador State Beach, you can read my Ultimate Guide to El Matador Blog Post.
Point Dume Bluffs/Westward Beach
Point Dume is Malibu’s second most popular photography location and for good reason. You have so many backdrop options along the bluffs (the boardwalk, the flat top, and the cliff, etc.).
There is also Westward beach below the cliffs, which is probably the most easily accessible beach spot for expecting parents. There is also Pirates Cove for adventurous couples who aren’t afraid to climb over rocks at low tide.
If you want to take photos along the bluffs, have someone drop you of at the top along Cliffside Drive. That way you don’t have to hike up from Westward beach, and you don’t have to wait in that endless line for the limited parking spots along Cliffside Drive.
If you don’t want to have your photos up on the bluffs no problem! Westward beach is very expansive and, like I said, super easily accessible. You can take stunning photos near the cliffs.
And as a bonus, Gray Whales migrate past Point Dume in the winter and early spring months! They get super close to the shore too thanks to the deep drop off right there near the cliffs.
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at Point Dume/Westward Beach.
Famous Movies that Feature Point Dume: Planet of the Apes, The Big Lebowski, Iron Man (Tony Starks house).
Malibu Maternity Photography
- Mountain Locations
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is my absolute favorite non-beach location in Malibu!
You have so much variety at this location. There are the beautiful mountains, gorgeous wildflowers in the spring, golden fields in the summer, the sparkling creek, and the rock pools (if you’re willing to walk back that far).
This location is so beautiful throughout the year. Late spring, summer, and fall are my favorite seasons to do photography sessions. However, the oak trees lose their leaves and the grass looks pretty dead in the late winter/early spring months.
It’s a super accessible location. Difficulty only depends on how far back you’re willing to walk! The trails are wide and stroller/wagon friendly if you have little ones with you.
Parking is $3 per hour, $12 all day when you park at the main trail head. There is limited free parking along Mulholland Road at Grasslands Trailhead and Cistern Trailhead.
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at Malibu Creek State Park.
Famous Movies and TV shows that Feature Malibu Creek State Park: Planet of the Apes, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, M*A*S*H
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Charmlee Wilderness Park is a childhood favorite of mine, and it’s a beautiful location! It offers many beautiful backgrounds for your maternity photoshoot, depending on how far into the park you want to travel.
My favorite spot is right by the parking lot! Which makes it super easy for expecting moms with limited mobility.
The best season for Charmlee Park is late spring/early summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom! November is also a great month to visit the park, as the Sycamore trees have all developed their fall colors.
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at Charmlee Wilderness Park.
Paramount Ranch
Paramount Ranch is a beautiful location for expecting couples who just want to take beautiful photos out in nature without having to walk a bunch.
My favorite spot is directly to the right after you pull in the entrance. You park in front of the rocks and then walk down a short trail to get to the other side.
Hopefully the filming set will be finished by Fall 2024 and they’ll allow photographers to do sessions in front of the Old West inspired buildings.
Parking is free!
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at Paramount Ranch.
Famous Movies and TV shows that Feature Paramount Ranch: The Great Outdoors, The Dukes of Hazzard, the Lake House, Westworld (TV series), the Cisco Kid (TV series).
Image by Mika Baumeister
Malibu Maternity Photography
- Malibu Wineries & Historic Mansions
Cielo Farms
Ah, beautiful Cielo Farms. While you might think taking Maternity photos at a winery is a little odd, I personally find the grapevines stunning! This scenic location is perfect for dramatic and intimate maternity photos in the Santa Monica mountains.
Parking is included with admission.
A $550 photography permit fee is required to take any type of photos at Cielo Farms.
King Gillette Ranch
King Gillette Ranch is located just across Malibu Canyon Road from Malibu Creek State Park! However, this location has a very different vibe from its neighbor! It’s beautifully manicured and has historic buildings on its grounds. Even the visitor center is stunning!
Parking is $7.
A $150 permit is required to do any kind of photography at King Gillette Ranch.
Malibu Maternity Photography - Gardens & Parks
Westlake Village Inn
Westlake Village Inn is located just over the Santa Monica mountains from Malibu. Not only is it a gorgeous place to stay, but it’s also the perfect place to take Maternity photos when the roses and bougainvillea are in bloom!
Also located on the grounds are the grapevines over at Stonehaus restaurant!
You can only get a photo pass (photography permit) if you are registered as a guest at Westlake Village Inn.
Banyan Park
Banyan park is a stunning park located in Thousand Oaks but I’m still adding it to this list because it’s on the Malibu side of the 101 freeway. The best time to take photos at this location is in April and May, when the blossom trees and bushes are full of flowers.
My favorite spot to park is off of Meadowcrest street (that way you can avoid seeing the playground if you have little ones with you).
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Will Rogers State Historic Park is located in the Pacific Palisades. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Zuma beach, but it’s well worth it for me! This Historic Park is gorgeous year round thanks to the bountiful eucalyptus groves and well manicured grounds.
You can take photos by the historic buildings, the stables, take a short hike up to the top of the hill, or relax by the polo field (my favorite spot).
Parking is $12
A permit is required to do any kind of photography at Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Address: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Family Farms has two locations, but my favorite is the Moorpark location. Not only is it a fun place to bring your family throughout the year, but it’s also a great spot for Maternity photos!
In the spring they have tulips and other flowers, in the summer they have a lavender field and sunflowers, in the fall they have pumpkins and sunflowers, and in the winter they have Christmas Tree groves!
Parking is included with entry. Entry fees depend on what time of the year/day of the week you go.
Underwood Family Farms allows photography without a permit. All you have to do is pay the entry fee!
Interested in a Maternity Session?
About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a Boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
