When you think about Newport Beach, you automatically think of the areas surrounding the beach areas, the expensive homes, traffic down Pacific Coast Highway and all the unique shops and places to eat. But in the northern part of the city, just three miles south of John Wayne Airport is an area far from the likes previously mentioned. The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a coastal wetland, that is one of the largest in Southern California, and is filled with nothing but nature. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Engagement Photos by Three16 Photography will provide you breathtaking photos to be cherished.

Sitting on approximately 135 acres of land, it surrounds the Ecological Reserve and the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The preserve is made up of bluffs that surround the bay area, is home to grasslands and coastal sage scrub, and is great for wildlife viewing.

The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve includes a 5.2 looping trail which is used daily by horseback riders, joggers, hikers and bicyclists, as well as featuring a small river. So, if you are interested in including hiking into your engagement photo session, or your bicycles or even your horses, this might be a great location for you.

Something to keep in mind depending on the time of year we are in is that they are open every day from 7am until sunset. So, we want to be sure to complete the session prior to their closing, but also having your shots as the sun is setting on the preserve make for stunning photos that you are sure to love.

If time permits, we can head over to the nearby Newport Dunes area which has a variety of different aspects we can incorporate into your shots as well.

You can learn more about the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve as your engagement location by visiting ocparks.com/parks/newport.

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