Monastery Beach Engagement Session

Monastery Beach engagement session in Carmel with a couple and their dog. Romantic coastal portraits and candid pet-friendly photography.

Monastery Beach in Carmel is a breathtaking backdrop for engagement photography, with its dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and the steady rhythm of the Pacific Ocean. For this session, the couple brought along their beloved pit bull, adding warmth and personality to the portraits. Including pets in an engagement session makes the photos feel deeply personal, capturing not only the love between two people but also the joy of the family they’ve already built together.

The shoreline provided space for playful candids as the couple strolled with their dog, while the rocky outcroppings created cinematic frames for more refined portraits. We balanced wide shots of the sweeping coastline with close-up moments of laughter, connection, and affection. The dog’s energy brought spontaneity to the session, reminding us that the best images often come from unscripted moments.

Monastery Beach Engagement Session Photos

As the sun dipped lower, the light shifted into golden hues, creating the perfect conditions for romantic sunset portraits. Against the backdrop of waves breaking and the horizon glowing, the couple shared quiet embraces while their dog played nearby. These images captured not just a milestone in their relationship but also a reflection of their life together — full of love, companionship, and natural beauty.

At Monterey Photography, we believe engagement sessions should reflect who you are as a couple. For those planning weddings in Carmel, Big Sur, or across Monterey Bay, Monastery Beach offers one of the region’s most iconic coastal landscapes. When combined with personal touches — like including a pet — the result is a gallery of images that feel authentic, timeless, and unmistakably yours.

Love Including Your Pets?

If your dog, cat, or other four-legged friend is part of your love story, why not make them part of your wedding day too? At Monterey Photography, we specialize in capturing the genuine joy and candid moments pets bring to both engagement sessions and wedding celebrations. From dogs walking down the aisle to cats curled up during bridal prep, these moments add heart and authenticity to your photos.

👉 Discover our guide on including pets in your wedding photography for inspiration, ideas, and practical tips.