Sarah and Aaron won an engagement session I gave away on Instagram, and I couldn’t have picked a better couple for it. They’re both from Santa Barbara, they’re easy together, and they had a clear vision for the day. We started in a garden and finished at the ruins of Knapps Castle as the sun dropped behind the mountains. It was one of those sessions you don’t stop thinking about.
Starting the Session in a Whimsical Garden
We started at Aaron’s parents’ place, which has a garden that’s genuinely special. Rows of flowering plants, climbing vines, dappled morning light coming through the trees. Sarah and Aaron were relaxed from the moment we walked in, laughing and leaning into each other without any prompting from me. That kind of ease is rare this early in a session, and it gave us a beautiful first set of portraits before we’d even left the property.
Exploring the Magical Ruins of Knapps Castle
From there we drove up to Knapp’s Castle, the sandstone ruins of a 1916 mansion that burned down just two years after it was built. The walls still stand, open to the sky, with the Santa Ynez Valley spreading out below. As a shooting location it’s hard to beat. The old stone frames couples beautifully, the elevation gives you open sky in every direction, and the light at the end of the day is extraordinary up there.
The sun went down slowly that evening, and the light went through every warm shade before it was gone. Sarah had changed into a flowing blush dress, and the whole scene came together easily. I’d shoot them against an arch, then up on a wall with the valley behind them, then close and quiet in the fading glow. They were so present with each other that most of what I did was stay out of the way.
Why Knapps Castle is an Ideal Engagement Session Location
Knapps Castle sits about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, up a winding road into the Los Padres National Forest. The hike in is short, and then you’re standing in the shell of a grand old house with the whole valley laid out in front of you. The stone walls give the photos a real sense of place and history. Every couple I’ve shot there has walked away with a set of images that looks like nothing else in their camera roll.
The variety at Knapps Castle is what makes it work so well. You can start in the arched doorways for something close and intimate, then move to the open walls for wide shots with the mountain ridgeline behind you. The site is quiet on weekday evenings, which helps people relax. Sarah and Aaron were walking around exploring on their own between setups, which always leads to the best candid frames, just as I saw during another Santa Barbara engagement at San Ysidro Ranch.
If you’re thinking about an engagement session in the Santa Barbara area, I’d love to help you find the right location. You can also see how Santa Barbara weddings come together in my coverage of a wedding at the Belmond El Encanto. Have a look at my wedding photography services to get a sense of how I work, or just get in touch and we’ll go from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Knapps Castle for an engagement session?
The ruins give the photos real character: old sandstone walls, open archways, the Santa Ynez Valley stretching out behind you. It’s a dramatic setting that also feels private and calm. Couples who want something beyond a beach or a park tend to love it.
How do I prepare for an engagement session at outdoor locations like Knapps Castle?
Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind on a short dirt trail, and bring a layer for the evening. The access road is easy, but the temperature drops once the sun goes down. For outfits, soft colors and flowing fabrics read well against the old stone. We aim to arrive about 90 minutes before sunset to make the most of the light.
Can you help with location suggestions for engagement sessions?
Yes, always. Location scouting is part of what I do, and I’ve photographed all over the Santa Barbara area and beyond. Tell me what you’re drawn to: coast, hills, vineyards, gardens. I’ll put together a shortlist that fits. Knapps Castle is one of my favorites, but there are plenty of other spots that are just as special.
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