Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park engagement was one of those sessions that reminds us why we love photographing love stories. Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park engagement is always filled with warmth, natural beauty, and peaceful surroundings that make every moment feel genuine. The rose-covered pathways, charming stone terraces, and the soft sounds of nature create a timeless atmosphere. Every step through this space feels like walking through a little piece of romance tucked into the heart of Berkeley.
Melissa and David’s story fits beautifully with this setting. Dave grew up in Sacramento, moved to Berkeley for school, and never really left. Along the way, two wonderful kids Jake and Cara became a big part of his life. Mel grew up in New Jersey and moved to Berkeley for grad school. She fell in love with the Bay Area’s hiking trails, vineyards, and waterfronts. Fate brought them together in 2022, when Dave picked RH Wine Bar in San Francisco for their first date. From that day, their connection just flowed filled with laughter, curiosity, and that instant feeling of comfort that only true love brings.
Their relationship grew through shared adventures and quiet nights at home. Together, they love cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with Cara and Jake. They even recently bought a home together, where they’re building a life full of everyday joy. The ceremony was outdoor, surrounded by the vibrant colors and soft sunlight of the gardens perfect for capturing those candid smiles and tender moments that make engagement photography so special.
One of our favorite parts of this Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park engagement session was seeing the way Melissa and David looked at each other is the kind of look that says everything without words. The photo where they’re wrapped in each other’s arms, smiling softly in the evening light, perfectly captures that connection.
Our engagement photography packages are created for couples who want their story told naturally and beautifully, just like Melissa and David’s. Whether it’s through candid laughter, quiet moments, or sweeping garden views, every photo becomes a memory worth keeping. The mix of sunlight, greenery, and love made this session unforgettable. To read what couples have said about their experience, don’t forget to check out their wonderful reviews. Berkeley Rose Garden is located on Berkeley but our San Francisco engagement photography team was there for session.
Original Weddings is a team of San Francisco wedding photographers. Please click here to learn more about our San Francisco photography and videography services. This session was edited in our Airy editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park Engagement Photos
Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park Engagement Reviews
Couples frequently praise the Berkeley Rose Garden and adjacent Codornices Park for their effortless beauty, romantic charm, and quiet atmosphere. The terraced rose beds, stone pathways, and sweeping views of the Bay make guests feel transported into a timeless garden world. Visitors often mention how peaceful and inspiring the setting is, even in a busy city. As photographers, those who work here speak of how the light plays across the roses and terraces, and how natural moments flow easily in this environment. It’s a favorite site for engagement and intimate ceremonies alike.
Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park Engagement Cost
Getting permission to shoot professionally in Berkeley Rose Garden or Codornices Park often requires permits. While the rose garden is a public city park (free to visit), commercial or professional photography typically needs approval from the city’s event or parks department. Permit fees vary depending on usage, time, and scope. For Bay Area parks (like those in the East Bay regional park district), professional photography permits can cost a substantial daily rate, while smaller portrait or individual permits are far lower. It’s always wise to check local rules, submit permit requests well in advance, and confirm any insurance or restrictions required.
Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park Engagement Photos
This location is a gem for engagement photography. The garden’s terraced layout, rose varieties, and amphitheater-style steps create elegant framing for couples. Lines of stairs, stone terraces, and surrounding greenery offer layered depth and contrast. Codornices Park adds creekside paths, trees, and playful features that bring fun and variety to the session. Whether capturing wide romantic portraits or close, intimate moments, the space adapts beautifully. Photographers love that the juxtaposition of structured rose gardens and wild trails lets them shift moods smoothly—from formal to candid—all while staying within the same location.
Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park Engagement Venue
Berkeley Rose Garden lies perched in a canyon in North Berkeley, with terraces of vibrant rose bushes, stone amphitheaters, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. It’s operated as a public city garden. Codornices Park winds adjacent to the rose garden, with creek walks, shady trees, and casual paths. Together, they offer a mix of structured elegance and natural landscapes. Their proximity allows couples to move fluidly between lush blooms and park trails for a varied engagement session. The layout supports both intimate moments and sweeping vistas, making it ideal for couples who want both romance and versatility in one location.
