Best places for graduation photos in Monterey
Planning graduation photos in Monterey? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.
5 places to shoot graduation photos & videos in Monterey
Monterey State Historic Park (Custom House Plaza)
A historic adobe district around the old Custom House plaza with early-California architecture and courtyards. The heritage setting suits family, engagement and portrait sessions.
For graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.
California State University, Monterey Bay
This coastal campus on the old Fort Ord site mixes modern academic halls, open quads and mature trees just inland from the bay. Broad lawns and clean architectural lines give graduation and senior photos a real sense of place. Late-day sun rakes across the buildings and the wide walkways for warm, open portraits.
For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.
Monterey Peninsula College
A leafy community-college campus with tiled courtyards, oak-shaded walkways and tidy lawns tucked between downtown and the hills. The mix of steps, columns and greenery gives graduation and senior portraits plenty of clean, classic backdrops. Morning light filters softly through the trees along the main paths.
For graduation photos: a proud spot to mark the achievement.
Carmel Mission Basilica
The 1797 mission is one of the most beautiful landmarks on the coast, with a honey-colored stone facade, arched courtyards and a lush walled garden. Bougainvillea, fountains and old adobe walls give graduation and engagement photos a timeless, formal feel. It stays a working parish, so plan around services and keep sessions respectful.
For graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.
Colton Hall & Friendly Plaza
This white-stone 1849 civic hall, where California's first constitution was drafted, fronts the shaded lawns and old trees of Friendly Plaza. The formal steps and columns make a dignified backdrop for graduation and senior portraits, while the plaza gives softer, greener options nearby. It sits an easy walk from downtown, so you can pair it with other city spots.
For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.
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Shooting graduation photos in Monterey
It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.
Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.
Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Monterey. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.
More places to shoot
Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.
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