Glamis Sand Dunes is one of the most incredible places I’ve seen; it looks like a completely different planet. If you want something that feels out of this world for your engagement photos, I highly recommend booking your shoot here! A Glamis Sand Dunes Engagement Session is otherworldly.

These two are some of my favorite people; I adore them! Nikki and I hopped on a phone call to chat about their plans for eloping and to plan their engagement session, and we immediately hit it off. Instant BFFs. These two have been together for many years and felt that a Las Vegas elopement was more their speed. But they wanted to have engagement photos done before their elopement! Which I highly recommend.

A Glamis Sand Dunes engagement was the perfect option for them, so we got it booked and waited for the day to arrive!

Where is Glamis Sand Dunes?

This gem of a place is in Imperial County, California – right before you cross into Arizona! It’s 22 minutes from Yuma, AZ., and 42 minutes from El Centro, CA. When you’re driving on Interstate 8, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere- that’s because you are. Suddenly, you will start seeing more sand, then more hills, and you will be right in the midst of the sand dunes! When I shoot at Glamis Sand Dunes, I always park at Buttercup Ranger Station and walk to where I will shoot. It’s often empty, and maybe only a couple people also exploring the dunes when I have visited!

When To Visit The Dunes?

This place can get very hot since it is in the desert. I would avoid shooting here June – September if you don’t want to be sweating the entire time. This engagement session happened at the end of April and it was honestly quite comfortable! I have been here in June and July and it was way too hot. Fall through early spring would be the most ideal time to book your photoshoot at Glamis Sand Dunes!

We took these photos during golden hour and blue hour, which are the times I always recommend for scheduling your engagement session. The sun will be setting and you’ll get that gorgeous golden warm light in your photos, it will quite literally feel magical!

Embrace The Sand and Weather

Sometimes the sand dunes can be a little unpredictable, meaning the wind can pick up and sand will be…everywhere. If you’re someone who is worried about your hair being wind blown (I get it!), then I might not recommend this place to you. If you’re someone who is down for anything, this is the place for you! We can create so many incredible photos while working with the wind, rolling in the sand, and just having fun no matter what Mother Nature throws at us!

My #1 tip to you, be flexible! The weather and lighting conditions can change quickly in a desert environment, so be prepared to adapt to different circumstances. Trust your photographer to make the most of the available conditions.

What To Wear for your Glamis Sand Dunes Engagement?!

Choose your outfits carefully to complement the natural surroundings. Earthy tones, flowing dresses, and casual, comfortable clothing often work well in this setting. N & A had perfect outfits for shooting at the dunes! Their first outfit choice was a little more formal, a flowy dress is absolutely the way to go. The way the wind picks up fabric is perfect, and flowy dresses will allow for easier movement! Their second outfits were more a little more casual which I loved. This allowed for them to run, roll around, and just let loose for those super candid photos they wanted! Check out my Pinterest board for engagement photo outfit ideas!

Remember that the most important aspect of your engagement photos is to capture your love and excitement as a couple! A Glamis Sand Dunes engagement session offers a unique and beautiful backdrop for this special time in your lives, so make the most of the opportunity and have fun with it.

I would love to work with you to capture your dream Glamis Sand Dunes Engagement photoshoot! Reach out to me here, and I will be in touch soon.