Seven Grand in downtown Los Angeles is a beloved whiskey bar with a unique atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a moody and intimate setting for a date, or engagement photography! Established in 2007, it has gained a reputation as one of LA’s top whiskey destinations, offering over 800 varieties of whiskey, handcrafted cocktails, and a cozy, mid-century ambiance. The bar's vintage-inspired interior, with features like taxidermy and fox-hunt wallpaper, evokes a classic gentleman’s club feel, making it a stylish and unforgettable backdrop for photos. For couples who enjoy whiskey or a sophisticated bar setting, Seven Grand offers not only great drinks but also the opportunity for unique and atmospheric portraits, especially with its dimly lit interiors and cozy nooks.

Mad Men Whiskey Bar Vibes


Des and Chris chose the iconic Seven Grand bar in downtown Los Angeles for their engagement session, seeking to evoke classic "Mad Men" vibes with its mid-century gentleman's club feel. The session blended the bar's retro, whiskey-soaked charm with their playful energy, making for timeless and moody portraits.

For this shoot, I worked with the low lighting and rich textures of the bar, using both digital and 35mm film to capture their love for this place. Seven Grand’s sultry interior and vintage feel made it the ideal location for Des and Chris to get the look they envisioned, and we had a lot of fun crafting something that felt personal and nostalgic.

A couple shares drinks and conversation at an upscale bar with illuminated shelves of liquor bottles in the background.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple sharing an intimate moment at a bar counter in Los Angeles.
A romantic couple shares an intimate kiss at a rustic bar with deer antlers and bottles displayed on the wall in Los Angeles.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple sitting close together at a dimly lit bar with cocktail glasses on the table.
Close-up shot of couple holding a drink for intimate bar engagement session in Los Angeles.
Couple sits together in vintage bar with warm lighting, leather seating and rustic decor on the walls smiling for engagement photos.
Two old fashioned cocktails with large orange peels sit on black coasters at a dark wooden bar in Los Angeles.
A couple in formal attire toasts with cocktails at an elegant bar with rich wood and vintage bottle displays.

Activity Focused Engagement Session


Shooting an engagement session at a bar or restaurant offers more variety and spontaneity than simply posing in traditional locations. These venues provide built-in activities, such as sipping cocktails, sharing food, or playing pool, that help couples interact naturally. Rather than focusing solely on poses, the environment encourages candid moments that feel authentic—like clinking glasses or leaning in for a quiet conversation at the bar. This relaxed atmosphere allows for capturing real emotions and movements, adding storytelling depth to the photos.

Close-up view of a couple in wedding attire sitting together on dark wood chairs showing their formal dress and shoes.
A couple shares drinks in a cozy booth with red leather seating and vintage decor.
Elegant white bridal shoe with crystal details on dark wooden floor.
A couple laughs together in a dimly lit bar with vintage decor, pool table and illuminated bottles behind the counter.
A couple enjoys a romantic evening playing pool together at a dimly lit bar in Los Angeles.
A couple plays pool together at a dimly lit bar with vintage-style windows and warm lighting in the background.
A couple playing pool for engagement photos at Seven Grand in Los Angeles.
Romantic black and white photo of a couple standing on vintage bar staircase.
Man and woman kiss at whiskey bar in downtown Los Angeles for engagement photography.

Back in the days of yore 2023, I didn't always carry my film camera with me like I do now, so regrettably I only have a few photos on 35mm film from this session at Seven Grand Los Angeles.

35mm film photo of a couple sharing a romantic moment at a bar with wine glasses, the woman wearing a white dress and man in black attire.

But digital is still pretty stinking cool. Especially in black and white.

A couple shares an intimate moment in a stairwell with city windows in the background.
A couple dances intimately next to a pool table in a dimly lit bar with vintage decor in Los Angeles.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple sharing a kiss at an elegant bar with shelves of bottles in the background.
A black and white bar engagement session in downtown Los Angeles.
Two people having an animated conversation in front of a Seven Grand bar menu board featuring classic cocktails and whiskey drinks.
A black and white image shows a couple in formal attire sharing an intimate moment while holding a drink together.
A romantic moment between a couple at a bar with bottles and taps in the background.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple embracing at a dimly lit bar counter.
A couple descends a dimly lit staircase in formal attire at an elegant venue.

Interested in your own bar engagement session?


If you're interested in having your engagement session at a bar, it can be a fantastic way to create unique, memorable photos that feel more like a shared experience than a traditional shoot. The lively atmosphere and activities available at bars—whether it's sipping cocktails, playing pool, or just relaxing in cozy booths—give couples more freedom to interact naturally, resulting in more candid images. Plus, the distinct vibe of a bar, especially one with character like Seven Grand, adds personality and storytelling depth to your photos. You can really craft your own story, whether it's mid-century Mad Men, or anything else.