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.

Couple posing at the bar counter in Seven Grand, a downtown Los Angeles venue, surrounded by whiskey bottles and vintage
Engagement session at downtown los angeles bar
Laughing couple in leather booth at Los Angeles bar wedding photography
man and woman share intimate moment at los angeles whiskey bar for engagement photos by holly castillo
Close-up shot of couple sipping Old Fashioned for intimate bar engagement session in los angeles
Couple holding hands by whiskey wall, downtown Los Angeles wedding photography
Close-up sipping Old Fashioneds, 35mm film wedding photographer at bar engagement session
Couple posed by vintage decor, 35mm film wedding photographer

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.

Couple seated at a cozy corner table with whiskey glasses, 35mm film wedding photographer.
Laughing couple standing by the bar with drinks, Los Angeles bar wedding photography
Candid moment of the couple playing pool, downtown Los Angeles wedding photography
A couple playing pool for engagement photos at Seven Grand Los Angeles
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.

A couple smiling at the bar in Los Angeles for engagement photos on 35mm film

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

A black and white engagement session at downtown los angeles bar with holly castillo photography
a couple kisses at whiskey bar in downtown los angeles with holly castillo photography
A black and white bar engagement session in downtown los angeles
seven grand whisky bar downtown los angeles photoshoot engagement
A couple clinks glasses at Downtown Los Angeles engagement session at bar with holly castillo photography
A couple kisses at whiskey bar of Seven Grand Los Angeles for engagement photos with holly castillo photography

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.