Pearson-Arastradero Preserve

This hillside trail is great, but there is a small parking lot and it’s always busy on warm days. It’s the perfect spot to do multiple outfit changes for your engagement photos. There are restroom, but back by parking lot. So be sure to plan accordingly.

Filoli

This iconic estates is a stunning backdrop! Be sure to ready the Photography Protocol online and get yourself a  GA ticket. It’s a very popular place on the weekends, and avoid holiday weekends. You are only allowed to do 1 outfit, even though you really could do 2 without anyone knowing…shh’ Keep in mine that Filoli Closes at 5pm everyday, which during the summer it’s a lot earlier than when sunset happens

Shark Fin Cove

It’s not the easiest trek down, but well worth it! Steep walk down and look out for big beam so you don’t hit your head. Have to jump down and climb up to get back to the trail. There is now tons of graffiti since the pandemic so you are limited to wall space, but the shark fin rock is more than enough texture to work with. This is also a great place for 2 looks: at the top field area by the dirt parking lot and sunset on beach.

Crissy Fields

There are multiple ways to get to Crissy Fields, but I prefer the East Beach lot. There is always tons of parking, which is a lovely perk. It’s an easy walk to the little wood ledge and Cyprus tree area. Be sure to watch the weather, the end of May to Beginning of July is always gloomy.

Arizona Cactus Garden

This is a little hidden gem on Stanfords campus. On the weekends it can be really crowded with other photographers. So I recommend scheduling your session during the week. Great place for 2 outfits and you can easily walk back to parking lot to change. The second location is the eucalyptus grove next to the cactus garden.

Henry Cowell State Park

Redwood trees are really tough to work with. Everything has a green hue and its dark underneath the trees. I love shooting here because there is a little pond, as well as an open field at the entrance of the park. Great for multiple looks!

Calero Reservoir County Park

My favorite hidden gem tucked in the back hills of San Jose! It’s generally always quiet and there is plenty of parking. You have to deal with a few boats during the summer, but thats about it. Be on the lookout for rattle snakes tough!

Redondo Beach, Half Moon Bay

I liked this beach because you can do 2 outfits here easily. One at the top with the hills in the background, and the other down on the beach. There is a sort parking lot with big pot holes, so be careful when parking! The only other catch it the walk down to the beach is very steep! I highly recommend bringing sneakers to explore with.

Stowe Lake, Golden Gate Park

Not the easiest shoot to capture, but stunning when accomplished! I brought florals to give life to the boat a bit more. You can take a boat out and follow your client, or just walk along the shoreline. There is a big big you can stand on and capture then rowing through it. Truly, a romantic engagement photography location.

Villa Montalvo

This estate is so charming! There is a stunning house at the top of the hill, with great textures to work with. The best spot to work with is the little garden at the bottom of the hill. There are always people wandering around in there. It’s so small that people walk past you pretty quickly.

Santa Teressa County Park

It’s a really big park with plenty to work with, but my favorite spot is at the top of the hill. There is a little tiny parking lot, that is usually full during the summers. So carpool or park down at the bottom lot and walk up. I’m sure it will be hot and sweaty, so be sure to bring towels, and touch up makeup.