Are you a San Jose local and looking for the perfect destination for your engagement photography session? I’ve got you covered! Here are seven of my favorite San Jose and near by locations that have the perfect backdrops and textures for so many different styles. All of these locations are within a 30 mile radius of San Jose, California and each one is unique. From rustic barns, to historical mansions, and Japanese gardens.

Bernal Historic Ranch Park, San Jose

Bernal Historical Ranch Park is really sweet for kids! It’s not that big of a property, but there are two structures on site right by the parking lot. There is a historical home and then a white barn, right at the foot of the hill. This historical park sometimes has chickens in a cage and tractors! This little boy lit up that day and was literally smiling, while yelling, ‘HAPPY!!!’. Needless to say it was a very fun and successful engagement and family portrait session at Bernal Historic Ranch Park.

Vasona Lake Count Park, Los Gatos

I love meeting families with young kids here for portrait sessions because of the lake and the ducks that hang by the shore. The kids love to feed the ducks or try to skip rocks in the water, which is great for the photos. Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, California, is also the best backdrop for engagement photography too. At sunset, the light peaks through the trees and perfectly backlights the water and clients. This location truly is its most beautiful during the Fall season when all the leaves have changed colors.

Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz

This place is great when your client wants to do multiple looks and at different locations. Having a barn and beach backdrop, Wilder Ranch State Park is your best one-stop spot! After you park, you follow the walkway down towards to historical house and barn. There are a lot of different textures and senses around the area, which is perfect for engagement photos. Just be prepared to walk from there to the beach. If you time yourself right, you will be able to catch sunset. Be prepared for trips like this in the dark. To be honest, I walk back the way I went every time because its familiar and 9/10 I pass by a ranger in his car as I pass by, so I know it’s the safer choice.

Henry Cowell, Felton

To be honest, Redwoods are hard to shoot! Am, I right other photographers or am I right?! The trees are so green making everything else green and the tree casts dark shadows. I’m not saying it’s impossible, it’s just not it can be difficult. I love shooting at Henry Crowell Redwood State Park because there are a lot of pockets that make the perfect redwood forest engagement photo backdrop. There is a little beach in the back and an open field in the front. There are a lot of different

Villa Montalvo, Saratoga

Villa Montalvo is another venue that requires a permit, but it is worth the rate. It is a very classic and sophisticated style for engagement photos. If anyone is considering Villa Montalvo as their wedding venue, PLEASE HIRE ME! I have been dreaming to photograph a wedding there. I have seen some of the florals and wedding designs they have done to transform this historical mansion. Not only is the home stunning, but the gardens as well. The tall black gates and gazebo are great elements for engagement photos.

Hakone Gardens, Saratoga

Fun fact: did you know that Hakone Gardens has been featured in the film Memoirs of a Geisha. This place is really beautiful and you feel as if you have teleported to Japan. This Japanese garden engagement photos are colorful and unique. The catch is that you need a permit in order to shoot your Engagment photos here. It’s $80, for 1 hour and no more than 3 people. It’s never fun feeling rushed if you’re on a budget and only do 1 hour. There is a lot of work with here, from the bamboo trees to the koa pond.

Calero County Park

BEST FOR LAST! Calero County Park is the perfect scenic backdrop for any type of photography. for example, landscape, family portraits, and even engagement photos. All year round, each seasons sunsets add that little extra touch to the engagement photos. California has the perfect locations for any and every time of style a client would want for their photography sessions.

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Photos by Paulina Perrucci Photography