Recently engaged? First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!🎉 Chances are, you’re now on the hunt for both a Northern California photographer AND the best Bay Area engagement photoshoot location for your engagement photos. Don’t worry, I’ve gotcha covered on both!!

Where You Should Take Your Bay Area Engagement Photos:

If your vibe is romantic, whimsical, Cali garden party (think archways, tall columns, and crazy gorgeous blooms), Filoli Historic Home and Gardens is THE place for your Bay Area engagement photos! Think absolutely s t u n n i n g mountain views behind the garden, lush, vibrant gardens, and that historical charm that brings ALL the romance. I seriously can’t get over how gorg this place is.

Let’s go on a behind-the-scenes journey from Eri and Benji’s Bay Area engagement shoot at Filoli Gardens so you can see for yourself how crazy beautiful this California engagement photo location is, and see all the best places to take pics here! 

Why Choose Filoli for Your Bay Area Engagement Photos?

1. A Romantic Garden Setting with Historic Charm

Filoli Historic House & Garden offers a rare blend of manicured gardens, sweeping mountain views, and elegant architecture. With formal gardens inspired by European estates, this location feels like stepping into a romantic novel. From ivy-covered archways and tall columns to vibrant seasonal blooms, the setting is perfect for couples who want a dreamy, romantic feel with a hint of timeless sophistication.

2. Year-Round Beauty (But Spring Is Especially Gorgeous)

Filoli is stunning year-round, but spring is especially ideal thanks to the vibrant florals and soft natural light. If you want engagement photos surrounded by tulips, daffodils, and blooming wisteria, late March through May is your window. The gardens are also beautiful in the fall with golden foliage and softer hues, ideal for cozy, romantic photos.

3. Great for Variety in Your Gallery

What makes Filoli stand out is the variety it offers in one location. You’ll get:

• Architectural shots in front of the historic brick house

• Dreamy floral moments in the back gardens

• Reflections and pops of color near the pool

• Soft, romantic light in the sunroom and indoor spaces

Having multiple backgrounds within walking distance means you’ll get a gallery that feels diverse and dynamic—without needing to travel to multiple spots.

Tips for Your Filoli Gardens Engagement Photoshoot:

1. You are Required to Reserve Tickets and a Time Slot

Filoli does require tickets and a time slot for your shoot. It’s important to plan ahead by:

• Booking the required tickets on their website

• Coordinating your session time based on garden access hours

• Working with a photographer who has experience navigating the property (hey, that’s me!)

2. Best Time of Day for Lighting

For the best photos, aim for early morning or golden hour. The garden gets direct sunlight, which means soft, diffused lighting at the start or end of the day will give your photos that dreamy glow without harsh shadows.

Bonus tip: Avoid midday! The gardens are open to the public and can get crowded around noon.

3. Accessibility & Comfort

Filoli is located in Woodside, just 30–40 minutes south of San Francisco, and has easy access from major Bay Area cities. It’s great for couples who want a peaceful, luxurious feel without needing to travel too far. Plus, the paths are flat and walkable, which is ideal if you plan to bring multiple outfits or wear more formal shoes.

4. Dress the Part

Flowy dresses, elevated neutrals, or soft colors work beautifully with the natural tones of the garden. Bring options! There are enough backdrops to warrant a second outfit. Think one formal and one casual!

5. Allow time for exploring

Plan for at least 1–1.5 hours so you can enjoy multiple areas without rushing.

Eri and Benji’s Bay Area Engagement Photos at Filoli Gardens:

Eri and Benji are one of my adorable 2026 wedding couples, and they knew they just had to get their engagement photos at Filoli Historic Gardens, and I mean, can you blame them?! The venue in the spring fit their vibe perfectly – soft lighting, vibrant blooming florals in the gardens, and the perfect Northern California spring weather.

This location is also super special to them, because it’s also where Benji proposed! How sweet is it that they also get to take their engagement photos here, too? Cue the tears 😭 

We started out our shoot at the front of the historic house. The brick backdrop and the tall columns framing the couple in these shots? 10/10!

Now, we’re getting into the best part – the gardens! We walked around to the back (and I just couldn’t resist snagging some shots of them being so adorable on the way there) and were met with the most beautiful florals, mountain views, and vibrant colors you could imagine. It was just so them, and that’s exactly what I’m here for. 

Did I mention there’s a pool?! Which just made the colors in the photos even better. These might be some of my favorites from the whole shoot. I just can’t get over how good these are.

And finally, we couldn’t shoot at Filoli Gardens and not get some photos in the sunroom, especially with the crazy gorgeous soft lighting that blessed us through the whole shoot! These interior photos are everything, so romantic and fairy tale-esque.

Eri and Benji’s love for each other is so apparent, and it just shows in these photos. I love capturing love stories and seeing the final product of how everything came together so much – it’s truly so special! Every giggle, hand hold, and hug is so adorable and intentionally captured, the way your engagement photos should be. 

Ready to Book Your Own Session at Filoli?

If these photos convinced you to take your Bay Area Engagement Photos at Filoli Historic Gardens (I mean, how could they not have?!), you can book the space here AND book me as your Bay Area engagement photographer to follow you around (and be your biggest hype girl allll day) here. I can’t wait to capture your love!!