Mt. Tamalpais is just California showing off. Seriously, the open skies where you’re above the clouds, the rolling hills, and the mountain views you’re overlooking?! It doesn’t get better than that. It’s no secret that Mt. Tamalpais is a super popular spot for engagement photos, so if you’re planning your session there, I’ve gathered all the info you need to know, straight from a California engagement photographer! 

Your Guide to Engagement Photos in Mt. Tamalpais

What to Wear to Your Mt. Tamalpais Engagement Photos

Engagement photos in Mt. Tamalpais are an adventure, so you want to look the part! It’s basically a neutral-lover’s paradise, with beige pampas grass covering the ground, green trees popping up, and a blue sky (depending on the time of day you’re there), so neutral colors are always a good go-to here. Whites, beiges, and blues look crazy good against this backdrop, take it from me!

Wear something flown, trust me. The way long skirts flow through the wind here? Unmatched. It gives you that dreamy, romantic vibe that’s just so good for engagement photos.

Also, your engagement session will require a lot of movement, and there will probably be a lot of wind, so note that comfort is key here. If you’re struggling to find something that’s comfortable but still cute, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few options I’m obsessed with: 

• The Cream Bow Dress by Selfie Leslie
• The Floret Midi Dress by Petal and Pup
• The Gauze Midi Dress by Zara

The Best Time of Year for a Mt. Tamalpais Engagement Photoshoot

Okay, we all know that Cali weather gets crazy. I personally love the vibe of fall engagement photos here because of the color scheme, but it definitely is a little cooler in the fall with average temperatures in the 50s. 

Spring and summer are great options too, if you’re dreaming of more of that sunset, golden hour magic (or if you don’t feel up to braving 50-degree temperatures, I feel you!) for your photos. 

The Best Time of Day for a Mt. Tamalpais Engagement Photoshoot

Mt. Tamalpais is open from 7:00 am through sunset, year-round. As a California wedding photographer, I know that sunrise and sunset will give us that soft light that makes pictures feel dreamy! Also, at sunrise, you’ll beat the crowds so that we won’t have to worry as much about getting people out of the background of your photos. 

Engagement Photo Ideas for Your Mt. Tamalpais Session

Mt. Tamalpais is like a blank slate, and as a photographer? I love it. The photo ops here are endless, and my photographer brain is full of ideas for your session:

• Have a picnic in the hills. Bring a blanket, some champagne, and voila! It’s like I’m third wheeling the most adorable date in the world.
• Again, opt for a sunrise or sunset photoshoot. If you also live here, you know that the sky does some insanely beautiful things, and using that for a photoshoot is a must! 
• Bring some props along! Think: an umbrella or parasol, a bouquet that throws a hint at your wedding color scheme, or again, a bottle of champagne to pop for some pictures! 

FAQs About Mt. Tamalpais That You Should Know Before You Go

Are Dogs Allowed at Mt. Tamalpais?

Yes! And I am always pro-bringing your pup to your engagement photos. Note that they are only allowed on paved roads and in developed areas like campgrounds and picnic areas. They also must stay on a leash at all times, which gives you a fun opportunity to match the leash to your outfits! 

Are Drones Allowed at Mt. Tamalpais? 

No drones are allowed, so we can’t get any overhead shots! But don’t worry, we’ll still get the engagement photos of your dreams.

Does Mt. Tamalpais Require Tickets to Enter?

Mt. Tamalpais does require tickets to enter the park, which you can find here. 

Do You Have to Pay to Park at Mt. Tamalpais? 

You also have to pay for parking at Mt. Tamalpais, so make sure to bring a form of payment to your session! Here is a map that shows all the parking areas, so that we can prepare in advance and be sure to meet at the same one. 

Lacey and Micah’s Engagement Photoshoot

Okay, so, Lacey and Micah?? The cutest ever. They giggled through their whole session, and by the end, my cheeks hurt from smiling! Their outfit color palette was spot-on, the love that they share is that giddy, adorable love people wait their whole lives for, and the way they trusted me to carry out my vision for their engagement photos? Priceless. And the result is a gallery that I’m as obsessed with as they are! 

Grace Thao | Northern California Engagement Photographer

Wedding planning is stressful enough as is; your engagement shoot shouldn’t add to that! That’s why booking a California photographer who will be there for you every step of the way is so important throughout your entire engagement. So if you’re inspired and want to book a Mt. Tamalpais engagement photoshoot, don’t worry about figuring out all the rules, because I’ve got you covered! You can book me right here, and you can find more engagement photo inspiration from this beach engagement photoshoot and this Golden Gate Bridge engagement photoshoot.