Summer in Northern California is all about adventure! Longer days, warm evenings, and some of the most beautiful landscapes anywhere — mountains, lakes, coastlines, and open spaces. It's the perfect time of year for couples who want their engagement session to feel like an experience, not just photos!
Lake Tahoe
Beautiful all summer long — and within a short distance, you can move from forest to beach to dramatic overlooks!
- Tahoe Paradise Park — pines, open grass, and its own small alpine lake; quiet and relaxed, especially at golden hour
- "Secret" Beach (South Lake Tahoe) — beach, meadow, and mountain backgrounds with hardly any people, by the Upper Truckee Marsh Trail
- Valhalla Tahoe — tall pines, a classic pier, and mountain views
- Edgewood Tahoe — open views and a more refined, polished look
- Chimney Beach — rocky shoreline, signature Tahoe blue, a slightly more adventurous edge
- Skylandia State Park + Beach — forest, beach, and a dock on the north side, with hardly any people
- Sugar Pine Point State Park — forest trails, lake access, and towering pines
- Emerald Bay — iconic views from above, plus a trail down to the beach; especially beautiful in morning light
- Boat sessions — open water views with that signature Tahoe blue
The Sierra Nevada
A little more off the beaten path — quiet, expansive, and incredibly beautiful as the snow melts and wildflowers bloom!
- Sardine Lake (near Sierra City) — an alpine lake with incredible mountain reflections at sunset
- Donner Pass (Truckee) — a dramatic overlook with sweeping views and easy access
- Sly Park Recreation Area (Pollock Pines) — tall trees and a short trail to a waterfall
- Carson Pass (near Markleeville) — one of the best places for July wildflowers, with wide open alpine views
- Yosemite National Park (Yosemite Valley) — iconic granite cliffs, open meadows, an unforgettable landscape
San Francisco
Iconic views and timeless settings, all right in the city!
- Lovers Lane (Presidio) — a quiet, wooded path tucked into the city
- Lyon Street Steps — a sweeping viewpoint over the city and the bay
- Crissy Field + Crissy Field East Beach — open beach views with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
- Palace of Fine Arts — classic architecture and a timeless setting
- Transamerica Viewpoint — the city laid out below, with the Transamerica Pyramid right there
The California Coast
Coastlines, cliffs, and beaches — from Bodega Bay all the way down to Carmel!
- Bodega Bay — rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs and a windswept, adventurous feel
- Point Reyes National Seashore (Point Reyes Station / Inverness) — wide open coastal views, plus the iconic cypress tree tunnel
- Marin Headlands (near Sausalito) — sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and dramatic cliffs
- Gray Whale Cove — dramatic cliffs and a tucked-away beach below them; one of our favorite Bay Area session spots
- Asilomar State Beach (Pacific Grove) — wide sandy beach with dunes, boardwalks, and that soft Monterey light
- Monastery Beach (Carmel) — rocky shoreline and dramatic surf on the Carmel coast
Gardens + estates
More refined, while still surrounded by nature!
- California State Capitol Rose Garden (Sacramento) — classic rose blooms in a structured, timeless garden in the heart of the city
- Filoli Historic House & Garden (Woodside) — expansive gardens with seasonal blooms and a timeless estate setting
- Villa Montalvo (Saratoga) — European-inspired architecture with manicured grounds and warm evening light
The best location isn't just about how it looks — it's about the experience you want! Some couples want to hike and explore; others prefer something relaxed with easy access. Either way, I'll help you find the spot that fits your vision. Summer invites you to slow down and take it all in — such a beautiful season to capture this part of your story!
Thinking about a summer engagement session? We'd love to hear what you're dreaming up! You can book a consultation with us here.
