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Petaluma, CA

Petaluma Wedding, Engagement, Portrait, and Event Photographer

Petaluma blends riverfront charm, historic brick architecture, and rolling dairy country just minutes from the coast. It’s a city where sun-washed barns, oak-dotted hills, and a walkable downtown meet—perfect for elegant weddings, surprise proposals, editorial portraits, and brand sessions.

Services Offered in Petaluma

We photograph elegant barn + garden weddings, riverfront proposals, destination engagements, editorial portraits, personal branding, and corporate events throughout Petaluma and West Sonoma County.

Weddings & elopements (barns, farms, private estates)
Engagements & surprise proposals
Destination engagement weekends
Portraits & personal branding
Corporate events & headshots
Family & milestone sessions

Why Petaluma

Think golden fields, heirloom roses, and historic brick—Petaluma layers farm-country romance with a lively downtown along the river. The light is beautiful, the locations are diverse, and everything’s close-by for an easy, guest-friendly experience.

Working with Us

We keep things simple: a quick call to learn your vision, timeline/location planning, style guidance, and relaxed direction day-of. We offer hybrid coverage (digital + analog film) when it suits the light—most couples love the blend.

Weddings in Petaluma

From rose gardens and historic homes to twinkle-lit courtyards and barns, Petaluma is made for refined, relaxed celebrations. We photograph the full story—quiet moments, family, and the beautiful in-between.

Engagements & Proposals

We help plan surprise proposals—best spot, exact timing, and where to stand. Engagements can feel like a date: downtown strolls, golden fields, or a coastal add-on in nearby Tomales or Dillon Beach.

Destination Engagements

Make a weekend of it. We’ll map sunrise-to-sunset stops (fields, barns, downtown textures), build in wardrobe changes, and keep it unhurried so it feels natural and fun.

Portraits & Branding

Modern, editorial portraits for creatives and teams—on location at studios, maker spaces, tasting rooms, or outdoors. You’ll receive cohesive sets sized for web, print, and social, with negative space for headlines.

Corporate & Events

We cover retreats, openings, culinary events, and company celebrations across Petaluma’s hotels, ranches, and downtown venues. Options include headshot stations, same-day selects, and private galleries.

Popular Wedding Venues in Petaluma

A few local favorites couples ask about (and why they photograph beautifully):

Olympia’s Valley Estate — Historic farmhouse, orchards, and rolling hills with golden hour that glows. Gorgeous for outdoor ceremonies and tented dinners.
Flying Cloud — Vineyard views, a warm barn reception space, and manicured grounds that create a seamless flow from vows to celebration.
Garden Valley Ranch — Heirloom rose gardens (peak bloom late spring–summer), long alleés, and romantic nooks—dreamy for portraits.
Hotel Petaluma — Restored downtown landmark with an elegant ballroom, vintage details, and easy access to riverfront portraits.

Shot at any of these? We’ll help with timeline + light placement so your ceremony and portraits land in the prettiest window of the day.

What Sets Us Apart

Planner-friendly. Clear timelines, fast communication, and easy vendor collaboration.
Hybrid coverage. Digital precision + the depth and grain of analog film when it fits the light.
Yearly session gift. We offer a complimentary photography session every year to all our clients—something we’ll continue as long as we’re in business.
Refined color + true skin tones. Natural, modern edits that age beautifully.

Best Time & Locations

Light: Golden hour (last 2 hours before sunset) is exceptional; spring wildflowers and late-summer fields both shine.

Favorite looks: Historic brick around Kentucky Street, Petaluma Riverfront, oak-dotted hills, barns and farm roads just west of town.

Where to Stay

Guest-friendly hotels across budgets:

Luxury

MacArthur Place (nearby Sonoma)
Farmhouse Inn (nearby Forestville)
The Stavrand (nearby Guerneville)

Mid-Range

Hotel Petaluma
Hampton Inn Petaluma
Oxford Suites Sonoma County – Rohnert Park

Affordable

Best Western Petaluma Inn
Motel 6 Petaluma
Additional options in Rohnert Park/Cotati for value

FAQ

Do you secure permits? We’ll advise where permits or permissions are needed and help you obtain them when required.

What should we wear? Neutrals and layered textures photograph beautifully here; we’ll send a simple guide and tailor suggestions to locations.

How fast is delivery? Engagements/branding: typically 2–3 weeks. Weddings: 8–12 weeks with sneak peeks sooner.

Get in Touch

Planning something in Petaluma? We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

Facts About Petaluma

Location: Southern Sonoma County along the Petaluma River
Vibe: Historic downtown, farm-country elegance, coastal access
Signature Experiences: Riverfront strolls, antique shops, farm-to-table dining
Nearby: Tomales, Point Reyes, Sebastopol, Sonoma
Climate: Mediterranean—warm, dry summers; mild, wet winters