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Rutherford, CA

Rutherford Wedding, Engagement, Portrait, and Event Photographer

Rutherford is pure Napa Valley: sunlit vineyards, quiet lane ways, cypress-lined drives, and iconic wineries tucked between the Mayacamas and Vaca ranges. It’s an intimate, elegant setting for weddings, proposals, destination engagements, portraits, branding sessions, and refined celebrations of every kind.

Services Offered in Rutherford

We photograph weddings, micro-weddings, proposals, destination engagements, portraits, branding, boudoir, and corporate events across Rutherford’s estates, gardens, and vineyard lanes.

Weddings & elopements
Engagements & surprise proposals
Destination engagement weekends
Portraits & branding (teams & individuals)
Boudoir sessions
Corporate & event coverage

Why Rutherford

Quiet roads, classic vineyard vistas, and that golden Napa light. Rutherford delivers a refined, timeless backdrop — perfect for elegant celebrations and relaxed, natural portraits.

Working with Us

Our hybrid approach (digital + analog film) pairs clean, modern imagery with the depth and texture of film. We help with timeline planning, location scouting, wardrobe guidance, and permitting where needed — so the experience feels effortless.

Weddings in Rutherford

Rutherford is home to intimate estates, Mediterranean-inspired terraces, and garden settings designed for meaningful ceremonies and long-table dinners. Photo locations are never far — cypress drives, vine rows, and stone architecture are all within reach.

Top Venues & Photo Locations

Availability for private events varies by property; we’ll confirm current policies and secure permissions where applicable.

Beaulieu Garden — iconic allées, fountains, and formal gardens (premier private-estate wedding venue)
Auberge du Soleil — ceremony terrace with sweeping valley views; refined receptions
Inglenook — historic chateau, cypress drive, and grand courtyard (inquire re: private events)
Round Pond Estate — olive grove, terrace vistas, and modern winery backdrops (inquire)
St. Supéry Estate — contemporary architecture and vine rows (inquire)
BV (Beaulieu Vineyard) — heritage stone, barrel rooms, and classic Napa textures (inquire)

Engagements & Proposals

Propose at golden hour along a vine row, plan a private tasting with a surprise moment, or wander a quiet lane under valley oaks. We’ll help design a route that feels personal and photographs beautifully.

Destination Engagements

Make it a weekend: sunrise overlooks, mid-day tastings, vineyard picnics, and sunset portraits. We’ll map locations, timing, and logistics — and can add film coverage for extra mood and texture.

Portraits & Branding

Crisp headshots, lifestyle branding, and editorial portraits around courtyards, olive groves, and contemporary winery spaces — plus environmental portraits along the Silverado Trail for a sense of place.

Corporate & Events

Retreats, tastings, and executive dinners at wineries and resorts. We balance documentary storytelling with polished editorial imagery suitable for press, web, and internal comms.

What Sets Us Apart

Hybrid coverage (digital + analog film) available for any booking
Natural direction that keeps you comfortable and present
Custom timelines, location scouting, and permit guidance
Complimentary yearly photo session for all clients — as long as we’re in business

Best Time & Locations

Best Light: Sunrise and sunset for vineyards; late-morning shade for architectural backdrops.

Favorite Spots: Cypress allées, olive groves, stone terraces, vine rows near the valley floor, and tucked-away lanes just off the Silverado Trail.

Where to Stay

Luxury

Auberge du Soleil — suites with panoramic valley views & Michelin-star dining
Rancho Caymus Inn — restored 19th-century charm with boutique amenities

Mid-Range

Rancho Caymus Inn — (often straddles luxury/mid depending on season)
Nearby options in St. Helena & Yountville (short drive)

Affordable

Well-rated motels/inns along Hwy 29 in St. Helena & Yountville
Additional choices in Napa city (15–20 minutes south)

Top Restaurants

Fine Dining & Elevated

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil — panoramic views, Mediterranean-influenced, Michelin-starred
La Toque (nearby) — destination tasting menus in Napa

Casual & Local Favorites

Rutherford Grill — classic American comfort, bustling scene
La Luna Market & Taqueria — beloved for quick, tasty bites
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (nearby St. Helena)

FAQ

Can you arrange access to private properties? We’ll coordinate with venues/estates for permissions and confirm current event policies.

Do you offer film coverage? Yes — Rutherford’s light and textures are perfect for analog film. Hybrid coverage is available for any session or event.

Get in Touch

Ready to plan your Rutherford session or event? Contact us here — we’d love to help.

Facts About Rutherford

Location: Central Napa Valley, along Hwy 29 & Silverado Trail
Known for: “Rutherford dust” Cabernet, cypress & olive-lined lanes
Signature: Historic estates, stone architecture, vineyard vistas
Nearby: St. Helena, Oakville, Yountville
Climate: Mediterranean — warm, dry summers; mild winters