Filoli in Woodside
Located in Woodside, California, Filoli is a beautiful place for photography throughout the year. The gardens change with the seasons. The historic architecture adds another layer to the setting.
As a NorCal wedding photographer based in the Bay Area, that is part of what makes Filoli so enjoyable to photograph. I can move through the property without making the session feel like a series of planned backdrops.
There is enough to explore, but the setting never has to take attention away from the couple. Each season also brings a different look to the gardens.
For this session, we had the chance to photograph J & W and experience Filoli from that perspective.
Justine & Weishen at Filoli
For J & W, the session was less about checking off specific photo locations. Instead, we let things unfold as we moved through the property.
We wanted the photographs to feel natural while still giving them a variety of portraits. There was room for intentional photographs, as well as quieter moments between them.
That balance is something we look for when photographing couples. We want to offer direction when needed. At the same time, we don’t want every moment to feel overly posed.
Filoli makes this approach easy. Moving from one area to another creates natural transitions. It also gives us opportunities to photograph the moments in between.
A Different Look in Every Season
One of the reasons Filoli works so well for couple photography is its seasonal variety.
In spring, the gardens bring fresh greenery and seasonal flowers. This is a great choice for couples who want more color.
Summer brings fuller greenery and longer days. It can also offer more flexibility for couples who prefer evening sessions.
Fall brings a quieter and warmer quality to the landscape.
Winter shifts more attention toward the architecture, pathways, trees, and structure of the gardens.
There isn’t one season that is better than the others. It depends on the kind of photographs and atmosphere you prefer.
For couples who already have a favorite season, Filoli gives you a way to build the session around that feeling.
Summer Evenings at Filoli
Filoli normally closes around 5pm. Summer offers another option for couples who prefer a later session.
During Summer Nights, the Gardens stay open until 8pm on select Wednesday and Thursday evenings. In 2026, the program runs through September 3.
These extended hours can be especially useful for couple photography. Instead of scheduling a session in the middle of the afternoon, couples can come later in the day.
Filoli also offers a Golden Hour Portrait Photography Session. This provides after-hours access to the Gardens from 5–7pm.
For couples who prefer softer evening light, this can be a great option. It also works well for those who would rather avoid a midday session.
Why Filoli Works for Couple Sessions
A couple session doesn’t need to feel like two hours of posing.
At Filoli, there is enough room to keep things moving naturally. Walking between different areas creates opportunities for photographs.
That’s something we appreciated during J & W’s session. We could give them direction when needed. Then we could step back and let them interact naturally.
The setting also gives us flexibility in how we photograph. Some portraits can feel more structured and editorial. Others can be quieter and more candid.
For couples who aren’t used to being photographed, that balance can make the experience feel much easier.
A Location Worth Returning To
Perhaps the best thing about Filoli is that it can feel different each time you visit.
The gardens change. The light changes. The overall feeling of the property shifts with the season.
A spring session won’t necessarily feel like a summer session. You can return to the same place and still create something different.
That makes Filoli a useful location for couples who want photographs more than once. It can work for an engagement session, anniversary portraits, or simply another season of life together.
J & W’s session is one example of how naturally Filoli works for couple photography. It is also a place we’d happily return to in another season.
Planning Your Own Filoli Couple Session?
If you’re considering Filoli for your own couple or engagement session, we’d love to photograph you there.
We’ll help you choose the season and timing that make the most sense for your session. If you’re interested in a summer evening, we can also help you plan around Filoli’s available extended hours.
Ready to plan your own session at Filoli? Get in touch and let’s start planning photographs that feel natural, personal, and like the two of you.
