Elegant Engagement Photos at the Pulgas Water Temple in Woodside, California | Bay Area Engagement Session

Some locations just do so much of the work for you — and the Pulgas Water Temple is definitely one of them.

This engagement session felt elevated in the simplest way: clean architecture, so much light, and a couple who fully leaned into the moment (and looked stunning doing it).

Effortlessly Elegant

Anthony and Liz showed up in the most timeless outfits — a stunning, long white gown and a tan/cream suit — and it fit the space perfectly.

The symmetry of the columns, the stone textures, the green grass, the open sky… everything about the Pulgas Water Temple creates this really refined, almost editorial feeling without trying too hard.

And then you pair that with two people who are genuinely fun and a little goofy together, and it balances everything out in the best way.

We got those polished, elegant shots and the in-between moments where they were laughing, moving around, and just being themselves.

Why the Pulgas Water Temple Is Such a Good Engagement Location

If you’re looking for a Bay Area engagement photo location that feels a little different from beaches or fields, this is such a solid option.

• Beautiful classical architecture

• Neutral tones that photograph cleanly in any season

• Open space with great natural light

• A more editorial, high-end feel without needing a styled set

It’s simple, but that’s what makes it so versatile.

It’s also a really great spot for a proposal — the layout gives you space for a private moment, while still feeling grand and intentional. If you’re thinking about proposing somewhere in the Bay Area that feels elevated but not overdone, this is definitely one to consider.

And bonus points, it’s right down the street from Filoli Gardens so you can always propose at the Pulgas Water Temple and then we finish your session package with photos RIGHT down the street at the gardens and historic mansion. What a dream, right?!

Here are a couple photos of three different sessions I have done at Filoli to give you a feel for that spot too! Visit this or this blog to see more from sessions I have done at Filoli.

Timing & Light

This session was actually photographed mid-day due to scheduling, and while the space still photographs beautifully, the light can be a bit harsher and more direct around that time.

If you have flexibility, I recommend planning your session right when the Pulgas Water Temple opens or just before it closes. That’s when you’ll get softer light for your skin. But hey, if you like a mid day session, I’m still down for that!

Parking & Hours (Important!)

This is the part you’ll definitely want to plan ahead for.

The Pulgas Water Temple is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, but:

• The main parking lot is closed on weekends

• It is open during the week, which makes weekday sessions a lot easier

• On weekends, you have to park a ways down the street nearby and walk in

It’s not difficult, but it is something you want to account for so you’re not stressed when you arrive. If you park right outside on the street, it’s well known that cops will ticket cars, so you have to be really careful. Some people will park on the corner of Edgewood Road and uber over so they don’t sweat before their session. See the map below.

I have also heard that parking can be allowed on the street after the north entrance to Filoli, but the whole road from the corner of Edgewood Road is closed on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for bicycles/pedestrians.

Pulgas Water Temple parking map

Note the pin dropped on Edgewood Road as well as Filoli Gardens in the middle in between Edgewood and the water temple!

The Overall Vibe

This session ended up being one of those galleries that feels both polished, personal, and playful (I love a good alliteration haha) .

A little editorial. Definitely playful. A lot of good energy.

And honestly, that’s always the goal — creating something that looks elevated while still feeling like you.

My goal as your photographer is to create a space for photos that you feel comfortable in, like you can be yourself with your partner and also get photos you love.

Making the Session Your Own

One thing that is really important to me is making sure your gallery tells your story, whether that is with props or just your personalities. For example, this couple chose to bring a beautiful photo album of photos of the two of them together, so we incorporated that photo album into the session. I loved it not only for the photos but Anthony and Liz actually pointed a couple photos and memories out to me during the session with the photo album which made me feel even more connected to them.

They also brought vow books to their session which I LOVED.

Let’s Plan Your Engagement Session

If you’re dreaming up your own engagement photos — or even planning a proposal — whether you’re drawn to something architectural like the Pulgas Water Temple or something more outdoorsy, I’d love to help you plan it.

I’m based in the Bay Area and always happy to help you choose a location, timing, and vibe that fits you best.

I am also offering discounted proposal and engagement sessions for sunrise and morning sessions up to midday on Fridays between Friday, June 5 through Friday, July 31.

Let’s create a gallery of photos that feels like you!!!

A couple bonus photos for fun…