A Wintertime Palomar Mountain Engagement Session
With sweeping forest views, crisp mountain air, and a location that’s only an hour outside of the city, what’s not to love about having a Palomar Mountain engagement session?
Most people know Palomar Mountain for the Hale Telescope at the Palomar Observatory, but we chose to find somewhere a little more off the beaten path for this couple’s engagement session. Late on a Sunday afternoon in January, we drove up to a small pond with some trails just below the mountain and it was COLD!
I’m always amazed at how many wildly different landscapes and gorgeous locations are in Southern California. Can you believe this one was just an hour outside of San Diego!
I gave them plenty of action filled prompts to keep them moving, and they were just such champs about being in the freezing cold weather. It was such a privilege to get to document this chapter of life for them and so much fun to see their fun, goofy side come out during their session. Easily the number one thing I love about couple’s sessions is the chance to see those real, raw, genuine moments come out between two people. Their adorable labradoodle also found the BIGGEST stick of all time, and my heart could not take how overjoyed his face was (scroll to the end to see what I mean).
Right before the sun set, we left the pond and made it just in time to stop at one of the overlooks on our way back. Beautiful, vibrant colors reflected off of the clouds, and we took a few last minute photos right there at the overlook.
Why Palomar Mountain is Perfect for an Engagement Session
When people picture Southern California, they usually think of sun drenched beaches or sprawling desert landscapes. But high above North County San Diego, Palomar Mountain feels like stepping into a northern forest. Dense pine trees, alpine meadows, quiet winding roads, and dramatic mountain overlooks make it a hidden gem for couples who want a mix of cozy wilderness vibes and epic golden hour light without making the 8 hour drive to the Sierras.
How to Prepare for a Winter Engagement Session on Palomar Mountain
Taking photos in the high elevation during January requires a little extra thought, but the payoff is incredible. If you are thinking about heading up the mountain during the colder months, here is how to make the most of it:
Embrace the Layered Look
Winter weather at high altitude is no joke! Opt for stylish coats, warm knit sweaters, boots, and scarves. You can always shed a heavy outer layer for a few frames, but staying warm keeps your smiles natural instead of shivering.
Bring Warm Refreshments
A thermos of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa is a fantastic accessory. It gives you something cozy to hold between spots and adds a sweet, candid moment to your gallery.
Check the Roads First
Winter weather can always be prone to fast unforeseen changes. Keep an eye on local road conditions via the CalTrans Quick Map in case of fog, ice, or seasonal closures.
Sunset Timing Is a Bit Different
Mountain sessions have a unique rhythm compared to beach or city shoots. Up in the mountains, the sun tends to drop behind high peaks a bit earlier than standard sunset times. If your location is on the eastern side of a tall peak, this means you likely won’t get any kind of golden hour and the light will transition to blue hour instead. But if you happen to be high up above a valley you will absolutely get some beautiful, breathtaking golden and amber colors before the sun goes down.
Ready for Your Own Mountain Adventure?
Would you be down to have an adventurous photo session up in the mountains? Head on over to my contact page and let’s plan something!
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