Lavender Estates in Wilton, CA

Portrait Sessions at

Seven varieties of English lavender in full bloom. A charming gazebo. A beautiful creek. The most unique portrait backdrop near Sacramento.

There is simply nothing else like Lavender Estates in the greater Sacramento area. This charming lavender farm in Wilton, CA grows seven varieties of English lavender — purple, white, and pink — across fragrant rows that peak in full bloom from May through July. Combined with a beautiful gazebo and a stunning creek setting, the property offers a portrait experience that is genuinely extraordinary and completely unlike any other location I shoot at. Sessions here are by appointment with a location booking fee, and they are absolutely worth every penny.

Why do I love this location?

Lavender Estates is in a category of its own. Every other location on my list offers natural beauty — parks, trails, gardens, architecture — but Lavender Estates offers something different: a deliberately cultivated, sensory landscape that photographs in a way that feels almost dreamlike. When those seven varieties of English lavender are in full bloom, the fields become a sea of purple, white, and pink that creates portrait backdrops I genuinely cannot find anywhere else in the Sacramento area.
What makes this location especially versatile for portrait sessions is that the lavender fields are only part of the story. The property also features:
The Lavender Fields in Peak Bloom From May through July, the fields at Lavender Estates are at their most spectacular — rows of fragrant lavender in full bloom, rich purple color stretching across the property, with the natural landscape of Wilton visible in the background. Portraits taken in the lavender fields have a soft, romantic, almost painterly quality that is universally flattering and endlessly beautiful. The fragrance alone transforms the session experience — clients consistently tell me this is the most memorable portrait session they've ever had.
The Gazebo The farm's charming gazebo provides a beautiful architectural focal point — a classic, romantic structure set within the lavender landscape that works wonderfully for posed portraits, family groupings, and graduate sessions. It adds a sense of occasion and structure to the session while maintaining the farm's natural, pastoral character.
The Creek The creek on the property is a beautiful natural backdrop for spring and summer sessions — lush greenery, flowing water, dappled light through the surrounding vegetation. It's a wonderful complement to the lavender fields, giving the session real variety and offering a softer, more intimate setting for families who want a mix of looks in their gallery.
Together, these three settings within a single property create a session with genuine range — dreamy and floral in the lavender fields, elegant and structured at the gazebo, soft and organic by the creek.

Best Time to Book Your Session Here

May – July:
Peak Lavender Bloom — The Prime Season The lavender at Lavender Estates typically reaches peak bloom from May through July, with the height of the bloom occurring in June. This is the window to book if the lavender fields are what you're dreaming of — and it's a short window that goes fast. I strongly recommend booking early if you want a peak-bloom session. Lavender is a living crop, and bloom timing can vary slightly year to year depending on weather conditions — I stay in close contact with the farm and communicate any updates to clients in advance.

Spring & Summer Beyond the Bloom (April – August)
Even before and after the lavender peaks, the gazebo and creek settings at Lavender Estates are beautiful through the spring and summer months. The property is lush and green, the creek is at its most inviting, and the soft summer light creates wonderful portraits even when the lavender itself is not at full peak. Sessions outside the peak bloom window can focus on the gazebo and creek for equally stunning results at the same location.

What to Wear

Lavender Estates calls for outfits that feel soft, romantic, and intentional — this is not a location for casual, everyday looks. The lavender backdrop rewards elevated dressing that feels like it was chosen for the occasion.

For Peak Bloom Sessions (May – July) Soft, romantic tones complement the lavender beautifully — dusty lavender, blush, cream, ivory, sage green, soft white, and warm neutrals all photograph wonderfully against the purple fields. Avoid wearing purple or violet yourself — you want to complement the lavender, not disappear into it. Flowy fabrics, soft layers, and feminine silhouettes feel perfectly at home in a lavender field.

For Gazebo & Creek Sessions The gazebo and creek setting lends itself to a slightly broader palette — soft whites, blush, sage, warm tan, and earthy neutrals all work beautifully. Keep things elevated and intentional — the property's pastoral charm rewards thoughtful outfit coordination.

For all sessions: Coordinate outfits around one anchor piece. Avoid neon colors, large logos, and busy patterns. Comfortable footwear suitable for farm terrain is strongly recommended — leave delicate heels at home and opt for wedges, flats, or sandals with good grip.

Location Details

Location: Lavender Estates, Wilton, CA 95693
Location Booking Fee: $100 
Parking: Available on site
Restrooms: Available on site
Accessibility: not wheelchair accessible 
Travel Fee: None — no travel fee for the greater Sacramento area
Session Types Available Here: Family sessions, extended family sessions, grad sessions, senior portraits, mini sessions
Best Months: May – July for peak lavender bloom; spring and summer for gazebo and creek sessions