I’m Vanessa, a Sonoma wedding photographer creating timeless, editorial images throughout Sonoma County and Northern California wine country. I photograph every wedding on both digital and film, blending candid storytelling with gently directed portraits so your images feel natural, romantic and lasting.
From vineyard ceremonies in Healdsburg to garden weddings in Glen Ellen and historic wineries in the Sonoma Valley, this region offers incredible variety: rolling golden hills, redwood groves and soft vineyard light. My approach is relaxed and intentional, so you can stay present with your people while I capture the in-between moments and the portraits you’ll want to frame for decades.
With more than ten years behind the camera and over 300 weddings photographed, I know how to read changing light, shifting timelines and emotional family moments, and how to stay a step ahead so you can simply enjoy the day.
For Sonoma weddings, I’ll help you plan photos around your venue, ceremony time and sunset, making the most of wine country’s golden light while keeping your day about the celebration, not the camera.
Sonoma County is home to beautiful wedding venues, including Viansa Sonoma, Buena Vista Winery, Cornerstone Sonoma, Beltane Ranch, B.R. Cohn Winery, Kunde Family Winery, MacArthur Place, and Kenwood Inn & Spa.
From Healdsburg to Petaluma, couples can also celebrate at Montage Healdsburg, The Madrona, Barndiva, Paradise Ridge Winery, Annadel Estate Winery, Olympia’s Valley Estate, Spring Hill Estate, and Flying Cloud Farm.
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google
Sonoma Wedding Photographer
Hybrid Film & Digital Wedding Photographer in Sonoma Wine Country
I'm Vanessa!
Behind the camera, I’m a wife, a mom, a lover of beautiful light, and someone who genuinely believes the best photographs happen when you feel completely comfortable being yourself.
I’m naturally calm and observant, which means I’m often noticing the little things—the way your partner looks at you when you aren’t paying attention, the happy tears from your parents, the champagne poured just before the celebration begins, or the quiet moment you share together after the ceremony. Those are the photographs that become more meaningful with time.
I want your wedding photography experience to feel effortless. You should be able to enjoy your people, your champagne, your dinner, and every beautiful, imperfect moment of the day while I quietly preserve the story unfolding around you.
When I’m not photographing weddings, you’ll usually find me with my family, exploring somewhere new, or chasing beautiful golden-hour light with a camera in hand. I’m endlessly inspired by the places I photograph, but even more so by the people who invite me into such an important chapter of their lives.
Your wedding is about so much more than photographs. I’m here to make sure you can remember how it all felt.
A beautiful wedding deserves a thoughtful plan.
Get my complimentary Wedding Planning Guide, filled with helpful timelines, planning checklists, and thoughtful advice to make the process feel less overwhelming and more enjoyable—so you can focus on what truly matters.
Planning Your Sonoma Wine Country Wedding?
Ana & Daniel
Lynn & Ryan
Chantal & Rocky
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Sonoma Weddings I've Photographed
Sonoma Weddings
Ana and Daniel’s wedding at Sunol’s Casa Bella was a timeless celebration where rustic charm met elegant sophistication. They exchanged vows beneath the grand pergola in the garden courtyard, surrounded by rolling hills and the soft trickle of a nearby fountain. The reception unfolded in the chandelier-lit hall, where exposed brick and vintage mirrors created a warm, romantic ambiance. With the help of Casa Bella’s attentive staff and seamless planning, every detail—from the gourmet menu to the cozy fireplace lounge—reflected their love story. As twilight settled over Sunol, Ana and Daniel shared their first dance under bistro lights, wrapped in the magic of their unforgettable day.
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ana & Daniel
sonoma wedding photographer
Lynn and Ryan's wedding at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club was a breathtaking celebration framed by Santa Clara Valley's rolling hills and white rose gardens. Their reception sparkled with natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, and gourmet dishes tailored by the executive chef. With full-service amenities and a seamless flow guided by the on-site coordinator, their day was effortlessly beautiful and unforgettable. The celebration continued into the evening as Lynn and Kyle danced beneath twinkling lights, surrounded by loved ones and the golden glow of the San Jose sunset.
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Lynn & Ryan
sonoma county photography
Chantal & Rocky’s wedding at Hannah Nicole Winery was a romantic affair set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Diablo and rows of sunlit vineyards. Their ceremony unfolded beneath a canopy of golden light, followed by a reception in the Barrel Hall where laughter echoed and glasses clinked with estate wine. With the help of the venue’s expert coordinator and a seamless all-inclusive package, every detail—from the floral arrangements to the music—reflected their unique love story. As the evening settled in, Chantal and Rocky shared their first dance under the stars, surrounded by friends, family, and the warm glow of wine country magic.
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chantal & Rocky
SONOMA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Your love deserves a backdrop as beautiful as the vows you’ll share. Sonoma’s vineyards, estates, and golden light create an effortlessly romantic setting for a truly meaningful celebration.
After your event, your online gallery and custom heirloom pieces are processed.
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On your wedding day, I’ll seamlessly guide you through portraits while quietly documenting the candid, in-between moments that make your celebration unforgettable.
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Save the date with a deposit and choose a package that aligns with your vision..
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To begin, send us an inquiry through the contact page and include your wedding date and venue. We'll schedule a call to chat about your vision and expectations.
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Gallery and Album Delivery
Wedding day
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Your Sonoma Wedding Photography Experience
Sonoma Wedding Photography Pricing
Collections begin at $3,300
Thoughtfully curated wedding photography collections combining digital and film, personalized planning, and timeless storytelling.
"Vanessa was amazing! She was so easy to connect with. I needed a photographer for my wedding fast! My wedding got bumped up 5 months and She was so nice and made the process easy, if you planned a wedding you know it can beyond stressful at times and booking her was so easy and made one less thing stressful. During the wedding she was awesome, great attitude, very positive, and willing to do whatever to make sure you felt special. Our photos are gorgeous! Thank you Vanessa!"
Caitlyn
"I got married in Napa Valley and didn't know who to hire for my professional pictures. The venue recommended a few names and after contacting Vanessa I knew that is who I wanted to work with. She was very caring and patient. She was on time and didn't disrupt the moment when I was getting ready, instead she made it special. She gave us poses to do and talked to the venue to make sure we could go to a little bridge I wanted to take pictures at. I highly recommend her!! destination."
Paula
"From start to finish, working with Vanessa was an absolute dream. We knew our wedding photos would be important, but the moments she captured completely exceeded all of our expectations. From the very first consultation to the final delivery of our images, every step of the process was seamless, professional, and filled with care.
On the day of our wedding, Vanessa was not only incredibly skilled but also a calming and positive presence. They blended into the day perfectly, capturing candid moments without ever being intrusive. The photos are a perfect mix of breathtaking portraits and those spontaneous, emotional snapshots that tell the story of the day. From the laugh-filled getting ready shots to the tender first look, every photo is a work of art."
Lucy
"Vanessa was the best. She constantly communicated with Ash and I. She was very patient, and took very detailed pictures.
I would recommend Vanessa for wedding photography. "
Pooja
"Vanessa photographed our outdoor wedding. Although lighting es a challenge, Vanessa's great eye made all of the pictures perfect. She was professional, nice and a good communicator. "
Debbie
"Vanessa is hands down the most professional and easy going photographer we’ve ever had. She is so good at her craft and puts so much work into the entire wedding day! I can’t say enough great things about her. "
Jessica
"I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Vanessa! From start to finish, she went above and beyond to capture every moment of our wedding day with such beauty, care, and artistry. If you’re looking for a Napa wedding photographer or planning a Sonoma wedding, she is the person you want behind the lens.
Every photo told a story—we laughed, cried, and relived the magic all over again when we got our gallery. The candid moments, the golden hour portraits, the little details we missed on the day—they caught it ALL. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they made us feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the day. It truly felt like we had a close friend documenting our love story. "
Lena
"Vanessa was recommended to me by a fellow photographer. So I immediately thought she would be good. She was able to accommodate our budget which was huge for us as we had a destination wedding. She was on time and immediately took charge of her role. I didn’t have to ask her or supervise her in any way. She took pictures of everything that was happening plus the venue and the flowers, rings, dress, shoes, etc. She found what she needed without giving me more work on my special day and did an amazing job! She even took amazing pictures of the building for our memories. Vanessa was friendly, caring and very helpful giving us poses and ideas. I am so happy with the way she made us feel during our private session. It all seemed natural and easy. I highly recommend her!!"
Jessica
Sonoma Wedding Photography FAQs
Q: Do you travel to Sonoma County?
Yes! Sonoma is one of my favorite places to photograph, and I’m there often from my home base in the East Bay. For weddings that start early or run late, I may add an overnight stay so I’m rested and on time for your day. Every cost is spelled out upfront, so there are no surprises.
Q: Which Sonoma venues have you photographed?
I’ve photographed weddings at Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, MacArthur Place in the heart of Sonoma and The Madrona in Healdsburg, along with private estates and family vineyards across the county. If I haven’t worked at your venue yet, I’ll visit or study the property ahead of time. That way I’ll know where the light falls at ceremony time and where the best portrait spots are before your day begins.
Q: What’s it like to work with you?
Relaxed, warm and organized. I’ll guide you gently when it helps, like posing or where to stand, and step back when real moments are happening. Couples often tell me they forgot I was there, and that’s exactly the goal. Before your wedding, we’ll talk through your timeline, family dynamics and what matters most to you, so the day feels easy and you can stay present with your people.
Q: Do we need to give you a photo list?
Throughout the process, we’ll discuss what elements of your wedding are the most important to you. On your final details call with me, I’ll make sure that I have a list of all the family photos you’re hoping for, and all the details that are the most meaningful to you and your partner. Beyond that, you can count on my experience and artistry to ensure you have images that will endure for life.
Q: Will you help me with my timeline?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most valuable parts of what I do. After 300+ weddings, I know how long family photos really take, when to plan portraits for the best light and where to build in breathing room. I’ll work with you and your planner or coordinator to build a photo timeline around your venue, ceremony time and sunset, so photos feel like a natural part of the day.
I can’t wait to hear your story. Fill this out and I’ll be in touch soon!
You may also head straight to my calendar and book time together here!
I typically respond within 24 hours with gentle help with dates, pricing, and planning.
Email: vanessamontanophotography@gmail.com
Call or Text: 925-413-9949
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