There’s nothing quite like a Temecula sunset. Warm golden light drapes over vineyard rows, the hills glow with soft lavender tones, and the entire valley seems to slow down in reverence. As a Temecula wedding photographer and videographer, we know that golden hour isn’t just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a must-have for romantic, cinematic wedding portraits.
If you’re getting married in Temecula Wine Country, here are the absolute best places to capture sunset photos that will take your breath away—and look like they belong in a magazine.
🌅 1. Leoness Cellars – Hilltop Vistas
Leoness is perched on some of the highest ground in Temecula’s wine region, which means wide-open skies and expansive views. The vineyard rows create dreamy leading lines, and the sun sets perfectly behind the hills for that warm, romantic glow.
📸 Pro Tip: The top of the hill near the ceremony lawn is ideal for sweeping wide shots and slow-motion video footage during golden hour.
🍇 2. Europa Village – Mediterranean Romance
Europa Village offers three distinct properties—Bolero, Vienza, and C’est La Vie—and each has its own sunset charm. The Tuscan-style terraces, vineyard paths, and archways light up beautifully during the final hour of the day.
📸 Pro Tip: We love capturing silhouettes through the arches and wide-angle couple shots on the balconies.
🌿 3. Lorimar Winery – Vines + Barrel Room Light
Lorimar offers a rustic-yet-refined vibe, with its vineyard rows, olive trees, and famous barrel room. The sun sets just behind the vines near the ceremony space, creating a soft backlight that’s perfect for glowing portraits and cinematic video transitions.
📸 Pro Tip: Time it just right, and you’ll catch the sun peeking through the trees for that dreamy, ethereal lens flare.
🥂 4. Ponte Winery – Vineyard Pathways + The Inn
The grounds at Ponte are full of romantic nooks and photo opportunities, but the sunset shots along the vineyard pathways and near the inn are truly magical. The soft light reflecting off the vines creates a painterly feel.
📸 Pro Tip: Use the side of the pond as a reflective surface to enhance your sunset imagery for photo and film.
🏞 5. Callaway Vineyard & Winery – Elevated Ceremony Deck
The elevated ceremony space at Callaway offers one of the most expansive views in Temecula. As the sun drops below the hills, the warm tones bounce off the modern architecture and hillside vines, creating a clean, light-filled setting for golden-hour portraits.
📸 Pro Tip: Perfect for drone footage capturing you from above with vineyards and the valley in the background.
💫 Why Sunset Timing Matters in Temecula
Golden hour typically starts about 30-45 minutes before sunset, depending on the season. We always help our couples plan their wedding timeline so there’s just enough time to sneak away for these once-in-a-lifetime shots.
Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand through the vines or stealing a kiss on a quiet terrace, we’ll make sure your photos and video reflect the magic of that moment forever.
📍 Capturing Temecula at Golden Hour
At Leah Marie Photography & Videography, we’ve photographed hundreds of weddings in Temecula and know every lighting pocket, hidden trail, and golden-hour gem. Our goal is to make you feel relaxed, radiant, and utterly in love—and to preserve it all with timeless beauty.
Serving couples throughout Temecula, Riverside, San Diego, Palm Springs, Orange County, and all of Southern California.
👉 Let’s plan your perfect golden hour shoot
