Palm Desert Maternity Photography: Desert Glamour Meets Timeless Elegance
Planning a maternity photoshoot in Palm Desert or Palm Springs? This dreamy desert session blends luxurious mid-century modern architecture with lush greens and sandy backdrops—perfect for moms-to-be seeking stylish maternity photography in Southern California. Whether you're local or traveling from San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, or Riverside, Palm Springs offers breathtaking backdrops for every expecting parent. In this session, we captured timeless moments on a private golf course where desert minimalism met bold vintage charm. From outfit ideas to must-see photo locations like Moorten Botanical Garden, The Saguaro Hotel, and Coachella Valley Preserve, we share everything you need to know to plan your perfect maternity shoot. Our professional maternity photography package starts at just $295 and includes a full gallery delivered within 24 hours. If you're dreaming of desert elegance with a personal touch, this guide is your starting point.
When Tatyana first reached out through a popular booking app, she had a clear vision in mind for her maternity photoshoot: something that blended the serene beauty of the desert with a luxurious, editorial-style aesthetic. After a few text exchanges, we secured a date and location that would bring her vision to life — a stunning private golf course in Palm Desert, California.
This wasn't just any golf course. As members, Tatyana and her partner had special access to a course that offered a one-of-a-kind blend of mid-century modern architecture, colorful vintage doors, manicured greens, and unobstructed desert vistas. The backdrop was pure Palm Springs glamour — iconic, stylish, and naturally photogenic.
Tatyana brought two distinct looks for her maternity portraits. The first was an elegant black gown that flowed effortlessly with the breeze, standing in striking contrast against the golden desert sand and emerald green grass. Her second outfit — a cream boho-style dress adorned with crystal details — perfectly captured the soft glow of motherhood. The crystals sparkled gently in the light, adding an ethereal touch to the already dreamy setting.
Due to time constraints, our only window to shoot was mid-day. Since this was a private members-only golf course, we couldn’t scout the location beforehand like we normally would. We had to really pull it together and make it work with the limited time we had to photograph this beautiful couple. After meeting Tatyana and her partner, I spent time connecting with them while Steph quickly scouted the grounds to find the best possible spots for their shoot. And here are the results :)
Top Locations for Maternity Photoshoots in Palm Desert & Palm Springs
Below are some of our favorite desert-chic destinations, paired with photo tips and outfit ideas to help you make the most of your session:
If you're dreaming of your own maternity session inspired by the desert’s natural beauty and Palm Springs luxury, here are some stunning spots we recommend:
Coachella Valley Preserve
29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
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A hidden gem of palm oases, sandy trails, and serene desertscapes — perfect for boho and barefoot maternity shots.
Photo Tip: Use natural palm tree shadows for artistic silhouettes.
What to Wear: Flowy neutral or earth-toned dresses, barefoot or strappy sandals to match the rustic vibe.Moorten Botanical Garden
1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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A charming cactus garden filled with rare desert flora, rustic pathways, and iconic greenhouses — ideal for soft, artistic photos.
Photo Tip: Position yourself near cacti clusters for dynamic depth, and shoot wide for editorial vibes.
What to Wear: A-line dresses or vintage-style gowns in muted desert tones like olive, clay, or taupe.The Saguaro Hotel
1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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Known for its colorful doors and vibrant design, this hotel makes for a bold, mid-century-modern backdrop.
Photo Tip: Match your outfit to one of the signature doors for color-blocked compositions.
What to Wear: Bold solids or retro-chic prints — think bright maxi dresses, oversized hats, or wide-leg jumpsuits.Palm Springs Windmills
Off Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tour Info
Dramatic and iconic — the towering turbines set against mountain views create a unique modern-meets-nature aesthetic.
Photo Tip: Go wide to emphasize scale, especially during late afternoon light for dramatic shadows.
What to Wear: Flowing maxi dresses or fitted maternity gowns in warm neutrals or sunset tones.La Quinta Cove Trails
Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA 92253
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For adventurous couples, this trail offers rock-lined paths, desert blooms, and breathtaking sunset views.
Photo Tip: Bring a small blanket for seated shots during golden hour to capture intimacy and warmth.
What to Wear: Comfortable yet elegant – think soft cotton dresses, textured lace, or casual boho chic with boots.
Planning Your Dream Maternity Photoshoot
Travel Tip: If you're planning a babymoon, honeymoon, or weekend getaway to the desert during the summer months, consider booking an Airbnb stay. Due to the extreme summer heat in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, many properties offer significantly reduced rates in the off-season — making it a budget-friendly option for luxury accommodations and extended photo opportunities.
Palm Desert and Palm Springs are not only ideal for locals — they're also a favorite destination for expectant families traveling in from San Diego (approximately 2 hours), Orange County (around 1 hour 45 minutes), Los Angeles (just under 2 hours), and Riverside (about 1 hour and 15 minutes). Whether you're planning a weekend babymoon, a scenic day trip, or a surprise maternity session while in town, these desert locations offer a unique, luxurious escape just a few hours' drive from Southern California’s biggest cities.
Whether you’re drawn to the bold colors of Palm Springs or the soft earth tones of the Coachella Valley, we’re here to help design a session that reflects your story, your style, and this incredible chapter in your life.
Our Maternity Photo Package starts at just $295 and includes:
A 45-minute photoshoot in a beautiful setting
30 professionally edited high-resolution photos downloadable through Pixieset
5 prints in various sizes
Full online gallery delivered within 24 hours
Part of our service includes arriving early to secure photo-worthy locations, making things easier for you
Same-day rush delivery available upon request
If you're ready to celebrate your journey into motherhood with a maternity session that’s as unique as you are, click here to view our maternity gallery and book your shoot today.
Capture the glow. Embrace the desert. Tell your story.
Soft Skies & New Beginnings: A Maternity Photography Session at Montage Beach
Experience the beauty of maternity photography at Montage Beach in Laguna Beach, Orange County. In this heartwarming session, we captured Tany and Bernardo as they celebrated their journey into parenthood along one of Southern California’s most scenic coastlines. With a soft overcast sky just before golden hour, the natural light wrapped their moments in warmth and calm. From barefoot strolls in the sand to posing beneath rocky arches carved by the ocean, every frame tells a story of joy, love, and anticipation. Whether you're local to Orange County or planning a coastal maternity shoot while visiting California, this blog explores why Montage Beach is a top destination for timeless, emotion-filled maternity photos.
There’s something magical about capturing the quiet anticipation of parenthood, especially when it’s set against the soothing backdrop of the ocean. We recently photographed a heartfelt maternity session at Montage Beach in Laguna Beach, located in the heart of Orange County, California. The day was softly overcast, with clouds rolling in as if to remind us rain might visit, but instead, it gave us the perfect conditions to capture warm, diffused light—ideal for tender moments between this soon-to-be family.
A Laguna Beach Maternity Session Before Golden Hour
Tany and Bernardo arrived just before golden hour, which meant we had soft, even light and just the right conditions to work with Laguna’s iconic seascape. As we explored the coastline, we came across natural stone arches carved into the side of the beach—nature’s perfect framing for a growing family.
Montage Beach, nestled just off 30801 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, offers a stretch of sandy shoreline, hidden rocky nooks, and those breathtaking ocean views that make maternity photography in Southern California feel effortlessly timeless.
A Session Filled with Love & Laughter
Tany’s smile lit up the shoreline as she walked barefoot alongside Bernardo, hand-in-hand, both radiating joy and laughter. The overcast sky gave us warm, soft tones that made their connection the highlight of every shot. It wasn’t just about posing—it was about movement, joy, and natural chemistry.
Their choice of simple, classic outfits allowed the emotion to shine through in every frame. No props, no fuss—just the moment, the sea, and the beautiful journey of pregnancy.
Why Overcast Weather Is Perfect for Maternity Photography
Contrary to what you might think, overcast skies are a dream for maternity photos. The clouds act like a giant softbox, filtering sunlight and eliminating harsh shadows. This creates flattering, balanced lighting that highlights your expressions and details—like the curve of a baby bump or the gentle gestures between parents.
Planning Your Maternity Session in Laguna Beach
Thinking about capturing your own maternity story? Montage Beach is an incredible option for couples who want an intimate, coastal backdrop without the crowds of larger beaches. Easy access, scenic beauty, and versatile scenery (sand, rocks, cliffs, ocean) make it a top pick.
We recommend:
Scheduling your session 28–34 weeks into pregnancy
Opting for sunrise or late afternoon for soft light
Bringing comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Choosing outfits that are flowy, neutral-toned, and comfortable
Letting your personality and connection guide the shoot
Book a Maternity Photographer in Orange County
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in capturing real, candid moments across Southern California—from maternity sessions like this in Laguna Beach to engagement shoots in Temecula and family portraits along the coast.
We love helping parents-to-be document this meaningful chapter with care, creativity, and beautiful light.
Interested in your own maternity session at Montage Beach or another scenic SoCal location?
Visit www.lastminutephotoshoot.com to learn more, view our gallery, and book your session.
To view our full maternity photography gallery, please click here.