Padua Hills Wedding Photographer
The Perfect Beginning to a Lifetime of Memories
Padua Hills Theatre is one of Southern California's most photogenic wedding venues, and one of my favorite places to shoot. Tucked into the Claremont foothills and framed by an olive grove, the estate offers old-world Spanish Revival architecture, golden-hour views over the San Gabriel Valley, and a wrought-iron gazebo that photographs beautifully at any time of day.
I've photographed many weddings at Padua Hills, so I know the property: where the light falls in the plaza courtyard in late afternoon, the quiet corners of the olive grove that make for intimate portraits, and how the terrace glows once the string lights come on. That familiarity means less figuring things out on your wedding day and more time capturing the moments that matter.
Why Padua Hills Is a Dream to Photograph
Every corner of Padua gives you something:
The olive grove: soft, dappled light and a natural backdrop that needs almost no styling. Perfect for first looks and couple portraits.
The plaza courtyard and gazebo: a signature ceremony spot full of historic character, framed by greenery and string lights.
The terrace at golden hour: sweeping hillside views and warm light that make sunset portraits effortless.
The historic ballroom: warm, candlelit interiors for reception dancing and detail shots after dark.
Planning Your Padua Hills Wedding
If you're getting married at Padua, build in 30-40 minutes for portraits in the olive grove around sunset, and let your timeline breathe so we can catch the terrace light. I'll walk you through all of it when we plan your day together.
David Martin Jr Photography has been featured in Brides, The Knot, Shutter Magazine, Equally Wed, and The Coordinated Bride. Hablamos Español.
What Our Couples Say
"Every last photo, whether it be of the wedding party, the ceremony, or the photos of my husband and I are truly amazing. The different angles and thoughtful editing lead to some of the best photos we could have asked for."
— Corinne Rezentes
Getting Married at Padua Hills?
Let's talk about it.
