Choosing the perfect location for your boudoir session should be exciting, not overwhelming! With so many stunning options available, it’s easy to get caught up in the possibilities.
To make things simpler, I’ve put together this post to highlight my favorite locations I’ve photographed clients at over the years. Whether you’re looking for a tried-and-true favorite or something completely unique, my goal is to inspire you with boudoir location ideas, without overwhelming you.



Hotel Rooms
Hotel rooms are a stylish, stress-free choice for your boudoir session. If you’re unsure where to start (especially if you’re traveling in), this list will help.
I’ve photographed in all of these hotels and can confidently say they’re great options. Just be sure to follow my recommendations—some rooms photograph better than others, so booking the right one makes all the difference!
For the best experience, I recommend booking your hotel room for two nights: the day before your session and the day of. Most hotels have a 4 p.m. check-in, which is too late for a relaxed same-day session. A two-night stay lets us start in the morning (around 10 a.m.) and take our time throughout the day, finishing in the early evening (around 5 or 6 p.m.).
If a two-night stay isn’t an option, we can schedule your session for the late afternoon (around 4 p.m.) and continue into the evening (usually until midnight). This ensures we have plenty of time for your shoot.
Hotel Les Mars
Located in Healdsburg, California, Hotel Les Mars is one of my favorite spots in the area, especially the Grand King rooms. They’re spacious, beautifully decorated, and perfect for photos. The French doors, elegant drapes, and stylish details create endless opportunities for stunning shots. Natural light streaming through the doors gives the room a soft, dreamy feel, and the backdrop is simply gorgeous. The bed is just as impressive, with striking bedposts that add a unique touch for posing. If you choose this room, I can confidently say you’re going to love it! Note that this hotel has been remodeled since these photos were captured
Ledson Hotel
The Ledson Hotel is a stunning choice, with small but beautifully detailed rooms that make for incredible photos. I’ve photographed here more than anywhere else, and I can confidently say it’s a fantastic option.
Each room has a similar elegant design, complete with jacuzzi tubs—perfect for dreamy bubble bath shots. While the fireplaces aren’t the best for photos, the rest of the room more than makes up for it. The furniture and décor are sophisticated and versatile, offering plenty of great posing opportunities. If you love this style as much as I do, you’re going to adore this place!
Mountain Terrace
Beyond the main hotel on Sonoma Square, the owners of the Ledson Hotel also offer this location in the Sonoma hills. This spot is ideal for breathtaking outdoor shots among the vineyards. Below are some examples from Mountain Terrace to inspire your session!
Mt View Hotel
This hotel is a great choice if you book the right room. I recommend one of the Luxury Suites with an attached seating area for the best experience. The rooms are stylish and well-designed, making them a beautiful setting for your session.
It’s important to note that all the rooms have been remodeled since the photos below, now featuring a more minimalist aesthetic. While they look different from what’s shown, they are still a fantastic option.
One downside is that there’s no elevator, which means I have to pare down my equipment from my usual kit. However, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if you love the look of this hotel. It’s stylish, modern, and surrounded by plenty of spa options—perfect for pampering yourself the day after your photo shoot.
Luxury Airbnb / VRBO
Similar to booking a hotel, many clients choose to rent an Airbnb for their session. I’ve photographed in some incredible ones—and some that weren’t so great. Some Airbnbs are unique, beautiful, and private, while others are shared spaces that wouldn’t work well for a boudoir shoot. If you’re up for the hunt, there are some unique and great finds out there. That said, most are unreliable long term which is why you’ll find so few links in this section.
Occidental Guest House
Designed by a well-known 70s architect whose name I can never remember the name of, this secluded 3-acre property is one of my top recommendations. It offers total outdoor privacy among the redwoods, stunning indoor spaces, and a breathtaking honeymoon suit add-on.




Villa Montebella
For those looking for an ultra luxury multi day experience, this location (or anything on 5 star VR) is a good place to start. You can take a private locations like the Villa Montebella to the next level by renting a luxury supercar to pose with. Just a few of the highlights of this location include:
- Tuscan Styling with lots of arch ways and natural light opportunities.
- Excellent Views of Glenn Ellen
- 2 courtyard fountains
- Private pool
- Wine Cave
- Beautiful private outdoor opportunities among the oak forest.
Your Home
I love photographing boudoir sessions in clients’ homes! There’s a personal touch and intimacy that’s hard to find in a hotel or rental. That said, use your best judgment when deciding if your home is the right fit.
I can capture stunning photos anywhere, but a well-styled space will always offer more variety and higher-quality images. If you’re unsure weather your home will work or not for your photo shoot, I’d be happy to help you choose the best space for your session once I learn more about your style and budget at our planning call.
Tips for Styling Your Home
A well-thought-out space can make all the difference in your boudoir session. You don’t need a large or fancy room—just a few simple touches can transform any space into a stunning backdrop for your photos. Here are a few easy ways to enhance your space:
- Invest in your windows – The best way to elevate your photos is by improving your windows, both for a beautiful backdrop and great natural light. Sheer curtains, elegant drapes, or wide-louver blinds can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your space.
- Stock up on candles – Cameras love soft, glowing light. You can never have too many candles in the background or as accents around you in your photos. They add warmth, depth, and a touch of romance to every shot.
- Create a DIY headboard – No fancy bed? No problem. A simple curtain rod, string lights, and sheer fabric can make a stunning and affordable DIY headboard that adds instant character to your space.
- Add house plants – Statues and paintings can be pricey, but house plants are an affordable way to bring life to your space. Training them around your windows adds a unique, natural touch that no hotel can match!
Outdoor
Outdoor boudoir sessions are a popular request, especially for those who love nature and adventure. When the timing is right and you’re comfortable in an outdoor setting, this can be an incredible way to capture something truly unique.
Many of my clients who choose an outdoor session already have a private location in mind, which is ideal—but not necessary. Some of the images below, for example, were taken after hiking to secluded areas with stunning natural backdrops.
If you’re drawn to the idea of an outdoor session, this post has everything you need to help you plan your outdoor boudoir session.
Creative Location Ideas
Everything mentioned in this article would make a fantastic session location, but some of you may be looking for something truly unique. I wish I could share the session I did in a barn with an elevator, or the one on a yacht, or the one at her husbands bosses house. Unfortunately, those sessions are private, but they prove that incredible locations are possible when you think outside the box. Some of the best places I’ve photographed my clients at weren’t because my clients owned a yacht or a luxurious property—it was because they got creative and made things happen.
For example, one of my clients used a yacht because her dad was a mechanic and pulled some strings for her. In many other cases, my clients have borrowed locations from a friend or family member. Sometimes, all it takes to secure a completely unique (and often free) space is a little courage to ask someone you already know.
I like the idea of using a hotel room for boudoir photoshoots.
Thanks! Yes they are a fantastic option for those who want something nicer then their home offers or for those traveling in for their session. There’s some downsides to them (like late check in times) but despite this they’re still one of my most popular location options for a session with me.