We wanted to take our engagement photos here, but there are signs all over the property that no photography is allowed without a permit. We called to inquire about getting a permit, and they want $200!! For engagement photos!! Our photographer is only charging $600 (which seems like a lot to me) -- Villa Montalvo is charging 33% of what the photographer herself is charging??. It's the same price for an engagement photo permit as it is for a wedding photo permit, and let's be honest -- engagment photos are far less intrusive on the grounds than a wedding photo shoot.

Outrageous. We're not doing our pics here. Thanks, Villa Montalvo, for that "non-profit" spirit.