California is one of those places where completely different worlds exist within the same state. Towering redwoods, dramatic ocean cliffs, granite mountains, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and golden coastlines give you an almost ridiculous number of ways to build an elopement day.
You could exchange vows beneath ancient trees, watch the sun disappear over the Pacific, or spend the day exploring beneath Yosemite’s massive granite walls. California is perfect for couples who want the freedom to choose a place that feels like them—and create a wedding day that feels more like an experience than an event.
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
WHY ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA?
There’s no one way to elope in California—and with this many wildly different landscapes, why would there be? Your day could mean exchanging vows beneath towering redwoods, exploring beneath Yosemite’s massive granite cliffs, wandering along the rugged Big Sur coastline, or watching the sun disappear into the Pacific.
Go big and adventurous or slow everything down somewhere quiet and secluded. Build the day around what feels like you, and let California give you one hell of a backdrop.
WHAT COULD YOUR CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT LOOK LIKE?
WHERE TO ELOPE IN california
THREE ICONIC REGIONS. THREE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ADVENTURES.
Yosemite has a way of making everything else disappear for a while. Massive granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering forests, and sweeping valley views create the kind of scenery that somehow feels even bigger in person.
Spend the day exploring beneath El Capitan and Half Dome, wander through the valley, or find somewhere quiet to exchange your vows surrounded by mountains. Yosemite is perfect for couples who want an iconic landscape, a little adventure, and plenty of time to slow down and take it all in.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT TO FEEL SMALL IN THE BEST WAY
Big Sur is where rugged mountains drop straight into the Pacific and nearly every turn along the coast feels like it belongs in a movie. Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, windswept beaches, and endless ocean views make this stretch of California ridiculously romantic.
Exchange vows overlooking the coast, explore rocky beaches, wander beneath the redwoods, and end the day watching the sun disappear over the ocean. Big Sur is perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel wild, intimate, and a little bit cinematic.
BIG SUR
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT THEIR ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE
There’s something completely different about standing beneath the redwoods. The noise seems to disappear, the light filters softly through the trees, and suddenly the rest of the world feels very far away.
Spend the day wandering beneath some of the tallest trees on Earth, find a quiet spot tucked into the forest to exchange your vows, and let yourselves slow down enough to actually experience it. The Redwoods are perfect for couples who want something intimate, peaceful, and just a little bit magical.
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT TO DISAPPEAR INTO THE FOREST
THE CALIFORNIA REDWOODS
California is a year-round destination, but the experience can change dramatically depending on where you go. Yosemite’s higher elevations can hold snow well into the year, Big Sur has its own coastal weather patterns, and the Redwoods stay lush through every season. The best time depends less on a single “perfect” month and more on the landscape and experience you want.
WHEN TO ELOPE
01.
California gives you an almost ridiculous amount of options. Granite mountains, rugged coastline, ancient redwoods, alpine lakes, waterfalls, desert landscapes—you could build completely different elopement days without ever leaving the state. We’ll narrow it down based on scenery, accessibility, privacy, season, and what you actually want to experience together.
WHERE TO ELOPE
02.
California sunshine isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Coastal fog can roll through Big Sur, mountain weather can shift quickly in Yosemite, and conditions can vary wildly between regions. We’ll keep an eye on the forecast, leave room for flexibility, and have backup options when needed so unexpected weather becomes part of the adventure instead of ruining it.
WEATHER + BACKUP PLANS
03.
Many of California’s most incredible elopement locations are protected public lands, which means permits or specific rules may apply depending on where and how you celebrate. Once we choose your location, I’ll help you figure out what applies to your plans so you know what needs to be handled before the day arrives.
PERMITS + PARK RULES
04.
California is huge, and places that look close on a map can involve hours of driving, mountain roads, coastal highways, traffic, or seasonal closures. We’ll build your timeline around realistic travel times and prioritize the places you actually want to experience instead of spending your elopement racing from one location to another.
GETTING AROUND
05.
Layers, comfortable shoes, water, snacks, sun protection, and something warm are almost always a good idea. What you’ll need in Yosemite can look completely different from a windy evening along Big Sur or a cool morning beneath the Redwoods, so we’ll plan around your specific location, season, and activities.
WHAT TO PACK
06.
The landscapes that make California such an incredible place to elope are also incredibly important to protect. We’ll stick to established trails and durable surfaces, respect closures and regulations, pack out what we bring in, and create incredible photographs without sacrificing the places we came all this way to experience.
LEAVE NO TRACE
07.
You’ll receive a gallery full of moments that let you feel your day all over again—not just how it looked, but how it felt.
4. Relive It Forever
On your day, you get to focus on each other while I guide you naturally and document everything as it unfolds—no pressure, no awkward moments.
3. Be Fully Present
I’ll help you bring it all to life with location ideas, timelines, vendor recommendations, and everything in between—so nothing feels overwhelming.
2. Plan It Together
We’ll start by getting to know your vision—what you want your day to feel like, where you’re drawn to, and what matters most to you.
1. Dream It Up
What does working together actually feel like?
A BIG SUR ADVENTURE
A REAL YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT
HOW TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR
HOW TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE
California ELOPEMENT RESOURCES
Maybe. Permit requirements depend on where you choose to elope, the size of your group, and what you’re planning. National parks, state parks, beaches, and other public lands can all have different rules. Once we narrow down your location, I’ll help you figure out what applies to your plans and what needs to be handled before your day.
DO WE NEED A PERMIT TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA?
01.
That depends entirely on where you want to go. California’s coast, mountains, and redwood forests can have completely different conditions during the same season. We’ll look at weather, accessibility, crowds, scenery, and the experience you’re dreaming about to find the time of year that makes the most sense for you.
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA?
02.
We roll with it. Coastal fog, rain, snow, wind, and changing mountain conditions can all be part of exploring California. We’ll keep an eye on the forecast, leave flexibility in your timeline, and have backup options when needed so unexpected weather doesn’t have to mean an unexpected disaster.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER DOESN’T COOPERATE?
03.
Absolutely. You don’t need to decide between Yosemite, Big Sur, the Redwoods, or somewhere completely different before reaching out. Tell me what you want the day to feel like, the scenery you’re drawn to, how much adventure you want, and what matters most to you, and I’ll help narrow down locations that fit.
CAN YOU HELP US CHOOSE WHERE TO ELOPE?
04.
That depends on what you want to experience. Some locations involve longer drives, hiking, multiple stops, or simply time to slow down and enjoy where you are. More coverage gives us room to build the day around the experience instead of rushing from one photograph to the next.
HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED FOR A CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT?
05.
Absolutely. From Yosemite to Big Sur, the Redwoods, and beyond, I’m happy to travel wherever your plans take us. Your experience includes the planning support we’ll need to bring everything together, so you don’t have to figure out a California adventure on your own.
DO YOU TRAVEL THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA FOR ELOPEMENTS?
06.
FAQS
- ASHLEY VANDERGENACHTE
“Holly is amazing, talented, funny, relatable, and super down to earth! Jack and I had so much fun shooting our engagement photos in Big Sur with Holly! She made us feel so comfortable and she is super open for any crazy ideas/recommendations while shooting! We even stopped for lunch halfway in between shooting! She has a huge passion for adventure and photography!”
“SHE MADE US FEEL SO COMFORTABLE AND SHE IS SUPER OPEN FOR ANY CRAZY IDEAS/RECOMMENDATIONS WHILE SHOOTING!”
