Northern California Coastal Elopement
If you love exploring lots of different types of nature with your partner, it can be difficult to decide which backdrop you want for your elopement day: forests, mountains, beaches, wildflowers . . .
There are a few places in the world where you can truly have it all – and the Northern California coast is one of them! For Tyler and Megan’s stunning sunset elopement in Northern California, we found sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, towering redwoods, and golden meadows, all within a short drive.
Northern California is a Dreamy Place to Elope
For Tyler and Megan, picking a part of the world to elope was easy – Megan grew up visiting the Northern California coast with her family and already knew how gorgeous the landscapes were.
When it came time to plan their elopement, I helped the couple choose a spot that had everything they wanted for their elopement day, including a peaceful, private setting and access to a variety of nature. We planned a laidback itinerary that would make the most of the golden evening light and a colorful ocean sunset.
I love when couples choose a sentimental location for their elopement – whether it’s an important place to their relationship, or whether one partner gets to share a part of their childhood with the other. It’s such a sweet dynamic as they explore the area and create new memories in a special place.
Do you have a sentimental place in mind for your wedding day, but you’re not sure how to elope there? Reach out to me and let’s start brainstorming! I’ll help you plan a dreamy elopement day that incorporates the places (and people!) that are most important to you.
Getting Ready in the Redwoods
There are so many quaint, cozy places to stay for your elopement on the Northern California coast. As you drive up the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Mendocino, the landscape is dotted with houses that almost blend into the rocky cliffs and forested hills – and lots of them are vacation rentals!
Tyler and Megan’s elopement day started in a beautiful rustic house in the forest, overlooking the ocean. While the couple got ready, I grabbed some detail shots of Megan’s gown, which looked ethereal against the forest backdrop.
Tyler and Megan shared a first look on the deck before we jumped in the car to find some more incredible views! Our first stop was a mossy redwood forest for couple’s portraits as golden hour light beamed through the trees. We also found a tiny airport with some cool vintage planes.
Exploring the Coast
Next, we headed toward the coast! The rocky coastline in Northern California is so unusual and fun to explore – instead of white sand beaches and dunes, we found cliffs, meadows, and gnarled trees.
We were lucky to catch truly unreal light for all of golden hour. The driftwood bench, wood fences, and quirky houses made for such cool backdrops as Tyler and Megan strolled along the coast.
Polaroids on the Beach
As the sun started to set on this Northern California elopement day, we made our way down to the beach.
Tyler and Megan had fun taking silly Polaroid photos of one another and popping a bottle of champagne.
The couple also shared some sweet, private moments as waves crashed against the rocks behind them. We had the beach to ourselves, and the sound of the ocean drowned out their words for everyone but each other.
Carefree Elopement
Tyler and Megan’s Northern California elopement combined a sentimental location, a variety of gorgeous nature, and a relaxed timeline for a romantic and carefree evening.
The peaceful, serene vibes of this part of California’s coastline are the perfect setting for an elopement focused on enjoying your day together without any pressure.
If this sounds like your kind of wedding day, reach out to me! I’d love to help you plan your own dreamy elopement on the Northern California coast – or wherever your heart takes you.
Pin This Post to Save As Inspiration
Ready to plan your own Northern California Elopement?
Reach out to me and let’s start chatting about the perfect elopement day for you and your partner—with the views of your dreams and the adventure of a lifetime. No matter what you’re picturing for your wedding day, I’m here to help you execute every last detail.
Hey there, the name’s Sam! I cannot wait to chat with you.
This is gonna be epic.
