California Redwoods Elopement
One slow day I saw a post in a local Facebook group of someone looking for an elopement photographer in the next couple of months. I, as well as hundreds of others, decided to shoot my shot in hopes maybe they’ll inquire. Not much later, I received an inquiry from Nessa expressing how her and her fiance were hoping to have a Redwoods elopement at the end of February and after chatting back and forth, they booked me as their photographer! I quickly got to work on their location guide, was daydreaming daily about this adventure, and eagerly awaited the day to come!
Why Go for a Redwoods Elopement?
First off, let’s talk about why saying “I do” amidst the Redwoods is an absolute game-changer. These trees aren’t just big; they’re majestic. Standing amidst them, you’ll feel the weight of history and the beauty of nature all around you. Plus, there’s something incredibly romantic about being surrounded by centuries-old giants as you exchange vows with your soulmate. It gives all of the Land Before Time vibes and you will not be disappointed. Another plus with this location is that it’s open year round! Due to the proximity to the coast, the trees aren’t usually snowed in (however be sure to check out the mountain passes you have to go over via Trip Check!) and if you’re okay with a little rain then it’s great for a winter elopement!
About This Redwoods Elopement
While this area is usually accessible year round, Nessa and Bray’s Redwoods elopement just so happened to fall during the same time a crazy wicked winter storm was coming through. I got to California two days before their ceremony date and the hotel receptionist laughed at me when I checked in. She looked at my Washington driver’s license and asked what brought me so far from home, I told her I was there to photograph an elopement in the next couple of days, and her response? A chuckle followed by a “good luck with that, there’s a freak storm coming in and I doubt that’ll be happening.” Enter both my initial panic and a gratitude that I’m a planner and knew there was a reason I get to these things early!
I got to my room, exhausted after 7 hours in the car, and decided to whip out my trusty computer to come up with some more backup locations. The next morning, sure enough, winds had knocked trees down all over the place that resulted in road closures to my main Redwoods spots. I hopped in my car to do some exploring not only in the Redwoods, but also along the Oregon Coast! Nessa and Bray really wanted to incorporate Secret Beach into their wedding day and I was worried the trail would be washed out so I wanted to find backups. I ended up finding the perfect spot not too long into my adventure and it’s actually become my go-to for Redwoods elopement ever since! After scouting the beach, they still wanted to go with Secret Beach and if it was too wild, we’d just return to their Airbnb a little early.
The day arrived and their Redwoods elopement was perfect! It drizzled during their getting ready photos, but the sun peeped out during the first look and portraits in the Redwoods! We then headed to Secret Beach where it got a little spicy. It was freezing, the tide was so high there wasn’t any beach, and it ended up hailing, thundering, and lighting, as we raced back to the car. They exchanged their vows overlooking the ocean but because it was so loud, they decided to repeat them back at the Airbnb. It was an adventure full of so much love and laughter and one that will be special to me for years to come.
From Nessa & Bray
1. Why did you guys choose to elope?
We choose to elope because we wanted our day to be one where we could focus solely on each other and be present in the moments versus possibly worrying about other people.
2. What was your favorite moment from your Redwoods elopement?
Nessa: my favorite moment was either wandering through the redwoods because it felt very personal to our realationship OR saying out vows in the storm because again it felt so incredibly special and intimate. Bray: my favorite moment was turning around and seeing Jennessa
3. Which location we went to was your favorite and why?
Nessa: my favorite location was the redwoods in the ferns! A big part of our relationship has been spending time outside and exploring and so doing this on our special day just felt so right and natural to who we are together.
Bray: the Redwoods, I feel like it was beautiful and we so much of our time outside in the woods, but the redwoods were so huge and the sun coming between them made an ordinary activity we do together feel so special and magical.
4. What advice would you give other couples who are on the fence or are starting to plan? I would say if it’s something youve thought or dreamed about doing there’s a way to make it work for every situation! The important thing is that spend your day focusing on the love between you and your partner and if eloping is how you envision that, DO IT!!!!! Don’t do something just to please anyone but make decisions based on what you and your partner truly want.
5. Is there anything you’d change about the day? Honestly no! We had such a beautiful experience and day and every part of it felt so intentional and magical!!
If you’re ready to start planning your own Redwoods elopement, then let’s connect! Want some more ideas on where to elope? Check out this list of epic locations in Oregon and Washington! On the fence on if you should elope or go the more traditional route? I lay it all out here on what you need to consider to make that decision!
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