Kayla and Kent’s Northern California elopement was nothing short of magical, and I’m thrilled to be sharing it on the blog! These two were clear from the beginning about what mattered most to them: being present with each other, surrounded by nature, and creating a day that felt authentic to who they are. When they filled out their vision questionnaire, they wrote something that perfectly captured what they wanted: “Nothing else matters except for the two of us there together and it feels like the entire world has stopped just for us to be fully present.” That’s exactly what we created together.
When they began planning, all they knew was that they wanted redwood forests as their backdrop, and were considering Guerneville and Mendocino as two Northern California elopement settings. As a resident of the Russian River area, I couldn’t have been more excited to help them experience the best of what this region has to offer. Their day perfectly captured what makes Northern California elopements (and Sonoma County specifically) so special – the incredible diversity of landscapes within a short drive of each other.
One unique detail? They specifically mentioned wanting to include their three stuffed dogs that had been an integral part of their 5-year relationship. As they put it: “it’s our weird thing, but we’re good with it.” And honestly, those are exactly the personal touches that make an elopement day truly special and reflective of a couple’s real story!
Their elopement experience spanned two days, with 14 hours of total coverage that allowed them plenty of time to really soak in every moment. We started the first day with a slow morning at their Cazadero Airbnb nestled among the trees. With both of them adding their final touches, there was an electric excitement in the air as they prepared for their first look. The property offered so many gorgeous spots for photos without us having to venture anywhere else at this point – one of the perks of choosing a stunning Airbnb surrounded by nature!
After their first look (and Kent helped Kayla change into her second “adventure elopement” dress), we headed off to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, one of my absolute favorite places to take couples. There’s something profoundly moving about standing among trees that have witnessed hundreds of years of history (some over a thousand, which is absolutely mind-bending). The way the filtered light creates spotlight-like beams through the canopy never fails to create a sense of wonder. This is one of Northern California’s most spectacular redwood groves and a perfect example of why this region is so popular for elopements and small, intimate weddings.
Kayla and Kent had mentioned “forest bathing” as one of their day’s objectives, and that’s exactly what we did. Moving slowly through the park, they took time for some quiet moments of reflection and simply being present with each other amid these ancient giants. The park was relatively quiet for a weekday, giving them the space to be fully themselves without feeling self-conscious.
After spending a couple of hours beneath the redwoods, we grabbed lunch from Piknik Town Market and headed toward the coast. This is where the second piece of their vision came together – those dramatic ocean cliff views they’d been dreaming of. We made our way to Sonoma Coast State Park – a section of Northern California coastline that offered the perfect contrast to their morning in the redwoods.
The weather was shockingly cooperative for an October day, with plenty of sunshine to keep us warm, not even a hint of a breeze, and miles of visibility in every direction. Picture-perfect conditions to enjoy their lunch with one of the most spectacular views in California as their backdrop.
With the afternoon light becoming increasingly golden, we captured some of my favorite portraits of the day. Kayla and Kent moved so naturally together – those little moments of him fixing her hair in the wind or her leaning into him as they looked out over the cliffs tell their story better than any posed photo ever could. When I meet with new couples, many of them voice concern about “posing,” and this afternoon was a perfect example of my philosophy: It’s much less about giving you specific poses to emulate and much more about giving you space to simply enjoy your elopement experience while I quietly notice and document aspects of the way you’re naturally interacting.
(The butterflies that joined us up here were the unpaid actors 😉)
As the afternoon progressed, we headed back to their Airbnb to greet their family who had arrived at Kayla & Kent’s Airbnb. While their morning and afternoon had been just about them, they chose to include their closest family members (7 guests) for an intimate ceremony and dinner celebration.
This is something I’ve seen more couples doing recently – combining the best of both worlds by having private time together first, followed by a small celebration with loved ones. It creates such a beautiful balance and allows couples to be completely themselves without any pressure or expectations during the first part of their day.
When we arrived back at the Airbnb and their guests came out to meet us, the joy on their faces as they saw Kayla and Kent dressed up and ready to officially tie the knot was priceless. Kent’s sister Helen officiated their ceremony on a deck within a small redwood grove on the property, with the late afternoon light filtering through the surrounding trees — it was all perfect and magical, under the redwoods they love so much.
After their ceremony, we captured family photos – including one special shot with their three stuffed dogs! I love that they weren’t afraid to include this meaningful piece of their relationship, even if it might have seemed “weird” to others. Those personal touches are what make each elopement unique.
As the sun began to set behind the mountain across from their Airbnb, their families celebrated with a private chef-prepared dinner on the property. With my coverage wrapping up at this point, I left them laughing and celebrating exactly as they’d envisioned.
The next morning, I returned for a few more hours to capture some relaxed moments around the Airbnb – including some time in the hot tub surrounded by redwoods and lounging in a hammock. These quiet “morning after” photos ended up being some of my favorites (and theirs!) as they show the peaceful beginning of these two’s married life together.
In Their Words
When Kayla and Kent reflected on their elopement experience, they shared these thoughts that still bring a huge grin to my face:
“From the moment we met Meg, we immediately knew she was the perfect fit for us. Our initial consult call just felt so different compared to the other photographers we had met with previously. Meg took the time to get to know us as individuals and as a couple, and invested so much of her time and energy to help us dream up our perfect day.
Honestly, we weren’t really sure what we wanted in our elopement outside of being in nature; we were really overwhelmed. Then, Meg provided us with so many useful resources like a comprehensive guide on every possible thing there is to know about elopements, had us fill out detailed questionnaires to understand our vision, and crafted a detailed timeline to keep us on track on our special day. Meg even did extensive research on specific photo locations based on our vision and then helped us refine our timeline to ensure it met all of our needs.
The day of our elopement, Meg was more than just a photographer; she was a calming presence, a confidante, and a friend. She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera that we forgot she was even there at times. We laughed, we cried, we danced, and Meg captured it all with an intimacy and authenticity that left us speechless.”
Reading words like these reminds me why I do what I do. My goal isn’t only to take beautiful pictures – it’s to create space for couples to experience one of life’s most significant moments in a way that feels completely authentic to them.
I hope this collection of images changes your perception of what a wedding day can look like. Kayla and Kent created an experience that was exactly “them” – combining time alone with celebration with family, embracing the natural beauty of both forests and coastline, and including personal touches that might seem small but carry significant meaning.
That’s the beauty of choosing to elope: you get to create a day that feels sacred, intentional, and completely reflective of your relationship. No performance, no pressure, just pure celebration of your love in a way that feels right to you.
If you’re dreaming of your own Northern California elopement that showcases stunning natural settings like these, get in touch so we can start planning your own dream day!
Why Northern California Is Perfect for Elopements
There’s a reason Northern California is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world – actually, there are several! First, the sheer diversity of landscapes is unmatched. The magic here isn’t just in one landscape, but in the remarkable diversity that exists within such a connected area. Where else can you stand among ancient redwood giants in the morning (feeling that profound sense of smallness) and then find yourself watching the sunset over dramatic ocean cliffs by afternoon? This part of the world offers everything from vineyard-covered hills to rugged mountain terrain, pristine beaches to alpine lakes.
This incredible variety doesn’t just make for stunning photos – it allows couples to create an elopement experience that truly reflects their relationship. Think about what matters most in your relationship. Are you the hiking couple who finds your deepest connections on trails? There are endless paths to explore here. Perhaps you bond over wine and culinary adventures? You’re in one of the world’s most celebrated food and wine regions. Maybe you crave that perfect balance of wild adventure and cozy luxury? Northern California’s got it.
The region is also surprisingly accessible, with international airports in San Francisco and Sacramento, yet offers plenty of secluded spots where you’ll feel like you have the world to yourself. And with a network of charming small towns (like Guerneville, Cazadero, and Occidental within Sonoma County just to start), you’ll find unique accommodations and local experiences that add another layer of magic to your celebration.
Best Times for a Northern California Elopement
Northern California’s climate offers year-round possibilities for elopements, each season with its own distinctive charm. Kayla and Kent chose October, which is often ideal – the summer crowds have dispersed, temperatures are mild, and there’s typically stable weather with that gorgeous golden California light photographers (including me!) obsess over.
Spring (March-May) brings vibrant wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. The hills surrounding the Russian River valley transform into rolling carpets of green, while the coastline offers dramatic storm watching opportunities on moodier days. Temperatures are mild, but come prepared for occasional rain showers.
Summer (May-September) brings reliable warmth inland, with temperatures often reaching the 80s-90s. The coastline tends to be cooler, typically in the 60s-70s, offering a refreshing alternative for afternoon portraits when inland temperatures peak. This temperature variation creates perfect opportunities for couples wanting diverse settings in a single day. Summer also brings the longest daylight hours, allowing for extended evening celebrations with beautiful golden hour lighting. While this is high tourism season, choosing weekday elopements can still provide relatively secluded experiences even at popular locations.
Fall (September-November) is my personal favorite and what I often recommend to couples. The light takes on a golden quality, temperatures remain comfortable in the 60s-70s, and there’s a distinct clarity to the air. Vineyards transform into spectacular shades of yellow and red, adding another dramatic backdrop option to your elopement. Fall weekdays also tend to see fewer tourists at popular locations, giving you more opportunities for private experiences.
Logistical Tips for Planning a Northern California Elopement
When you’re planning your Northern California elopement, the practical details might not be the first things on your mind – and that’s exactly as it should be. But I’ve found that understanding a few key logistics ahead of time actually creates more space for you to be fully present when your day arrives.
Marriage License: Here’s some good news – California makes this part surprisingly straightforward. You’ll need to appear together at any county clerk’s office in the state. The license costs about $100 and gives you a 90-day window to use it. While appointments are generally recommended, many counties welcome walk-ins too. I’ve noticed that couples traveling from out of state often find peace of mind in obtaining their license a day or two before their celebration – creating one less thing to think about on the actual day.
Location Permits: This is one of those details that’s easy to overlook but important to honor. Many of Northern California’s most stunning locations require permits for ceremonies, even for just the two of you. It’s typically worth budgeting $100-300 for these permits, depending on your chosen spots. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s better than being caught by a ranger on your wedding day without one!
Transportation Considerations: Northern California’s most beautiful spots often involve winding roads (like the famous Highway 1 coastal route) which is something to think about if you or your guests are sensitive to motion. Additionally, cell service can be spotty in forested and coastal areas, so download offline maps before your adventure begins!
Weather Preparedness: The region’s microclimates mean conditions can vary dramatically from inland to coast. Layer your outfits and bring warm options, even in summer. That dream coastal cliff location? It might be 15-20 degrees cooler than spots just a few miles inland, with some wind chill to boot.
Timing Buffer: When planning your elopement timeline (something I create for all of my couples!), it’s important to remember to always include buffer time between locations. Building in this buffer time isn’t about planning for things to go wrong – it’s about creating space to eliminate worry about being behind and rushing (and yes, it helps account for traffic too).
