Elopement Planning FAQ
Your Questions About Northern California Elopements, Answered
Q: How do I choose an elopement location in Northern California?
A: Start by considering what environments resonate with you as a couple. Is it coastal drama, intimate redwood groves, wine country romance, or alpine beauty, or something in between? I provide personalized location recommendations based on your vision, the season you're considering, and practical factors like permit requirements and crowd levels. Most of my couples choose 2-3 locations for their day, creating a multi-setting experience that allows your story to unfold naturally across different landscapes.
Q: What are your favorite elopement spots in Northern California?
A: I love Point Reyes and far north California for dramatic coastal views, Redwood National Park for intimate forest ceremonies, Healdsburg and Sonoma Valley for vineyard views, the Sierra Nevada range for mountains and alpine lakes, and various hidden spots throughout the state. Each location offers something unique! No matter which area sparks your fancy, I'll provide detailed information for each area including seasonal considerations, permit info, and specific locations you'll love.
Q: Can we incorporate multiple locations into our elopement day?
A: Absolutely! This is one of my favorite aspects of elopement planning. Most of my couples visit 2-3 locations (and sometimes more if time allows) throughout their elopement. Multiple locations give your wedding experience variety and allow different aspects of your celebration to shine in environments that suit them best. I'll help you create realistic timelines that allow for travel between spots without feeling rushed.
Q: Do we need permits to elope in California?
A: Most public locations require permits for hosting your ceremony — especially state and national parks. Permit requirements vary by location, and almost all need to be secured at least 30 days in advance. Some permits are simple online applications, while others require more planning. I'll guide you through the entire permit process as part of my planning support, including which locations need permits, how to apply, costs involved, and backup options if your first choice isn't available.
Q: What's the best time of year to elope in Northern California?
A: Northern California is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different. Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers and lush greenery, summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather, fall (September-November) has fewer crowds, and winter (December-February) provides dramatic coastlines and moody vibes. I help couples choose seasons based on their vision, preferred weather conditions, and which locations shine brightest during different times of year.
Q: How do we plan for unpredictable weather?
A: If there's a risk of inclement weather, I always help couples develop a "Plan B" that feels just as special as Plan A — whether that's alternative locations, covered areas, or embracing the weather with clear umbrellas and dramatic photos. Northern California weather is generally predictable by season, but I build flexibility into timelines and always scout backup options. Some of my favorite images have come from less-than-perfect weather — fog, mist, and even light rain can create incredibly moody, romantic photos!
Planning Your Elopement
→ Read this next: How to Choose Your Perfect Elopement Location
Q: What's included in your elopement photography packages?
Photography & What I Provide
A: My elopement experiences include comprehensive planning support (detailed below), full-day or multi-day photography coverage, a professionally edited gallery of 400-600+ images, online gallery for easy sharing, and detailed planning resources along the way. You're getting both photography expertise and planning partnership — I'm involved from helping direct your initial vision through final gallery delivery, 3-4 weeks after your elopement.
Q: How much planning help do you actually provide beyond photography?
A: I'm as much a planning partner as I am a photographer. This includes recommending and scouting locations, handling all permit logistics, creating your day-of timeline, suggesting vendors if you need them (officiants, florists, accommodations), advising on outfit choices and weather considerations, and answering the dozens of questions that come up during planning. Many couples describe me as equal parts photographer and elopement planner. If you're feeling overwhelmed or don't know where to start, that's exactly why I offer this level of support.
Q: What's your photography style?
A: My style is primarily 'directed documentary' with an emphasis on authentic moments over posed portraits. I focus on capturing real emotions, natural interactions, and the genuine experience of your day. Think candid moments, thoughtful composition, and images that transport you back to how your day actually felt. I'll provide guidance to help you feel comfortable and look your best, and bring in a splash of editorial style by inviting couples to collaborate with me on creating unique portraits.
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Q: How many photos will we receive and when?
A: Full-day elopements typically result in 400-600+ professionally edited images, while multi-day experiences can be 800-1000+ images. I don't limit your gallery artificially — you'll receive every meaningful moment I capture. Your complete gallery is delivered 3 weeks after your single-day elopement and 4 weeks after your multi-day elopement through an online gallery where you can download high-resolution files, share with family and friends, and order prints directly. I also keep your files backed up indefinitely as a safeguard.
Q: Will you help us feel comfortable if we're awkward in photos?
A: Absolutely! Most of my couples say they're "not photo people" or feel awkward in front of cameras, which means I have lots of experience compassionately directing people who aren't comfortable being photographed. Rather than traditional posing, I give you prompts and activities that create natural moments — walking together, sharing inside jokes, exploring the location. The goal is for you to be present with each other while I document. By the end of the day, most couples forget I'm even there.
Q: Do you photograph LGBTQ+ couples and same-sex weddings?
A: Yes! As an LGBTQ+ ally, I'm passionate about photographing all love stories and creating safe, affirming experiences for LGBTQ+ couples. Many of my couples choose to elope specifically because it allows them to celebrate authentically without pressure from family dynamics or traditional expectations. I understand the unique considerations LGBTQ+ couples face and provide judgment-free support throughout the planning process and gender-neutral posing during portraits. All love is celebrated here.
Q: What's a multi-day elopement and is it worth it?
Creating Your Day
A: A multi-day elopement spreads your celebration across 2-3 days, allowing your experience to unfold naturally without time pressure. You might have a welcome dinner with close family the first evening, your ceremony and adventure day, then a relaxed morning-after brunch. Maybe the reverse or something completely different. This approach reduces stress, and often feels more like a mini-moon than a rushed event. Many couples find that multi-day experiences allow them to truly sink into their celebration rather than watching it fly by.
Q: How do we create a timeline that doesn't feel rushed?
A: We start by identifying what matters most to you — whether that's a sunrise ceremony, specific activities, multiple locations, or simply having breathing room between activities. Then I build a realistic timeline with buffer time, travel considerations, and space for the unexpected. My full-day elopements are 11 hours, which allows for 3-5 locations, meaningful activities, and unhurried pacing. The key is prioritizing intention over cramming everything possible into your day.
Q: Can we include activities like wine tasting or hiking in our day?
A: This is one of my favorite ways to make elopements unique! I love incorporating activities that reflect who you are as a couple, whether that's wine tasting, a hot air balloon ride, scenic hike, private chef experience, kayaking, or exploring local spots that are meaningful to you. These activities create natural moments for connection and give your day texture beyond just your ceremony and portraits. I help you choose activities that fit your timeline, work with your attire, and add to rather than complicate your celebration.
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Q: What if we've never planned anything like this before?
A: That's completely normal: so far, none of my couples have ever planned an elopement and many feel overwhelmed initially. That's exactly why I provide comprehensive planning support. We'll start with a conversation about your vision, then I'll guide you through every step: choosing locations, creating a timeline, planning activities, and designing a day that feels authentically you. You don't need to have it all figured out — that's what I'm here for. I'm your experienced guide who's done this plenty of times before and will walk you through every step.
Q: How far in advance should we start planning our elopement?
A: I recommend starting the conversation 6-12 months before your desired elopement date, especially for peak season (May-October). This timeline allows for thoughtful location selection, permit securing, vendor coordination, and the kind of intentional planning that creates meaningful experiences. That said, I've worked with couples on shorter timelines too. The key is starting the conversation early enough that we can plan thoroughly rather than rush. Even if your date is flexible, earlier planning gives you more options (and less stress).
Q: Can we include a few family members (1-10 guests) in our elopement?
Including Others (Or Not)
A: Absolutely! I work with couples hosting completely private elopements as well as intimate celebrations with 1-10 guests. The key is maintaining intentionality — inviting only the people who truly enhance your experience rather than feeling obligated. Small guest lists allow you to keep the intimate, unhurried feel of an elopement while including your most important people. I help you think through logistics like where guests will stand, how to include them in photos, and how to balance their presence with your couple time.
Q: What if we want our elopement to be completely private (just us)?
A: Just-us elopements are incredibly special and often the most emotionally intimate celebrations I photograph. Without guests, you're completely free to be vulnerable, take your time, and focus entirely on each other. These elopements often include longer timelines with multiple locations, activities that matter to you as a couple, and the freedom to change plans on a whim. Many couples find that private elopements allow them to be more present and authentic than they could be with any audience — even loving family members.
Q: How do we tell family we're eloping without hurting their feelings?
A: This is one of the most common concerns I hear, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. I recommend being honest with them about why you're choosing to elope — whether it's about intimacy, reducing stress, budget, or creating an experience that feels authentic to you. Some couples share their decision early and bring family along through planning updates, others wait until after. The key is communicating that this choice is about what you want and need, not about excluding anyone. I'm happy to talk through different approaches based on your specific family dynamics and offer a variety of ways to include them in your experience (whether or not they attend).
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→ Read this next: 5 Scripts to Use for Telling Family About Your Elopement
→ Read this next: A Coastal & Redwood Elopement With 7 Guests
Q: How much does elopement photography cost in Northern California?
Investment & Booking
A: Investment for comprehensive elopement photography in Northern California typically ranges from $4,000-$10,000+ depending on coverage length and whether you're choosing single or multi-day experiences. My packages include extensive planning support, full-day or multi-day coverage, and hundreds of professionally edited images — so you're investing in both photography and planning partnership. I focus on creating unhurried, multi-location experiences rather than hourly packages, which means you're paying for intentional design and peace of mind, not just time.
Q: Why is elopement photography priced differently than traditional weddings?
A: Elopement photography often involves more personalized planning support, location scouting, permit coordination, and custom timeline design than traditional weddings that follow established venue schedules. You're also typically getting longer coverage (full or multi-day) rather than just ceremony and reception hours. The investment reflects comprehensive planning partnership, specialized location knowledge, flexibility to create unique experiences, and the expertise to help you design something meaningful rather than follow a template. You're paying for both planning guidance and artistry.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes! I understand that elopements are significant investments, and I'm happy to work with couples on payment plans that fit their budget. Typically, this involves a booking retainer to secure your date, then installment payments leading up to your elopement, with final payment due three weeks before your wedding day. My default payment plan entails a total of 3-5 payments (depending on how far out we're planning), and I'm more than happy to talk about customizing yours even further.
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Q: How far in advance should we book you?
A: I recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak season (May-October) and popular locations. This timeline ensures we have ample planning time, can secure permits without stress, and access preferred locations and dates. That said, I've worked with couples on shorter timelines when availability allows. The earlier you book, the more options we have for locations, dates, and creating a thoughtfully designed experience. If you're considering working together, reach out sooner rather than later!
LAST UPDATED: OCTOBER 2025
I'd love to hear about your elopement vision and answer anything I didn't cover here. Every couple's situation is unique, and I'm here to help you figure out what makes sense for you!
Still have questions?
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