Sonoma County Elopement Photographer
sentimental photos of your favorite adventure (aka your wedding day)
I believe Black, LGBTQ+, and Trans lives matter. No matter who you love or what you look like, all love is welcome here.
Why elope in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County offers every picturesque setting for your perfect elopement day.
Let's find your dream location
Living in west Sonoma County (two hours north of SF), I'm no stranger to how incredible this place is. I call the redwoods home (truly - they tower over my house), and spend my weekends kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, and simply soaking up all of the stunning views during those activities. As one of my recent SoCo elopement couples said, "We've yet to find anything that this area doesn't offer!"
In other words, this is a magical place to elope. And because I'm a local with insider knowledge, I'm just the person to help you craft your dream wedding day and document it in timeless photos for you to look back on and re-live over and over.
My name's Meg & I'm here to help you create and preserve your dreamy wedding memories.
meet your sonoma elopement photographer
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The best part about eloping is that you can celebrate having the freedom to do whatever you and your partner want on your wedding day. Want to say your vows at the top of a 50 foot balcony in the redwoods? I know a place. Dreaming of dipping your toes (or more!) in the ocean in your wedding outfits? You got it. Thinking about bringing along your ten closest people, or no one at all? Either way and anything in between is perfect.
This is your wedding day, and you get to call all of the shots.
This is your opportunity to prioritize the wedding experience of your wildest dreams.
There is no one right way to elope, and that's the way it should be.
AS YOU EXPLORE your elopement possibilities, I WANT YOU TO KNOW
I've also been the unfortunate recipient of a lackluster client experience from my wedding photo team. I was on the other end wondering if they had just dropped off into the ether, going almost a year without hearing from them. I didn't feel valued at all. As a fellow wedding vendor, I was incredibly disappointed, but it created the fuel to design an epic-ly comprehensive experience for my couples so that they never have to feel the way I did.
In our work together, not only will you receive a jam-packed 90-page guide with everything you could ever need to know about how to elope, but I'll also get to know you and your vision through questionnaires, as well as plan your timeline and give you plenty of customized suggestions for whatever you're struggling to figure out (locations, activities, logistics -- I've got you covered!).
Having been through the wedding planning and wedding day experience myself, I know first hand what you're going through. Whether you're struggling to get your closest people on board with your vision, deciding how to curate your wedding day traditions for a specialized experience, or simply figuring out the activities you want to include, I've been there.
I create a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind experience.
WHAT SETS me APART IS THAT
In other words, you'll get...
Been there, done that as an eloping bride; benefit from my firsthand experience! Let's make your elopement planning a breeze. I'll help you weave together your favorite (or new!) traditions, set up a killer timeline, and toss in some awesome suggestions for locations and activities.
Dive into an exclusive 90-page guide covering everything you need for your elopement. Plus, I'll get to know you through fun questionnaires and help plan your day with customized suggestions – because your wedding day deserves to be as unique as your love story.
Afraid of a wedding vendor vanishing into thin air once you've booked them? I get it. As someone who's been on the disappointed end of her photo/video team's client experience, I've made it my mission to make sure you feel valued and are never left hanging between now and your elopement day. Your journey deserves more than radio silence.
Personalized Guidance & support
Your Ultimate Elopement Guide & resources
Stress-Free Planning without feeling invisible
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You are allowed to want a wedding experience that is completely different from what everyone else in your family has had.
You are allowed to choose anything for your wedding day, and not be pigeonholed into traditions that don't feel right to you.
You are allowed to have a wedding planning and wedding day experience that is fun and stress-free.
and in case you haven't been told this before:
You are allowed to spend your wedding day doing whatever you want.
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The best part about eloping is that you can celebrate having the freedom to do whatever you and your partner want on your wedding day. Want to say your vows at the top of a 50 foot balcony in the redwoods? I know a place. Dreaming of dipping your toes (or more!) in the ocean in your wedding outfits? You got it. Thinking about bringing along your ten closest people, or no one at all? Either way and anything in between is perfect.
This is your wedding day, and you get to call all of the shots.
This is your opportunity to prioritize the wedding experience of your wildest dreams.
There is no one right way to elope, and that's the way it should be.
AS YOU EXPLORE your elopement possibilities, I WANT YOU TO KNOW
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Wondering how to spend your Sonoma County elopement day?
- Book a private wine-tasting & vineyard tour
- Hire a luxury picnic company to create a dreamy lunch
- Enjoy a self-paced kayak tour on the Russian River
- Speed through a redwood canopy on a zipline (or two)
- Meander the forests/mountains/vistas on a hike
- Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn above wine country
And yes, these are all real local experiences you can book!
$495 - 565 per person; tours are 5 hours long
Want to experience another dimension of Sonoma wine tasting? Then you'll want to hop into one of Bohemian Highway's Range Rovers for the ultimate private tasting and tour experience. During your tour you'll have access to wineries that aren't open to the general public, and be hosted by a local wine expert. The tour will also include a chef-prepared gourmet meal to round out the palate experience!
Book a Private Wine Tasting + Tour
$200 - 700+, depending on the number of people in your group and add-ons; rates typically start at 2 people
This isn't your mother's picnic! Luxury picnics are a great way to elevate your elopement in a low-cost way. There are many companies in the Bay Area who offer this service; they usually offer a choice of themes/colors, and add-ons such as board games, extra charcuterie boards, balloon installations (you know the snazzy ones!), etc. Many companies have pre-determined locations they service, but will often also service a different location if you request it (like the backyard of your Airbnb/VRBO rental, for instance!).
Enjoy a Luxury Picnic
$50 - 80 per boat; tours are self guided and 1-10 miles long
One of the best ways to experience Sonoma County is on the water, and there's no better place to do that than the region's only river. This is a great way to see such an incredible landscape from a new perspective! Kayakers can go at their own pace, which makes it a perfect activity for beginners and experts alike. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from nearby Burke's Canoe Trips and Johnson's Beach for day use (or ask me about borrowing mine!).
Kayak on the Russian River
$119 - 169 per person, per tour; overnight stays start at $700 and includes 2 zip tours and 2 meals
If you're an adventure seeker, you'll definitely want to consider ziplining at Sonoma Canopy Tours. Think of the story you'll be able to tell! Really, how many people do you know that went ziplining on their wedding day? Talk about epic. You'll be able to choose from a couple different zip tours, depending on your comfort level with heights and speeds (some ziplines are higher, longer, and faster than others). If you want to take it up a notch, you can also rent a treetop yurt to stay overnight in -- talk about seeing the redwoods in a completely new way!
Zipline In The Redwoods
Typically free, but parking and/or park fees may apply
Nothing beats a classic hike. Alltrails is my favorite resource to scout new hiking adventures! If you'll be hiking in your wedding outfits, I recommend budgeting an hour per mile -- even if you're an experienced hiker. This will allow you to walk without breaking (too much of) a sweat, and also allows plenty of time to stop for photos along the way. Hikes are a great way to see the epic views Sonoma County has to offer, and if you opt for a weekday elopement, odds are you'll have most of the trail to yourself!
Take it Old School With a Hike
$275 - 1,650 depending on privacy; tours are 3-4 hours long
Viewing wine country from a hot air balloon is definitely an incredible way to spend your wedding day. Sonoma Ballooning offers a couple tour options: for $275 per person, you'll ride with a couple of other participants. For $1,650, you'll be able to have an exclusive experience with just the two of you (and any guests you want to bring along). The in-air ride is about an hour, but the entire start to finish experience is around 3-4 hours -- enough time to witness the beauty of the balloon inflating and use it as a backdrop for photos!
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
Photo coverage begins at Osprey House, getting ready
First look + portraits on resort grounds
Head to ceremony location + set up rugs/speaker
Ceremony begins at beach overlook
Formal group photos
Travel to Salt Point State Park
Couples portraits at Salt Point State Park
Dinner reservation at St. Orres
Sneak out for a couple golden hour photos on the lawn
Finish dinner, head back to Osprey House
Reception at Osprey House (cake, toasts, first dances)
End photo coverage
Start getting ready to head back to St. Orres
Photo coverage begins, photos around the Airbnb
Start getting ready + dressed
Travel to Armstrong Redwoods
Picnic + portraits at Armstrong Redwoods
Return to Airbnb
Freshen up/change into second dress, set up for ceremony
Ceremony on Airbnb deck under redwoods
Travel to Cazadero for sunset
Sunset + night headlight photos on the mountain vista
End photo coverage
Celebrate with dinner, dessert, and dancing
Photo coverage begins at Airbnb, getting ready
Start packing up supplies to bring to the beach, head out
Arrive at the beach, finish ceremony setup
Ceremony begins on the beach
Group champagne toasts + dancing
Couples portraits on/around the beach
Formal group photos + mingle
Sign marriage license, enjoy downtime*
End photo coverage
Pack up supplies + return to Airbnb
Photo coverage begins at resort, getting ready
Travel to first look + portrait location
First look + portraits on the coast
Travel to ceremony location
Ceremony on the beach begins
Formal group photos
Travel from the beach to family Sea Ranch home
Celebrate with dinner and toasts
End photo coverage
Couples portraits in the redwoods in the neighborhood
Photo coverage begins at Airbnb, getting ready
Ceremony in the backyard begins
Celebratory glass of champagne + read letters
Travel to Jack London State Park
Couples portraits in the park
Travel to Sonoma winery
Wine taste + couples portraits around the winery property
Celebrate with privately catered dinner, toasts, first dance
End photo coverage
Return to Airbnb for reception
Are you wondering what the point of having coverage of 'downtime' is?
At first glance, it can sound superfluous, but you would be surprised. It can be a great time to recharge between activities, and unstructured time creates an environment for me to capture you two as you naturally interact.
check out what kristen had to say about it:
"Our favorites are the ones you took of us when we were chatting in the room downstairs post ceremony. I am so glad you captured those moments. I think it was when we were most relaxed and ourselves that day!"
packages starting at
Elopements
Get in touch for more details and custom packages
What's included:
$4,300
less than 20 guests
5+ hours of photo coverage
You'll receive 300+ high resolution images documenting your entire day, an online gallery for easy downloading & in-house printing access, and personal printing rights.
3 week gallery turnaround
If your first reaction is, "Wow, that seems really fast!" you would be correct! My delivery times are 2-3x faster than the industry average.
Exclusive planning resources & assistance
All couples receive my exclusive 90-page VIP planning guide that's stuffed to the gills with my best tips and advice about planning your dream elopement.
I'll be with you every step of the way getting to know your vision through comprehensive questionnaires and helping you dream up your day. I offer customized location scouting if you just can't decide where to get married, and I'll also create your unique wedding day timeline that incorporates everything we've designed together.
All travel fees
The price you'll see on your custom package options is the amount you'll pay for your photography. There will never be hidden fees, taxes, or "shipping and handling" tacked on.
Optional officiating
If you're eloping just the two of you and wondering what to do about the legal side -- I'm ordained and can legally marry you!
An effortless, fun, and true-to-you photography experience
My biggest priority is that your photos turn out just the way you imagined them. It doesn't happen by accident: during our planning, I'll get to know both of your individual personalities as well as how you two relate to one another. This all adds up to being able to photograph you two in a way that feels best to both of you and in a way that's as unique as your relationship.
hear what past Sonoma County couples have to say about working with me:
Truly, Meg was with us every step of the way. She got to know us through a few phone calls and emails in the months leading up to our elopement and assured us that we wouldn’t be the awkward couple my husband and I assumed we would be. She constantly made us feel comfortable by reassuring us that this is our day and we should do whatever we want to make us happy. She handled a date change, multiple location changes, and day of site curveballs so seamlessly!
When Meg sent us our photos, our jaws literally dropped and we just stared at them for hours. We got multiple different types of scenery and different types of poses (although I hate saying that word because it didn’t feel like we were ever posing and actually felt natural). I would tell anyone to 100% go with Meg as your photographer, you will not be disappointed. We are so lucky to have these beautiful memories as pictures that Meg captured but also just the experience of spending the first day as a married couple doing what we loved outside and with a new friend helping us make new memories we’ll cherish forever. We cannot recommend Meg enough!
- Sophie + Cody
"Meg knows what she’s doing big time and made the day more special than we could have ever imagined."
- Ashley + Alex
Meg did such an amazing job at our engagement session that we couldn't wait to work with her on our wedding day! Not only did she capture hundreds of special memories and details, but she also made sure we soaked up every beautiful moment of the day. Meg has this wonderful balance of understanding how important photos can be without making it all sound overly serious. She knows what details matter and which don't when it comes to making a wedding day special.
I think we would have felt so much pressure to rush through all the moments had Meg not been there. Some of the best memories of our lives are the minutes we spent during our first look and on top of the vista above our venue at sunset. She really helped us make the space for those moments! Of all the investments on our wedding day, choosing Meg to be our photographer was our best one. Hands down.
"Meg is one in a million."
Booking Meg was very straightforward, and she answered all the questions we had very quickly. On the day of, she was able to easily adapt to the changes we had to make due to the weather, and was able to give us some guidance when we weren’t totally sure what to do next.
Meg was easy to work with, made the experience of taking all these pictures feel natural, and ultimately supplied us with an amazing collection of photos that captured our relationship (and the Northern California scenery) beautifully!
- Ary + Victoria
"Meg was the perfect choice for photographing our elopement!"
Meg was wonderful to work with and so skillful at documenting our very special elopement day. She is caring, sweet, and easy-going. We loved having her around and she immediately made friends with our family and friends, making everyone very comfortable. Meg's work is beautiful and we absolutely love our photo gallery!
- Victoria + Sam
"Meg has all professional systems in place."
- Jasmine + Alejandro
Meg was extremely communicative and fast to respond throughout the whole process. She did so much more than capture our intimate moments! She helped us with the boutonnière, had emergency hobby pins for my veil, and found an amazing spot for us to take portraits at without a fee. Meg went above and beyond and truly contributed to making our elopement a fairytale experience.
We also ordered prints and three framed photos from her website and are extremely happy with them!! The frames are gorgeous and great quality. The photos are stunning and I’ve never had such high quality photos before. They are so clear and vibrant. They also arrived very quickly after we ordered them and were packaged perfectly and protected.
"Meg was so amazing to work with!"
It was our privilege to have Meg be a part of our elopement day - the time we spent adventuring with her was absolutely magical, and we were completely blown away by the photos. Everyone we've shared them with says they can't stop looking at them. Her ability to capture the feel of Sea Ranch's landscapes was just what we wanted, and helps keep that day vividly in our memory.
- Julia + Trevor
"Wow! These photos are so incredible."
Our photos are so so lovely! We definitely saved the gallery reveal for a date night and looked through them together... a few times!! It is so fun flipping through them and reliving that day. And being able to see all the moments we missed because we were doing something else or just staring at each other! Words cannot express how stoked and beyond happy we are with our photos.
- Kristen + Ian
"We are so glad Meg captured these moments."
As soon as we saw Meg's photos, we knew that she'd capture the aesthetic we wanted for our wedding photos. Upon reading more on her website, we absolutely had to have her as our photographer! We would recommend Meg in a heartbeat to a friend, and definitely would love to hire her for any future photography needs. We are still in awe over how beautiful our wedding photos are, and we know that we'll cherish them for years to come!
Not only did our photos come out amazing, but Meg made our wedding extra special with all of the little touches along the way before, during, and after the wedding. All of the questionnaires and conversations we had beforehand made us comfortable knowing that we had made the right choice in hiring her!
- Lindsay + Clint
"Meg was the BEST decision we made for our wedding!"
Sea Ranch Elopement with Twenty Guests
Dillon Beach Elopement with Seven Guests
Sonoma Elopement with Two Guests
Gualala Elopement with Seventeen Guests
hello@megcooperphoto.com
Contact Information
I hold office hours Monday through Friday, from 11 AM - 5 PM (PST).
Business Hours
I'm located in Guerneville, California, nestled among the mountains of west Sonoma County.
Location
How about we start planning your dream Sonoma County elopement day?
You are allowed to want a wedding experience that is completely different from what everyone else in your family has had.
You are allowed to choose anything for your wedding day, and not be pigeonholed into traditions that don't feel right to you.
You are allowed to have a wedding planning and wedding day experience that is fun and stress-free.
I believe Black, LGBTQ+, and Trans lives matter. No matter who you love or what you look like, all love is welcome here.
© 2023 Meg Cooper Photography LLC | All Rights Reserved