From a secret getaway to celebratory leap into marriage, elopements today look very different from the original. California has a broad mix of scenes to browse, from rough coastline settings or even excellent redwoods. California elopement photographers know that they have endless possibilities to tell love stories with the natural beauty of their state, making it an ideal setting for capturing your wedding.
Why Should I Elope in California?
Diversity That Makes California Beautiful Whether you are planning to say I do under the clear, tall redwoods of Northern CA or amid rolling vineyards in Napa Valley; on sandy beaches in Malibu or up against desert landscapes like those found at Joshua Tree National Park—this state has something for every couple. The variety forces elopement photographers to get creative, and use the environment as a tool in adding emotion or story to each shot.
Eloping in California has a sense of freedom and flexibility that many traditional weddings just can’t provide. Due to California’s favourable marriage laws, it is possible for couples to acquire a licence and also get married on the same day without having extensive planning procedures or waiting time. It’s what makes California elopements attractive, and from a photographic standpoint, raw emotions are easy to capture.
What an Elopement Photographer Does
An elopement photographer means so much more than taking pictures of a couple on their big day. Storyteller and an adventure lover — We are all about… This gets amplified if we are talking about an elopement, because as only the couple and no 300 guests attend something)-means there is just us) you know where I am taking this. California elopement photographers excel at capturing the natural beauty of the scene as well as moments shared between a couple, resulting in imagery that is both organic and cinematic.
It goes beyond looking at their portfolio and liking what they post, it is about ensuring that your vision can be expressed by the images created from this photographer. This can be a crucial factor when you get married in somewhere like California since the surroundings and environment play such a major role for your elopement photos.
How to find a california elopement photographer
Style and Aesthetic – Alongside the eye of whomever is creating or working on a wedding album, every photographer has their own unique style which can be dark & moody for some, bright/airy etc. Bearing out in the open while selecting a California elopement photographer that it is needed to achieve someone whos visual sense equals yours. View their portfolio and check out how they make the best use of natural light, their editing styles & how they render emotions in pictures.
A lot of photographers will be experts at traditional weddings: But not all have experience eloping! Eloping is more relaxed and carefree than typical traditional weddings, with less of a set schedule for the day so things tend to unfold as they go. You need to find a photographer that has experience with elopements in general and even more specifically, California because they will know the different locations and how the light does crazy things!
Local Knowledge: CA is a huge state with all kinds of climates and terrains. Because it sure would be nice to have a photographer who knows the lay of the land, went for you scout-out locations and can guide you in discovering that perfect little spot. They will know when and where to find the best light, picturesque locations or even permits / accessibility issues.
Experience: Your elopement photographer is going to be there for each of the moments so it will take place when you have a moment which is important in your whole life, because you should want connection and comfort. A lot of photographers will offer engagement sessions or pre-elopement meetings so you can get to know them and see if you guys work together well.
Budget Thoughts: When it comes to elopements, photography is usually one of the biggest ticket items on a budget (as well as for good reason — your photos are what you will have left after them day!) While price does (and should) matter, cheaper is not always better. Since a photographer can take damn good pictures, the experience — I mean it has its style will reflect on you as well.
California’s Best Elopement Spots Highlighted
These are some of our favourite California elopement photo spots, so we encourage you to think about these options as well when planning your day.
Big Sur
Please contact the park to obtain information, www.nps.gov/bigs or Big Sur National Park Service247 (official name seems to be)Big Sur is known for its dramatic cliffs,rugged coastline and expansive views of the ocean! This is a loved area for photographers due to its pure natural beauty and how the mist & fog makes it look more spiritual. There is even a combination between bold and romance, which allows you to take those epic cliffside photos along with more simple beach ceremonies or portrait sessions.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite WeddingHaving your elopement here, with its jaw-dropping granite cliffs, verdant meadows and old-growth sequoias is an incredible setting for an intimate wedding. Whether it is a seldom seen trail or an obscure landscape, you might not know how different your experience would be until you meet with one of the photographers who knows every notch and corner in this park.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is the perfect out-of-this-world setting for couples who want to elopement in the desert. More photographic opportunities of the park’s iconic Joshua trees and rugged rock formations next to its wide-open skies. The gold-hour light in the desert is something special, throwing a warm soft blanket over everything and making it look more naturally beautiful than you could ever imagine.
Lake Tahoe
Its topaz water and frosty mountains render Lake Tahoe a perfect spot for either a summer or winter elopement. From quiet beaches to 360 degree views from atop a mountain, the Lake Tahoe area is serenely and beautifully photogenic for weddings.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley features rolling vineyards and rustic countryside that deeds as a romantic location for your elopement. The golden vineyards in this season combined with the historic houses of these regions create a timeless and sophisticated scenario for any photograph.
Why Personalization is Necessary
The ability to customise every single part of your day — and photography is one of the very best parts! Top California elopement photographers and Southern Cali wedding photographers work closely with couples to capture many of the moments that truly tell a story. Adding in an element of meaning — like placing yourselves somewhere you share history or hobbies, with your pets — will help separate a mundane image from one that really stands out.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest things to consider when planning your California elopement is picking out who you want as your California Elopement photographer, since they will be responsible for preserving and capturing these memories. Between the diversity of its land and the creativity of its artists, you have every chance to record your love in a form genuine yet different from all others. No matter if you are chasing after the rocky claws of Big Sur, or ogling at Yosemite on your wedding day — even basking in Lake Tahoe’s alpine glory; an elopement photographer will transform those memories into immortal proscribed events.
