From towering redwoods stretching lengths of the Muir Woods National Park to the iconic San Francisco City Hall, choosing to plan a full day elopement in Northern California offers a beautiful mix of escaping to nature while embracing the urban city life. From the first gentle chirps of birds at sunrise to a toast underneath the stars, this elopement will be marked as an everlasting elopement in my memory bank. “No Rules, Just Love.”

S + D chose to take celebrate their wedding day just with each other, sharing a day that feels like the world hit pause. It’s less about the show and more about the connection. They decided on forever and that meant creating a full day elopement experience that surpassed anyone’s expectations. It was true to them and them two only.

The Morning Moments

Their day started in their quaint cabin nestled in the forest of Muir Woods. They shared blissful moments by cozying up in their matching pajamas and sipping on a warm cup of coffee– A moment so mundane but holds weight to the growth of their love story.

Moments Before the Vows

Allow those butterflies to start fluttering. Know that today, aside from any other day is to be celebrated by no one other than the person you see right in front of you. Someone who showed up for your from day one. Vulnerability is the heart of a relationship. It’s showing up as your unapologetic self while sharing stories that your partner holds with care and devotion.

S + D wanted to pour their hearts out into words, grounding themselves and writing their private vows with the presence of each other. A way to appreciate a shared silence, occasional giggles, and playful “no-peaking” gestures.

Getting Dress Separately

They chose to get dressed separately while taking their time with the help of a close friend.

First Look

The heartfelt moment of seeing each other for the first time. It carried a whirlwind of emotions and many happy tears! Nothing more beautiful than having this private moment be shared surrounded by nature.

Ceremony + Private Vows

There wasn’t a single dry eye, even from D who usually doesn’t shed a tear! This was the vulnerable aspect of the day where they let loose with words that hold meaning. It’s the core promises they wish to uphold and part of the larger story they’re about to begin.

Muir Woods – Elopement Location #1

While being a local to the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Park holds meaning to their relationship. S + D are frequent travelers and what better way to celebrate their wedding day than to appreciate a place they’ve loved from the start.

San Francisco City Hall – Elopement Location #2

From the moment you step foot into San Francisco City Hall, you’re immediately met with elegance and grandeur on a new level. You’re greeted by glowing natural light beaming through four stories of windows while met with an extravagant marble stairs case that centers it all. Couples travel from all over the world to witness this masterpiece and I’m so grateful to have celebrated this moment with these two kindred souls.

Break Time!

There’s no need to feel you have to rush throughout the whole day and have it feel like an all day photoshoot. Whether it’s lounging around, having a quick bite to eat, or taking a quick snooze, allowing time to reset is a must.

Your Celebration

To end their happy day, S + D decided on an impromptu celebration back at their cabin. This meant popping some bubbly, sharing a slice of delicious cake from a local bakery, and sharing a first dance on their candlelit balcony. They played their song on a speaker and swayed under the stars. Truly a remarkable way to end an elopement as beautiful as theirs. This one is definitely one for the books.