Full-Day Elopements in California and Beyond: Turning Your Wedding Into an Adventure
Are you and your favorite person dreaming about ditching the big wedding and turning your day into a relaxed adventure instead? You’re in the right place. Full-day elopements are my jam. Whether it’s hiking at sunrise through the red rocks of Sedona, chasing the Golden light in Joshua Tree, or saying your vows along the cliffs of Big Sur or San Diego’s Coastal Beaches and Cliffs, sharing your vows under the stars, or your all-time favorite location to somewhere breathtaking — I’m all in.
Because here’s the truth: your elopement day deserves to be so much more than a photoshoot. It’s an experience — one that’s fully about you two.
Elopement in Solvang CA
What a Sample Full-Day Elopement Looks Like
A full-day elopement is all about slowing down, being fully present, and turning your wedding day into an unforgettable adventure. Think: 8–12 hours of storytelling, exploring, laughing, and celebrating.
Here’s an example of what your day could look like:
Hour 1: Getting ready — together or separately. We’ll capture the small moments that matter: your dress catching morning light, your vows, your rings, and those sweet pre-ceremony jitters.
Hour 2: First look outside your Airbnb or cabin — the desert breeze, mountain air, or ocean waves setting the scene.
Hours 3–5: Time for adventure. Maybe that’s hiking through Joshua Tree, exploring the cliffs at Torrey Pines, or chasing the light at Yosemite. Whatever fits your vibe, I’ll help you plan it.
Hours 5–8: Ceremony time — the sun starts to dip low, the sky turns golden, and you exchange vows in a place that feels like it was made just for you.
Hours 8–9: As night falls, we take a few photos under the stars (the desert is perfect for this).
Hours 10–12: You end the night your way — maybe a cozy dinner under string lights, a private chef at your Airbnb, or your first dance under the Milky Way.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it — only the way that feels like you. Starting with a sunrise vow exchange or ending it with a bike ride. Your way!
Planning Your California Elopement
The best thing about eloping in California and the Southwest is the variety. You can hike through forests, wander through red rock canyons, or chase waves on the coast — all in one weekend.
Here are a few of my favorite elopement locations:
🌿 Southern California + San Diego Elopement Spots
Sunset Cliffs, San Diego – ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the most breathtaking sunsets.
Torrey Pines State Reserve – golden coastal trails and sweeping views of the Pacific.
Presidio Park – charming architecture and greenery with city views, perfect for an intimate ceremony.
Coronado Beach & Silver Strand State Beach – white sand, golden light, and those classic SoCal beach vibes.
Balboa Park – timeless gardens, architecture, and endless photo spots for couples who love a touch of history.
San Dieguito County Park – lush greenery, oak trees, and quiet corners for a romantic ceremony under the trees.
🌵 Desert + Mountain Favorites
Joshua Tree National Park – golden light, desert textures, and unreal sunsets.
Sacred Mountain, Julian – rustic, romantic, and surrounded by mountain views.
Mount Laguna & Idyllwild – moody forest vibes, cozy cabins, and sweeping pine-filled trails.
🌊 Coastal + Beyond
Big Sur, CA – cliffs, misty mornings, and ocean magic that never gets old.
Sedona, AZ – red rock views and endless trails for the adventurous at heart.
Moab, UT – for the couple who wants to go all in on adventure and desert beauty.
I’ll help you choose the perfect time of year, secure any needed permits, and create a timeline that fits exactly what you envision — from first look to last light.
Tips for Planning Your Full-Day Elopement
The best part about eloping? You get to design the entire day from start to finish. So ask yourselves:
What makes you happiest together?
Do you want to bring a few close people, or keep it just the two of you?
What kind of adventure feels right — hiking, off-roading, kayaking, brunch hopping, city exploring?
What would your perfect “just us” day look like if there were no limits?
Once you know the vibe, I’ll help you bring it to life — from scouting the perfect spot to building your timeline, recommending trusted vendors, and handling permit info so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
We’re Your Photo + Video Team and You Deserve a Day That Feels Effortless
When you book me (and my husband), you’re not just getting photographers — you’re getting a team who will capture your “Stills” and “Motion,” and we are fully invested in making your day feel effortless and real. We’ll help plan, guide, and capture everything without ever interrupting the magic.
We’ve scouted some of the most breathtaking elopement locations across California, Arizona, and beyond — and we love crafting experiences that fit you. So permit yourselves to be fully present. No stress, no timelines that don’t serve you, no pressure to perform.
And when you have the right team (that’s us 👋🏼), you can just be.
Let’s Plan Your Adventure
If you’re dreaming of a two-day elopement, a full-day experience, or a short and sweet half-day, I’d love to help you plan something that feels like you.
We offer photography + videography coverage, custom timelines, and all travel included. As well as two-day inclusive package options. And if you’re planning a destination elopement (anywhere in the USA), we offer travel discounts because we truly live for these adventures.
So — ready to make it official?
Let’s start dreaming up your perfect day.
👉 Inquire about your full-day elopement here.
Sequoia National Park
