Old California Romance: California Citrus State Historic Park Weddings with Mariela Campbell
There is a nostalgic, timeless charm to California Citrus State Historic Park https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649 that perfectly captures the essence of the "Inland Empire." Located in the heart of Riverside, this park is a living tribute to the citrus heritage that built Southern California. With its endless rows of orange trees, lush palm-lined paths, and the historic Sunkist Center, it offers a romantic "Old California" backdrop that is both elegant and uniquely local.
Capturing a wedding or elopement in the groves requires a photographer who understands how to work with the unique textures and lighting of the citrus trees. Mariela Campbell of Mariela Campbell Photography is a premier Riverside wedding photographer who specializes in documenting love stories amidst the beauty of this historic park.
Your Local Riverside & Citrus Park Specialist
As a photographer based in the region, Mariela has an intimate connection to the Inland Empire's most iconic landscapes. Her experience spans from the granite peaks of Yosemite and the desert of Joshua Tree to the historic streets of Downtown Riverside.
As a published elopement expert and a recognized YouTube personality https://www.youtube.com/@MCPpodcast in the photography world, Mariela brings professional authority to every session. When you book Mariela for your Citrus Park wedding, you are gaining a partner who understands:
The Best Grove Locations: Knowing which rows of citrus trees offer the most privacy and the dreamiest "tunnel" effect for your portraits.
Navigating the Grounds: From the vintage agricultural equipment to the Gage Canal, Mariela knows the park's hidden gems that make for stunning, varied galleries.
Permit & Park Rules: Helping you navigate the requirements for hosting ceremonies and professional photography within a California State Historic Park.
Expert Planning & Sunlight Management
In the citrus groves, lighting is everything. The dappled sunlight filtering through the orange leaves can be tricky, but Mariela’s attention to detail ensures you are always photographed in the most flattering light. Her expert photography timelines are custom-built to account for the unique environment of the park.
Her timelines ensure:
The Golden Hour in the Groves: Timing your portraits for when the sun sits low, illuminating the orange fruit and creating a warm, hazy glow through the trees.
Seamless Flow: Building in time to utilize both the historic architecture of the Sunkist Center and the natural beauty of the groves without feeling rushed.
Bloom Awareness: Advising on the best times of year to catch the intoxicating scent of citrus blossoms or the vibrant color of the harvest.
The Aesthetic: Candid Storytelling on Digital & 35mm Film
Mariela’s signature candid photography style is designed for the couple who wants to feel their wedding day, not just pose for it. She captures the authentic laughter and quiet glances that happen naturally as you wander through the orchards.
To tell a rich, multi-dimensional story, she utilizes a hybrid photography approach:
High-Performance Digital: Perfect for capturing the vibrant greens and oranges of the park with crisp, modern clarity.
Nostalgic 35mm Film: Mariela incorporates analog film photography to bring a soulful, editorial texture to your gallery. The organic grain of film is the perfect match for the "Old California" vibe of Citrus State Historic Park, rendering skin tones and sunlight with a creamy, timeless quality.
A Published Voice & YouTube Authority
When you hire Mariela Campbell, you are working with an industry leader. As a published elopement photographer and a prominent YouTube personality https://www.youtube.com/@MCPpodcast , Mariela is a trusted resource for couples and photographers alike. Her channel provides deep dives into wedding planning, gear, and "behind-the-scenes" looks at real weddings, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your big day in Riverside.
Ready to Elope at California Citrus State Historic Park?
If you are looking for a Riverside elopement photographer who understands the heritage of the land and the art of film, Mariela Campbell is ready to tell your story.
Mariela Campbell Photography is currently booking 2026/2027 weddings and elopements at California Citrus State Historic Park https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649 . https://www.marielacampbell.com/contact to receive your custom Riverside planning guide and check availability for your date!
