Romantic Redwood Forest Elopement
Lindsay and Steven knew that there’s no better time to get out and explore nature than on your wedding day when they decided to have a redwood forest elopement.
Hailing from Arkansas, they rarely encountered redwood trees and wanted a change of scenery for their special day. Despite planning a tiny elopement with just themselves, me (their photographer), and their officiant, they were determined to make it an unforgettable event.
They began their adventure with a week of traveling. Starting in San Francisco, they drove down the coast in a rental car, heading towards Crescent City. It was here, in Jedediah Smith State Forest, that they would exchange their vows.
On the morning of their elopement, we met at Templeman Grove, a stunning spot within the park known for its towering redwoods. Standing among the giants, Lindsay and Steven shared heartfelt vows, each word reflecting their deep love and commitment. They kept their ceremony brief but beautiful, lasting about fifteen minutes.
When they sealed their vows with a kiss, I felt honoured to witness their wedding for the first time. After the ceremony, we launched into their portrait session with a celebratory champagne spray, capturing a joyful moment on film.
For the next hour or so, we wandered through the redwoods, marveling at their grandeur and taking photos among these ancient trees. We concluded our session with a stop along the road, where Lindsay and Steven posed in front of the largest redwood we had seen, a fitting end to our journey.
Lindsay and Steven’s redwood forest elopement perfectly showcased how to create an intentional, personalized wedding day. They embraced a brand-new experience, making their special day as unique and memorable as their love for each other.
