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How to Have an Elopement Wedding in the Bay Area

Writer's picture: Joy MoonJoy Moon

an elopement in the redwoods bay area

Eloping. What does it really mean? Do you remember when eloping had a “bad” reputation—something couples did in secrecy? Things have definitely changed, especially after COVID. Now, elopements have transformed into something desirable for couples who aren’t looking for the “big production” feel of a traditional wedding.

People sitting down before an elopement ceremony in the redwoods in Mill Valley

There are so many benefits to eloping: lower costs, less planning, and complete freedom to create a day that truly reflects you. When I think of an elopement wedding in the Bay Area, I imagine choosing your favorite parts of a wedding and pairing them with your favorite Bay Area location.

For Naomi and Nate, they embraced a true Bay Area classic: the redwoods.

Elopement ceremony of the couple getting married at an airbnb in mill valley

One of the reasons I love elopements is because they’re intimate and you can take your time. You can savor each moment without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. For Naomi and Nate, the day started with renting a charming Airbnb in Mill Valley, nestled among the redwoods. It was the perfect backdrop for their special day. Even with their elopement, they included beautiful traditional wedding elements like bouquets and florals for their altar.



I always say elopement weddings are about picking the parts of a wedding you love and skipping the ones you don’t.


For Naomi and Nate’s elopement, we captured:

  • Getting ready moments.

  • Individual portraits.

  • A heartfelt ceremony.

  • A fun exit shot.



Afterward, they celebrated with a traditional sake toast and family portraits before we ventured into the redwoods for my favorite part of the day—taking the most beautiful, intimate portraits of just the two of them.



Eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip the parts of a wedding you’ve always dreamed about. In fact, it’s the opposite! You can choose exactly what you want to include and leave out anything that doesn’t resonate with you.


photo of guests and the bride and groom

I like to think of an elopement wedding as picking 4-5 of your favorite elements of a traditional wedding and truly taking your time to enjoy each one, instead of rushing through a packed day.

Be careful, there is still planning involved, but a wayyyy less chill version of planning a big production wedding. 



Need an elopement photographer, I am your gal!





black and white photo of bride and groom in a car laughing

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how to have an elopement wedding in the bay area


how to have an elopement wedding in the bay area


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