Springtime in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is nothing short of magical, and D and R’s intimate wedding was a perfect reflection of this enchanting season! The day began with a relaxed morning at their charming rental, which offered stunning views of the canyon. The excitement was palpable as they prepared for their big day, the canyon’s beauty serving as an inspiring backdrop.

Southern California has all the warm sandy beaches for your ceremony and trendy postnuptial drinks spots you could want…BUT that’s just the tippity top of the (desert) iceberg! You’ll also find: sand dunes, slot canyons, islands, and stargazing! SoCal has so much to offer the couples that want to venture off the beaten path and the couples simply want to venture to a quiet spot to catch the sunset.

You already have some of the pieces for your elopement: the love of your partner, the bravery to do something different for your wedding day, and the desire to create memories, not just photographs. The next step is picking a location. A great place to start is by simply imagining your wedding day. Is there an ocean breeze, the sounds of waterfalls, or the smell of juniper? Are you dusty from dancing in desert sands or are you wet from skipping rocks into the ocean waves? If any of these ring true for you then Southern California could be the perfect place for your elopement.

Here, let me show you a few spots!

Lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and enchanting forests intermixed with quaint ocean villages and bustling cities — what doesn’t Northern California have? Within the array of landscapes and endless experiences your perfect elopement awaits. 

I have to admit something…I always knew this part of the United States was beautiful, but my research exceeded all my expectations of what I thought I’d find! Not only did I find some places that immediately landed a spot on my bucket list, but I was floored learning that in a day you can walk the city streets and through the forests to a wild beach. There was only one thing left for me to do, see Northern California for myself. And I did. And I get the hype. 

And now… I want to take you there for your elopement!

When D moved to Florida from Hawaii I gained a new friend and I am so glad that I did. T + D are down for anything including running around the beach as the last rays of light dip over the horizon and the sky turns colors of cotton candy.