California Elopement Photographer

yosemite, big sur, joshua tree, redwoods

[Your Experience starts here]

So, you’re considering a california Elopement

You deserve an day that feels like the start of your greatest adventure.

Imagine – a day with no limits, stress or expectations

..the kind of experience that actually feels like you.

  • Early morning vows: a quiet sunrise ceremony – just the two of you and the views
  • Intentional Moments: Time for the things that make the day feel real – a picnic, handwritten letters, champagne toasts, or an intimate ceremony with your closest people.
  • Basecamp Vibes: From forest cabins to coastal hideaways, your stay becomes part of the story – slow mornings, late nights, and space to be together.
  • New experiences: Exploring new places, chasing sunset views, and creating memories that feel once in a lifetime.
  • Late night celebrating: Headlamps, summit beers, music, and ending the day exactly how you want.
  • Multi-Day Adventures: One day fully focused on the two of you & another to celebrate with family, without sacrificing your experience.

Just the two of you, an epic view, and a story worth remembering.

Just the two of you, an epic view, and a story worth remembering.

From epic landscapes to intimate exchanges, every part of your day matters – and i’m here to capture it with intention.

Your California Elopement Photographer

Welcome Friends, I’m Rylee

As your California Elopement Photographer, I am also your adventure planner, trail snack bringer, and biggest hype woman.

And I’m seriously so stoked you’re here because I get it.
You want a wedding day that actually feels like you laid-back, intentional, and free from the pressure and performative traditions. That’s exactly why I’ve built my entire business around helping couples craft elopements that are easy to plan, deeply meaningful, and 100% true to who they are.

From scouting epic California elopement locations to building a timeline that flows effortlessly, I handle all the behind the scenes logistics so you can stay present and soak in every moment – here’s what it’s like to work with me.

I’m not just here to take photos

I’m here to make the whole process feel easy, exciting & fun as hell!

01. Custom Location Scouting

Think: California’s most epic overlooks, tucked away trails, and hidden gems you won’t find on Google. I’ll help you scout out the perfect spot that feels like you.

02. Unlimited Planning Resources

I’ve helped tons of couples pull off incredible days, and I’m sharing all my tips, tricks, and go to advice so you’re never left wondering what’s next.

03. Photos That Feel Like You!

Forget the awkward poses. I’m here to capture the real stuff! Those little moments you’ll want to relive over and over again.

Here’s What to Expect

Here’s how we do this:

01. We start with what matters most

It begins with a conversation – about your relationship, what you’re craving from this experience, and how you want the day to feel.

02. We shape the experience together

From location ideas and permits to timelines that actually make sense, I help you design a day that feels intentional, unrushed, and fully yours.

03. You show up and stay present

Once the planning is in place, your only job is to be there. I’ll guide you through the day, keep things flowing, and make sure you never feel awkward or unsure.

04. I document the moments that matter

The quiet ones. The emotional ones. The in between moments you didn’t even realize were happening – captured naturally, without forced moments or stiff poses.

04. You relive it for years to come

Your gallery becomes more than photos. It’s the story of how your day felt – honest, meaningful, and entirely your own.

California elopement packages. Couple at glamping site in California

california Elopements

A full-day or multi-day California elopement experience designed around your relationship, your pace, and the most iconic landscapes. Whether it’s a sunrise elopement, a cliffside ceremony, or hiking adventure. As a California elopement photographer, I document your story, I document your story in a way that feels natural and true to you.

Packages Starting at $5,800
  • Unlimited Support
  • Resources + Planning Tools
  • Personalized Recommendations
  • Custom Elopement Planning Guide
  • Online Gallery
  • Travel & Taxes Included

Plan Your California Elopement

Couple dancing eloping in Yosemite at taft point | California Elopement Photographed by Rylee & Co.

Adventure Weddings

Perfect for couples celebrating with a small group of their closest people. Intimate weddings keep the heart of a traditional wedding day while allowing space for connection, emotion, and presence. I capture everything from your ceremony to the candid moments shared with family and friends.

Packages Starting at $5,800
  • Unlimited Support
  • Resources + Planning Tools
  • Personalized Recommendations
  • Custom Elopement Planning Guide
  • Online Gallery
  • Travel & Taxes Included

Book Your CA Adventure Wedding

couples photos in big sur day before elopement

Adventure Sessions

A relaxed, fun session in a beautiful location – ideal for engagements, anniversaries, or capturing a special season of life. Adventure sessions give you the freedom to explore, be yourselves, and create stunning images together without the structure of a wedding day.

Packages Starting at $2,000
  • Unlimited Support
  • Resources + Planning Tools
  • Personalized Recommendations
  • Custom Elopement Planning Guide
  • Online Gallery
  • Travel & Taxes Included

Book Your Session

Young couple walking to reception at autocamp in yosemite after wedding photographed by California Elopement Photographer Rylee
Meagan + Grayson

Multi-Day Autocamp Yosemite National Park Elopement

Two people holding hands on for California elopement at taft point
Joseph + Francesco

Multi-Day Yosemite National Park & San Fransisco Elopement

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Featured California Elopement Experiences

from your Local California Elopement Photographer & Expert

California is one of the most flexible states for elopements, but the best time depends on where you’re eloping. Big Sur is stunning year-round, Yosemite shines from late spring through fall, and Joshua Tree is best from October through April. I help couples choose a season that balances weather, crowds, and the experience they want – not just what looks good on Instagram.

Eloping in California is surprisingly simple. You’ll need a California marriage license, an officiant, and at least one witness. There’s no waiting period, and you can get married the same day you receive your license. I walk my couples through the entire legal process so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming.

That’s one of the biggest reasons couples hire me. I help you choose a location based on your vision, season, guest count, accessibility, and permit requirements – not just popular spots. Whether that’s Big Sur, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, or somewhere quieter, we’ll find a place that feels intentional and personal.

Not at all. While hiking elopements are an option, many of my favorite California elopement locations are easily accessible – including coastal cliffs, scenic overlooks, and forest locations. Your elopement should match your comfort level, and I help design a day that feels adventurous without being stressful.

Absolutely. Most couples come to me with a feeling, not a plan. As your California Elopement Photographer I provide location guidance, permit help, timeline planning, and trusted vendor recommendations so you’re never left guessing. You don’t need to have it all figured out – that’s what I’m here for.

Yes – guest counts depend on the location and permit requirements. Some places allow intimate groups, while others are better suited for just the two of you. I help you choose locations that align with your guest plans and keep everything compliant with park and land regulations.

California Elopement Guide

Your Free Guide to Eloping in California!


Planning a California elopement can feel overwhelming – there are endless locations, permit rules, and logistics to consider. This free California elopement location guide was created to help you cut through the noise and start planning with clarity.

Inside, you’ll find:
– How to choose the right elopement location for your vision
– Planning locations and info for places like Big Sur, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree
– What to know about permits, accessibility, and timing
– Tips to help you create an experience that feels intentional and true to you

Whether you’re just starting to explore ideas or narrowing down locations, this guide gives you a realistic starting point

California is home to some of the most iconic elopement locations in the world – from the granite cliffs of Yosemite to the dramatic coastline of Big Sur and the otherworldly desert landscapes of Joshua Tree. Each location offers a completely different experience, and choosing the right one depends on your vision, season, and how you want your day to feel.

Yosemite National Park

Big Sur / Hwy 101

Joshua Tree National Park

Redwoods National Park

Yosemite National Park

Ionic, dramatic, and endlessly inspiring, Yosemite National Park is one of the most sought after elopement locations in California – and for good reason. From towering granite cliffs and sweeping valley views to quiet alpine meadows and peaceful forest trails, Yosemite offers a timeless backdrop that feels both awe-inspiring and deeply grounding.

Because Yosemite is a national park, elopements here do require permits and intentional planning – but that structure also helps preserve the landscape and creates a more meaningful, well thought out experience. With the right timing, locations, and guidance, it’s absolutely possible to have an intimate, crowd-aware elopement that feels personal and unrushed.

Yosemite is a great fit for couples who value natural beauty, classic scenery, and an experience that feels iconic without feeling overdone – whether that means a sunrise ceremony, a quiet weekday elopement, or a multi-location adventure within the park.

Big Sur / Hwy (CA-1)

Big Sur is one of the most iconic elopement locations in California. With dramatic coastal cliffs, crashing waves, redwood groves, and winding stretches of Highway 1, it’s a place that feels raw and deeply intimate all at once.

Joshua Tree National Park

Wild, otherworldly, and effortlessly cool, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most iconic places to elope in California. Known for its massive boulders, twisted Joshua trees, and expansive desert landscapes, this location is perfect for couples who want something intimate, laid back, and a little unconventional.

Joshua Tree elopements are especially magical at sunrise and sunset, when the desert light softens and the park feels quiet and expansive. With easy access to scenic ceremony spots, minimal hiking required, and wide-open views in every direction, it’s a great option for couples who want stunning scenery without a full alpine adventure.

Whether you’re exchanging vows among towering rock formations, popping champagne under the stars, or ending the day barefoot in the desert, Joshua Tree offers a setting that feels intentional, artistic, and deeply personal.

Redwoods National Park

Redwood National and State Parks offer one of the most awe-inspiring elopement settings in California. With towering ancient redwoods, soft forest light, and a quiet stillness you can feel the moment you step beneath the canopy, this landscape feels sacred, grounding, and deeply intimate.

Redwood elopements are perfect for couples who want a calm, intentional experience surrounded by nature at its most powerful. Ceremonies here often take place along peaceful forest trails or tucked-away groves, where the scale of the trees creates a naturally cathedral-like atmosphere without the need for elaborate setups or long hikes.

Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath centuries-old redwoods or wandering forest paths hand in hand, eloping here feels slow, meaningful, and timeless – a true reminder of how small and connected everything can feel at once.

Want real redwood elopement inspiration? The Forest Wedding Elopement Guide!

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California Elopement Planning Resources

From permits and timelines to choosing the right location, these guides are designed to walk you through the planning process with ease. Think of this as your go to resources for creating an intentional, stress free California elopement.

Let’s Start Planning Your California Elopement!

I’m so stoked to hear from you and Hear more about your day!