Why They Chose an Elopement in Henry Cowell Redwoods

Julia and Destin ended up choosing to have an elopement because Destin was getting stationed on the other side of the country for work. They knew they wanted to get married before that happened.

They began researching what adventure elopements could be like and immediately started falling in love with the idea. Then they found our Henry Cowell elopement guide, reached out to us, and we all clicked and started planning the most amazing elopement.

They came to us without a super specific vision, other than knowing they wanted to include redwoods. We cycled through a few different redwood locations we’ve scouted and love to shoot at before landing on Henry Cowell – one of our favorite redwood spots in California. It was the perfect fit for them, and it was absolutely magical.

Because they’d booked us for videography alongside photography, we were able to capture moments a still camera alone could never fully hold, Julia spinning among the redwoods, her dress flowing in the breeze, was truly magical on film.

Because they booked us for both photography and videography, we also got to capture something truly special: a nod to their favorite movie trilogy that turned into one of our most cherished moments of the whole day. More on that below!

Checkout our full Henry Cowell Redwood State Park Wedding Guide to learn how to plan your own elopement!

Their Elopement Day: Redwood Ceremony and Hike, Airbnb Reception, Coastal Sunset

Getting Ready at Their Redwood Airbnb

The day started with getting ready and details at their Airbnb, tucked right in the redwoods. The scenery and setting were simply stunning, and their details were some of our favorite we’ve shot recently. They shared lots of sweet moments getting ready with family, and Julia had a first look with her dad that definitely made us tear up.

Ceremony in a Secluded Redwood Grove

We drove over to the park for their first look in a private, tucked-away spot we’d chosen just for them.

Then they joined all of their guests for a short walk through the towering redwoods to the ceremony location inside a secluded redwood grove. Their ceremony unfolded as the trees swayed in witness and their loved ones watched. Their vows were incredibly touching, and the way they committed themselves to each other with Jesus at the center was beautiful.

Shooting in the forest is tricky because the light is always shifting, but we love to work with the light in the moment and make it look even more magical.

Reception at the Airbnb

After the ceremony and some family photos, they had a beautiful reception at their Airbnb with a stunning custom cake, a table set with thrifted glasses, catered lunch, and a heartfelt toast from Julia’s dad. It was all so special.

Hiking to a Hidden Grove (and a Lord of the Rings Homage!)

After a coverage break, we met back up in the park for an amazing hike through incredible scenery along a river, through the redwoods, to a beautiful hidden grove. They danced and frolicked, giving themselves plenty of time to soak in peaceful, grounded moments.

Here’s where things got really special. We knew Julia and Destin loved Lord of the Rings, (Also our FAVORITE movies ever). When we came across a stunning bridge in the forest, we were struck with inspiration to recreate the iconic scene where Aragorn and Arwen meet on the bridge in Rivendell. Since they’d booked us for videography, we got to shoot a beautiful sequence for their film, such a fun and touching homage that made their photos and video uniquely theirs.

Meadow and Coastal Beach

After more hiking and incredible views, we made a quick stop at a meadow full of flowing grass before heading to the coast to one of our favorite beaches in the area, where they spent tons of time running around. The wind was crazy strong, which ended up making the photos extra beautiful, full of joyful energy and movement.

As the sun set, we took them up onto the cliffs overlooking the beach to enjoy blue hour with lanterns and some incredible drone photos.

A Cozy Fire Pit Finale

The original plan was to have a fire at a nearby beach, but all the fire pits were taken. So we popped back to their gorgeous Airbnb fire pit with string lights, where they roasted s’mores with their parents. It was the most beautiful, meaningful way to end their day.

How We Helped Plan Their Elopement

Julia and Destin came to us with a tight timeline since they knew their move was approaching, but with years of expertise photographing and planning elopements, it was no problem for us! We talked back and forth about multiple different redwood locations before landing on Henry Cowell as the perfect fit for their vision.

Getting married at Henry Cowell requires a ceremony permit, and we provide our couples with step-by-step instructions to make that process easy. We specifically built their timeline around a morning ceremony so they could have more privacy before other park visitors arrivedm a detail that made all the difference for their intimate vows. We also helped give some inspiration for their Airbnb reception meal to make it feel elevated and special.

As experts in elopement photography and videography, we’re able to capture your day from every angle: the split-second emotion of a first look, the sweeping motion of a dress twirling beneath towering trees, the sound of vows spoken beneath a redwood canopy. Having both mediums working together means nothing gets missed, whether it’s a quiet, still moment or one full of movement and life. For couples who want their elopement remembered in full: photos, video, the sound of your vows, we’d love to help you remember it forever.

Julia and Destin’s day was a perfect reminder of what makes redwood elopements so special: towering ancient trees, intimate ceremonies, and the freedom to let your personalities shine. Instead of wedding stress, it was a beautiful, unhurried day spent exactly how they wanted: surrounded by nature, family, and each other.

Thinking about eloping? Let’s make it 100% YOU.

Photos From Their Amazing Elopement: