Shannon & Greg

An Elopement in the California Redwoods

I can’t think of anything more romantic than flying to San Francisco and eloping in a redwood forest, and neither could this couple. They flew into SFO and enjoyed a night out in the city before we set out on our morning adventure to The Grove of Old Trees, a redwood forest that is a hidden gem 2 hours north of San Francisco in Occidental, CA. This is a privately owned public park that is stewarded by LandPaths, an environmental education and conservation leader. Eloping with just the two of them meant the morning was simple: an en suite hair and makeup appointment and a scenic cruise north along the historic Route 1.

The ceremony has heartfelt and emotional, the vows tender and powerful. Surrounded by a “fairy circle” of the old growth redwood trees I was enchanted by this sacred experience. Afterwards, we wandered the forest and took their portraits in a few spots along the main trail through the park. Bride Shannon wore tea length gown by Essense of Australia and her colorful fall bouquet featured an assortment of oak leaves, berries, lilies, and zinnias. The couple exchanged rings by ethical diamond retailer Brilliant Earth.