Elopeming
In Humboldt county
A How-To Guide
Plannig your elopement
in Humboldt County
Ridgefield Events
150 Guests
- Friday: $10,900 venue fee
- Sat: $12,900 venue fee
- Sun: $8,900 venue fee
ALL-INCLUSIVE micro weddings/elopements package.
Direct link HERE
Sequoia Park
40-200 guests
On-site locations:
Glatten T- 60 people standing , 40 seated
Windstorm Meadow- 200 standing and seated
Sequoia park Gazebo -provide seating 100 (has plug in)
Flower garden small gazebo- 40 standing only (Flowers May- September)
$200 application fee/permit
Direct link to rental locations break down of fees and guidelines HERE
Sue Meg State Park
25-200 people
On-site locations:
Wedding rock -25 standing
Patricks point -30
Campfire center- 200
Palmers point -100 standing , 50 seating
Agate beach
$200 application fee/permit
Direct link to permits required HERE
Make an appointment at the county clerks office to obtain a marriage license. They typically cost under $100. The license is good for 90 days and can be used immediately. INFO HERE
You need one witness (That can by me, BTW!)
Have someone marry you. Whether it’s an ordained minister or a best friend
(NOTE: California does offer a confidential marriage license which means it is not part of public records)
Legal Requirements
Popular locations to elope are:
Sue Meg State Park
Trinidad State Beach
Avenue of the Giants
Samoa Dunes
High Bluff Overlook
luffenholtz beach overlook
Centerville Beach County Park
Other Locations to consider:
ceremonies Not allowed:
Fern Canyon
James Irvine Trail
Stout Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
These four areas are considered off limits for ceremonies BUT you can take photos in any of these places during the day of your elopement. So if you were hoping to make a detour to explore Fern Canyon, you can absolutely do that (and I highly recommend it)! Taking advantage of these stunning locations for portraits or candid shots adds unique, timeless beauty to your wedding day memories without the restrictions of holding the ceremony there. Just plan accordingly to ensure your day flows smoothly and you capture those special moments in some of Humboldt County’s most breathtaking spots.
Hour 1- Location 1. Ceremony/vow exchange. Family photos and portraits of bride and groom. Travel time to location 2.
Hour 2 -Location 2. Timed perfectly for golden hour pictures
Add on hours: Getting ready photos at air bnb or reception.
An incredible advantage to eloping in Humboldt County is the diversity of scenes all within about 20-45 minutes of each other! You can start with your ceremony in the redwoods in Eureka and drive 25 minutes away to finish the day with golden hour pictures at Wedding Rock in Trinidad.
Timeline Example:
Another Option:
What if you didn’t rush through portraits on a packed wedding day… but built an entire experience around them instead? More couples are choosing an intimate ceremony at home—or even a simple courthouse “I do”—and then traveling to Humboldt County to share their vows privately.
That’s where I come in. I photograph couples in the redwoods and along the Northern California coast, helping you plan a relaxed, intentional experience around the best light and incredible photos. I’ll guide you on ideas of where to stay, how to time your day, and we’ll leave space in the schedule so we can truly chase the kind of light that makes everything feel cinematic.
You can make it completely your own by choosing a theme and bringing along meaningful details—lanterns, a vintage map, hiking boots, a “just married” sign—small touches that help your story stand out and feel unmistakably yours.
All you need to do is pack your wedding attire, bring your vow books, and a few thoughtful details—and step into something that feels entirely your own.
Scott and Dakota
If you’re dreaming of those epic redwood elopement photos but also want to keep things simple and stress-free, you can always take care of the paperwork or a small legal ceremony ahead of time. That way, when your elopement day comes, it can be fully focused on the experience—the quiet, the emotion, and the beauty of where you are.
That’s exactly what Scott and Dakota did. They got married in Arizona in a small, intimate ceremony, then five days later traveled to me and put their wedding attire back on to get the photos they’d been dreaming of in the redwoods and chose a part 2 at the beach for the golden hour sunset.
Things to consider when planning your elopement:
Vendors
Officiant, florist, cake… check out the list of all the vendors you might want to consider HERE
Legal Requirements
Research marriage license rules and regulations for your chosen location to ensure your elopement is legally recognized.
Props
A cathedral veil, lanterns, champaign and wine glasses, mini cake, vow books and a bridal bouquet are some of my favorite props to consider taking using at an elopement.
Permits and permissions
Redwoods National and State Parks require a permit for any ceremony that happens within the park boundaries. STARTHERE
location
Choosing a location that reflects your personality and love story- whether it’s a redwood forest. a quiet beach or a charming landscape.
Guest list
Decide if you want an intimate ceremony with just the two of your or a small group of close family and friends.
Timing and Season
Consider the best time of year for weather, lighting, and availability of your preferred location.
Attire
Humboldt County’s weather is known to be unpredictable and colder than anywhere else in California. Ensuring you have layers is a must!
Backup Plan
Depending on the season you choose, you may want to consider a back up plan or a plan B date.
Dog as a Witness
Yes! Your dog can be a witness when you elope in California because California does not require a second witness for a marriage license
Elopement Photography
If you’re planning a local elopement that’s simple and doesn't require all-day coverage, then this is what you’ll want to book!
2 hours Coverage
If you need more time, let’s chat! I offer a per-hour rate if you need more time.
Planning help
I have plenty of experience with wedding timelines and have a good idea of what works, I’d love to work with you and schedule around the best light and photos that are most meaningful to you!
Thinking of themes and props along for your elopement can be a really fun way to add some creativity and uniqueness to your photos.
Sneak Peeks
A handful of photos delivered early
Professionally Edited Photos
All the best photos in a high resolution digital gallery
1,990
“Wow! What a truly wonderful experience shooting with Bethany! Such a kind, fun and helpful photographer! Loved every minute and the photos turned out so soooo beautiful! She perfectly captured the vision!”
-Harmony
“Bethany was amazing, so much more than just a photographer. She was helpful, positive, and brought a real joyous energy. She posed us and gave great direction the entire time. She had great creative vision and I couldn't be happier with our photos. I worked with her to pick the perfect time and to let her know what I liked and what my vision was for the location. She met it beautifully. I highly recommend and look forward to the next opportunity at booking a session.”
— Riki
Hi, I’m Bethany!
Choosing the right photographer to capture one of the most significant moments in your life can feel overwhelming. With so many talented photographers out there, how do you find the perfect match for your style and vision?
I’m here to help make that choice easier.
If you love expansive shots that showcase the grandeur of your surroundings while making you feel like a small but meaningful part of the scene, I’m ready to deliver.
If intimate details—like the gentle touch of his hand guiding you into a soft kiss—resonate with you, I share that passion.
If you care deeply about authentic timeless colors and want to avoid orange sepia colors, overly exposed photos, or too dark- I care deeply about my editing style being true to life.
If you prefer natural, images where you’re fully present in your environment rather than always looking directly at the camera, that’s exactly the style I embrace.
If whimsical touches and delicate light filtering through trees create the atmosphere you adore, I’m your go-to photographer.
If you’re someone who enjoys barefoot adventures in nature but also loves dressing up for special moments, I’m confident we’ll connect well.
When you dream of an elopement inspired by the timeless romance of Jane Austen or the epic love stories of Lord of the Rings, I’m excited to help bring that vision to life.
If you want a photographer who understands that not everyone is a professional model but still dreams of stunning photos, I specialize in guiding clients gently into flattering, comfortable poses. I pay attention to the little details—taming stray hairs, highlighting your favorite features, and respectfully minimizing any areas you’d rather not emphasize.
If you’re seeking an artist who is deeply passionate about photography——that’s me.
Candid moments are often the most breathtaking—the wind catching her hair, the way he gently lifts her chin for a soft kiss, the quiet comfort of her resting her head on his chest.
Those moments don’t just happen by chance—they’re created with care.
My approach is to guide you in a way that feels natural and effortless, so nothing feels forced or awkward. I’ll gently direct you with intentional prompts and movement, allowing real connection and emotion to unfold.
You can trust that I’ll create space for genuine, candid moments—while thoughtfully guiding you into them.
Intentionally candid
“Our elopement at High Bluff Overlook was truly magical, and Bethany made it unforgettable. Her meticulous attention to detail and stunning photography captured every moment beautifully. We were delighted when she brought her daughters along to assist; their presence added a warm, familial touch to the session. Additionally, she graciously offered me a beautiful dress to wear for the photos, making the experience even more special. The panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific Ocean provided a breathtaking backdrop for our photos. Bethany's kindness and generosity made the entire session feel like a true blessing. If you're seeking photography that combines professionalism with a personal touch, Bethany is the one to call.”
