Humboldt County
redwood elopement
The Destination Photographer Behind Your Humboldt County Elopement
If you're traveling to Northern California for a redwood elopement, you need more than just a photographer—you need someone who knows the destination inside and out. As a Humboldt County elopement photographer, Bethany helps couples discover the very best of the region, from hidden redwood groves and dramatic coastal overlooks to the most beautiful locations for romantic portraits. She knows how the light moves through the forest, when the coastline is at its most magical, and where to find those quiet, unforgettable places that feel like they belong in a fairytale.
Bethany photographs couples in a way that feels romantic, cinematic, and true to the connection they share. Rather than focusing on stiff posing or traditional photos, she captures the moments that feel natural—the laughter, the quiet glances, the way you move together, and the small details that tell your story. Her style is inspired by a timeless, film-like feeling with a touch of nostalgia, creating images that feel emotional, whimsical, and like a love story from another era.
From wandering through ancient redwoods to exploring the Northern California coastline, the location becomes part of the story. Bethany’s local knowledge takes the guesswork out of planning, guiding couples through the best locations, timing, and light so they can be fully present in the experience. With gentle direction and space for genuine moments to unfold, she creates imagery that feels elevated and artistic while still feeling completely like you.
For couples dreaming of an unforgettable redwood elopement or romantic destination experience, Bethany is more than the photographer documenting the day—she is the local guide helping bring the entire experience to life.
Vows in the Redwoods, Sunset by the Sea
Vows beneath the redwoods, then sunset by the sea. The perfect two-part Northern California elopement for couples who want a little forest magic and a little coastal romance. One day, two completely different kinds of beautiful.
A FAIRYTALE ELOPEMENT
FROM REDWOODS TO COAST
Anthony and Jessie
Avenue of the Giants + Northern California CoastAnthony and Jessie’s elopement unfolded in two beautiful parts—beginning beneath the towering redwoods and ending barefoot beside the ocean. Their flowing Selkie dress and handcrafted crowns and jewelry brought their fairytale theme to life, from the sunlit forest to the reflections along the shore.
I planned our time to catch the golden light in the redwoods before heading to the beach, where scattered clouds made for the most beautiful sunset. Their love was natural and romantic, and having both locations gave them space to enjoy every part of the evening together.
Follow their story through both galleries in one blog, from the first moments among the giants to the last light over the ocean.
VIEW THEIR FULL ELOPEMENT — REDWOODS + BEACH
A romantic ELOPEMENT AMONG ANCIENT REDWOODS & OREGON’S WILD COAST
Chaz ad Savanna
Jedediah Smith Redwoods + Southern Oregon CoastSavanna and Chaz’s Oregon elopement took us through some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Southern Oregon and Northern California coast. Their day began among the towering redwoods of Jedediah Smith State Park, followed by an intimate ceremony at Florence Keller Regional Park, where sunlight streamed through the trees as they exchanged their vows.
Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, from Savanna’s stunning floral bouquet and delicate veil to their hand-sewn vow books. After the ceremony, we made our way to Secret Beach along the Oregon coast, hiking down to the secluded shoreline for their final portraits as the evening light faded.
Follow their full elopement story, from the ancient redwoods to the dramatic cliffs and shoreline of Secret Beach.
VIEW THEIR FULL ELOPEMENT — REDWOODS + OREGON COAST
ELOPEMENT FROM
REDWOODS TO SEA
Tomas and Sydney
Avenue of the Giants + Northern California CoastOne love story, two beautiful chapters.
There’s something so romantic about beginning beneath towering redwoods and ending barefoot beside the ocean. For this fairytale elopement, I planned our time around the light—catching the sunshine as it filtered through the forest, then arriving at the beach for the golden glow before sunset.
Their whimsical Selkie dress and handcrafted crowns and jewelry felt perfectly at home in both places. Beneath the trees, everything felt quiet and enchanted. At the beach, they slipped off their shoes and wandered together across the sand, with low tide leaving reflections beneath their feet. Scattered clouds caught the evening color, giving their story the most beautiful ending.
This is why I love helping couples include both the redwoods and the coast. Each place brings a different feeling to your photographs, while giving you time to explore, hold each other close, and enjoy the day together. With thoughtful planning, your Humboldt County elopement can have both—the magic of the forest and a sunset by the sea.
Grahm and Kelsey
Whimsical Redwood Elopement
Grahm and Kelsey traveled from Texas to the Avenue of the Giants for a meaningful redwoods elopement with their four children. After building a life together as a family, they wanted a day rooted in nature, presence, and quiet beauty—focused on genuine, unposed moments in the forest. Kelsey wore a silk gown with an organza topper and soft sleeves, while Graham wore a rich brown suit that blended perfectly with the earthy redwood tones. Their daughters added a whimsical touch with butterfly wings as they explored and stayed close throughout the day. We spent time at Drury-Chaney Trail surrounded by lush spring greenery before stepping into golden light for intimate portraits of just the couple among the towering trees.
Stephen and Devon
Romantic Redwood and Beach Elopement
Stephen and Devon traveled from Missouri to Avenue of the Giants and Wedding Rock for romantic wedding portraits among the California redwoods and along the Northern California coast. Their story began with a chance encounter and a puppy named Stitch, followed by a first date that quickly grew into a life together. I planned their three-hour session around the light at both locations, beginning beneath the towering redwoods, where soft forest light created a cinematic, fairytale setting. From there, we headed to Wedding Rock in Trinidad, trading the quiet forest for rugged cliffs, open sky, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Together, these two locations gave them a beautiful variety of photographs to celebrate this chapter of their story.
Elopement in the Redwoods
Kane and Brittany
Avenue of the Giants and the Pacific CoastSome places leave a lasting impression on your heart, and for Kane and Brittany, the towering redwoods of Northern California were one of those places. A year before their wedding day, they traveled from Oklahoma to Humboldt County and fell in love with the peaceful beauty of the forest, making it the perfect place to return and exchange vows. Their elopement took place on the beautiful Chandler Grove Trail in the Avenue of the Giants, where they chose a remarkable redwood tree that split into two trunks while sharing one base—a beautiful symbol of two lives coming together. Beneath the towering trees and soft filtered light, they exchanged heartfelt vows before exploring the quiet forest paths filled with ferns and lush greenery for intimate portraits. We ended the day with a few portraits among the redwoods along the roadway before heading to the Pacific Coast for sunset photos. The combination of ancient forests and the dramatic Northern California coastline made their elopement a truly unforgettable celebration of their story. 🌲✨
“Bethany goes above & beyond for her clients. She’s an incredibly sweet person & an amazingly talented photographer. The photos she captured of us during our elopement surpassed my expectations & I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to work with her.”
-Devon
David and Krista
Elopement in the Redwoods and Wedding Rock
David and Krista traveled from Michigan after just getting married 4 days earlier. They planned a three-hour elopement session in Humboldt County, starting in the redwoods at Sequoia Park. We timed it intentionally—beginning three hours before sunset—so the light filtered through the trees and created beautiful, dappled patterns across the forest floor. It gave their time in the redwoods a soft, almost glowing feel.
They shared private vows there and included a meaningful foot washing ceremony, bringing a faith-centered element into their day that reflected their relationship.
From there, we made our way to Trinidad for a second location at Wedding Rock. As the sun set over the Pacific, the scene opened up to wide ocean views, giving their photos a completely different feel from the quiet forest. They brought along a cathedral veil, a bible and faux florals, adding simple details that elevated the moment without taking away from it.
The combination of redwoods and coastline, along with the time to slow down and be intentional, made their elopement feel both relaxed and deeply meaningful.
POST-WEDDING PORTRAITS IN THE REDWOODS and the beach
Scott and Dakota
Sequoia Park, Eureka and Samoa Beach, Eureka CaliforniaScott and Dakota were married in Arizona and, just five days later, met me in the redwoods for their post-wedding portraits in Humboldt County. We started in Sequoia Park, surrounded by towering redwoods and soft forest light, then made our way to Samoa Beach for part two of their session, ending with golden hour and sunset along the coast.
They brought their daughter with them, who joined in for a few moments throughout the session. My daughter stayed nearby and played with her, giving Scott and Dakota space to focus on each other while still keeping it relaxed and family-centered.
The combination of redwoods and ocean, along with the freedom of a post-wedding session, gave them time to slow down and fully enjoy the experience together.
Ron and Meryl
Post-Wedding portraits in the Redwoods and Wedding Rock
Ron and Meryl said “I do” in New Mexico, then traveled to Humboldt County for the wedding portraits they had been dreaming of. They slipped back into their wedding attire and met me in Humboldt County for a two-part post-wedding session through some of Northern California’s most iconic landscapes.
We began beneath the towering redwoods of Sequoia Park, where clear skies let the sunlight filter softly through the trees. Then we made our way to Wedding Rock in Trinidad for part two, where the sunset lit up the coast in the most beautiful way.
They were fully up for the adventure—even climbing the rocks together for unforgettable views and photos. A perfect reminder that your wedding story doesn’t have to end on the wedding day.
Mark and Allison
Elopement in the Avenue of the Giants
Mark and Allison traveled from Sacramento to exchange vows and rings in the Avenue of the Giants, surrounded by towering redwoods in Humboldt County. We began at the Drury-Chaney Trail for their first location, where the forest floor was layered in lush green moss, creating a soft, almost whimsical setting. A large fallen tree became the perfect natural backdrop as they shared their vows in an intimate, quiet moment together.
From there, we moved to Bull Creek Trail to finish their session as the light softened through the forest. This second location felt more open, with wider views of the redwoods rising all around them, adding a strong sense of scale and awe to their portraits.
They chose 3-hour elopement coverage, which was the perfect amount of time to slow down, explore both locations, and capture a full range of moments—from their vows to relaxed, romantic portraits among the redwoods.
Ray and Riki
LOTR INSPIRED Elopement at wedding rock
Trinidad, CaliforniaRay and Riki traveled from Nevada City and We met at Wedding Rock, perched above the ocean. Over the course of just two hours, the weather transformed the entire scene—rain rolled in first, followed by thick, swirling fog, and then, almost unexpectedly, brilliant sunshine broke through for a glowing sunset. Each shift reshaped the atmosphere, turning the day into something deeply moody, romantic, and alive.
A Lord of the Rings-inspired elopement along the Northern California coast, where every detail felt intentional and quietly cinematic. From the bride’s custom gown with flowing draped sleeves to her heirloom-style necklace and soft lantern light, everything carried a timeless, otherworldly feel. A delicate veil moved gently with the wind, adding to the sense that this day belonged somewhere between story and memory.
From there, we made the short drive to the trail leading down to Agate Beach. We ended the evening with toasts by the shore and intimate portraits as the sun dipped lower, casting soft light across the coastline and closing the day with a quiet, golden finish.