Your wedding day is all about YOU! As it should be!
Your Wedding Day is intimate, stress-free, unique, and purposeful!
Focusing on your love story and what makes it truly unique!
Eloping means...
WHY you totally SHOULD ELOPE!
The Northern California Coast offers stunning natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for couples looking to elope. With its rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and picturesque beaches, it is an ideal backdrop for an intimate and romantic elopement ceremony. As an elopement photographer, I am constantly inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and stunning vistas that this region has to offer.
Why Elope on the Northern California Coast?
Elopements are all about intimacy and spontaneity, so I always try to be open to unexpected moments and opportunities. Whether it's a sudden burst of sunlight or a playful moment between the couple, I want to capture those moments as they happen.
03. Be spontaneous
The natural landscape of the Northern California Coast is stunning, and I always try to incorporate it into my photographs. Whether it's the rugged coastline or the towering cliffs, I want the landscape to be an integral part of the photograph.
02. Embrace the landscape
The natural light on the Northern California Coast is some of the most beautiful in the world. I always try to schedule Elopement Ceremonies during the "golden hour" when the light is soft and warm, and the sun is low in the sky or early in the morning when the sun is new and creating a soft, golden glow just as it rises.
01. Use Natural light
I have some tips for capturing the natural beauty of the Northern California Coast during an Elopement Ceremony:
AS AN elopement PHOTOGRAPHER...
The City by the Bay is known for its stunning waterfront views, iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, and beautiful parks like Golden Gate Park and Lands End. These locations offer breathtaking backdrops for an intimate elopement ceremony.
San Francisco Elopement
Big Sur is known for its stunning coastline, redwood forests, and dramatic cliffs, making it an ideal location for an elopement. The Bixby Bridge is a particularly popular spot for photographs, with its stunning views of the coastline and towering cliffs.
Big Sur Elopement
Point Reyes National Seashore is a wilderness area located on the Point Reyes Peninsula. It offers stunning ocean views, towering cliffs, and scenic hiking trails, making it a popular destination for elopements.
Point Reyes Elopement
Bodega Bay is a charming coastal town located in Sonoma County. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs, making it an ideal location for an elopement.
Bodega Bay Elopement
Dillon Beach is a small community located in Marin County. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for elopements.
Dillon Beach Elopement
Monterey is a coastal city located in Central California, and it's known for its stunning coastline, historic Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The rocky coastlines and sandy beaches make it an ideal location for an elopement.
Monterey Elopement
Fall in Northern California is a time of change. The weather is cooler, with highs averaging around 65°F in September and dropping to 58°F by November. The days become shorter, and the leaves on the trees start to change color. While the region experiences some rainfall in the fall, it is generally less than during the winter months.
Fall
Summer is the most popular season for tourists in Northern California. The weather is mild, with average high temperatures hovering around 70°F, and lows around 50°F. While the coast can be foggy and overcast in the mornings, the afternoons are usually sunny and pleasant!
summer
Spring in Northern California is a season of transition. The weather can be unpredictable, with periods of sunshine followed by sudden showers. As the season progresses, temperatures begin to warm up, and the hillsides become alive with wildflowers! Average high temperatures range from 60°F in March to 67°F in May, with lows in the mid-40s°F.
Spring
During the winter months, Northern California's coastal weather is characterized by cool temperatures, rainy weather, and occasional gusty winds. The average high temperature in December and January is around 58°F, with lows hovering around 42°F. The winter months are when the region receives most of its rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches of precipitation per month.
Winter
You can never go wrong with the beauty that NorCal beaches holds! The weather along the coast is known for being a bit unpredictable. But no matter what, know you are going to get breathtaking landscapes, towering redwoods, and rugged coastline!
My favorite times are May through October!
Ummmmm, Always! That’s my opinion at least!
WHEN SHOULD you
elope ON THE NORTHERN CALIFONRIA coast?
You want that soft yummy, golden light! This means allowing at least 2 hours before the sun sets and plan for 2 hours after the sun rises for the best lighting! Now this doesn’t mean you can’t have photos all day long but the best light comes around Sunrise or Sunset!
For the best photos, I highly recommend planning your Elopement around Sunrise or Sunset!
I am a one-stop shop! Check out my Behind-the-Camera Elopement Officiant Services! I will help you make that marriage LEGAL!
Need an Officiant?!
Not only am I an Elopement Photographer, I am also an Elopement Planner here to help your Dream Day come true!
Need help Planning?!
It can also be intimidating to figure out when we need to be where and try to figure out how to fit all your dream day requirements into one timeline! But don’t worry!
All my Elopement packages include Timeline writing & Planning assistance! You are not going into your day alone! I am here to help you from day 1! We will make your DREAM DAY A REALITY!
I also always keep track of road conditions, weather updates & park closures!
Timeline and planning
Many of the beaches and redwood areas along the Northern California Coast require a permit to get married. Each location is different and vary in price. While this can be daunting and confusing, I am here to help you get it figured out!
All of my Elopement packages include Permit Help! I will acquire the necessary permitting for your desired location!
The National Park Service is always a great place to start!
the LOGISTICS
"Kate has the SWEETEST soul and we could feel the love around us! She helped keep it fun and memorable. She truly cares about what YOU want on your day. Book with her, she’s amazing!!!"
client love notes
Videography: Hapa Films
Second Photographer: Morgan Alanna Photography
Elopement Planner: Haley Nyal Events
Floral: Strelitzia Flower Company, Flowers by Jordan Marie, Mahina and Soul
Hair and Makeup: Alyssa - LyssFacee, Hair by Kourtney, Hair by Courtney Nicole, Mai Makeup Artistry, Beauty by Kati Yurchenko, Beauty by Xiomara
Travel Agent: Wander with Chelsea
Here are some of my favorite vendors who travel, work in these areas and are always down for an adventure!
LOCAL vendors I highly RECOMMEND
End the day with a romantic bonfire on the beach. Watch the sunset and enjoy each other's company under the stars.
Have a bonfire on the beach:
Northern California is home to a variety of interesting attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Take some time to explore and learn about the area's history and culture.
Visit a local attraction:
Spend a relaxing day at the beach. Build sandcastles, go for a swim, or simply soak up the sun.
Have a beach day:
Northern California is home to some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world. Take a boat tour and see these majestic creatures up close.
Go whale watching:
Take a romantic boat ride along the coast and enjoy the stunning views from the water.
Go on a boat ride:
Northern California is known for its love of good coffee. Take a break from exploring and enjoy a cup of coffee at a local café. Sit outside and soak up the ambiance while you sip your drink and enjoy each other's company. You can even get some cute photos of you both with your coffee cups!
Hit up a local coffee shop:
The Northern California Coast is known for its scenic hiking trails. Take a leisurely hike with your partner and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Take a scenic Hike:
Northern California is home to some of the best wineries and breweries in the world. Visit a local establishment and sample some of the delicious wines or craft beers.
Visit a local winery or brewery:
The Northern California Coast is known for its scenic hiking trails. Take a leisurely hike with your partner and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Take a scenic Hike:
Pack a basket with some delicious food and head to a scenic spot for a romantic picnic. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while you share a meal together.
Have a picnic:
IDEAS OF how to SPEND your ELOPEMENT DAY
As an Elopement Photographer who regularly photographs Elopements in places like Big Sur, Point Reyes and San Francisco, I can attest to the beauty and majesty that the region holds! I can’t wait to share it with you!
My goal as your Elopement Photographer is to make your day unique to you as a couple, full of fun and adventure, exactly how you would want to spend your special day and a gallery full of photos you love forever!
So let’s gooooo!
Your forever hype woman & professional third-wheel is ready to Elope with you along the Northern California Coast!
Here to help you plan, make it legal, and capture your dream day!
let's make it happen
Elopement Photographer capturing love stories all along the Northern California Coast! From Big Sur, to San Francisco, to Mendocino, to Point Reyes, to Monterey, and beyond, Katelyn Bradley Photography is here to help you Plan, Officiate, and Capture your perfect Elopement Day!
NORTHERN california coastal ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
