West Coast Adventure Elopement Location Ideas

Adventure elopement location ideas, by an outdoor and adventure loving photographer!

When I think about adventure elopements, I want my couples to choose a place that is special to them, but sometimes there are TOO many options and they all seem great! At least that's my current predicament. As a recently engaged photographer, choosing where to exchange vows with my fiancé is an exciting choice to make, but I would also love a list of places I could potentially choose from, to help narrow down the options. So here are mine (and ones I would love to shoot at too, so you know, keep me in mind!) *photo credits given below*

Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Taft Point, backpack from Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls *permit required for all Yosemite elopements

(Samantha Smith Arroyo Photography)

Mount Tamalpais - Iconic Bay Area mountain with endless hikes. You can have trees and the beach at your fingertips!

(Michelle Beck Photography)

Angel Island - 360 degree views of San Francisco and the Bay, only if #Karlthefog stays away

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Your favorite hiking trail - Michael and Catie found their Redwoods elopement spot because they hiked in the area often with their dogs, and it was pretty perfect!

Big Sur - The most gorgeous coastline in California, with endless pull offs and bluffs to make your commitment to eachother official

(Laura & Rachel Photography)

Camping adventure elopement - Reserve a weekend camping spot and get married one of the days. I know of a fabulous spot off I-80! I was actually just camping there and all I could think about was how it'd be such a great spot to get married, along with continuing the celebration with camping.

West Coast - It's a broad suggestion, but anywhere along the coastal line is bound to be gorgeous. It isn't referred to as the best coast for nothing. I may be biased since I am from the West Coast, but it really can't be beat. Olympic National Park in Washington, Bend in Oregon, Lost Coast, Mendocino, North Tahoe and Joshua Tree for a few in California

And one International suggestion...

Iceland - Well, because it's Iceland and it is the most beautiful country. If you go during our summer time you'll be greeted with baby sheep and endless sun!

(Pat Furey)

image credits: Samantha Smith Arroyo, Michelle Beckwith Photography, Unknown, Chelsea Dier Photography, Laura & Rachel Photography, Pat Furey Photo

Clarisse + Michael // Japanese Gardens, Hayward, CA

These two are on top of their wedding planning! They aren't getting married for a year, but they couldn't wait to take their engagement photos. I am a little late in posting their engagement session... whoops! Not intentional at all because just look how adorable they are above! Clarisse was all smiles and Michael was all heart eyes for Clarisse.

We met at the Hayward Japanese Gardens, which Clarisse grew up visiting and these two even had a few dates there. We were expecting many more flowers, but we mostly got just all greenery. But we did find the few pink flowers to add a pop to their session! 

Even though the sun was shining bright for them, we were able to navigate the gardens and find the shady spots and I made sure to back light them when the shade was hard to find. Wishing you two all the best in your wedding planning, and hopefully I can join you in Tahoe ;) More summery, infectious smiles engagement photos below!

Rooftop Garden Welcome Dinner // Jessie + Shane // Brooklyn Grange

And now for the first evening of Jessie and Shane's wedding weekend! Peek their wedding here :) They had their welcome dinner to kick off their wedding weekend at Brooklyn Grange, which is a working farm on the roof of an industrial building in the Navy Yard that produces much of the produce for the local restaurants and farmers markets, as well as being a place for education and stewardship. It was so cool!! Not to forget, it has basically 360 degree views of the NYC and Brooklyn skylines. When we were planning their photo timeline for the weekend, we decided to do a few portraits of them before their guests arrived here, since we didn't do an engagement session. They were naturals and since they had this "warm-up", it made their wedding day portraits that much easier! :) We were able to walk all around and in the garden beds, just being sure to not step on the plantings. 

The dinner they planned for their guests was served family style, with guests serving each other and helping out. Community and welcoming friends and family to their home has been an important part of their relationship, so it's only fitting for them to honor this and continue this welcoming. No joke, the moment I met Jessie I felt like we'd known each other for ever. These two have the biggest hearts and have built an amazing community around them. It was truly an honor to be included!! Cheers to continuing the adventure full of love, laughter, and Presidente! ;) (The Dominican Republic is a key location in their relationship, so of course they had to have it at their welcome dinner!)

Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography / Venue: Brooklyn Grange / Dress: Alice & Olivia / Caterer: El Nuevo Cibao / Videographer: Tom Boyden / Planner: Dame Forbes Tyson

Jessie + Shane // Urban Brooklyn Wedding // Brooklyn, NY

I honestly don't know where to start! I have just returned from an epic weekend in Brooklyn for their wedding and I couldn't think of a better wedding to kick off my new job title: full time photographer!! 

I met Jessie and Shane through a mutual friend (hi Katie!) and the moment I met Jessie, I felt like we were best friends. She has the warmest, welcoming heart and I could not wait for their weekend to arrive. They started their festivities with a welcome dinner at the Brooklyn Grange, which I'll give its own post! Let's just say there were amazing NYC skyline views, family style dinner, and chickens, all while surrounded by a working farm that produces many of the produce for local restaurants and markets. 

For their wedding, they had their ceremony at the Old Stone House in Park Slope. It was totally a city wedding! There were a few onlookers for their ceremony that were playing at the park/ ball field area and we also took a few of their couples portraits on the swings! Many thanks to the kids who let us borrow them for a few moments :) 

Post ceremony we had a short walk to the reception site and since there was a walk, Jessie and Shane decided to have their ceremony band join for the walk and create a second line. It was SO cool! Walking down the Brooklyn streets with brass instruments leading the way, it was the best way to kick off their party!! Some how J+S got just about all their guests on the dance floor for the evening and I'm sure the live band helped. They pumped up the energy and rocked it!! Oh and Jessie wore a JUMPSUIT+skirt for their ceremony, because she's the romper queen, and Shane had no idea!! See the unveiling below, mid-dancing! These two were full of surprises :)

It was such an honor to photograph their wedding weekend and I cannot believe I went to Brooklyn and photographed a wedding, ahhh!!! Thank you thank you thank you! HUGS!! Now cheers to the best honeymoon and taking a breather :) (Jessie also just graduated with her MBA a week before their wedding!)

Photography: Chelsea Dier Photography / Planner: Dame Forbes Tyson / Caterer: Avlee Greek Kitchen / Florist: Trader Joes / Dessert: Insomnia Cookies / Dress: Rebecca Schoneveld / Suit: Trumaker / Second Line Band+Reception: Silver Arrow Band / HMAU: Glamsquad / Videographer: Tom Boyden / Second shooter: Laura Huertas / Venues: The Old Stone House + The Bell House

George + Allison // Family Ranch Engagement // Woodacre, CA

Driving past Fairfax and turning down their dirt lane, pulling up to their family's ranch, sipping wine before their shoot, I knew this was going to be a special engagement session. These two have the biggest hearts and are putting so much love into their day. We decided on doing their engagement session on this family land as well, but in different areas than where the wedding is. 

Allison was a champ in jumping over fences in her dress and George didn't mess up his dress clothes (and we weren't trespassing in the fence photos -- all is their land). Nothing can get in the way for these two :) I cannot wait for their wedding in July and see the transformation of their wedding site and celebrate the love and commitment to each other and their families.  

One fun fact! Allison is great friends with one of my past brides of last year, Catie :) Their forest elopement has a special place in my heart too! 

Noah + Hannah // Point Reyes Station Engagement // Point Reyes, CA

When Noah and Hannah suggested Point Reyes for their engagement session, I was super stoked! Point Reyes is their happy place and love to visit when they're feeling a city escape. We started off the evening with ice cream (+10 points in my book, hehe!) and walking around Point Reyes Station. It was still too bright to take their golden hour photos so we stopped in the local pub, that Noah has wanted to visit every time he visits here, but never has, making it the perfect place to wait out the light. After our little beers, we ventured out near this old barn and took some of the most magical, soft light photos. 

Your engagement session is supposed to be YOU, so I love when my couples suggest a place special to them and then have fun with our time together! Ice cream, beer, fire trucks, and the yummiest light, SOLD! 

Edgy San Francisco Beach Elopement

Oh my goodness, this was a dream styled shoot! I have been dying to share these images and I finally can because it has just been featured on Ruffled Blog!! 

This edgy San Francisco elopement made all my shoot dreams come true. Starting with their elopement ceremony on the beach that S+E were down to hike to (with sea foam flying at us sporadically), the sunset soft light turn to haze and Sara's leather jacket complimenting her JUMPSUIT perfectly! Yes, she wore a jumpsuit and it was the best thing ever. Erik was quite dapper in his dark blue tuxedo suit and bow tie as well.  We then headed to Bluxome Winery for their intimate dinner. Gold accents with pops of color from the table florals and the hanging installment Jessie created complimented the industrial vibe of the winery and gave it a romantic, but edgy feel to the evening. 

I'm going to let the images do the rest of the story telling! And maybe inspire your upcoming elopement/wedding dreams?! 

All the wonderful vendors involved: Chelsea Dier Photography / Bluxome Street Winery / April Foster Artistry / Studio DBI / Handsome Flowers / Lovely Letters / Chairs+Cups / A Spoonful of Sugar Cakes / Alt Brides / The Black Tux / Jenn Heller Design Co / Bryr Clogs / Digby & Iona Jewelry / ASOS

Heather + Aniekan // New York City Engagement // New York City

While I was in New York in January, I had the opportunity to shoot Heather and Aniekan's engagement photos! This was also the trip I booked my first out of state wedding (!!) and will be heading to Brooklyn in May for Jessie and Shane's wedding, so this trip is extra special to me!

Heather and Aniekan brought the spiciness and love to their shoot. It was a chilly day, but they didn't let that stop their style and it just made them cuddle even more! Heather is a fellow #girlboss in the e-commerce world, so of course she's rockin' those heels. I don't know how she did it! Thank you so much for having me along and giving me the tour of your neighborhood. Wishing I was joining you in Tuscany for your wedding ;) 

Snowshoe Backpacking with Trail Mavens

In February I joined along the Trail Mavens snowshoe backpacking trip as their trip photographer! This is the second trip I have been on with them and it was nothing short of amazing. So amazing actually, that I am now one of the co-leaders and the first trip I will be helping on is in June the the LOST COAST! Yesssss!

It had just rained for a week and the weather warmed up before we went so a lot of the snow had melted, so the snowshoeing was minimal, but we still got some in! We spent two days hiking, sledding, and relaxing in the little hut, but then sleeping in the snow. And guess what? I didn't freeze! Actually I had the warmest camping sleep I have had (many props to the sleeping bag liner and multiple layers). 

The ladies on this trip were so lovely and we had great conversations throughout the days we were together. And the food made on these trips is always phenomenal and Maria even treated us to her special "Maria's Meyer Lemon" beverage. Yum!

Sweet Lane Gardens, Santa Rosa, CA Wedding Photographer // Julie + Billy part II

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And here is part II of Julie and Billy's wedding weekend! They had their wedding day at Sweet Lane Gardens in Santa Rosa, CA. This is a commercial nursery, but they also host weddings on their property. I want to go back here and take more photos in the nursery -- just look how beautiful it is!

Julie and Billy were my last couple of 2016 and I couldn't have asked for a better couple to end my wedding season with. They were SO excited to be getting married and to celebrate with their close friends and family! Constant laughs, smiles, and hugs filled their day. Along with being the sweetest clients to me (Julie's reaction to her sneak peeks and final delivery were THE BEST. All the heart eye emoji's aren't enough to express my gratitude!), I could tell that Julie and Billy have had quite the impact on the important people in their lives. Gosh, I just want to smoosh these two up and hug them forever!

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I am so humbled to have been included in their special weekend and I think a trip to Chicago to visit you two has to happen! So much love to you two!! 

Venue: Sweet Lane Gardens // Cater: Creative Catering // Florist: David Hanson // Baker: Petaluma Pie Company DJ: Marcel Jones // Makeup: Nikol Elaine Artistry // Hair: Amanda Sands Hairdressing // Billy's Suit: Topman // Julie’s Dress: Bhldn // Julie's Shoe's: TOMS // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville, CA Photographer // Julie + Billy part I

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Julie and Billy wanted to get married in the California Redwoods, but that plan didn't quite pan out for them so we met up on Friday afternoon in the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guernevlille to fulfill their redwoods dream! I haven't been here before, but it was an amazing park of redwoods all around and SO beautiful! I'm going to make their wedding blog into two posts because I have too many photos to share.

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Introducing Chelsea Dier Photography Albums

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Let it be known that I actually LOVE designing albums. Putting together the whole story of your wedding day, adding in all the elements and moments of your day that you may have missed, because there is so much happening, brings me great joy.

Having a tangible collection of your BEST photos that you can look back on time after time has to be the best thing. With my albums, you are getting your photographs off your computer and created into a work of art. You'll be able to pick up your album at any moment you have a yearning to (which would be all the time for me) and re-live your freakin' WEDDING DAY! <3

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I am requiring, okay highly recommending, all my clients to order albums because I want to design them for you! With your album, you may enjoy your photographs for years and years, along with passing the album down to your lil' ones if that's in the cards for you.

Ilan + Lauren // Wedding // Oakland, CA

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Oh Ilan and Lauren, the couple who had permanent smiles on their face the whole day. These two are so rad, so themselves and focused on having FUN alllll wedding day! I mean, their first dance started classically, and then transitioned into a choreographed dance set to THE Bieber (as in Justin Beiber). I definitely said multiple times to their guests, "you have the best friends!" Thank you so much for having me along to capture your day! And Happy Birthday Lauren :)Cater + Florals: Culinary Excellence // DJ: Berkeley Squares // HMUA: Hair by Simone at Vine Street Salon // Men's Suits: Menguin // Lauren's Dress: Novella Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography // Second Photographer: 43rd Ave Photography

Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA Wedding Photographer // Shauna + Manuel

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Shauna and Manuel got married at the Oakland Courthouse in the morning, and then I met up with them and their daughter for their portraits. I have visited the lake many times, but never shot a session here so I was a little nervous for how they would turn out. But, turns out the lake during golden hour is beautiful!! And it was so fun to hear all the "congratulations!" from people running and walking by them. These two also crushed their portraits and I am so happy with how they turned out! Congratulations you two, and cheers to many happy, love filled years ahead!(Manuel's first love, his restored car, so of course we needed to get some portraits with it as well)

HMUA: Girl with a Curling Iron // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

Michael + Catie // Forest Elopement // Fort Bragg, CA

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Catie and Michael had the most rad forest elopement up in Fort Bragg (about 3.5 hours north of the Bay) with their closest friends, family and two dogs in tow. Catie created her "bouquet" from bird feathers she has found while hiking and it was so her. She needed a bouquet that she could also use for their weekend celebration with friends (which by the way costumes were required for their reception -- how fun!). Also check out her totally unique ring, wowza! Thank you times a million for having me along. I LOVED it and to future couples of CDP, I want to shoot this type of intimate ceremonies all the time!

Daniel + Lauren // Intimate Wedding // Sutter, CA

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Daniel and Lauren, the wedding in an old almond orchard with the goofiest groomsmen (and an honorary cat-groomsmen -- you'll see his appearances throughout) with the yummiest light and their closest friends and family. This wedding was a dream to shoot! They are the sweetest couple and fully enjoyed their day and have some of the best friends who made sure they were fed and hydrated throughout their day. Thank you so much for including me in your day. It was amazingly special <3

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(I had to conclude this post with another cat photo... I can't even, HAHA)

Planner + center pieces + cake: Cynthia Struckmeyer // Cater: Bacio // DJ: TSPdj // HMUA for bridesmaids: Hello Glam // HMUA for Lauren: Robert Savard // Florist: Yuba City Florist // Lauren's Dress: Always Elegant Bridal // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

San Francisco Golden Hour Portraits // Sutro Baths

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OH MY GOSH! My dear friends Joey and Jane modeled for me this past Sunday and I have about died and gone to golden hour heaven. I really wanted to have some classic San Francisco shots in my portfolio, and the Golden Gate Bridge decided to show off and be amazing. Also, Karl the Fog was no where to be seen. We first went to Marshall's Beach, which is just north of Baker Beach (and I believe the nude section of the beach) but we lucked out and only saw fully clothed people. We ended at Sutro Baths chasing the light and it created a moodier, contrasting feel to finish out the shoot with. So in love! And these two are so in love as well!!

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 Yep, a shoot that dreams are made of <3

I would love to do another shoot or three here and explore more, so send me a "let's do this!" to: hi [at] chelseadier [dot] com

Trail Mavens Point Reyes Kayaking // Tomales Bay, CA

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I have been following Trail Mavens on Instagram for a while and Sasha recently posted that she was looking for photographers to join on their trips and take non-iphone photos of the trip, with the goal of capturing the feelings of the trip. I jumped right on this opportunity the moment I saw it! I have wanted to kayak across Tomales Bay and camp so this was a no-brainer. I also really love what Sasha (the fab founder) is doing with Trail Mavens in creating outdoor adventures for urban women and teaching all the skills you would need to feel comfortable going camping! The outdoors are so healing and beautiful that you shouldn't be intimidated by them. Also women led adventures rock! Definitely check out Trail Mavens... there are trips in some spectacular places all over the Bay Area and beyond!   (ending the trip with the most delicious sandwich and Sofia)  

Yosemite National Park // On Film

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Lindsey and I did 3 days of hiking in this beautiful National Park and it was amazing. She's a fellow film shooter so it's always great to explore with her because she understands the want for taking photos... and lends me an extra roll of film when I run out! Who's up for an #adventureelopement or wedding here?! I'm your gal to photograph it :)((oatmeal and coffee=camping musts))

shot on my canon ae-1 with fujifilm and portra

Ilan + Lauren // Codornices Park Engagement // Berkeley, CA

Ilan and Lauren's story starts with them meeting when they were both teaching at the Berkeley JCC, so we definitely had to get a few photos of them there. In the above photo they are actually standing between their respective classroom windows. Cue the "awwwww". Ilan and Lauren were so fun to shoot! They kept me laughing the whole time and they had too much fun. You'll see a few funny, but so them, shots below :)  (no cute dogies were harmed for this shot. Serious was just so over his photoshoot ;)) (PROS!)