Silhouetted figures stand atop a mountain peak overlooking a dramatic sunset landscape with distant ridges and valleys.

A romantic coastal photoshoot takes place along the cliffs of Big Sur with dramatic ocean views and rugged terrain.

A couple embraces while overlooking a dramatic coastal cliff view at sunset along the ocean shore.

CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

SMALL WEDDINGS, ELOPEMENTS, & ADVENTURE SESSIONS IN CALIFORNIA

Sunlit forest ceremony with people gathering among tall redwood trees on a dirt path surrounded by lush greenery.

A close-up sequence of an engagement ring box and pink ballet slippers nestled among green clover leaves on dark soil.

Sunbeams pierce through a misty forest canopy of tall evergreen trees creating dramatic rays of light.

The California elopement you've been dreaming of

For the couple who lives for new experiences and breathtaking scenery, California is the ultimate elopement location. From the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur and the quiet, foggy beaches of Mendocino to the towering redwoods that feel straight out of a fairytale, this state has a little bit of everything.

Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, watching the sun dip below the Pacific Ocean, or exchanging vows with waves crashing below you, California offers endless opportunities for adventure and unforgettable wedding photos.

Imagine driving the winding Highway 1 in a classic car, glamping in the Redwoods, or even making a whole roadtrip out of your wedding hitting a couple different National parks. Whether you’re chasing epic ocean views, peaceful forest trails, or a mix of both, California has it all.

LETS PARTY

Hey, We're Nico & Maddie!

A wedding couple poses in front of a stunning mountain lake backdrop with dramatic peaks and turquoise waters.

Your California elopement photographer dream team.

We’re not just elopement photographers. We’ve been in your shoes. When we planned our own elopement, we felt the same mix of excitement and overwhelm you might be feeling now. We know what it’s like to dream up a day that feels completely true to you, and we’ve learned how to make it happen without the stress.

When you work with us you’re getting two people who understand how personal this day is, who will guide you through every step, and who care deeply about capturing your love story in the most real and beautiful way possible.

California is a dream for couples who want an elopement that’s equal parts adventure and beauty. From rugged coastlines to alpine peaks, every corner of this state holds something magical, and we’re here to help you find the place that feels like you.

Planning an elopement can feel like a big journey, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll guide you through every step so your day feels effortless, grounded, and full of wonder.

CONTACT US!

Towering redwood trees reach toward sunlit sky as sunbeams filter through dense forest canopy in majestic nature scene.

Couple sits on mountain cliff edge overlooking scenic valley during golden sunset in Australian wilderness.

Dramatic coastal cliffs and crashing waves along a misty shoreline during golden hour at Point Reyes National Seashore.

We work with couples who crave something more than a traditional wedding day.

Couples who see their wedding as an adventure to live, not an event to check off. We want you to celebrate your love in a way that feels unapologetically you.

We help couples build an idea into a fully crafted, one-of-a-kind California elopement experience. We'll uncover some of the best elopement locations based off of what your envisioning and map out every detail so your day flows effortlessly.

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate Big Sur elopement, a redwood forest ceremony, or standing on the cliffs of Yosemite, We'll guide you through every step.

REACH OUT

1.

Let's find your perfect place

First step of the process is finding the perfect location for your day. We have traveled, camped, hiked, skied, and scouted so many different places in California. Whether you want to elope in the fairytale-like redwoods of Northern California or catch the last light through Yosemite valley, we've got you a spot for you!

2.

Fine tune the details

Once location is locked down, we can get into the nitty gritty. We are here to help with your day from start to finish, we'll hop on some zoom calls (cocktails in hand) and have fun planning your best day ever.

We'll help you find unique accommodations, give you local vendor options, and build intention throughout your custom timeline

3.

Capture the magic of commitment

Our goal on your elopement day is simple: to capture the magic of your day so that when you are old and grey, you can relive those fleeting moments just like it was yesterday.

When the day comes to a close and we say our goodbyes, you will walk away with a beautiful private gallery, incredible memories, and two new friends.

A romantic outdoor picnic scene with a couple enjoying wine and snacks on a blanket in a grassy field.

CONTACT US!

A romantic couple sits on a picnic blanket sharing an intimate moment as the sun sets behind them in a golden field.

A couple poses on a hiking trail with the majestic Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, California as their backdrop.

A couple enjoying a special outdoor moment in front of a rustic wooden fence surrounded by lush green trees.

A couple shares their wedding vows on a scenic cliff overlooking the rugged California coastline at sunset.

A beautiful wedding dress with delicate lace details and flowing tulle skirts reflects elegantly in a gold-framed mirror.

A person in a flowing white wedding dress poses gracefully against a backdrop of tall cactus plants and a wooden fence.

"When I think back on our day, I picture it perfectly because Nico captured all the special moments. From the very first phone call he made me feel comfortable, and like I had a friend who was just as excited as I was."

Chelsea & Jack

A romantic wedding couple poses along mossy stone steps in a lush forest setting among redwood trees and ferns.

A couple walking along a stone path through beautiful gardens outside a rustic wooden chapel with a covered porch.

A bride in a white lace wedding dress with a long train stands on a forest path among towering redwood trees.

Sunlight streams through tall redwood trees in a lush forest with green undergrowth and dappled shadows.

A romantic wedding couple embraces next to a vintage black car in a serene forest setting with dappled sunlight.

"These two were so fun to work with. I never once felt awkward in front of the camera or felt rushed around or pressured. They could read exactly what we were looking for and nailed every shot. Cannot recommend them enough!"

Lauren & David

California Intimate Wedding and Elopement Resources

Newlyweds share intimate moments against a scenic coastal mountain landscape during golden hour.

How to Elope in Big Sur

Two people look out over misty mountains at a rustic bar sign along a forested path in Big Sur, California.

Intimate Wedding

Timeline Breakdown

A couple sits together on a rocky mountain ledge overlooking a scenic valley at sunset in Yosemite National Park.

How to Elope in Yosemite

A couple stands atop Taft Point in Yosemite National Park during sunset with dramatic cliffs and mountain vistas.

Northern California's Best

Elopement Locations

Need some inspiration for you California Elopement? Check out my blog to get the ball rolling!

PLANNING YOUR CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT

A scenic coastal beach panorama with cliffs, sandy shores, and rolling waves stretching into the distance.

A couple stands together on a sunlit forest path surrounded by tall redwood trees during a big sur elopement

California is a massive state that has so much natural beauty. Maybe you're naturally drawn to mountains, redwoods, or a dramatic coast line.

Maybe you've never been to California and want some guidance on where to spend your day? Here's a couple of our favorites to spark some ideas:

An outline of California state with a heart symbol drawn in the San Francisco Bay Area region.

Best places to elope in California

Northern California

Looking for less crowds, redwoods, rugged beaches, beautiful rivers?

Some of our favorites include Point Reyes National Seashore, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park or the beautiful San Fransisco City Hall.

Central California

Central California holds some of the best nature and scenery that California has to offer.

The views and hiking in Yosemite National Park are unmatched and the wild shorelines in Big Sur are some of our absolute favorites.

Southern California

Take a boat out to Channel island or stay in a cute Airstream and explore Joshua Tree National park. Another great option down south is the Santa Barbara Courthouse!

Another option would be to rent a van, take a couple weeks off, and make your wedding a big road trip throughout the state!

A couple holding hands while walking down a black and white country road with trees and plants along the pathway.

Every Elopement Includes:

Scenic aerial view of the Bixby Creek Bridge along California's rugged Big Sur coastline with waves crashing below.

Cinematic coastal cliffside wedding scene captured in a misty, moody atmosphere at a Northern California beach.

Wedding invitation card with floral design, rings, and perfume bottle surrounded by orange and white roses on tulle fabric.

A delicate hand-drawn feather illustration in beige and cream tones against a dark background.

A DISCOVERY CALL This is our chance to get to know each other and see if we're the right fit for your wedding! This is not a sales call. It’s a conversation about who we are, who you are, and making sure we’re the good match.

START TO FINISH PLANNING ASSISTANCE. We will start with your vision and work from there! By the end on the planning phase, you'll have a clear idea of what the day looks like, accommodations booked, vendors lined up, Permits locked in, and a TIMELINE PLANNED WITH INTENTION.

LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS tailored to your vision. There's a perfect spot for everyone and we are here to help you find it.

VENDOR, ACCOMMODATION, and FOOD recommendations. From glamping in a redwood forest to luxurious cabins, there are plenty of great options all over California.

BAD WEATHER? No problem! We leave the days surrounding your wedding open so that if a storm blows in, we can plan around it.

20 SNEAK PEEK PHOTOS delivered within 24 hours. You'll be sharing your exciting news with family and friends right away.

A BEAUTIFULLY CURATED GALLERY with unlimited high-resolution downloads, delivered within 6 weeks. Easily print and share your photos with family and friends!

A PACKING CHECKLIST so you don't have to worry about forgetting anything. This will be specifically curated based off of time of year and weather predictions.

NO TRAVEL FEES

INVESTMENT

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Delicate white feather pattern creates an elegant border design against a light background.

Here at Finch & Fern Photo Co, we specialize in Elopements and Intimate weddings ranging from 0-20 guests.

All bookings require a signed contract and a paid retainer to be on our books!

✨ Booking 2026 & 2027 ✨

0% Stress, 100% YOU

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The All Day Experience

8 hours of photography coverage

12 hours allows plenty of time to let your day flow naturally and be less rigid about moving on the next thing. Your day will feel effortless and more like a date! You have the option to split the 12 hours into 2 separate sessions so you can have a midday break or to have us tag long for a consecutive 12 hours.

This package is perfect for couples who want to do something more adventurous by themselves and have time with family and friends.

All in all, we want you to experience your perfect day without worrying about the clock!