Elope Santa Cruz!
Elope Santa Cruz!
From dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific, to old growth redwood forests, to white sand beaches, to beautiful state parks, it’s easy to understand why Santa Cruz is a popular destination elopement spot! Couples come from all over to elope here, sometimes as the result of long term planning, and sometimes on a whim.
Photo credit: Paige Nelson Photography
In comes Coronavirus, and Santa Cruz elopements are increasing in popularity by the day. Couples don’t just want to salvage their wedding day, they want to do something meaningful, memorable and special. Thankfully eloping in Santa Cruz does not feel like it’s second best.
Photo credit: Amber Amelingmeier, De Joy Photography
The location of the ceremony pictured above was Shark Fin Cove (also known as Shark Tooth Beach) in Davenport. A truly epic spot that made it feel as though we were at the edge of the world. The bride wore an exquisite red dress, and the groom wore a stylish top hat. I arrived to the ceremony in 3" heels, but the steep terrain required that I ditch my dress shoes and put on my hiking boots. Once we found the perfect spot at the waters edge, all of our shoes came off and we really got our feet wet.
(Not to burst your Shark Fin Cove bubble, but couples often see elopement photos of Shark Fin Cove and immediately want to get married there. It’s understandable. But what they are unaware of is just how steep, rocky and rugged the path down to the beach is. Or that it is also, often, flanked by poison oak. I’ve seen photographers slip on their way down, and brides dresses get dirty, even torn. So if there’s any doubt that you’re physically fit enough, or willing to get bruised or disheveled on the way down, choose another great spot. There are no shortage of them in and around this area!)
Sometimes you come from out of town to elope beneath a redwood tree. You plan and plan. But add crying children (one of whom turned out to be terrified of tall tress), days of endless rain, an officiant with the flu, and a forgotten marriage license to the mix, and making it through the elopement ceremony can feel like a heroic feat! Luckily everyone present were good sports and in good spirits!
Photo credit: Steven Cotton Photography
This was another destination elopement. Two women in love exchanging vows on a little known Davenport beach. They wanted something super intimate, and even asked me to step away while they exchanged private vows to one another.