Point Reyes National Seashore Elopement

This elopement has been featured by Modern Weddings.

Our time with Ashley & Blake on the Northern California Coast was beyond anything we could have dreamed or planned.

When Ashley initially reached out about eloping, she was open to location suggestions. Her only request was “A national park that’s not too cold in April.” Since we already had a trip to Northern California planned for the beginning of April, we suggested Point Reyes National Seashore. We love Point Reyes for its remoteness, its “off the beaten path” essence gives it stillness, which also means it’s less touristy than other locations closer to San Francisco, so it’s the perfect setting for private and personal vows. And in the springtime, wild flowers, like yellow lupines, freckle its grassy dunes and cliff sides. In fact, we’ve written an entire article on why Point Reyes is our favorite spot near the Bay Area, you can read more here.

On the day of Ashley & Blake’s elopement, the weather was pleasant and warm, and light was beaming bright into their sunny Airbnb in Guerneville, but when we reached the coast, the ocean gales were quite intense, making it feel colder than it actually was. Although the wind added to the wonder of this rolling coastline, we did feel guilty about it being chillier than expected. Ashley reassured us that it was perfect, and that when she mentioned “a place not too cold,” she was meaning that she didn’t want ice and snow.

So, wrapped in a blanket that matched her BHLDN dress, Ashley grabbed Blake’s hand and they made their way down the trail to the overlook. After taking in the view for a few minutes, they turned and faced one another, grounding their feet to stand sturdy in the tempest, but more importantly—grounding their hearts in these life-altering moments. They exchanged vows to one another and the gusts carried these forever promises into the infinite sky.

Afterward we found some wildflowers for photos, but didn’t spend much time in these locations because of the wind. We decided to spend the rest of the evening, as well as enjoy their strawberry wedding cake, under the shelter of the cypress tree tunnel. As we were driving there, a heard of elk appeared on the peak of a distant hill, we stopped and gazed out on their majestic silhouettes which were only accentuated by the glowing sea haze.

When we arrived at the tree tunnel, the boisterous coast was starkly contrasted by a serene quiet in the air. We found a log to rest on for the picnic dessert celebration, and then Ashley and Blake cut their cake and shared it with us. We watched the sun dip beyond the horizon and its golden rays faded to kiss the day adieu. It was a beautiful ending to the first day of the rest of their lives together.

We’re always especially grateful to participate in a story like this.