Two-Day Redwoods Elopement with Family

If you’ve been following along for a while, then you know that one of my favorite areas for elopements in Northern California is Big Sur! Big Sur elopements always have a special place in my heart but what makes a Big Sur elopement even more incredible is when couples choose to experience both forest and ocean sceneries for their special day. This is exactly what Sarah and Juan did by choosing to celebrate their wedding with a two-day Redwoods elopement starting in the forest and ending by the ocean. Keep scrolling to see more from Sarah and Juan’s beautiful multi-day elopement in Big Sur!

How Sarah & Juan Met & Decided on an Intimate Redwoods Elopement with Family

Sarah and Juan’s love story began when the two were attending college. They lived in the same dorms and attended the same psychology class, which allowed them to get to know each other a little bit more. While Juan was immediately interested in Sarah, it took him a while to work up the courage to ask her out. At the time though, Sarah was not interested in dating, but the two become fast friends, and it wasn’t long before their friendship turned into something more. It was these early years in college that allowed Sarah and Juan to build the foundation of their relationship and the deep friendship they built with each other is still evident today.

When they first inquired with me about their Redwoods elopement, I asked Sarah and Juan why they decided to elope vs plan a wedding. The couple told me that when they first talked about getting married, the thought of planning a traditional wedding felt very stressful. Their families came from two different cultures and, with the desire to accommodate everyone, the stress of planning a wedding simply felt overwhelming. One day, before they were even engaged, Sarah stumbled across the idea of adventure elopements and immediately fell in love! The idea of planning a small wedding in nature felt so fitting for their relationship. It was at that moment that they decided an intimate, romantic adventure wedding would be the most authentic way to celebrate the start of their marriage.

Elopements VS Intimate Wedding

Sarah & Juan’s Redwoods Elopement Ceremony in Big Sur

After photographing some detail photos and getting ready moments, Sarah and Juan kicked off their Redwoods elopement with a private first look in a redwood grove at their hotel, Deetjens Big Sur. When the reveal moment arrived, both Sarah and Juan experienced mixed feelings of nervousness and lots of excitement! They had wanted to keep this special moment semi-private but also wanted to find a way to let their loved ones in on the celebration, so they decided to do their first look with family watching from a distance. This was such a meaningful moment and a great way to honor their desire to celebrate with family!

One of the great things about planning a two-day Redwoods elopement was knowing that we had time to enjoy any part of their wedding day without feeling rushed. The plan for day 1 was centered around spending time with family, while still carving out meaningful moments for Sarah and Juan to enjoy together. After their first look, the couple exchanged vows at an intimate forest elopement ceremony (officiated by their best friend) with all their loved ones. During the ceremony, Sarah and Juan gifted their family some personalized engraved gifts, a special touch and a meaningful moment felt by all.

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For day two, Sarah and Juan spent the morning focused completely on themselves. They shared private vows at sunrise while overlooking the coast of Big Sur and later enjoyed a breakfast picnic on the beach (set up by their family members).

One of the things I loved most about Sarah and Juan’s Redwoods elopement was that there wasn't anything "major" or complicated about their day. Everyone was just so chill and happy to simply be together. All of the moments, from the first look with family to the private vows on the beach filled Sarah and Juan’s Redwoods elopement timeline with so many special moments and interactions that kept each day’s energy fun and upbeat.

Sarah & Juan were soooo easygoing and relaxing to work with. The couple put their full trust in me and allowed me to help them plan a Redwoods elopement day that was meaningful to them and focused on what mattered the most - family, outdoors, a special place, and their relationship - truly, an elopement photographer’s dream!

Tips for Including Family in Your Elopement

There are so many creative ways to include family in your elopement! Whether your loved ones are celebrating with you in person, or from afar, you can find meaningful ways to celebrate. Here are a few tips to help get you started.

Create a timeline that allows you to celebrate with family but also allows time for the two of you. This is why two-day elopements are so great. Multi-day elopements not only give you more coverage, but they also eliminate any feelings of guilt you may experience when spending time away from family, especially if they’ve traveled some distance to be there with you.
Invite your loved ones to help you get ready
Do a first look with family members. First looks aren’t just for your partner; they can also
be with a mom, dad, grandparent, sibling, etc.
Exchange gifts. Sarah and Juan gave personalized gifts to their family members during
their ceremony, but you can exchange gifts with your loved ones at any point during the
day.
Plan a lunch or dinner reception to celebrate together

Want more elopement tips?
Check out my complete guide on how to include loved ones in your elopement!

How to include loved one in your elopement

Want to know what a two-Day Elopement timeline in Big Sur looks like?

Here’s Sarah & Juan’s elopement timeline (October)

Day 1 - Wedding day + Mini Adventure

12:00 PM: Start the day with preparations and detail photos
1:30 PM: Private First Look + Portraits at DBSI
2:30 PM: Candid photos with the family at DBSI
2:45 PM: Head out to the ceremony in the Redwoods
3:30 PM: Ceremony - Approx. 30 min.
4:00 PM: Family Formal Photos, Approx. 15 min. followed by a gifts exchange.
4:30 PM: Head out for some adventure sunset photos with a quick stop at the Bixby Bridge
Sunset time: 6:49 PM
Blue Hour & Creative Lantern photos till about 7:30 PM
8:00 PM: Meet the family for dinner in Carmel-by-the-sea.

Day 2 - Sunrise Private Vow Exchange + Picnic

Sunrise time: 7:04 AM
6:30 AM: Meet at Garrapata Beach
6:45 AM: Hike to Vows location
7:00 AM: Exchange vows, followed by more portraits at the beach location
8:00 AM: Head to the beach for a picnic and candid moments
10:00 AM: End of photography coverage

Need help creating your elopement timeline?
Check out the blow or get in touch for help with planning your day together!

How to Create Your Elopement Timeline

Get in touch

Big Sur Elopement Vendors

Elopement Vendors:

Photography: Will Khoury
Videographer: Capture Colour
Officiant: Friend of the Bride
Flowers: Carmel Floral Design
Wedding Dress: Scout Bridal
Menswear: The Modern Groom

Elopement Day Locations:

Getting ready location: Deetjens Big Sur
Ceremony location: Big Sur Redwoods (Private location from Will Khoury’s pre-scouted client list)
Picnic: Garrapata Beach