Intimate Elopement in Henry Cowell Redwoods
Santa Cruz// There’s something undeniably magical about elopements, especially when they take place in a location as stunning as the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz. Recently, I had the honor of photographing Stephanie and Adam’s intimate elopement ceremony on a beautiful Thursday in September. The couple, originally from Kansas City, chose this picturesque spot in California not only because they had family in the area but also due to the deep connection they felt with the natural beauty of Santa Cruz.
This was my first time traveling to Santa Cruz, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled when they selected me to capture their destination wedding. As soon as I stepped foot in the park, I understood why they chose this location. The towering redwoods and serene atmosphere provided a perfect backdrop for their special day.
The ceremony took place along the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a breathtaking spot nestled among some of the largest redwoods in the park. In front of one of these majestic giants, Stephanie and Adam shared their vows in an emotional, heartfelt ceremony with just 10 of their closest family members in attendance. The simplicity and intimacy of the moment made it even more special.
One unique aspect of their ceremony was the absence of traditional ring exchanges. Instead, Stephanie and Adam chose to incorporate a lasso ceremony, a beautiful tradition that symbolizes the unity and bond between the couple. Watching them commit to each other in such a meaningful way was truly touching.
After the ceremony, we captured family portraits to commemorate this special day with their loved ones. The joy and love shared between their family members were heartwarming, and you could feel the deep support surrounding Stephanie and Adam.
Once the family photos were done, we ventured deeper into the redwoods for a private couple’s session. The towering trees and quiet stillness of the forest provided a perfect setting to capture their connection. Stephanie and Adam were so natural and at ease with each other, making every shot a dream to photograph. The serenity of the redwoods seemed to mirror their love—calm, steady, and grounded.
This elopement was a reminder of how powerful and meaningful intimate ceremonies can be. It’s not about the grandeur or the guest list but the connection between two people and the beauty of their surroundings. I’m so grateful that Stephanie and Adam chose me to document this incredible day in such a special place.
If you’re considering an elopement or destination wedding and want a photographer who will capture the authenticity and beauty of your unique day, let’s connect! There’s nothing I love more than creating lasting memories in breathtaking locations.
Melissa Rodriguez Photography is a Los Angeles based wedding and portrait photographer. She focuses on documenting the lives of couples at the beginning of their grandest adventure. Melissa is driven to create something gorgeous, powerful, romantic and authentic with her couples; such as with these photos in the beautiful redwoods in Santa Cruz.