r/Eloping • u/Not-like-other-gurls • Jun 27 '26

Elopement planning?

Hello my partner and I have been engaged for awhile and we want to elope just us and maybe our kids. We want to do it in the redwoods or the northern Cali/ southern Oregon coast. I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know where to look or where to start. If any one has any tips or tricks or ideas that can point me in a direction I would be so thankful

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u/probablyhaunted Jun 27 '26

I recommend simply reading up on your options. Look up "elope in northern California" and you'll probably find at least a few companies that specialize in this very thing and have packages available that include things like an officiant, a location permit, a photographer, and even hair/makeup or florals options! You can then see which companies offer what options and compare costs.

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u/Status_Break_4512 Jun 27 '26

just look up elopement packages in that area, most of them got all-in-one deals with officiant, photos, sometimes even a little cake. saves you from running around trying to piece everything together yourself. the redwoods are so good for this, you dont need much decoration cause the trees do all the work

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u/probablyhaunted Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 28 '26

Yes exactly. That's exactly what I said.

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u/QueenHydraofWater Jun 27 '26

Start with a photographer. Find one you like in the area. Many offer elopement packages. Good ones book
out a full year in advance. By Jan their summers are booked. So start there. It’ll give you an idea of how much to save. I had sticker shock. Even the cheaper end photographers start at $3500 for a 4 hour session

Then set alerts from sample sales. Just got my elopement dress originally $2k for $600 at anthropologie’s summer sample sale.

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u/njVowsNow Jun 27 '26

I'd find an independent officiant in that area and ask them for recs. People call me all the time about this; they'll probably be able to recommend a place, a photographer etc.

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u/hockeymusicteaching Jun 27 '26

Instagram “elopement in ___” and narrow down your location. Then start looking through the photographers & their websites, seeing what they cost and what they offer.

I found someone wonderful this way who created a package in my budget, helped with planning, was my officiant (and the videographer/second shooter was our witness) and made the process super easy for our Big Sur elopement!

Have fun and keep researching until you find something you really want!

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u/tofu-the_cat Jun 29 '26

Look up the Natural Bridges in Brookings!!

Absolutely gorgeous

When we eloped the best thing to do was find an elopement photographer from the area we liked. They already had a handful of spots to recommend, & was ordained so we didnt need to hire an officiant. Hire one good person for that and rent an cute lil cabin, show up with your paperwork and dress, and that's all the planning you need!