If you’re dreaming of a Shelter Cove wedding, you, my friend, have stumbled upon one of California’s best-kept secrets.
Let’s be honest… you don’t really know about Shelter Cove unless you’ve actually been there. Tucked away on California’s Lost Coast, it’s one of those places that thankfully remains undiscovered, though I secretly wish I could tell every couple about it, simply for the selfish pleasure of getting to photograph elopements here more often.
You can call me dramatic, but I genuinely think it’s one of the best places to get married in California… maybe even the world.
I’ve stood on the black sand beaches of Iceland, but somehow, nothing quite scratches that black sand beach itch like Shelter Cove.
Between the overlooks, empty beaches, and close proximity to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, it’s the perfect place for couples who want to experience two of Northern California’s most incredible landscapes in a single day, just like Aubrielle and Chris decided to do for their elopement.
Chris and Aubrielle’s Shelter Cove Wedding
It’s pretty rare to find couples who want to venture all the way out to Shelter Cove (though if you’re reading this, you might be one of them!). So when Chris and Aubrielle told me they wanted to get married there, I was immediately on board.
We spent months talking through ideas for their day. More than anything, they wanted it to feel like them. Instead of following a traditional wedding timeline, we planned a day filled with things they actually enjoy doing together, and some new activities neither have tried before.
I’d tell you everything we had planned, but I’d rather let the photos do most of the talking. So here’s how the day went.
The day started at one of the coolest Airbnbs I’ve ever been to. It was this hexagon cabin tucked away in the woods, and it even had an outdoor bathtub overlooking the forest. So naturally, these two hopped in for a few photos before getting dressed and heading out onto the porch to write their vows.
After getting ready, we made our way to the Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo. If you’ve never been, it’s absolutely worth visiting. Walking through the redwoods made for a fun change of pace before we headed to the ceremony. Of course, we had to say hi to some of the animals before leaving.
From there, we drove down to Shelter Cove, where they exchanged vows overlooking the ocean. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Afterward, we walked down to the black sand beach, watched the sun disappear below the horizon, and had the entire place to ourselves.
It was one of those wedding days I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
If you liked this wedding, you might want to explore my Humboldt Redwoods Elopement Guide. After all, it’s only an hour away. And if you want to see a real wedding in Humboldt, my Avenue of the Giants Wedding is for you!
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
