Burney Falls is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been too, and so far, it’s pretty hard to beat as being my favorite waterfall in California (maybe even in the United States) for an elopement. I even went as far as adding it to the top of my list of the best places to elope in California.
Burney Falls is located in Northern California in a small town called, you guessed it, Burney. With a population of 3,000, expect no more than a small main street filled with 50s inspired diners and small businesses run by the locals. Luckily, I live just an hour away from this quiet town (lucky, I know), so when Rae and Chase reached out to me expressing their interest in getting married at a waterfall, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Though at the time, Burney Falls wasn’t even an option.
When we first started brainstorming ideas, we considered quite a few places, including Oregon and Washington, the two states with some of the most amazing waterfalls I’ve ever seen. However, it just didn’t quite feel like home to them. They were both raised in Northern California and liked the idea of eloping at a spot that was familiar and special to them, so when I talked to them about Burney Falls, they were hooked.
We decided to have their ceremony during sunset in the fall. In the summer, Burney Falls simply gets too crowded, and in the winter, the snow and ice can be pretty unpredictable and make the base of the falls very slick.
We met up at the trailhead and Rae and Chase told me every detail about how they met – high school sweethearts. As we walked down the paved trail, the anticipation grew, and so did the noise of the falls. As we made our way down to the base, I was surprised to see that we were the only people there! Talk about a true intimate elopement.
Rae and Chase were never conventional. They never wanted the big wedding and thought of a wedding as a party for others that they were obligated to plan. Both living busy lives, they wanted a day all to themselves where they could focus on what they love and what would fulfill them – a true definition of an elopement.
These two exchanged their vows as the heavy mist from Burney Falls bombarded them. They didn’t mind though… they were as carefree and happy as ever, because they decided to celebrate their day in a way that was authentically and unapologetically them.
Burney Falls Elopement Packages
If you missed it, I’m local to the area (an hour away!) and specialize in elopements around Northern California. I help couples from all over the world plan elopements in incredible places like Burney Falls and would love to help you plan one as well.
Whether you need help choosing a location, finding vendors, getting permits, creating a timeline, or all of the above, I’m here to make the planning process just as fun as the wedding day itself. You can explore my packages here or check them out below to get an idea of what your Burney Falls elopement could entail.
And if you’re looking for more waterfall inspiration, I’ve got the ultimate guide to the best waterfall elopement locations in the US (and how to plan one!).
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in California
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in California are already included
- Starting at $6,500
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.
