Point Reyes Elopement

 
Wedding couple kiss during their Point Reyes elopement

If you’re looking for beautiful, dramatic scenery and a chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then a Point Reyes elopement is for you! There are so many different parts of Point Reyes National Seashore to explore (over 100 square miles) and so much variety that you’ll always find a new corner to enjoy.

V + J knew they wanted to celebrate their marriage in a beautiful place where they could enjoy uninterrupted nature. As avid hikers and explorers themselves (they once spent ten days hiking the Slovenian Alps together!), celebrating outside was important to them. Point Reyes was the perfect spot, as it feels particularly remote given the scenic roads you have to take to get there and the rugged, untouched coastline scenery is breathtaking.

We spent the afternoon exploring different parts of Point Reyes for their elopement, starting off at the iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel. From there, we headed to an epic vista point where you could see for miles! We continued to explore that part of Point Reyes, even getting in a short hike, before heading back to the overlook for sunset.


Top 5 tips for your
Point Reyes elopement:

  1. Stay on designated trails and practice Leave No Trace principles. As a protected National Seashore, it’s extra important to stay on official trails and not disturb the native ecosystem.

  2. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible wind. That means bringing a warm jacket for in between photos or even a blanket to snuggle up with your partner. As for the wind, it may be a good idea to put a little extra holding product in your hair just in case the breeze picks up.

  3. Be prepared for limited cell service and possible road construction delays. Also, many roads in Point Reyes are two lane and windy, so give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. You’ll also enjoy the scenery more, so why rush?

  4. Bring comfortable shoes for walking on dirt trails. You can always change into nicer looking shoes for photos.

  5. Absolutely go on a weekday to avoid the crowds! Point Reyes has been known to run shuttles to popular spots during peak seasons on the weekends, so for the best elopement experience, make it a weekday!

Couple hold hands in Point Reyes at the Cypress Tree Tunnel
Couple walk down the Cypress Tree Tunnel together in Point Reyes National Seashore
Couple stand together enjoying the view of a Point Reyes beach
Couple stand together at a viewpoint overlooking the beach in Point Reyes

A Point Reyes elopement gives you the gift of three things:

  • the opportunity to get away from the crowds

  • a chance to see wildlife (don’t miss our animal friends in the photos below!)

  • gorgeous coastal views to peacefully enjoy with your partner

Wedding couple adjust each other’s hair during their Point Reyes elopement
Wedding couple in Point Reyes after eloping

If you love the California coast, check out this fantastic location as well!

Wedding couple cuddle in Point Reyes at sunset during their elopement
Wedding couple kiss at Point Reyes overlooking the beach at sunset
Point Reyes elopement couple laugh together at sunset overlooking the beach

Kind words from the couple:

“This set of photos is probably the only thing of our wedding that has happened according to plan AND exceeded expectations thus far — it just makes us so happy! Thank you again! (Crossing our fingers that everything else will fall into place now but this is such a great start!!!) Can’t thank you enough for this!”