Redwoods National Park + Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

the hearnes » adventure elopement photographers


allix + tate's intimate wedding ceremony in the redwood forest | adventure wedding photographer

With so much of their relationship being based on travel and adventure, Allix and Tate knew they wanted to have their wedding somewhere beautiful and meaningful instead of a traditional venue. They had fallen in love with the Redwoods of Northern California time and time again from trips together in the past, so it only felt right to be married among them as well. They invited their closest family and a couple of friends to join them in a secluded grove for their wedding ceremony.

First we met up with them in Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park for some wedding portraits in one of their favorite groves, then drove out through the forest to another quiet area where we met up with their guests. We all hiked in a picked a nice little spot nestled between some giant trees complete with a babbling brook as the soundtrack. Afterwards, we celebrated with champagne and a short hike around the area for some forest portraits. Then Tate and Allix led the way stopping at a couple of their favorite spots in Redwoods National Park. We ended the day out on the coast, crawling over giant driftwood and climbing around the rocks searching for starfish and soaking in California’s famous golden light. The entire day was amazing, but I have to admit my favorite part was when these two kicked off their shoes and ran straight into the freezing pacific ocean, stopping to kiss as a giant wave snuck up on them from behind. I love that they embraced the dirt, sand and salt all day, and didn’t care at all about ripping Allix’s train as they climbed on a tree, covering the bottom of her dress in ferms, or ending the day soaked in their wedding clothes from the ocean. 

If you like the idea of an adventure elopement but still want to include a few friends and family, you might consider having an intimate wedding similar to Allix + Tate’s! These two got to spend time with their family and friends, and treat them to the traditional dinner, but still had plenty of time just the two of them, including an adventurous hike and beautiful sunset portraits. We specialize in adventure elopements, so that’s what you typically see on our website and instagram, but we shoot intimate weddings with up to thirty guests!

The Hearnes Adventure Photography is run by Abbi and Callen Hearne, a husband & wife wedding photography team with an emphasis on adventure. They live on the road as full-time nomads in their big white van, allowing them to serve a large portion of the western US including California, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. They believe love is the greatest adventure and strive to create photos that are epic, romantic, true, and timeless.

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