When I say this day was magic, I mean it. Shay and Joey’s forest elopement took place in the very place where they grew up and fell in love. These two actually met in elementary school (!!) and returned to Northern California to say their vows surrounded by the towering redwoods, fiery fall colors, and their two amazing moms.

They knew they didn’t want anything big or over-the-top. What mattered most was being together, honoring their story, and creating a peaceful, personal day that felt exactly like them.

Why Armstrong Redwoods Was the Perfect Place for Their Forest Elopement

Armstrong Redwoods is one of Northern California’s most enchanting forests with towering redwoods, soft light, and quiet trails. These redwoods are nestled in the Russian River area, and there are a ton of wineries and small shops; it really is so cozy! I also love how close it is to Jenner and Bodega Bay, so you have even more places to visit and explore.

For Shay and Joey, Armstrong Redwoods was THEIR place. This was where they grew up, fell in love, and where the memories lived in the trees and those winding roads.

Choosing a forest elopement here allowed them to keep the day simple, intimate, and full of the natural beauty they appreciate together during their free time. They traveled from Reno back to their hometown for a day that truly felt like coming home.

A Cozy Morning With Their Moms in Russian River

We started the day at their cozy Airbnb tucked in the Russian River area, close to Armstrong Redwoods and full of relaxed, woodsy charm. While Shay had her makeup done, I captured their beautiful details (peep the flowers and that super precious baby announcement 🥹). Their moms were both there, sipping champagne and watching their kids get ready. It was a wonderful morning together.

HMU: @kloseupbeauty & Flowers: @sbblooms

Their Forest Elopement First Look Beneath the Redwoods

After getting ready, we drove just ten minutes to Armstrong Redwoods. We began with a quiet first look under the canopy of trees, and Joey’s reaction was one of the sweetest I’ve ever seen.

This place meant so much to them, and seeing it all come together on their wedding day was truly special. 

Forest Elopement Ceremony at the Armstrong Redwoods

Then we wandered about ten minutes down the trail to a tucked-away spot for their ceremony. It was just the two of them, their moms, and me officiating. 

As we walked back through the amphitheater, an older couple passed by and shared that they had gotten married right there 50 years ago and were visiting on their anniversary. It was so cool!

Exploring Their Hometown Favorites

Originally, we had planned to add a beach adventure, but with high winds and rain in the forecast, we chose to pivot. Instead of heading to the beach, Shay and Joey took me through their favorite hometown spots — their go-to vineyard roads, the parks they used to visit, and all the places that shaped them and their love story.

The skies stayed dry, and the fall colors were absolutely on fire. Think golden vines, crimson leaves, and cozy overcast skies. It turned out even more personal and meaningful than we imagined.

Ending the Day with a Family Picnic

We closed out the afternoon with a picnic in the redwoods, just the four of them. Shay and Joey shared that they chose to elope because they wanted to prioritize each other and enjoy a sweet, intimate adventure, with a little room for fun and family, too.

Their fall forest elopement was romantic, relaxed, and absolutely stunning, and it was an absolute honor to document every minute of it!

Kind Words from the Couple 

“Wow!! These are incredible!! We owe this day to you, thank you for all your hard work.” 

Related California Elopement Planning Resources You Might Find Helpful

• Top 5 Reasons to Elope in the Redwoods
• How to Elope in California: Locations, Seasons, & Planning Tips

Planning Your Own Northern California Elopement Day?

Hi! I’m Christina, your California adventure elopement photographer. I love planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!”

My California elopement packages offer a half-, full-–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!

• Help you hand pick a location
• Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods
• Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
• Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
• Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true. 
• Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
• Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
• Have a backup plan for it all!
• Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks! 
• Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come.