Nicole and Grant’s elopement took place in one of the most enchanting corners of Northern California, where ancient redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean. Their day was easygoing, intentional, and ridiculously beautiful. It was a day with just two of them, surrounded by nature, and choosing to be fully present.

And if you’re also looking to get the best of both worlds with redwoods and the beach, like Nicole and Grant, take a look at their Prairie Creek Redwoods + Trinidad State Beach elopement below!

Why They Chose the Redwoods + Coast for Their Elopement

Nicole and Grant chose this slice of Northern California because it was nostalgic, since Grant grew up in the area. He wanted to share the beauty of the redwoods with Nicole, and together they dreamed of a day surrounded by towering trees and crashing waves.

And truly, Prairie Creek Redwoods and Trinidad gave them exactly what they were looking for with the large, ancient trees in the redwood forest, and the wide-open coast just a short drive away.

Nicole and Grant chose to elope because: “We wanted to feel at ease, present, in the moment, and in love. We want to appreciate being in a beautiful place and making our commitments to each other. We also want to have fun and just enjoy the day.”

And that’s exactly what they did. Their elopement day was all about their connection and letting nature hold space for their love story.

Starting at The Lost Whale Inn

They started the day at The Lost Whale Inn, an adorable bed and breakfast tucked right above the ocean. Trinidad itself is such a cute and cozy beach town with great coffee, forests, and beaches! I stayed in a cabin in the redwoods two minutes from the beach and the main street, and I was obsessed.

I popped in to grab a few photos before the official coverage started before we headed out, just to capture the calm moments before their adventure began. Also, I brought walkie-talkies with me (which is a must in this area since cell service gets spotty fast), and from there, we caravaned down the most scenic, winding road to their ceremony spot at the Prairie Creek Redwoods. 

Intimate Private Vows at the Prairie Creek Redwoods

Instead of the more crowded trails, I led Nicole and Grant up one of my favorite winding roads into the redwoods. It was a quieter spot tucked away in the old growth. On the way, we paused in the middle of the road for portraits and a little spontaneous dancing. The trees towered around us, and the light filtered through the branches just right.

From there, we hiked in about 10 minutes to a perfect little clearing surrounded by ferns and the hush of the forest. They read their vows amongst the ancient giants, handfasting cords in hand, and exchanged rings, as well. I had the honor of pronouncing them married as their officiant! 

After the vows, we wandered just a bit further down the trail to a tree that had been made hollow from a lightning strike. Once out on the other side, there was a giant heart in the tree above them. They loved it!  

Also… so many banana slugs along the way.

We walked back out onto the road and they shared their first dance before driving back to Trinidad. 

Burgers and a Picnic at Trinidad State Beach

After exploring the Prairie Creek Redwoods, we drove back to Trinidad. We stopped at the Lighthouse Grill to pick up burgers and then headed to the beach. I brought my picnic setup and made a romantic chill spot for them to enjoy. 

They clinked glasses, enjoyed cupcakes as dessert, and let the rest of the evening unfold however it wanted to. Barefoot beach strolls, climbing on rocks, hunting for shells, soaking in every last second of sunlight.

Kind Words from the Couple

“😭😭😭 These are incredible. Grant and I are just sitting at a pizza joint crying 😆🥰💗 thank youuuuu! You’re THE BEST”

Why You Will Love a Prairie Creek Redwoods + Trinidad State Beach Elopement 

If you’re torn between the forest and the beach, why not have both? Prairie Creek Redwoods and Trinidad State Beach are about a 30-minute drive apart, which means you can get those enchanted forest vibes and run barefoot on the sand all in one day. 

Here you get:

• Ultimate variety: Towering redwoods + coastal cliffs in the same elopement day
  
• Privacy: There are plenty of tucked-away trails that feel like your own secret world
  
• Small-town charm: Trinidad has great food, coffee, and local spots for a cozy stay
  
• Short hikes, big views: You don’t need to hike for miles for something incredible

I’d be honored to help you plan a day that feels peaceful, joyful, and completely yours.

Related Elopement Planning Resources You Might Find Helpful

• How to Elope in Northern California: Locations, Permits & Planning Tips
• The Best California Redwood Elopement Locations
• Best Coasts for Your California Beach Elopement

Let’s Plan Your Northern California Adventure Elopement Together!

Hi! I’m Christina, your Northern California elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most 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 Northern 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 pricing page, or if you are ready for the next steps, fill out my contact form, and we can get together on a call! I can’t wait to make your day so special!

Every elopement package includes:

• 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.