What to Do During Your Mendocino Elopement
A Guide by Flora Gibson Photography
If you're dreaming of an intimate, wild-hearted elopement along the Northern California coast, Mendocino is the perfect place to say "I do." As a local elopement photographer with a deep love for this stretch of rugged shoreline, I've helped dozens of couples craft unforgettable elopement experiences here.
Whether you're planning a simple ceremony on the cliffs or a full weekend adventure, here’s my guide to what to do during your Mendocino elopement—so your day feels as unforgettable as your love story.
1. Start the Day Slowly
There’s something magical about waking up on your elopement day with the sound of ocean waves and redwood trees just outside your window. I always recommend my couples take the morning slow:
☕ Grab coffee and pastries from Goodlife Cafe & Bakery
🌿 Take a mindful walk through Mendocino Headlands State Park
📸 Let me capture your quiet moments as the fog lifts from the cliffs
Starting your day in a way that feels like you sets the tone for the whole experience.
2. Choose Your Dream Ceremony Spot
Mendocino offers a beautiful mix of scenery—from ancient redwoods to windswept bluffs. Some of my favorite elopement ceremony locations include:
Big River Beach (low tide magic)
Mendocino Headlands (epic ocean views)
Jug Handle Reserve (a balance of forest + coast)
Montgomery Woods (hidden redwood grove perfection)
Mendocino Botanical Gardens: Amazing property with a huge dahlia farm and only $300 to have your ceremony there with guests after they close.
Need help choosing the right spot? I offer location scouting as part of every elopement package so we can find a place that reflects your love story.
3. Include a Few Intentional Moments
The beauty of eloping is that you’re free to make the day your own. I love when couples add small, meaningful touches:
💌 Private vow exchange in the redwoods
🎵 A first dance on the bluffs as the sun dips low
📖 Reading letters from loved ones
🍷 Toasting with local wine from Anderson Valley
As your photographer, I help guide the timeline so your day flows naturally while capturing every candid, heartfelt moment.
4. Celebrate With a Local Picnic or Cozy Dinner
After your ceremony, keep the celebration going! Here are a few romantic Mendocino elopement dinner ideas:
Styled picnic on the cliffs with local cheese + wine
Private chef at your Airbnb for a cozy dinner in
Dinner at Cafe Beaujolais or Wild Fish (both intimate + delicious)
Need vendor recs? I’ve got a list of incredible local partners for food, florals, and more.
5. Adventure Together
Make your elopement more than a ceremony—make it an experience. Some fun ways to celebrate:
🐴 Horseback ride on the beach
🛶 Kayak the Big River estuary
🍇 Go wine tasting in nearby Anderson Valley
🌲 Hike through Fern Canyon or Van Damme
I can tag along for an adventure session or day-after photos too, so you’ll have beautiful memories from every part of your trip.
6. Sunset & Stargazing
The Mendocino coast offers unreal sunsets—golden light on cliffs, the ocean glowing, and wind tousling your hair. I often time elopement photos around golden hour, followed by a cozy bonfire or stargazing at your cabin.
🕯 Bring a lantern or fairy lights
🥂 Pop some champagne
🎶 Play a song and dance under the stars
Your wedding day doesn’t have to end at “I do.”
Let’s Create Your Mendocino Elopement Story
Every couple deserves a day that feels honest, beautiful, and deeply personal. That’s what I’m here to help you create—through candid photography, thoughtful planning support, and a deep knowledge of Mendocino’s hidden gems.
💌 Ready to start planning your Mendocino elopement?
Get in touch HERE and let’s dream it up together.
Flora Gibson Photography | Mendocino Elopement Photographer
Serving couples who crave wild beauty, intimate moments, and soulful storytelling.
