Jennifer Whalen Weddings

16/04/2025

Patricia and Salomon’s dreamy California elopement was full of romance, charm, and coastal magic 🌿💍 They started their day getting ready together at the Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel Highlands, with stunning ocean views setting the tone 🌊 Afterward, they explored the whimsical Carmel-by-the-Sea City Hall, where Patricia even applied for a “high heels permit” 👠—a fun local tradition!

For sunset, they headed to Garrapata State Park, where the Calla Lily Valley was in full bloom 🤍 Surrounded by lush florals and dramatic cliffs, their golden hour portraits were nothing short of breathtaking.

They ended their celebration with a romantic dinner at Casanova Restaurant, dining in the intimate Van Gogh Room by candlelight 🕯️ This elopement was filled with intentional details, spontaneous joy, and unforgettable views.

Perfect inspiration for couples dreaming of a relaxed, scenic elopement on the California coast. 🌅

10/04/2025

🌲✨🌿 Hailey and Cody’s Redwood National Park wedding elopement felt like it was pulled from the pages of a fairy tale.

🌲💍 Deep within an ancient forest—where sunlight filtered through towering trees like golden magic and moss blanketed the earth like a velvet cloak—they vowed their love beneath the watchful eyes of the giants.

The Redwoods have always been sacred to them 🌿 It’s where their love first blossomed, where they got engaged, and where they knew they were meant to be wed.

👣🧝‍♀️ We wandered together through groves that felt like enchanted realms—Fangorn vibes, anyone? The air was thick with spring’s perfume, the silence broken only by birdsong and laughter. Then, with their closest kin gathered, they sealed their promises in an intimate ceremony full of heart 💕✨

Back at their cozy cottage overlooking the harbor, they cut their cake 🎂, and snuggled with their beloved pups 🐾—a moment of warmth and peace before the next adventure.

To end the day, we journeyed north 🌊 where the crashing waves and craggy cliffs felt like the edge of the world 🌥️⚔️ From forest magic to coastal wonder, their day was nothing short of legendary 💍🌲

29/03/2025

Two Grooms, One Desert: David and Zach's Stunning Joshua Tree Elopement | ☀️Sunrise + 🌅Sunset + 🌌Starry Night | 📸View More Photos At The Link Below 👇

These two grooms eloped at Hidden Valley Joshua Tree in a secluded and intimate spot along the trail at Hidden Valley Picnic Area.

29/11/2023

Amanda & Kolby's Big Sur Elopement was an enchanting autumn escape that captured the essence of love without bounds! 😍

Dramatic cliffs, the vast ocean, and serene redwood forests set the stage for their intimate celebration at a private Airbnb cabin. Unexpectedly expecting, their joy only deepened, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the day!

The cliffside ceremony, waves crashing against rocks, and Golden Hour's perfect lighting framed their vows and ring exchange. Despite being a few months pregnant, Amanda fearlessly embraced the rocky cliffs, embodying the strength and beauty of motherhood. It was such a beautiful moment to capture both Amanda and Kolby barefoot running in the sands in Big Sur!

The day concluded with playing in the ocean, surrounded by the brilliant colors of the sunset. Amanda and Kolby's Big Sur elopement showcased love's triumph over distance and unexpected surprises—a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and the anticipation of a growing family.

💕 Swipe left for love, and let their story inspire your own.

18/10/2023

Far from their Minnesota home, Bridget and Grady eloped surrounded by the towering trees of Big Sur, CA. They embraced the authenticity of an intimate celebration, where love danced in harmony with nature's beauty. 🌲

Bridget's barefoot bliss mirrored the carefree spirit of their love story, a journey that unfolded with a magical first look among the ancient trees. Vows exchanged in the midst of nature's grandeur, their commitment echoed through the rustling leaves and whispered through the swaying branches.

As the forest embraced their union, the couple cut into a wedding cake, sharing an intimate picnic that was a celebration of their love, sealed with laughter and the sweet taste of cake! 🎂

The journey continued, leading them to the windswept shores, a picturesque beach where the elements conspired to create an unforgettable scene. This beach day was unlike any other, with gusts of wind that didn't phase either Bridget or Grady!

Huge swells crashed against the shoreline, providing a dramatic backdrop to their dance. Toes in the sand, salty air spraying their hair, they reveled in the magic of the moment, their laughter harmonizing with the ocean waves! It was so beautiful watching Bridget and Grady bask in their elopement day with no care in the world. 💕

Capturing these precious moments is a testament to the unique stories each couple brings to their wedding day. If you're dreaming of an elopement that unfolds in nature, contact me to start planning your dream day! ✨📸

27/09/2023

Elizabeth and Juan’s adventure bridal session in Malibu was a dream! 😍

They didn’t have the opportunity to take any wedding pictures when they got married five years ago at the courthouse. So when Elizabeth reached out to schedule a bridal session in Malibu to have photos taken of the two of them with ocean views we made it happen!

When Elizabeth and Juan arrived in a Subaru Outback, it was clear that they were perfect for an adventure bridal session. Their easy-going and adventurous attitudes made them up for anything!

Malibu is known for its beautiful, sunny skies, but Elizabeth and Juan’s session took place on an overcast day. Despite the lack of sun, the area was still beautiful and provided a perfect backdrop for their photos. Brides who are considering having their own adventure session can see that overcast days can also provide a beautiful setting. 🤩

Elizabeth and Juan’s Malibu adventure session was a picture-perfect day! It showcased the beauty of overcast skies and highlighted the joys of an adventure session!

Brides who are considering having their own adventure session can take inspiration from Elizabeth and Juan’s experience and see that non-traditional settings and overcast days can provide stunning backdrops for their photos! ❤️

Feeling inspired by Elizabeth and Juan's stunning adventure bridal session in Malibu? Don't wait to capture your own unforgettable moments in unique settings! Reach out today and let's make your dream photoshoot a reality! 📸

21/09/2023

When Val and José dreamt of their elopement, it was a vision of intimacy and nature's embrace. 🏞️✨ Their passion for hiking was undeniable, and together, we embarked on a journey to find the perfect ceremony spot. 🥾🗺️

With Yosemite's breathtaking beauty surrounding us, they exchanged heartfelt vows in their native language Spanish which added an extra layer of intimacy to their commitment. ❤️

As destiny would have it, we crossed paths with a fellow hiker who gladly became their witness, adding an unexpected touch of magic to their day! One of my favorite parts of the day, it was so special to see!

The beauty of this elopement went beyond the stunning backdrop; it was the reactions of fellow hikers that made it truly extraordinary. Some couldn't believe their eyes—a wilderness wedding! They stopped to share their congratulations and capture the moment in photographs.

I had the honor of sealing their love with my signature as their ordained officiant, making their union official amidst waterfalls, granite boulders, and lush forests.

Val and José's Yosemite hiking at elopement was a testament to love, adventure, and the magic of the great outdoors. 🌅🌿 It was a day filled with breathtaking views, heartfelt vows, and the shared joy of beginning their journey as a married couple, enveloped by the beauty of nature.

Ready for your own adventure? Let's capture your special moments in the great outdoors! 📸🌲 Contact me to get started!

12/04/2023

Cheers to the newlyweds, Lauren and Rahim, who chose to celebrate their love in a beautiful and intimate elopement in Malibu! ✨🥂 From Lauren's stunning non-traditional pink dress to the breathtaking cliffside views and sunset photos, their special day was a true reflection of their unique style and love for each other.💖

Their simple and stress-free ceremony by the ocean was made even more special by the presence of their loved ones (Lauren's parents and brother, and Rahim's godfather, who performed the ceremony), who toasted to the happy couple and shared in their joy.

Other than Lauren being a little chilly (yes, it can be a little chilly toward sunset in the springtime in Malibu), Lauren was such a happy girl, giggling and snuggling into Rahim every chance she got 🥰 It's clear that Lauren and Rahim's love for each other is as strong as the ocean waves that surrounded them on their special day. 🌊

Lauren and Rahim planned their elopement in roughly 2 weeks! They live locally and knew a simple and special elopement was right for them.
May their love continue to grow and flourish, and may they always remember how the clouds turned into pink cotton candy puffballs and the sun set perfectly along the horizon the night of their beautiful elopement in Malibu. Congratulations, Lauren and Rahim! 🌅

elopement

11/04/2023

Cheers to the newlyweds, Lauren and Rahim, who chose to celebrate their love in a beautiful and intimate elopement in Malibu. 🧡🌅 From Lauren's stunning non-traditional pink dress to the breathtaking cliffside views and sunset photos, their special day was a true reflection of their unique style and love for each other.💖

Their simple and stress-free ceremony by the ocean was made even more special by the presence of their loved ones, who toasted to the happy couple and shared in their joy. It's clear that Lauren and Rahim's love for each other is as strong as the ocean waves that surrounded them on their special day.🌊

May their love continue to grow and flourish, and may they always remember the magic of their beautiful elopement in Malibu. Congratulations, Lauren and Rahim! 👰💞🤵

06/04/2023

Congratulations to Carrah and Ryan on their stunning elopement on Catalina Island! 🤩 🕶 🧡 It was a joy to capture their intimate ceremony surrounded by the beauty of Avalon. From the hilltop ceremony with cliffside views to their romantic couple's portraits on the beach, every moment was filled with love and happiness. Thank you for trusting me to capture your special day!

30/03/2023

If you love natural beaches and the raw beauty of the great outdoors, then you’re going to love a Malibu elopement. And as a California elopement photographer, it’s my job to make your elopement planning easier! So swipe to find out how to plan your Malibu beach elopement and discover my favorite wedding locations! Check out the full blog on my website to read all things on How to have a Malibu elopement!🔗

23/03/2023

Fall and Winter are my favorite months to plan beach elopements in Malibu, especially in November and December! During these months the sunsets are so clear and oftentimes, more clouds in the sky become illuminated with vivid colors. So when Karina and Santos reached out to me ready to plan a Malibu beach elopement I was ecstatic! 😍

During the Fall and Winter months, there are generally fewer people at the beach which provides more privacy for your elopement which is what Karina and Santos were looking for! 🤩

Even though the temperatures are warm during the day, it’s not hot enough to attract sunbathers, so even though people might be at the beach, they are not staying there all day which is perfect when planning an intimate elopement or wedding!

I always recommend and highly suggest to couples looking to have a beach elopement to elope during the winter months because the weather is typically gorgeous and the sunsets are the best ones throughout the year!

Would you elope during the winter?! Comment below! 👇🏼

22/03/2023

If you're looking to elope where you can be surrounded by towering redwood groves, and have canyons carved by rivers and glaciers be your wedding ceremony backdrop while you marry your best friend, Sequoia National Park is the elopement location for you! Check out the full blog on my website to read all things on How to have the Ultimate Sequoia National Park Elopement!🔗

16/03/2023

If you’re looking to elope somewhere with stunning panoramic views then a Death Valley elopement is a must! With its vast desert landscape, rugged mountains, and colorful rock formations, it’s the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable elopement! Swipe to read tips on how to elope in this unique location! And check out the full blog on my website to read all things on how to have a Death Valley elopement! 🔗

15/03/2023

Andrea and Anthony knew right from the beginning that an intimate elopement was for them! 🤩

Andrea’s family owns a catering business and caters to large weddings all the time so when experiencing this she knew that a big wedding was not for her and that something very simple, short, and sweet was!

Andrea wanted the emphasis of an intimate elopement to be about her and Anthony’s special day and nothing else so they decided to have their elopement at Zuma beach in Malibu! (One of my favorite beaches here in Malibu!) 😍

I love when couples tell me that they emphasize having an intimate elopement as that’s what I love to capture and help plan!

Andrea and Anthony are absolutely adorable and have so much love for each other. There wasn’t a single photo I captured of them not smiling or giggling whether it was them playing with their dog or splashing in the waves, you could feel the love they had for each other the whole day!

What I love about the beach is that it always brings out this carefree excitement in people. I would like to believe it’s because your toes are in the sand, sunshine is on your face and the vast landscape gives you the space to feel so much freedom.

Whatever it is, I love how everyone’s energy changes for the better when they are at the beach. I could photograph beach elopements every single day and never get sick of them because each one is so different from the next!

Whats your favorite thing about a beach elopement? Comment below! 👇🏼

09/02/2023

Briana and Matt's elopement in Malibu was incredible!! 🤩

It was a clear sunny winter day at Point Dume beach. They had a lively beach wedding in the afternoon where their closest friends and focus gathered to celebrate them, friends, who drove all the way from Apple Valley and Carlsbad.

Briana knew the moment that she reached out to me that she wanted to elope in Malibu and keep it really simple so we made sure to make it happen!

Briana and Matt's elopement started off with Briana's dad walking her down the "isle". They didn't have a set up of chairs or archway instead the guests stood for the short ceremony and then blew bubbles as they were pronounced married. This was my favorite part, send-offs are always such a fun way to celebrate the couples tying the knot!

After Briana and Matt tied the know we headed up to Point Dume to take romantic couple's photos! We had the most gorgeous sunset right before we finished taking their couple's photos!

The sunset was so clear and vivid and just breathtaking! Another reason I love capturing elopements in the off-season! During the summer months, the sun often sets underneath at fog bank which has been coined "June Gloom." I can't recommend enough to elope in the off-season! You will have a lot more privacy at the beach because there won't be as many people there, and also your chances of having a clear sunset on the horizon are much greater! 😍

After spending time capturing Briana and Matt having fun down at the beach and on the cliffside during sunset, I let Briana and Matt enjoy the sunset on the horizon.

I captured these moments of them taking it in and right as the sun was setting, Briana started shedding tears and letting out the happy emotion of the day. It was SO sweet! I captured a few photos of Matt wiping away her tears and I hope they can look back on these memories and remember what a gorgeous day they had!

Thinking of taking advantage of eloping during the off-season and looking for a California elopement photographer? Contact me through the link in my bio! I would love to capture your special day! ❤️

02/02/2023

I loved capturing Alex and Sean's beach elopement in Malibu during the rain! 😍

Rain to many people wouldn't be "ideal" weather for their wedding day but it's actually known to be a sign of good luck and it didn't bother Alex or Sean one bit!

Alex has such a sunny and positive disposition that rubbed off on everyone throughout the day, no one was bothered by the rain, they were just excited to see Alex and Sean tie the knot and celebrate with them!

Both Alex and Sean wanted to have a sunrise session to ensure that they had the maximum chance for privacy. One of the many reasons I suggest having sunrise elopements as well as eloping during the off-season!

Since it's a bit colder, around the 60s on the beach during the winter months there aren't many tourists giving you SO much space to work with when eloping! Which we took advantage of. We took portraits all over Point Dume beach taking advantage of having the beach all to ourselves!

Alex's parents made the journey out to Los Angeles to witness the ceremony, and they read their heartfelt vows in front of their immediate family ringing in the New Year in the best way possible!

I'm so glad Alex and Sean allowed me to be a part of their momentous day, and I'm so excited to shoot more elopements during the off-season just like this one!

Thinking of taking advantage of eloping during the off-season and looking for a California elopement photographer? Contact me through the link in my bio! I would love to capture your special day! ❤️