California was made for a carefree, windows down, summer vacation kind of elopement day.
As a California elopement photographer, I help couples plan care-free wedding days in Yosemite, the redwood forests, the Sierra Nevada, and along the wild California coast.
So you want those iconic desert red rocks, but you don't want to drive to Arizona? California has got your back! Think Valley of Fire vibes without the crowds.
Redrock Canyon State Park
If ever a tree had personality, it’s the Joshua Tree. I love this quirky desert landscape and its lingering light. Just skip the summer heat- any other time of year, I’m game.
Joshua Tree State Park
Salt flats, sand dunes, and hint of Mad Max vibes create a landscape that feels surreal in the best way. Zabriskie Point is especially breathtaking at first light.
Death Valley National Park
Any place that gives me prehistoric dinosaur vibes is always worth it. In places like Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, the light filtering through the trees feels like another place and time.
Redwoods National & State Parks
Hundreds of Hollywood movies can't be wrong, this location makes for an incredible backdrop! With an impressive view of Mt Whitney and incredibly sized boulders, this BLM location is elopement perfection.
Alabama Hills
Alpine lakes, jagged peaks make this part of the Sierra feel adventurous and peaceful all at once. Spots like Convict Lake make for an incredible ceremony backdrop.
Mammoth Lakes
Some of the most iconic scenery in the world- Yosemite is hard to beat. Sunrise at Glacier Point alone can make an your day feel surreal.
Yosemite National Park
California has a little bit of everything—towering mountains, dramatic coastline, ancient forests, and surreal desert landscapes. If you can imagine it, chances are there’s a perfect place here to elope.
Best Places to Elope in California
What kind of beach do you like? Warm weather and swimming or fog and mystery? We have both! Weather you want lounge in the sun or explore in the mist, California delivers.
California Coast
Eloping doesn't make your wedding "less"-It makes it YOURS.
What does it mean to elope in 2026?
Expect the I-can’t-believe-this-is-real kind of joy-
just without AUNT KATHY filming it on her iPad.
Maybe it's just the two of you (in the same ferns from Jurrasic Park, anybody?)
Or a handful of your favorite people.
LOCATION SCOUTING
I'll send you a personalized list of location suggestions based on your vision. I'll also advise the best times of day for dreamy photos.
EXCURSION PLANNING
SHARED EXPERIENCES MAKE FOR THE BEST BONDING EXPERIENCES. I LOVE FINDING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES THAT ADD LAYERS OF MEANING TO YOUR DAY.
Choosing the right place is just the beginning.
From permits and location scouting to building a timeline that leaves plenty of room for adventure, I help outdoorsy introverts create a California experience that feels just right.
How I Help Couples Plan their California Elopement
INTROVERT FRIENDLY
As an introvert myself, I can tell you there will be a brief warm up period. I promise that with movement and personal prompts you’ll be ignoring the camera in no time.
TIMELINE PLANNING
I'LL PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT FROM BEGINNING TO END. WE'LL PRIORITIZE THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU THE MOST JOY AND FIND A BALANCE OF "JUST US" TIME AND TIME SHARED.
TRUE TO LIFE EDITS
The colors in your photos will BE realistic, although I do have a soft spot for playing up that golden hour glow. Guilty.
VENDOR ADD-ONS
I'M FORTUNATE TO KNOW MANY LIKE-MINDED California LOCAL VENDORS WHO ARE EAGER TO PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR DAY.
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
LOCATION SCOUTING
How I Help Couples Plan their California Elopement
From permits and location scouting to building a timeline that leaves plenty of room for adventure, I help outdoorsy introverts create a California experience that feels just right.
EXCURSION PLANNING
INTROVERT FRIENDLY
TIMELINE PLANNING
VENDOR
ADD-0NS
TRUE TO LIFE EDITS
I'll send you a personalized list of location suggestions based on your vision. I'll also advise the best times of day for dreamy photos.
SHARED EXPERIENCES MAKE FOR THE BEST BONDING EXPERIENCES. I LOVE FINDING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES THAT ADD LAYERS OF MEANING TO YOUR DAY.
As an introvert myself, I can tell you there will be a brief warm up period. I promise that with movement and personal prompts you’ll be ignoring the camera in no time.
I'LL PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT FROM BEGINNING TO END. WE'LL PRIORITIZE THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU THE MOST JOY AND FIND A BALANCE OF "JUST US" TIME AND TIME SHARED.
The colors in your photos will BE realistic, although I do have a soft spot for playing up that golden hour glow. Guilty.
I'M FORTUNATE TO KNOW MANY LIKE-MINDED MOUNTAIN LOCAL VENDORS WHO ARE EAGER TO PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR DAY.
Your California Elopement Photographer
I help outdoorsy introverts plan California elopement adventures that feel like your best summer vacation, and your favorite memory in the making.
Go ahead and cancel that appointment with the table linen lady...
Let’s create a day where you can watch the sun go down from your tailgate and have a first dance by campfire light.
Sierra Nevada Local
I grew up in a tiny mountain town on the edge of Yosemite National Park, and exploring has always been second nature to me. These days you’ll often find me on van road trips, wandering California from the high desert to the dark redwood forests of the north. The Sierra Nevada will always feel like home, but I love helping couples discover incredible places all across the state.
• I’ve never related to the term “hype girl.” It feels too loud. I’m more of a mellow, laid-back encourager.
• The most nostalgic smell in the world to me is campfire.
• My favorite just-for-fun hobby is tie dye.
• My best bud is my 15-year-old pit boxer mix, Lunchbox.
Hi there, I'm Joleen
Your California
Elopement Photographer
I help outdoorsy introverts plan California elopement adventures that feel like your best summer vacation, and your favorite memory in the making.
Go ahead and cancel that appointment with the table linen lady...
Sierra Nevada Local
I grew up in a tiny mountain town on the edge of Yosemite National Park, and exploring has always been second nature to me. These days you’ll find me on van road trips, wandering California from the high desert to the dark redwood forests of the north. The Sierra Nevada will always feel like home, but I love helping couples discover incredible places all across the state.
• I’ve never related to the term “hype girl.” It feels too loud. I’m more of a mellow, laid-back encourager.
• The most nostalgic smell in the world to me is campfire.
• My favorite just-for-fun hobby is tie dye.
• My best bud is my 15-year-old pit boxer mix, Lunchbox.
Let’s create a day where you can watch the sun go down from your tailgate and have a first dance by campfire light.
Hi there, I'm Joleen
You work a high-stress job in your real life.
01
You carry a lot. Many of my couple's work demanding, high responsibility jobs. You are used to staying composed for others. You serve your community. Now on your wedding day, you don't want to worry about everyone else- you want to stay fully present for yourself.
You plan adventures, not parties.
You’d rather map out a weekend escape than a seating chart. The best memories come from trying something new together. For you, connection happens on the trail, around the fire, and in the quiet in-between moments. Your wedding day should be no different—just you and your person (and probably your dog).
02
You drive a Subaru or a Toyota truck.
03
And there's a good chance the first "thing" you bought for your wedding was a Patagonia puffer jacket.
You spend your weekends chasing pins on a map and sleeping under the stars. You’ve got a favorite snack for the trail, a go-to post-hike beer, and a playlist that’s basically your love story in songs.
You hate being the center of attention.
And you haven't been planning your wedding day since you were 12.
Emotion, not performance.
Dreaming of a California elopement? I might know a few things about you.
You work a high-stress job in your real life.
01
You carry a lot. Many of my couple's work demanding, high responsibility jobs. You are used to staying composed for others. You serve your community. Now on your wedding day, you don't want to worry about everyone else- you want to stay fully present for yourself.
You plan adventures, not parties.
You’d rather map out a weekend escape than a seating chart. The best memories come from trying something new together. For you, connection happens on the trail, around the fire, and in the quiet in-between moments. Your wedding day should be no different—just you and your person (and probably your dog).
02
You drive a Subaru or a Toyota truck.
And there's a good chance the first "thing" you bought for your wedding was a Patagonia puffer jacket.
You spend your weekends chasing pins on a map and sleeping under the stars. You’ve got a favorite snack for the trail, a go-to post-hike beer, and a playlist that’s basically your love story in songs.
03
You deserve a wedding day that becomes one of your favorite memories.
A joy-filled day, with playful inside joke energy. In your favorite place, with your favorite person.
Joleen has a gift for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
-C & A, Yosemite National Park
"My husband and I had an unforgettable experience in Yosemite with her. From start to finish, we were constantly laughing and feeling completely at ease. Her communication and transparency are truly exceptional. Joleen goes above and beyond—she even offered to pick up items like a flower bouquet or cake."
Her being a local was a god send!
- J & P, Stanislaus National Forest
"We couldn't imagine how stressful the weeks leading up to and even the day of the event would've been without her. Seriously, if you are considering, let this be the sign you are looking for to book her. She was amazing- she felt like a friend at the wedding and the entire time she was taking great photos. she helped us so much and we are truly grateful and honored to have had an amazing person. I can't stress enough how happy she made us."
She felt like such a pivotal & important part of our wedding weekend.
-L & G, Yosemite National Park
"I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed. Joleen was accommodating every step of the way and made sure to talk through every step of our multi-day photography journey together and I am forever grateful."
She knew every secret spot in Mammoth to get incredible images.
-K & M, Mammoth Lakes
"If you want an experience that deepens your bond and celebrates all that makes your love with your partner special, Joleen will make it happen! Her attention to detail, genuine kindness and ability to catch those precious shots while making you feel totally at ease is one in a million. We get so many compliments on our photos and can’t thank Joleen enough for helping us celebrate our day our way."
"We wouldn’t have wanted anyone but her to third wheel along side us on our wedding day to capture all the fun moments. She trucked down dirt roads and hiked up granite to capture the most beautiful photos. Oh, and she loves dogs - she was perfectly happy sharing the backseat with our fluffy and dirt covered dogs. We just adore Joleen, and we will treasure these special photos forever!"
Joleen is up for anything, and has such a vision for making your perfect day come to fruition.
-C&M, Sonora Pass & Mamomth Lakes
Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words //
Imagine your California Elopement Day:
You spend the morning leisurely preparing for your day together, and the anticipation grows. Your heart overflows when you see she packed your favorite mug and brings you your coffee just how you like it.
As the California sun warms your skin, you approach him for your first look. Tears come to your eyes as it sets in, “today is our day!” He surprises you with a curated playlist of your favorite songs, and you cheers with your favorite post hike beer.
After cruising over an alpine lake on your SUPs or playing with your dogs, it’s ceremony time. You head to a beautiful mountain vista. The sky turns from blue to gold, as you say your vows. You feel true solitude as the wind carries your words away.
You end the day by the glow of a campfire, snuggled close, as you enjoy your favorite meal. The stars come out, the music starts, and before you know it—you’re dancing barefoot, under an endless night sky, each star a little celebration for you.
YOU'RE MARRIED!
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Why is everyone talking about intentional elopements?
Here's what "INTENTION" really looks like in action:
Not a barn or a golf course—but the mountain you shared your first camping trip.
Or, a new corner of the map you’ve dreamed of exploring together.
• It's choosing a location that feels meant for you.
• It’s doing what you actually love.
If doing anything outside is where you feel the most content, I think your wedding day should feel like that too. Whether it's sitting around a campfire, skinny dipping or 4x4ing down a bumpy road, do that thing.
• It’s including only the people who make it better.
This is a memory that’s meant to be returned to again and again. When you need encouragement, when you have a fight, when life is joyful or messy.
• It’s building a landmark memory.
This day doesn't have to rush by, and it shouldn't. We'll create a timeline that gives you space to enjoy it.
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people (or pets!) who matter most—and only them.
Some couples thrive in a group. Others want just the two of them and the trees.
Whatever brings you peace and presence, that’s the right choice.
• It’s slowing the heck down.
This is a memory that’s meant to be returned to again and again. When you need encouragement, when you have a fight, when life is joyful or messy.
If doing anything outside is where you feel the most content I think your wedding day should feel like that too. Whether it's sitting around a campfire, skinny dipping, or 4x4ing down a bumpy road, do that thing.
Not a barn or a golf course—but the mountain you shared your first camping trip
Or, a new corner of the map you’ve dreamed of exploring together.
• It’s doing what you actually love.
• It's choosing a location that feels meant for you.
• It’s Including only the people who make it better.
• It’s slowing the heck down.
• It’s letting go of the "shoulds"
This day doesn't have to rush by, and it shouldn't. We'll create a timeline that gives you space to enjoy it.
Here's what "INTENTION" really looks like in action:
You’re not performing for a crowd.
You’re sharing a moment with the people who matter most—and only them.
You should wear white.
You should invite Great Uncle Ralph.
You should book the country club.
Yeah… no. You get the point.
• It’s building a landmark memory.
What you won't find here:
Your day will be full—but not frantic. We’ll have a plan that focuses on the moments that matter most, and we’ll move through it with presence and breathing room.
No adrenaline. No rushing.
• No timelines that steal your joy.
• No awkward all eyes on you moments
We’ll get the meaningful portraits—even ones your grandma will love—but they’ll feel calm, easy, and never forced.
Adventure-ish is totally acceptable. We can find privacy and beauty without a long hike.
• No pressure to hike if you don't want to
I’ll guide you gently, and give you prompts that draw on your relationship and inside jokes. And I'll capture all the inbeteween moments that come naturally.
• No fake laughs or stiff poses
"We had never gotten professional photography before, and she made it so easy. Her professionalism and organization was obvious from our first call, where she walked us through all of the options for making our day special and personalized. It really felt like she spent the time to get to know us, so she was able to spend all day reminding us and helping us focus on our journey and the meaning behind the wedding day. I couldn't recommend Joleen enough to make your day fun, relaxed and beautiful!"
Working with Joleen was one of the best decisions we made for our day!
-S&E, Mamomth Lakes
Your California Elopement Starts Here
Let’s make it everything you hoped for — and nothing you don't.
Here's how to get started:
• You don't need a detailed plan.
• You don't need an exact date or location.
• You just need a sense of what feels right.
I'll help you turn that gut feeling into a beautiful, intentional, in-your-element elopement experience.
expect a response within 48 business hours
joleen@love-wildly.com
209-768-6016
The story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives begins here.
A guess or a date range is ok.
If you don't know exactly, let me know the ideal landscape- mountains, desert, redwood forest, meadow, lakeside or beach.
Google, Instagram, etc
Reach out directly-
joleen@love-wildly.com
Submit
Message Sent!
thank you for taking the first step, It' a big deal to reach out to a stranger on the internet!
If you don't hear back from me in 48 business hours, I didn't get your Message.
joleen@love-wildly.com
Here's what happens next:
• I'll review your details and make sure I'm available on your date or date range.
• I'll respond with a few off the top of my head ideas and ask a few optional questions to get you daydreaming too.
• In my reply will be a link to book a super casual, no strings attached meeting where we'll get to know each other, and I'll learn more about your vision and priorities.
• There's zero pressure to make a decision on our call, in fact, I prefer you take some time after we talk to think it over.
