Caitlin + TJ’s Malibu Beach + Mountain Elopement

Couple embraces during their elopement in Malibu at sunset.

Caitlin and TJ first came to me with the idea of a Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding. While they new they wanted something small and intimate, they were disappointed at the room and lack of privacy the courthouse offered when they went to go pick up their marriage license. They quickly opted for something outdoors, somewhere beautiful that had meaning to them both. They had a lot happen in the last 12 months; sports injuries, major surgeries, new jobs, pregnancy, and now marriage! There was a lot to celebrate, so they felt like they should make it feel a bit more epic than an indoor room.

We discussed a few locations and knew that the mountains were they way to go. Several years ago, they went on a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, in a hidden gem of a park. (You can message me for details)! They watched the sun set at the end of a picturesque fall evening driving up the PCF and getting Malibu Seafood after telling each other “I love you.” for the first time. So this is the park where they decided was the best location for their ceremony. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and if you turn around has beautiful golden fields and layers of mountains. You could get the best of both worlds in this park just 9 minutes away from one of the most iconic beaches in Malibu.

Realizing that time would go quickly, they opted for photos together exploring Matador Beach. They wanted a few moments together before meeting up with their immediate family at the ceremony spot. They enjoyed the views from the cliffside and walked down to the beach, enjoying warm water and low tides.

Afterwards, we headed up to the ceremony location. TJs mom gave the ceremony and was the officiant, giving a beautiful speech. Caitlin’s mom also stepped in to offer her love and words of advice. The 2 were soon married and toasted with some NA sparkly wine and donuts from their favorite spot in Santa Monica. Afterwards the 2 of them wanted to explore the park alone and I tagged along. The views of the clouds from above the sea was stunning, and the amount of green and vegetation that existed in the park after months of no rain was astonishing. Afterwards, the couple headed to Malibu Seafood with their family for dinner. All in all a perfect day for a Malibu elopement!

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emma dalessandro photography

Intimate wedding + elopement photographer for couples who want to follow their hearts and celebrate in a way that feels true to them