elopements for earthy couples who want to feel the sand in their toes and the wind in their hair.
Malibu Elopement + Intimate Wedding Photographer
let's plan the coastal elopement of your dreams
You know those days where you wake up and decide to go out for coffee and then you end up at the beach for a spontaneous swim session, and then an impromptu picnic with your favorite pizza ever, and one mini adventure rolls into another until it has become the best day ever. (I can't help but picture the movie Dazed and Confused in my head). That is how your elopement day should feel.
An elopement is all about creating an epic experience to celebrate the start of your legal life together. Whatever you are envisioning for your elopement, I am here to bring those visions to life.
Just a few miles away from Venice and Santa Monica, Malibu offers a rocky coast, warm sun, great surf, and plentiful hiking trails. It has so much diversity of landscape and things for you to do on your elopement day. Cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway in your Jeep to a hike in the rolling green hills of Malibu overlooking the Pacific. Head out for an early morning surf session, followed by coffee and cuddles in the back of your pickup before getting ready to say your vows on the bluffs with the waves crashing underneath you.
have you & your partner ever thought "we are so awkward in front of the camera!"?
If you are nodding your head so hard your neck hurts, then you've come to the right place. I'm here to help craft an elopement experience that is so you that your photos will reflect the genuine moments that happen between each other throughout the day. The big moments and the small ones. When you look at your photos in 10 years, I want you to relive all of the same emotions you felt during your elopement. I want you to remember how you couldn't stop laughing or how you always found a way to be touching. Because let's face it, the moments where you feel most connected are the ones worth photographing.
Emma is absolutely the best!!! My partner and I went into our elopement with zero clue of what to do. I had the name of a trail that was meaningful to us in Malibu…and that’s it. In comes Emma! She helped us figure out the plan that worked best for us - the schedule, locations, timing day-of, little details like hair/makeup, champagne toasts, food, parking, etc. She scoped out all locations in advance to make sure it would be perfect on the day-of and gave the most helpful tips throughout the process. Once the big day finally came, she made everything feel so seamless and so natural! She kept track of time, was somehow able to take all of the most amazing photos without it being the focal point, and me and my husband were genuinely having the BEST time during all of the photos - it felt romantic, special and private. She was professional and so attentive to detail, while also being able to stay true to the meaning of the day for us and how we wanted it to feel. She made us feel so comfortable, in a way I’ve never really felt with professional photographers before. My friends/family gush over our photos - and they are memories I’m so excited to now have captured forever. I cannot WAIT to use Emma l for our family photos for years to come.
-Caitlin and TJ, Malibu Elopement 2024
...she made everything feel so seamless and so natural! She kept track of time, was somehow able to take all of the most amazing photos without it being the focal point, and me and my husband were genuinely having the BEST time during all of the photos - it felt romantic, special and private...
I’ve been fortunate enough to call the coast of Southern California my home for the last 11 years and have spent my free time exploring the trails, beaches, surf spots, and hidden gems of Malibu, Venice, and Santa Monica. I love showing my eloping couples the local side of Los Angeles, and not just what Hollywood wants you to see or think.
With state parks and local conservation efforts, Malibu and its surrounding areas have beautiful hiking, parks, beaches, and restaurants to explore. Malibu is perfect for couples looking to have dirty feet and salty, sandy hair by the end of their elopement day.
Hey! I'm Emma, Malibu Elopement Photographer.
about me
You don’t mind a dirty dress or wind blown hair and value experiences over stuff. You’re uninspired by the traditional wedding day and are looking for things that feel more like you. You want to have a special day that fits who you are as a couple, focusing on the connection that you have. So let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. I truly believe there is no one size fits all to relationships, and nor should there be for weddings.
The possibilities for your elopement are endless. You may be feeling a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed. And if you’re thinking “Dammit! There seem to be more decisions to make than if we had gone the traditional route,” that’s why I’m here. I provide guidance throughout the entire planning process, spending time getting to know you and your vision, to help you have the elopement of your dreams.
The possibilities for your elopement are endless. You may be feeling a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed. And if you’re thinking “Dammit! There seem to be more decisions to make than if we had gone the traditional route,” that’s why I’m here. I provide guidance throughout the entire planning process, spending time getting to know you and your vision, to help you have the elopement of your dreams.
I work with couples who want to do things a little differently.
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package 3
Team pics
$1100
book now
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Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
package 3
team pics
$1100
book now
< Back to all Packages
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
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Planning and Logistics
Finding the Perfect Location
Telling Your Story
I curate your tailoring your entire day from start to finish to fit you best, putting together timelines to help your day feel the way that you have always imagined. I can offer permit assistance, accommodation recommendations, and send you amazing local vendor recs.
I am committed to finding you the perfect location for your elopement day activities and to say your vows. With Malibu being a well-known destination, I can help find the most epic spots to meet your needs. Whether you want to prioritize views, quiet hiking trails, hard to get to coves, or famous beach, I have loads of recommendations for you.
Your love story should be told how it is in the every day; unique and true to you. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of smiles, but they’ll be accompanied by laughs through the experience of your day together. I offer constant direction and guidance throughout the day, focusing on your connections and experiences together, with photos being the documentation, not the other way around!
-Amanda + Kevin
“Emma is not only an incredible photographer, but an incredible person. From the start of our planning process, she was such a support through helping us with suggestions, timelines, and emotional supports. We knew we didn't want a huge traditional wedding, and it's so clear from her work that she knows how to get those quiet, special moments. Her calming presence was so appreciated, she jumped in and helped with little things throughout the day, was able to direct us (who are, what you might say, goofy on camera), laughed with us, and just perfectly nailed every shot. She so seamlessly captured our intimate backyard wedding, and we are forever grateful to her for doing so. Please do yourself a favor and book her for literally every event, shoot, etc. It will be the best decision you could make! We love you, Emma. Thank you for everything!!”
"WE KNEW WE DIDN'T WANT A HUGE TRADITIONAL WEDDING, AND IT'S SO CLEAR FROM HER WORK THAT SHE KNOWS HOW TO GET THOSE QUIET, SPECIAL MOMENTS."
Planning Your Malibu Elopement
Malibu offers rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, mountain trails, or rolling green hills with views of the Pacific for your elopement backdrop. There are some well known points on the beach as well as a few lesser known trails and beaches that offer more privacy.
Here are a few of my favorite spots below to help get you started.
Point Dume: This is a great spot for couples looking for some light hiking and are okay with stairs and some rock scrambling to get to a more private cove. Rocky vistas, spring wildflowers, and ending in the ocean make this place a perfect spot to catch your sunset on your elopement day.
El Matador: El Matador Beach is probably the most photographed and filmed beach in all of LA. It’s small and boasts a keyhole rock formation. Best in the mornings or on a weekday evening, there’s a reason this spot is so popular. It’s an absolutely stunning spot to have a picnic and catch some whales during their migration.
Where to Elope in Malibu
Coverage of your entire elopement day so you can reminisce on your epic day for years to come.
There is really no end to what you can do on your elopement day. I send over a questionnaire to better get to know you and your partner to help plan your elopement day. Below are popular activities to do together to celebrate the start of your marriage…
Head to a coffee shop to start your day together
Rent a vintage car/truck to cruise up the PCH
Picnic with a view of the ocean
Go for a hike
Get ready together in your AirBnB or hotel
Go surfing/swimming together
Have a celebratory dance party after popping champagne
Go for a dip in the Malibu Rock Pool
Anything else that feels like you!
What To Do During Your Elopement
September through November is my absolute favorite time to be in Los Angeles. It is often warm, but the crowds from the summer have all gone home, making the beaches much less crowded. However, winter here is still mild with many days hovering close to 70 degrees F. Winter also tends to have the most dramatic and stunning sunsets while from March to May you have the best chance of experiencing a super bloom. There really is no wrong time of year to elope here, but you should note that May and June often have what we call May Gray and June Gloom, especially in the mornings. This can make for some stunning moody photos, though!
when to elope in malibu
Malibu Elopement packages
For couples who want the full elopement experience. Just you and your partner, experiencing the day to the fullest and get 2 experiences at golden hour!
Explore LA from the boutique coffee shops of Venice Beach or Downtown LA to the beautiful coast of Malibu.
Travel included
Sunrise to sunset
Up to 12 hours
$5400
full day
Up to 8 hours
$4200
For couples who want to do things their own way, and explore one general area of Malibu. From hiking in Malibu Canyon to hitting up stunning rocky beaches, a full day of activities can make your day super memorable. The best option if you are thinking of including a few guests.
*Most popular package
Travel Included
mini
Up to 4 hours
$3200
For couples who want to ditch tradition and still want getting ready photos and ceremony portraits. Best for couples who are having a ceremony at an AirBnB or small venue with a few guests. This will only cover one location.
Travel Included
I truly believe you should be getting married in a way and in a place that feels special to you. Whether it's a beautiful coastline you've always wanted to visit or where you took your first trip together, I believe location does matter when it comes to your elopement.
My travel schedule revolves around the best time of year to be in these destinations; the summer in the Sierras, the winter in the desert, and the coast year round.
No matter what corner of California you're scoping out for your elopement, I will jump in my car or on a plane to help you celebrate.
2024 Travel schedule
October
Big Sur
2 elopement spots available
November
Joshua Tree
December
Open to inquiries
