Julia Mina Photography - California Elopement Photographer & Guide

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Julia Mina Photography - California Elopement Photographer & Guide

Co-creating elopement experience for the adventurous introverts who love road trips! Looking to elope but don't know where to begin?

I've been there and I'm here to help you navigate planning, location, and ideas and be there to support you!

04/10/2026

35mm film from this Yosemite micro wedding🥹

They started the day at sunrise with first look & portraits soaking-in the first light together. Then had an intimate morning ceremony at Glacier Point overlooking Half Dome. We took a break in the afternoon to breathe and reset, then came back together for portraits in the valley and an intimate reception at surrounded by trees!  
This is one of my favorite things about a full-day Yosemite elopement or micro wedding because there’s no rushing. You can build in space to rest, explore, and still have time for both adventure portraits and a meaningful celebration with the people who matter most!  I just love the way film captures the raw, genuine moments that would have been overlooked with digital. It gives me a new perspective and moment to slow down and document the day.

If you are feeling pulled in both direction whether you should elope or have a micro wedding, I want to say that you can do both🤌🏼

03/18/2026

C & B’s redwoods elopement is a perfect example of what a full day experience can look like✨

When they first reached out C & B told me the Redwoods had always been on their bucket list. She had never been to California before. And if they were going to do this they were going to do it justice.
So we did.

A slow morning with coffee in an A-frame cabin before making their way into the forest. Vows exchanged next to a fallen ancient redwood with nothing but the quiet of the trees around them.

Then we just explored — no timeline, no rushing, just completely immersed in one of the most magical places on earth.

They didn’t need a big wedding. They needed a day that actually felt like them. Eight years together and this was how they chose to mark it. Not with a ceremony for everyone else but a full day that was entirely theirs.

That’s what a full day redwoods elopement can be. Not just a moment. A whole experience.

If that’s what you’re dreaming of send me a message and let’s figure out your day🥹

Save this if a redwoods elopement has been on your mind

03/14/2026

L & K’s Big Sur coastal elopement was exactly what they had been picturing.

When L first reached out she told me she had this vision of a micro wedding along the rocky Big Sur coastline with their favorite people there. She just didn’t know where to start yet.

Carmel is really special to them so we built a day that kept them close to the coast and surrounded by the people who mean the most.

The morning started with everyone getting ready together at their Airbnb before we made our way down to the cliffs where their family gathered to witness the ceremony.

They shared their vows as the waves crashed below them. I was trying so hard not to cry behind my camera 😭

This is what I love most about what I do.
Taking a vision and making it real.

If you have a vision and don’t know where to start yet, that’s okay — that’s exactly where L & K were too!

Send me a message and let’s figure it out together

Save this if a Big Sur coastal elopement with your people has been on your mind✨

03/07/2026

Yosemite at sunset on 35mm film✨

Film just hits different!

These quiet portraits are always one of my favorite parts of a Yosemite elopement day!

Share this with your friend who loves film aesthetics✨

If eloping in Yosemite has been on your mind, I’d love to help you create something just as intentional✨

03/07/2026

L & K’s Big Sur elopement started surrounded by their favorite people✨

They truly valued having time with their family on their wedding day so they rented a beautiful Airbnb in Carmel to begin the morning together.

Whenever my couple is eloping with their guests, I always recommend getting ready with their guests because the morning hours are where the most genuine moments happen.

Mom seeing her daughter in her dress for the first time. Everyone jamming to their favorite songs. That gentle hug that calms everything down.

The feeling of people gathering for something that really matters🥹

It was also important for L & K to carve out time just for the two of them. After their first look they stepped away to read their private vows before the ceremony and it was so special to witness it😭

It was such a perfect way to start their elopement day and I can’t wait to share the rest of their day!

Save this if you’re planning a Big Sur elopement with your people🥹

02/17/2026

Part 3 of this gorgeous Redwoods Elopement is here, and honestly, the details deserve their own moment.

After their portraits in the forest, we headed back to their reception in the backyard of the Airbnb they were staying in — surrounded by their closest guests, good food, and so much intention.

They truly thought of everything. Every place setting. Every piece of decor. Every detail created to make their guests feel welcomed and cared for.

And the lanterns… I still can't get over them.

The bride DIY'd most of the florals herself and they were stunning. Not just beautiful, but meaningful — because she made them with her own hands for the people she loves most.

And truly went above and beyond bringing J's vision to life — even figuring out how to hang those lanterns perfectly in the backyard space. It was such a team effort and it showed in every detail.

Eloping doesn't mean skipping the celebration. It means choosing what feels aligned and designing an experience around it.

You really can have both. ✨

09/09/2025

I’m beyond grateful to share that E & F’s elopement has been published in ! ✨

While being published is such an incredible honor, the heart of an elopement is never about recognition—it’s about creating a day that feels true to you.

A day where every choice, every detail, and every moment reflects your love story.

That’s what inspires me most to help couples have the courage to design a wedding that feels “like us”, even if it looks different from tradition!

From the very beginning, E knew where her heart was leading her. She and F had visited Calaveras Big Trees the year before and fell in love with the quiet beauty of the towering trees.

E poured her creativity into every part of their day. She discovered a unique lodge near the park that felt perfectly like “them,” and she hand-made all of the reception décor.

She carefully implement details by creating a space that felt deeply personal and unforgettable.

And of course, they couldn’t imagine celebrating their day without their sweet pup was right there with them!

This is what elopements are all about—intention and the freedom to celebrate in a way that feels true to you🥹 
E & F—Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your vision and be a witness to your incredible day!

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06/04/2025

I’ve been a little busy crafting & photographing elopement day.

But to tell you the truth, I’ve been putting off crafting carousels & collages and it used to be my favorite thing to do whenever I share my couple’s sneak peek & full gallery🥹

I think it tells the story better than Reels with a slower space, being able to have a moment with each image.

Because I think photos shouldn’t be just a fast flash of excitement but something to take a moment in, to ponder, to take it all in.

I’ve been seeing these carousels recently with words and I’ve been LOVING them!

So I decided to spend a little time sharing my thought process on why I love photographing elopements!

Even though photos are worth a thousand words, it means so much more with context.

The more I relfected on their day, more words began to flow in my head and I could have written a long essay and it was actually harder to keep it short.

But it made me a bit emotional because it brought me back to the core of why I do this🥹

Because these moments only live through photos and in your memory.

I capture the details of the day so my couples can remember how they felt, the way it smelled, the temperature and little moments.

This is why I do what I do🥹

If you resonated with this, please share with someone who would love to have their day like this✨

04/25/2025

When your love story’s theme is wind, it carries out in your most important days.

When A & J went on their first date in the botanical garden, it was a windy day.
When we went to Point Reyes for their engagement session, it was a windy day.
And on their elopement day, it was a windy day!

Even though life can have different plans their what you envision, it can be a beautifully written story.

A & J’s has had so many life’s spontaneous plans that they learned to embrace it and learned to enjoy it.

On their elopement day, we had an unexpected thing that happened where we had to switch gears. We were planning on going to a redwoods grove to take photos but we decided to stay at to take more portraits and I just love the way it turned out!  This is the beauty of elopements. Because elopements allow you to have the flexibility to be spontaneous and switch things on your day easily! 
We headed out to Garrapata Beach for portraits. It was windy but the wind lifted up A’s dress & veil, which added such a great touch to their photos.

After their portraits, we met up with family for their ceremony and it was full of emotions. I love that their closest family was there to celebrate their day with this beautiful crashing waves as their backdrop.

We continued taking photos by the coastal cliffs, watching the weaves crash into the boulders. We embraced the wind, even though it was cold, gave A & J the opportunity to draw each other closer to warm each other.

We decided to head back to Villa Mara for their private vows by the fire place. It was so cozy and warm and the perfect way to end their elopement day!  If their experience resonated with you and would like to elope, DM me and let’s craft your elopement day!

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12/21/2024

Best elopement locations in California

Ever wondered what are the top places to elope in California?

California has one of the most variety of sceneries. From the coast to the dessert, California has it all!

I’m so blessed to live in a state that provides so much beauty and love sharing them with my couples!

Here are the 7 most popular places to elope (and my favs!):
- Yosemite
- Big Sur
- Redwoods National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- Sequoia
- Mammoth Lakes
- Shasta
- Mendocino
- Joshua Tree

Keep in mind that most of these locations are National & State Parks that require special use permits for both elopements and portrait sessions! (Special Use Permit allows you to conduct a marriage ceremony and/or gained permission for your photographer to photograph you!)

There are more draw-dropping hidden gems in California shared in the custom locations list which is part of all of my elopement & intimate wedding package!

If you are interested in learning more about these elopement locations like what the weather will be like, what to expect, and lodging and resources check out my elopement guide blogs!

FOLLOW & share this with someone that loves adventure!

Keywods: Elopement Photographer, California Elopement Photographer, Adventure Elopement Photographer, Wedding Photographer, California Wedding Photographer

12/18/2024

Dreaming of an elopement - but not sure where? Let me introduce you to the magic of Redwoods National Park!

Nestled in Northern California, the towering ancient trees and lush ferns create a setting straight out of a storybook. The Redwoods are one of my absolute favorite places to visit, and I love sharing this breathtaking location with my couples!

Here are 4 reasons why eloping in the Redwoods might be perfect for you:

1. Endless Good Lighting
Whether it’s the golden glow after sunrise or the soft midday light filtered through the trees, the Redwoods offer dreamy lighting throughout the day!

2. Evergreen Beauty Year-Round
While late spring to early fall is the most popular time, the Redwoods are stunning no matter the season—perfect for flexible planning!

3. Peaceful & Secluded
The dense forest reduces noise, and there are plenty of private ceremony spots—just you, your partner, and nature’s embrace.

4. Close to the Coast
Many Redwoods grow near the ocean, giving you a second stunning backdrop for your elopement day!

Planning an elopement here feels like stepping into another world—where love and nature blend seamlessly. Ready to turn your dream into reality? Let’s chat about creating a magical day in the Redwoods!

Keywods: Redwoods Elopement Photographer, Redwoods Elopement, Elopement Photographer, California Elopement Photographer, Adventure Elopement Photographer, Wedding Photographer, California Wedding Photographer

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