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ELOPEMENTS ARE SWEET AND EASY!

Why would you want to elope instead of having a large ceremony? Over the years, we’ve helped more and more couples cross the threshold into marriage by eloping. Often it’s only the two of them present. Or, they include an intimate gathering with only the closest members of their family and perhaps a few of their innermost circle of friends. Eloping is a unique and personal way to celebrate your love the day you say your  “I do’s.”

There are many advantages to having a small intimate ceremony:

  • Easier to plan: Coordinating a large event can be overwhelming, but a smaller, intimate ceremony simplifies the process.

  • Less expensive: Smaller gatherings mean fewer vendors and less need for a large venue, significantly reducing costs.

  • More privacy: Couples often find that eloping allows for a more personal and meaningful experience without the pressure of a large audience.

  • Unique settings: Smaller ceremonies can take place in more unique and meaningful locations, whether it's with "toes in the sand," amidst a Redwood Forest, or in a romantic indoor setting.

  • Travel possibilities: With fewer people involved, it's easier to plan a ceremony in a beautiful remote location, making the experience even more special.

When a couple decides to join together in marriage, it stems from a deep desire to deepen their commitment and acknowledge the love they share. Making promises to continue growing together throughout the years is a profound step. It’s always an honor to guide couples through this important moment in their lives, helping to bring more love into the world.

We can help with ideas for a beautiful, yet Sweet and Easy Elopement. Let’s chat about what you want and how we can help make this happen.

"Couple eloping in a beautiful forest setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains"

A soft rain added an amazing touch to the senses.. the smell of the forest leaves being nourished by the water, a soft musical patter on their umbrellas, and the words that helped them to cross the threshold into marriage when they eloped in the Forest in Santa Cruz, CA

They flew all the way from England with their family to have a sweet elopement at Greyhound Rock Beach, Santa Cruz. CA

They flew all the way from England as a family to have their toes in the sand as they said their “I do’s” at Greyhound Rock Beach in Santa Cruz, CA

"Couple eloping at Big Trees Grove, Roaring Camp Railroad,in the  beautiful forest setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains"

They eloped with an intimate gathering that included their Mom’s, children and the trees as their witnesses in the forest at Big Trees Grove, Roaring Camp Railroad, in Felton, CA

Shadowbrook in Capitola is a great venue for an intimate wedding!

One of our favorite wedding venues in the Santa Cruz area is Shadowbrook in Capitola. The restaurant has multiple garden levels with a variety of rooms and views of Soquel Creek which flows into the Monterey Bay. They make it so easy by providing a unique ambiance, experienced staff and delicious food. It's the perfect place to celebrate your elopement, intimate ceremony and reception!

They’ve won many awards including:

  • Best Places to Kiss. - New Woman Magazine. ...

  • Silver Spoon Award. - Gourmet Diners Club of America. ...

  • Most Romantic Restaurant. - San Jose Mercury News. ...

  • Best Service, Most Romantic Restaurant in Santa Cruz County. - Metro Santa Cruz. ...

  • World Stars Award. - Mumm's Champagne. 

  • It's the perfect place to celebrate your elopement, intimate ceremony or reception!

Shadowbrook Wedding Portrait
Shadowbrook Wedding First Kiss
Shadowbrook Cable Car

A ride in the famous Shadowbrook Cable Car is always a great way to end the wedding!

If you are interested in having a wedding at Shadowbrook, give us a call! We've had years of experience working at this fabulous venue and would love to hear from you. Reach out to Donna today at 831-325-7254

Forest Elopements

Fall Creek is a great place to elope in nature.

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Surrounded by trees, ferns, moss, and a meandering creek, nature loving couples are drawn to this intimate forest location.

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Imagine getting married in this woodland setting and hearing the rush of water from the creek below!

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Donna & another happy couple. If you are looking for a special location any where in the Monterey Bay Area to say, “I do!”, give us a call! 831-325-7254

Roaring Camp Elopement

Roaring Camp offers a private area amongst the giant redwoods for elopements, The Big Trees Grove. This is a unique and quiet area to say your “I do’s”. Elope Santa Cruz has an exclusive partnership with Roaring Camp Railroads to coordinate a one of a kind experience for the two of you and up to 18 guests. (Please note, this elopement package does not offer the steam train ride)