Carleen + David’s Sequoia National Park Elopement
National Park Elopement| Summit and Sur Photography | Camping Elopement
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks | Central California
California offers so many different adventure elopement location options but none are quite like Sequoia National Park! From the giant sequoia trees to the stunning mountain ranges that seem to surround every inch of the park, it’s no wonder Carleen and David chose the park as their spot to say “I do”. Their laid-back style and adventurous personalities lent to the creation of this epic elopement day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks that perfectly suited them.
The pair started their day by arriving at Azalea Campground, one of the many campgrounds located in the park. They wanted to enjoy some time just hanging out by their vintage VW Westfalia that David spent so much time working on and updating himself. Since Carleen and David didn’t have any professional photos of themselves in casual attire, this was a great way to both get those fun shots and, as a bonus, was the perfect place for them to write their vows!
After their fun, casual photos at the campsite and writing their vows, the big task for the day came into play: getting ready for their elopement! Because of their van, I suggested a first look in front of the Westfalia since it made sense for them to get ready on either side of the vehicle. Upon loving the idea, both Carleen and David got dressed separately while I took some detail shots and then it was time for the reveal. After a little countdown, I had them walk out in front of the van to see each other in their wedding attire for the first time. David was blown away by Carleen in her gorgeous dress from The Kindred Soul and Carleen definitely couldn’t take her eyes off of David in his svelte suit! After soaking in the excitement for a few moments longer, we were on our way to go explore the Sequoias!
The drive from Kings Canyon National Park into Sequoia National Park was a stunner with the gorgeous weather we had, it was like the parks were just showing off. When we finally arrived at the trailhead, all of us headed out in search of some gorgeous trees and adventure. We started our walk through the forest and the happy couple just took it all in—-the light, the trees that are larger than life, and even wildlife! After exploring a bit, we stumbled upon a little meadow and there we found a deer that was definitely curious about Carleen’s gorgeous bouquet from Rustic Roots Floral Design with Sequoia Grown and Gathered. Both David and Carleen were entranced by this fun little experience with the wildlife and hung around for a bit until it was time for our next stop: The Parker Group!
Fun Fact: The Parker Group is a picturesque group of sequoia trees located in the park that make for a great stop during any elopement day. The cluster of trees together is perfect for photos, especially a few hours before sunset!
Upon parking along the road to explore The Parker Group, we all got out of our vehicles and were stunned to hear a thunderous sound—-a tree falling! While it was a little scary (we had no idea where the tree was that had fallen), it was definitely quite the experience to get to hear that sound in an otherwise quiet forest. Once we got over the shock of the fallen tree, we made our way over to the trees we had come to see. The pair danced, twirled, and explored this little grove before exploring a more well-known fallen tree nearby with exposed roots. Carleen and David were both looking forward to some shots with the roots of a tree showing so this was a huge bonus for them!
Once we had thoroughly explored the sequoia grove, we all hopped back in our vehicles and headed over to Beetle Rock, where they would be exchanging vows! With as big as the park is, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park does have strict regulations on where you are allowed to have your wedding ceremony, with Beetle Rock being one of those available to couples. Carleen and David chose this spot because I had mentioned that at sunset it would absolutely magical with the mountains in the background and the glow of the setting sun.
We arrived just as the sun was starting to really soften and it was the perfect time for these two lovers to get married! After walking over to Beetle Rock from the parking area with their celebratory cake and champagne (no more than a five minute walk which is great if you are bringing guests), Carleen and David got their vow books and prepared to start their ceremony. Their heartfelt vows to each other were so special as they stood there with the Sierra Nevada surrounding them in the fading light of day. After they both said “I do” they wanted to take a few more photos before sitting down to enjoy their little picnic. Carleen’s dress was absolute magic all day long but at sunset it truly was just mesmerizing.
Some time later, the duo finally sat down to enjoy their incredible cake by Cowgirl Cakery and a bottle of champagne while enjoying the sunset. Their Pendleton blanket made for the perfect picnic tablecloth as they toasted to their new journey as a married couple! Afterwards, we explored Beetle Rock for the last few minutes of sunset before it faded into blue hour and gave us some incredibly romantic light for their final portraits of the day. It was the perfect way to end their absolutely spectacular elopement day in the park!
VENDORS
Dress: The Kindred Soul
Suit: J.Crew
Boots: Blundstone
Florals: Rustic Roots Floral Design with Sequoia Gathered and Grown
Cake: Cowgirl Cakery
Vow books: Amazon
Elopement announcement: Etsy
Hubby + Wifey mugs: Amazon
Picnic blanket: Pendleton
Park: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Campground: Azalea Campground
Thinking of eloping in the park? Reach out today to book your Sequoia National Park elopement photographer!