California Elopement Photographer

California Elopement Photographer

CONNECTION BASED PHOTOGRAPHY THAT CELEBRATES YOUR LOVE & JOY.

Your love story deserves more than a crowded wedding day. As a California Elopement Photographer, I specialize in capturing intimate ceremonies against the breathtaking backdrops of California’s coastlines, mountain trails, and golden sunsets.

  • Close-up of wedding rings placed on a textured rock, featuring a diamond engagement ring with a matching band and a polished groom’s band, illuminated by natural sunlight.

MY MISSION

I believe your elopement deserves to be as unforgettable as your love story. My mission is to capture California’s wild beauty and your most meaningful moments in timeless, true-to-life images.

As a born and raised Malibu local and California Adventurer, I bring both insider knowledge of the most breathtaking California backdrops and years of experience guiding couples through their elopement journey. From helping you plan the perfect timeline to capturing candid, in-between moments, I’m here not just as your photographer, but as a calm presence who makes the day feel effortless.

Your elopement photographs aren’t just keepsakes, they’re the tangible story of one of the most meaningful days of your lives. My mission is to deliver more than just images; I create heirlooms that let you relive the laughter, quiet glances, and wild beauty of California, long after the day has passed.

FAQ

Eloping in California comes with a lot of questions. This FAQ will guide you through the most common ones.

From photography style to location scouting and day-of planning, I’ve got you covered so you can focus on being present and soaking in every moment. If your question isn’t listed here, simply fill out my contact form and I will get in touch ASAP.

  • Yes! I use both 35mm film and digital photography to tell your story. Film adds a timeless, fine art quality with rich tones and depth, while digital ensures we capture every detail with clarity.

  • Yes! Timeline planning is one of my favorite parts. I’ll guide you through everything from the best light for portraits to how much time to set aside for vows, travel, and quiet moments together. That way, your day flows smoothly and never feels rushed.

  • You don’t need to have every detail figured out, that’s part of my role! From coastal cliffs and golden beaches to vineyards, desert expanses, and mountain trails, I’ll help you discover the perfect location that reflects your vision and feels deeply connected to California’s beauty.

  • Absolutely. While you’ll receive a curated digital gallery, I also offer heirloom-quality albums, framed prints, and wall art. These tangible pieces turn your memories into artwork you can hold, display, and treasure for generations.

  • I’m based in Malibu, however, I serve a multitude of locations throughout this beautiful state!

    View my Locations Here.

CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHER EXPERIENCE

I’m not just here to take pretty pictures, I’m here to help you plan an elopement experience that feels intentional, relaxed, and entirely your own.

I’ll guide you through every step. from location scouting and permits to timing your big day, so you never feel unsure or overwhelmed.

And on the day itself, I’ll offer gentle direction when needed, while giving you space to be fully present with each other. This isn’t a styled shoot, it’s your real story, and I’m here to document it with care.

A smiling woman with long wavy hair holds a camera in a sunlit field, surrounded by soft golden hills and warm California light, ready to capture the moment.

  1. INQUIRE AND BOOK

    Once you submit your inquiry form, I’ll check my availability and send over my seamless Pricing & Booking Portal. From there, you can view elopement collections, select your coverage, sign the contract, and submit your payment, all in one place. No endless email threads or waiting games. Just a simple, smooth booking process so you can get back to enjoying your engagement.

    Once that’s complete, you’re officially booked!

  2. ELOPEMENT PLANNING CALL

    As your California Elopement Photographer, I’m not just showing up with a camera, I’m here to help you craft a day that feels meaningful and entirely your own. Before our planning call, I’ll send over a style and vision questionnaire. During the call, we’ll talk through everything from timeline ideas to the scenic California locations.

  3. ELOPEMENT DAY

    We’ll begin with the small, intimate moments: the final button on your dress, the handwritten vows, the way your hands shake just a little before seeing each other for the first time. Whether you're getting ready at a seaside Airbnb or tucked into a private hillside estate, I’ll capture the full atmosphere of where your story unfolds.

    If you’re planning a first look, we’ll carve out space for that private, emotional pause before the ceremony. During your vows, I’ll photograph your connection as it naturally unfolds—no interruptions, no forced posing, just honest storytelling in beautiful light.

    After the ceremony, we’ll take time for relaxed portraits that reflect your personalities and relationship

  4. 6-8 WEEKS AFTER YOUR ELOPEMENT

    Once your day is beautifully captured, I begin the editing process, carefully curating every image to reflect the tone, emotion, and artistry of your elopement. If your collection includes film, I’ll send it to the lab right away and match the digital edits to the timeless look of your film scans.

    Once I’m finished editing your gallery, you’ll receive your complete, fully edited gallery, delivered in a beautiful, easy-to-use online platform. It’s the perfect way to relive the day all over again.

  5. DISPLAY YOUR MEMORIES

    Once you have received your tangible products, it’s time to display them in your home to show the memories of your beautiful family for years to come!

A pear-shaped diamond engagement ring rests delicately inside a soft pink rose, surrounded by a vibrant bouquet of daisies, roses, and chrysanthemums.

Megan has a way of making you feel as though you have been friends forever…

“Megan is so kind, thoughtful and a wonderful photographer! The location options she provided, the creative angles and poses she had me try, got us some of the best pictures we’ve ever taken!”
— KARISHMA

CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER PRICING

2 HOURS

Sunlight sparkles across gentle turquoise ocean waves, creating a dreamy, serene pattern on the water's surface.

  • Full gallery of edited, high-resolution digital images.

  • $600 print credit, good toward your choice of anything in the gallery store: prints, frames, albums, etc.

Investment starts at: $1,900

Only Available for two person elopements in Malibu, CA

4 HOURS

Waves crash between rugged coastal rock formations at Leo Carrillo State Park, with the open ocean stretching out toward the horizon.

This package allows space for a first look, ceremony and relaxed portraits.
Scheduled within the first 4 hours of sunrise, or the 4 hours before sunset.

  • Full gallery of edited, high-resolution digital images.

  • $800 print credit, good toward your choice of anything in the gallery store: prints, frames, albums, etc.

Investment starts at: $3,200

8 HOURS

Golden sunlight illuminates the iconic sea arch rock formation at El Matador Beach in Malibu, with waves gently lapping the shoreline below.

This package is ideal for couples who want coverage during sunrise and then again at sunset, or a full-day elopement experience.

  • Full gallery of edited, high-resolution digital images.

  • $1,200 print credit, good toward your choice of anything in the gallery store: prints, frames, albums, etc.

Investment starts at: $4,700

Contact Megan W Photography

Please fill out the contact form below to inquire about your photography needs! 
I will get back to you within 1-2 business days.

Let’s Start Planning Your California Elopement

Payment is split into 3 equal payments.

First payment is due upon booking.

Please inquire for Elopements outside of Malibu, CA.