Dreaming of a Point Reyes Elopement? Thomas & Laura’s Adventure Will Inspire You

a foggy night on the beach for a point reyes elopement

Dreaming of a Point Reyes Elopement? Thomas & Laura’s Adventure Will Inspire You

September 11, 2025

Some love stories need more than just one day. Thomas & Laura had their big, joy-filled Napa wedding with all their friends and family, and it was incredible. But a couple days later, they knew they wanted something a little more them: wild, beachy, and adventure-driven. So we packed firewood, lanterns, snacks, and hiking boots, and headed to Point Reyes National Seashore for an after-wedding adventure session that was pure magic. Their session shows exactly how epic and meaningful a Point Reyes elopement could be — full of adventure, flexibility, and deeply personal moments between you and your love.

a gif of a man spinning a woman and then kissing with an epic vide behind them

newly weds holding hands with a view of sea lions on the beach below

a couple on a cliff with fog rolling in for their Point Reyes elopement

a couple holding hands as they walk through a tunnel of trees during their Point Reyes elopement

newly weds on the beach after sunset holding lanterns during their Point Reyes elopement

Why Point Reyes Was the Perfect Spot

Thomas grew up in the Bay Area, so this coastline is part of his story. And when you combine that with Laura’s love of the beach, Point Reyes just made sense. This place has everything: rugged cliffs, dreamy tree tunnels, rolling wildlife-filled hills, and wide, open beaches.

Thanks to the EXPLORE Act passed in early 2025, sessions like this no longer require permits at Point Reyes. That made it super easy to plan a half-day adventure and hit three of the park’s most unique spots.

a man kissing a woman on the forehead during their Point Reyes elopement

newly weds walking on the trails during their Point Reyes elopement

a couple running through a tunnel of trees

Karl the Fog Joins the Party

If you’ve ever spent a summer in the Bay Area, you know the weather likes to keep you on your toes. The forecast promised sunshine with evening clouds, but what we got was thick, moody fog all day long. And honestly it couldn’t have been better. Point Reyes in the fog feels cinematic — dramatic, cozy, and otherworldly. Locals even nickname the fog “Karl,” and Karl was definitely the guest of honor on this day.

a couple with their foreheads together while they stand on a foggy ocean trail

Stop One: Chimney Rock

We drove into the park toward a sweeping clifftop view… only to find it completely swallowed in fog. Visibility was so low you could barely see the road. So we pivoted and explored nearby Chimney Rock, which ended up being a gem. Breaks in the fog gave us gorgeous light, and wildflowers carpeted the hillsides. On the beach below, sea lions napped while Thomas & Laura explored trails framed in dreamy mist.

newly weds looking at the trail maps during their Point Reyes elopement

the bride's hand as she runs it through the long grass

newly weds walking through the tall grass together with the ocean in the background

newly weds standing on a cliff looking out to the water during their Point Reyes elopement

a couple looking out into the foggy ocean view during their Point Reyes elopement

Stop Two: The Cypress Tree Tunnel

Next, we headed to the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel. The fog softened the light here, making the long, dramatic road feel even more mysterious and romantic. These two ran, laughed, and warmed up in each other’s arms under the canopy of trees, with quail darting across the road. It was quiet, moody, and just plain fun.

a couple kissing under the canopy of trees during their Point Reyes elopement

a man hugging a woman from behind as they laugh together

a couple walking and kissing under the trees

a man dipping a woman as her view floats in the air behind her

newly weds running down the road with the trees overhead

Stop Three: Kehoe Beach Bonfire

For the grand finale, we hiked a sandy mile out to Kehoe Beach — snacks, firewood, and gear in hand. Bonfires are allowed on certain Point Reyes beaches with a free permit from the visitor center, but you’ll want to check conditions before you go. These two were total pros and came prepared with supplies and a satellite phone!

We kicked things off with a little snack break — no cameras, just enjoying the sound of the waves and the quiet beauty of the beach. As the sun set, the fog thickened, turning the world into a dreamy blue haze. With lanterns in hand, Thomas & Laura danced, laughed, and embraced in the mist.

When the cold started creeping in, we gathered around the bonfire. Between the crackle of the fire and the sound of waves crashing, it felt like the perfect ending to a perfect day. Eventually, we doused the fire with the bucket they carried in and hiked back by headlamp, tired but so, so happy.

newly weds walking to the beach to have a fire during their Point Reyes elopement

a man carrying a stump to sit on by the fire

the beach fire set up for the Point Reyes elopement

newly weds having a bonfire on the beach during their Point Reyes elopement

a couple walking on the beach at night holding lanterns

newly weds kissing on the beach as they hold lanterns

the bridal couple looking and smiling at each other on the beach at night

newly weds standing on the beach at dark, holding lanterns, looking out into the ocean

Why I Love Sessions Like This

Sessions like this are why I’ll never stop loving after-wedding adventures and elopements. They give you the freedom to:

Slow down and explore epic places without a tight wedding-day timeline
Embrace your adventurous side (and stay flexible when plans shift!)
Create photos that reflect you two in your element
Add another meaningful chapter to your wedding story

Whether you’re planning an elopement, honeymoon adventure session, or a post-wedding shoot, Point Reyes National Seashore is one of my favorite places to capture it all. From moody fog to sunny cliffs, it’s unpredictable in the best way and it always delivers something unforgettable.

a couple standing on a cliff with the fog rolling in for their Point Reyes elopement

bridal portrait for a Point Reyes elopement

the bride smiling while holding her veil

detail shot of the back of the bride's dress

Thinking About Your Own Point Reyes Adventure?

Here’s a little insider scoop to get you started:

Best Seasons

Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers everywhere, mild temps.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Fog is common (“Karl” loves to hang out), but it creates an otherworldly, cozy vibe.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Some of the clearest days + dreamy sunsets.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Dramatic skies, fewer crowds, but bring rain gear.

Permits & Rules

No photography permits required now for sessions like this (thanks to the EXPLORE Act). If you want to have a wedding ceremony, you’ll still need a special use permit.
Bonfires are allowed on certain beaches with a free permit (weather permitting).
Always stay on trail to keep the park’s wildlife + plants thriving.

Local Vibes

Expect wildlife sightings: elk, coyotes, sea lions, birds.
Cell service is basically nonexistent. I always recommend a backup like a satellite phone.
Weather changes fast.. layers are everything.

groom portrait for a Point Reyes elopement

the groom looking a the camera for a photo

bride and groom holding each other under the canopy of trees

Let’s Dream Up Your Point Reyes Elopement or After Session Adventure

Point Reyes is magic, no matter the weather. Whether you’re dreaming of vows at Chimney Rock, cozy moments under the Cypress Tunnel, or a sunset bonfire at Kehoe Beach, I’d love to help you plan an intentional, joy-filled, completely-you adventure here.

Just as much as I love photographing these moments, I love helping couples dream them up! So if a Point Reyes elopement is calling your name, let’s start planning your story. Inquire here!