Some elopements just feel meant to be.

I met Matt and Dana through one of my previous couples, and the timing of everything was kind of wild in the best way. I was photographing their friends’ wedding (Tim and Maggie at The Barns at Cooper Molera in Monterey) and just a few weeks before that big celebration, I got to document Matt and Dana’s intimate Treebones Resort elopement in Big Sur.

I love when worlds overlap like that! It makes everything feel connected.

Why They Chose a Treebones Resort Elopement

Matt and Dana had actually stayed at Treebones Resort before and absolutely loved it. So when it came time to plan their elopement, there wasn’t much debate. They knew for certain this was the place they wanted to say their vows.

Treebones Resort is such a unique venue. It’s perched way up high in the mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the views are unreal. You truly feel off grid and in a remote place where you can unplug and enjoy nature. There’s something about walking around the property that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper.

Unlike most hotels, there aren’t room numbers. They use room names instead, which just adds to the charm and makes everything feel intentional and special. Matt and Dana stayed in a room called The Treehouse. And yes, it was just as magical as it sounds! Exclusive, tucked away, perched high on the cliff with a beautiful ocean view.

The perfect setting for a Treebones Resort elopement.

We spent about four hours together, and from beginning to end, the day was just perfect.

I arrived at the hotel and they walked me back to their treehouse room. We took some beautiful shots around the venue and near the welcome area before heading out on our adventure. We had three spots planned for the day: Treebones Resort, Limekiln Forest, and Sand Dollar Beach for sunset. It was truly the perfect recipe for a magical elopement.

One of my favorite things about elopements is the time we get together. We immediately started talking and laughing and sharing so many things in common about life and hobbies. There’s something so special about the space elopements create. We get to bond and create a personalized experience that is catered just for them. It doesn’t feel rushed. It feels intentional.

My favorite part of the entire day was their sunset vow exchange.

It was absolutely gorgeous outside, and we got the most stunning sunset. The spot we chose required us to walk through a cattle grazing area, which was a huge open field where cows were calmly doing their thing while we made our way toward the cliffs.

That’s what I love about a Treebones Resort elopement. You’re in the perfect spot to get the mountain elevation, the ocean views, and that feeling of being completely removed from the noise of the world.

After their vows, we made our way down for sunset at the beach. They ran into the ocean fully dressed, splashing each other and laughing so hard. It was such a special moment and so much fun!

It was the perfect ending to their Treebones Resort elopement.