Leana and Ben’s intimate elopement at Henry Cowell State Park was a celebration perfectly tailored to who they are — adventurous, grounded, and deeply connected to nature. As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to couples who bring their personal story into their day, and this one truly did.
The couple lives in San Francisco and shares a love of California state parks, often hiking or camping together. Their connection runs even deeper — they met while living in Indonesia for several years, and returning to the redwoods for their wedding felt like a full-circle moment. With about 25 loved ones joining them from across the country, the day was small, intentional, and entirely focused on connection.
The morning ceremony began just after 10am. Leana and Ben had a unique procession: each walking down separate paths of the park to meet in the redwood grove midway along the main trail. Surrounded by towering redwoods, the couple stood in a circle with their family — no chairs, just the forest and the people they love most. Their vows were simple, heartfelt, and wrapped in the soft morning light filtering through the trees.
After the ceremony, everyone celebrated with champagne, then walked back together to the main parking lot. The couple’s simple, elegant style — Leana in a minimalist white dress and Ben in a traditional suit — fit beautifully into the natural surroundings. Prior to the ceremony, we captured a few quiet portraits, and afterward, we gathered for some family photos, making sure to preserve both the intimacy of the day and the joy of having loved ones present.
For couples planning a Henry Cowell State Park elopement or any intimate Santa Cruz wedding, leaning into the personal touches — the locations that hold meaning, the hobbies and passions you share, the loved ones you include — makes all the difference. Leana and Ben’s day was a perfect example of how a simple, elegant ceremony in the woods can feel deeply personal and effortlessly beautiful.
If you’re planning an intimate Santa Cruz elopement and are looking for a photographer who values connection, storytelling, and the natural beauty of the area, I’d love to help capture your day.
