A Malibu Elopement

Guidance from a Local Wedding Photographer

Malibu is a fantastic place. Even more fantastic is planning an intimate Malibu elopement in this stunningly gorgeous part of California. 

Malibu is quintessential California. With the trademark laid-back luxury of the area, Malibu is everything that you think of when you think of Southern California — beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and an unapologetically “cool” vibe. 

Let’s look at why a Malibu elopement is a great idea and how you can easily plan yours! 

Why an Elopement

First, let’s talk about what an elopement is and why it is so special.  

An elopement is a wedding with 0-20 guests.  Anything larger, but under 50 people, is considered a microwedding. Both elopements and micro-weddings are easier and more intimate than large weddings to plan but micro-weddings do tend to take more planning and usually have some sort of reception, even if it is casual. 

As a seasoned wedding photographer, I’ve photographed many types of weddings.  From large, elaborate events to small, super-intimate weddings, I have truly seen it all. There is something about elopements that I find particularly special. They are so organic and so natural — you, your partner, and only your closest family and friends together in a beautiful, and most likely personal location. 

Choosing to have an elopement is a great way to make sure that you are focusing on what truly matters — your marriage — and is also a great way to simplify the planning process, making your engagement period less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Elopements can look any way you want. You can have a private ceremony and then a large party when you get home to celebrate with everyone in your life. You can elope and keep it a secret from the world for as long as feels right, if that is what you want. Or you can have a small elopement with your favorite people, and just bask in the special moment that it truly is. 

Why Malibu

If you are considering an elopement, Malibu is the perfect place to do it. There are world-renowned beaches, exquisite mountains, and enchanting architecture, Malibu will, without a doubt, leave you in absolute awe. 

From a photographer’s perspective, I can think of no place that is better in terms of truly “having it all”.  It has great light, so many location options, and the best sunsets in the lower 48.

It is also easily accessible from LA, so whether you are a SoCal native or visiting from out of state, you will find Malibu very convenient.

Planning Your Malibu Elopement

Planning a Malibu elopement has a lot less hassles than a normal wedding. Here are a few of your must-haves for your special day. 

Planner

This one is up for debate but if you are someone who doesn’t want to be bothered with details and wants it all done for you, there are planners that will take on smaller elopements. They can arrange for transportation, lodging, restaurant reservations, florals, and hair and makeup, all so you don’t have to lift a finger. 

If you are interested in hiring a planner for your wedding, feel free to reach out for personal recommendations.

Florals

Even if you are having an elopement, my recommendation is that you still have, at minimum, a bouquet to hold. Florals are necessary to add a pop of color and give some added dimension to the images. They also give you something natural and graceful to do with your hands — hold the arrangement and they just look pretty.

Hair and Makeup

Thankfully, Southern California is generally dry and temperate which helps in the hair and makeup department. However, we are known for having a lot of wind so I always recommend getting your hair and makeup professionally done so that you know it will withstand all of the elements. Professional hair and makeup artists also understand photographs well, so make sure to schedule someone to help you out the morning of your wedding.

Photographer

Of course, you will want a photographer for your elopement. Just because it is small, doesn’t mean you don’t want every important moment documented. In fact, with an elopement, you generally have the luxury to devote more emphasis on images — giving you more to look back on when it is all said and done. 

As you are looking for a photographer, make sure you find someone with work that you can see yourself and an editing style that you can see decorating your walls. You also want to find someone that you like — someone who has a personality that you feel comfortable with. This will be someone you spend a lot of time with and want to make sure you get along well.

I’d love to chat more about your Malibu elopement and see if we are a good fit. 

Officiant

The final must-have for your Malibu elopement, unless you are just having a symbolic ceremony, is an officiant. I’d be glad to give you some recommendations for officiants in the area. 

Best Malibu Elopement Locations

Now that you have the basics covered, it is time to talk about location. One of the most fun parts of an elopement is how you can truly do whatever you want to make it personal and fun for you and your partner. 

Love the beach? Great, get married there!  Feel most at home surrounded by nature? Consider an elopement high up in the alpines surrounded by fresh air and epic views.  

The options are truly limitless. 

Here are a few of my favorite locations for an unforgettable Malbu elopement. If you are having a difficult time deciding, remember that you’ll want to have the ceremony in one location but we can always travel to several locations if you want a variety of locations for your collection. 

Beaches

Malibu is known for its amazing beaches. Here are a few that I think are the most stunning for a Malibu elopement.

*El Matador State Beach is a smaller beach within the popular Robert H Meyer Memorial State Beach. It’s impressive rock formations and wild surf lend the park to some epic scenery. 

*Point Dume State Park is another great option. The rugged cliffs give an imposing air to the pristine beach and the light is always magnificent here. To get to this beach, you do have a little hike but the destination is completely worth it. 

*A final option is Topanga Beach. While arguably not the most awe-inspiring beach on the list, it is easily accessible from LA and is also close to the fabulous Topanga State Park with its miles of winding trails, gorgeous cliffs, and a small artist enclave, 

Hills

As mentioned above, Topanga State Park is a great place to host your Malbi elopement and get a mountain backdrop.

Malibu State Park is called the Yosemite of Southern California and with good reason. For small state parks, the diversity is unparalleled. From tallgrass plains to oak savannahs and impressive mountain peaks, you will be beyond grateful to say you forever in this lovely place. 

Just outside of Malibu are the Santa Monica Mountains. With amazing views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, your images and your memories are sure to be impeccable.  

Other Locations

*For a decidedly California-dreams vibe, consider hosting an elopement at The Surfrider Hotel. This oh-so-cool hotel offers not only beach views, but gardens and stunningly chic decor throughout the hotel. 

*If mountain views and wine sound more to your speed, consider Malibu Rocky Oaks.  Set in the hills surrounding Malibu, this vineyard offers a Tuscan-style air with scenery for days.

One of the lesser-known venues in the area is the Malibu Secret Garden. Private, serene, and oh-so-beautiful, the private venue is a perfect place to have your Malibu elopement.
If you're thinking about eloping, I highly recommend considering Malibu. It's the perfect place to celebrate your love in a way that is truly special. Please reach out today for more information on my wedding photography services.

Bridal Attire: EVER AFTER BRIDAL (@e.a.bridal) structure. https://ea-bridal.com
Cake: FANTASY FROSTINGS (@fantasyfrostings) https://fantasyfrostings.com
Florals: PEONY & PLUM (@peonyandplum) https://peonyandplum.com
Hair & Makeup: MAKE-UP THERAPY (@makeuptherapy) https://www.makeuptherapy.com
Photography: JILLIAN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY (@jillianrosephoto) https://www.jillianrosephotography.com
Planning & Design: MANIFESTIVE EVENTS (@manifestive_events) https://www.manifestiveevents.com
THE ELEGANT NINJA (@theelegantninja) https://www.theelegantninja.com
Rentals: THEONI COLLECTION (@theonicollection) http://theonicollection.com
Stationery: SENIMAN CALLIGRAPHY (@seniman_calligraphy)  https://www.senimancalligraphy.com