Re-Tying The Knot! Anniversary and Vow Renewal Celebrations
June 9, 2023
Charming Destination Elopement in Monterey
July 6, 2023
One of the most popular requests is from couples looking for a quiet cliffside area overlooking a beautiful beach with crashing waves. It features high bluffs, with paths worn by other guests, making it easy to access the prettiest spots. Montara State Beach will surely be a crowd-pleaser just a twenty-minute drive from San Francisco. That is, once you find out about it! It is located in the sleepy town of Montara, and the beach is on the west side of Highway 1. Across the street is the top of the Santa Cruz mountain range, the tail end of 100 miles of undisturbed California coastline. In other words, it’s breathtaking, not crowded, and super insta-worthy!
Aaron and Jen came to us from Tennessee, and they met when he invited her to his ranch to see his horses. They fell in love and wanted a simple and easy wedding to become husband and wife. Aaron came upon our company as they were planning their California elopement and looking for a San Francisco wedding photographer to help them plan their elopement day. We talked, and when he told me what he and Jen had in mind, I suggested Montara State Beach. As it turned out, he grew up in Montara and thought it would be very meaningful to marry his love in his childhood hometown. Jen agreed, and we planned their elopement wedding.
She wanted to book hair and makeup with our team of artists and also have us design her bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere for her groom. Marina has been our florist for many, many years, and all she needs to create the bridal bouquet of your dreams is a simple photograph from the internet of what you’d like it to look like. Her flowers were delivered to me, and I drove them out to Montara Beach since I was also booked to be their wedding photographer that day.
Some of the other benefits of getting married at this location include:
- It’s dog-friendly. Yes, you can bring your fur babies to join you for your elopement or full-on wedding (with a permit!) at this location. According to the state website, leashes are required for safety as there is a strong undercurrent.
- Reasonably priced AirBNB. If you love a beach wedding but want better rates than the SF or Monterey areas, then Montara is a great bet! They also have a Ritz Carlton nearby in Half Moon Bay if you feel swanky!
- Fantastic dining nearby. Many incredible restaurants are nearby, including Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. (the firepit is a must-visit and dog-friendly), and the Miramar Beach restaurant.
We’d love to help you plan a romantic elopement or a bigger, intimate wedding at this location. We’re available for phone consultations to discuss all of the options we offer, from Cake and bubbly to luxury beach picnics for two to twenty guests. While it’s true that love is all you need, a little help with planning can help make your wedding day a smashing success!
