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How to Elope at California’s Stunning Timber Cove Resort

Want to have a relaxing getaway and Elope at the same time? Timber Cove Resort is a stunning lodge with a rustic modern vibe that sits high on the bluffs of California’s Pacific coastline. Timber Cove’s remote location offers a stunning backdrop for your elopement. If you’ve been thinking California’s rugged coast would be the perfect backdrop for your Elopement but want to escape the crowds of Big Sur and Carmel, Timber Cove Resort is your spot! The 25-acre property offers ocean views from almost every angle and is the perfect spot for your remote California Elopement.

Table of Contents

  • About Timber Cove Resort
    • Where are Jenner and Timber Cove?
    • Property Highlights
    • Closest Airports
  • Why Elope at Timber Cove?
  • How much does it cost to elope at Timber Cove?
  • Activities for your Elopement
    • Off Site
    • On Site
  • Best time of year for your Elopement
  • Vendors
  • Frequently Asked Questions

About Timber Cove Resort

Where is Timber Cove in California

Jenner is a coastal village in Sonoma County where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. With a population of 136, this small town is home to a handful of restaurants, shops, and lots of wildlife. Just a short 14-mile (30-minute) drive up Highway 1 you will find Timber Cove Resort, secluded away and standing tall above the ocean. The magic in this property is that it’s really not that far away, just about 2.5 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, but feels like there is no one for miles and miles.

About Timber Cove Resort | The backstory and property highlights

Timber Cove Resort was built in 1963 as a place of meditation and tranquility. After your short and windy journey, you can feel the peacefulness as soon as you step out. The property was designed by the original owner and architect, Richard Clements Jr. who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architectural style. Many artists including famous landscape photographer, Ansel Adams visited Timber Cove and over the years it became known as “a place to be”.

In 2016, it was renovated to keep the original feel but subtly add modern amenities giving it a casually sophisticated aesthetic. Timber Cove Resort has thought of everything for its guests: some amenities include record players in every room, community spaces filled with games, sitting areas, and fires through the property to soak in the landscape, live music, and wine tastings. 

Coast Kitchen is a full-service restaurant and bar on the property – serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days / a week, so if you want, you never have to leave during your stay. Coast Kitchen features seasonal and seafood dishes sourced from local vendors.

Traveling to Timber Cove Resort:

Highway 1 is a windy yet scenic drive. You’ll want to take your time!

  • Driving Time From San Francisco: 2 hours 30 mins
  • Driving Time From Santa Rosa: 1 hour 15 mins
  • Driving Time From Jenner: 30 mins
  • Driving Time From Sea Ranch: 30 mins
  • Driving Time From Guerneville: 50 mins
  • Driving Time From Mendocino: 2 hours

Closest Major Airports:

5 Reasons to Elope at Timber Cove

  1. Timber Cove Resort is a great spot on the California Coast if you are looking to have a getaway for just the two of you (and the pup!) and also elope while you’re there. 
  2. Since it is a hotel, there is the opportunity to easily invite guests and not have to worry about accommodations. They’ll also have plenty of things to do, so you aren’t constantly entertaining and can have your own space as well.
  3. The views! Timber Cove offers ocean views from almost every spot. 
  4. The rooms are beautiful, and great for getting ready photos!
  5. Very laid back, even with a sophisticated aesthetic the energy is calm and welcoming.

How much does it cost to Elope at Timber Cove?

On the low end, most spend around $1-5k to have an elopement at Timber Cove.

Things to think about when calculating the cost of your stay:

  • Cost of your stay at Timber Cove and trip expenses 
  • What are you going to wear for your Elopement?
  • Do you want to invite guests? If so, you’ll probably want to host a dinner or do an activity together.
  • You’ll absolutely need an officiant to make it all official. If you’re having guests, a friend or family member can get ordained or check out my Vendor recs below if you’re going to get married just the two of you!
  • Hiring a Photographer, you’ll want to have this day captured to look back on and also share with everyone at home!

Activities for your Elopement at Timber Cove?

This day is more than just saying your vows, this day is about you guys! If you’re eloping just the two of you – and want to add a little adventure into your day you could go on a local hike, picnic on a nearby beach, kayak on the river, or zipline through the redwoods.

Off-Site Activities / Things to do in Jenner

If you are wanting your day to be a bit more low-key, Timber Cove is an awesome place to just take it slow and soak in the day.

Onsight Activities at Timber Cove:

  • Host a Private Dinner, catered by Coast Kitchen in the Coast Commune – for up to 13 guests
  • Or if it’s just the two of you, book a reservation at the Coast Kitchen restaurant to enjoy a fabulous dining experience.
  • Take a walk together on the property, there are over 2 miles of hiking trails. One of my couples did this with their morning coffee, and picked the sport for their ceremony!
  • Timber Cove offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy fireplaces, games, and more!
  • Stargazing is amazing here! With no city lights nearby the sky is filled with stars for you to enjoy, so grab a blanket and snuggle up to end your day.

Best Time of year to get Elope at Timber Cove

I’ve photographed Timber Cove in every season, and they are all beautiful! The California coast has stunning weather in September and October, with warm, clear days. Fall is a great time to get married at Timber Cove.  May – October are good months if you are hoping for warmer weather, and to enjoy the sunsets. November – April are pretty rainy. If you don’t mind cooler temps and moisture in the air, Timber Cove offers a beautiful space to elope in the rain with cozy lodge vibes. In the winter, daytime temperatures average in the 50s, and in the summer the high is in the 80s.

Checklist: Questions to ask yourself

Do you want to invite family/friends or keep it just the two of you? Timber Cove is pup friendly, remember to think about them! It may be nice to have a couple guests so there is someone to help with your dog throughout the day.

How many days for your getaway elopement? A 2-3 night stay would be good amount of time, so you can relax and enjoy your time together, aside from your Elopement day! If you wanted your time to be a bit longer, you could even continue up the coast to make it a longer trip, after your Elopement.

Do you want to stay on the property for the entirety of your day or explore around a bit for your elopement? Both are great options! Timber Cove Resort has so much to do on property, but you could explore the nearby redwoods or find a local beach for a picnic.

Vendors for your Timber Cove Elopement

Officiant:

Molly Lynch | Website

Owl and Rose Ceremonies | Website

Hair and Makeup: 

The Powder Room | Website

Ritual Salon | Website

Florist: 

Blooms by Morgan | Website

Florals by Alana Marie | Website

FAQ Section

How to Elope at Timber Cove? the simplest way, book a room, hire a photographer, and make sure you have an officiant. 

What’s the weather like at Timber Cove Resort? Timber Cove averages 288 days of sun a year. Being on the coast, you’ll still get fog and rainy days throughout the year with Jenner averaging 55 inches of rain a year. You’ll definitely want to pack layers for the coast!

Can you have a Wedding at Timber Cove Resort? Yes! Timber Cove is great for both Elopements and Micro Weddings. 

How far is Timber Cove from Jenner? Timber Cove is just 14 miles north of Jenner, about a 30-minute scenic drive.

How many rooms does Timber Cove Resort have? 46 spacious and intentionally designed rooms. With high-end luxuries to ensure your stay is enjoyable and relaxing.

How much does a room cost per night at Timber Cove Resort?

Average $300 – $900 during the week and $500-1200 on weekends

Note** Peak Season is August – October, plan to book your room months out if you would like a weekend. 

Is Timber Cove dog friendly? Yes, Timber Cove Resort is proud to be a pet-friendly resort. There is a $150 fee per stay for your dog(s). Up to 2 pets per room.