Are you looking for a peaceful place on the Sonoma Coast that will make your elopement planning a breeze? Timber Cove Resort, is one of my most booked and favorite properties for Elopements and Micro Weddings – in this blog, you’ll find inspiration from John + Christin’s Sonoma Elopement at Timber Cove as well as info about 5 other amazing properties in Sonoma County where you can elope and have a staycation all in one.

Sonoma Mini Moon Elopement at Timber Cove

Timber Cove Resort was J+C’s dream wedding venue, but when it came down to guest count for their larger wedding they had to find another venue. Timber Cove is a stunning property where you and your guests all can stay on site for weddings of up to 120 guests.

In the midst of many couples planning their dream wedding, the pandemic threw off so many plans. J+C reached out to see if they could book an Elopement instead of their Engagement photos – which was an automatic heck yes!

They planned a weekend away to Timber Cove, and just a few weeks later eloped at sunset on the Sonoma coast. Christin had already chosen a Sarah Seven dress for their big wedding, when they chose to Elope she knew she had to find a dress from Before, a chic elopement line by Sarah Seven. After a sweet first look in their room, they helped each other with the final details before walking down to a ceremony spot they had picked out together earlier in the day. After reading their vows and soaking it all in, we captured portraits around the property and they enjoyed a bottle of champagne together sitting on the bluffs watching the sun dip below the horizon. A sweet perfect evening, just the two of them.

Resort Stays in Sonoma for your Elopement

While I absolutely love Timber Cove, where J+C chose to elope on the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County has a few more properties that may be a lovely fit for your vibe. Check out these properties if you are on the search for a beautiful stay and upscale experience for your Sonoma Elopement or Micro Wedding.

Timber Cove Resort

Grab a weekend bag and your pup to escape to Timber Cove, connect with nature and relax in a casual, sophisticated space. With 180-degree coastal views, this is a beautiful location for a coastal elopement just the two of you, or inviting a select group of special guests to witness to join you for a relaxed celebration on the coast.

*dog friendly!

Dawn Ranch

Set on the Russian River in Guerneville, the 22 acre river-side property offers luxury accommodations from Cabins to Chalets. Dawn Ranch would be a beautiful place to begin your Sonoma Coast Elopement Day, or host your favorite humans for a weekend micro wedding.

*dog friendly!

AutoCamp Russian River

AutoCamp Russian River is a Redwood paradise, staying amongst nature in the comforts of a fully kitted out airstream at AutoCamp’s most quaint property before taking off to the Sonoma Coast for your Elopement.

*dog friendly!

Sea Ranch Lodge

The Sea Ranch Lodge is known for its architecture and was designed to live in harmony with the natural elements. Stay in one of the lodge’s 17 rooms for your Elopement or rent a home in Sea Ranch Living for a more private and spacious stay.

*dog friendly!

Boon Hotel and Spa

A modern boutique hotel in the heart of Russian River Valley, Boon is a zen retreat amongst the redwoods. Boon Hotel and Spa would be a beautiful spot to host your garden party micro wedding and host all of your favorite people on property.

*dog friendly!

5 locations for your Elopement Ceremony in Sonoma

Salt Point State Park

Just North of Timber Cove, Salt Point is a beautiful coastal location with hiking trails, redwoods groves and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

*trails in Salt Point State Park are not dog friendly

**day use fee and possible Special Event Permit required

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Soak in those just married moments as you take portraits and walk amongst the ancient redwoods of Sonoma. Armstrong Redwoods is filled with trails to explore.

*trails in Armstrong Redwoods are not dog friendly

**day use fee and possible Special Event Permit required

Jenner Headlands Preserve

Just North of where the Russian River dumps into the Pacific, Jenner Headlands offers a variety of landscape from redwoods to coastal prairies and spans nearly 6,000 acres.

*dogs on leash are welcome

**no day use fees or permits

Still Water Cove Regional Park

Is bringing your pup along high on the priority list? (I totally get it, I’d want mine there too!) Well Still Water Cove offers 3 trails through the redwoods and along ocean bluffs where dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash. Consider an adventure at Still Water Cove for your Sonoma Elopement!

*dogs on leash are welcome

**day use fees – no permit required

Sonoma Coast State Park

Rocky headlands, scenic shoreline and sandy beaches, Sonoma Coast State park spans 17 miles along the Sonoma Coast and offers a variety of locations. Consider Blind Beach, Peaked Hill, Kortum Trail or Vista Trail for your Elopement Portraits and Private Vow readings that overlook the coast.

*dogs are welcome in select areas

**day use fees and possible Special Event Permit required

Kind Words from Christin + John

With a lot of support and great recommendations from Jess, we decided to elope this year and have our wedding celebration next year. Looking back, we are so thankful that we chose this plan and are now recommending to everyone we know that they should elope before or instead of a wedding even after the pandemic ends!

We got married at Timber Cove in Northern California and it was the perfect setting. This was our dream wedding venue but we ultimately planned our wedding somewhere else due to the number of guests we have. The pandemic actually made our Timber Cove wedding dream come true in a different way, which made the setting even more special to us.

We had the best day and Jess captured it better than we could have imagined, she made us feel so comfortable that we didn’t even think about the fact that we were being photographed as we shared our vows and exchanged our rings. I am so happy to have our beautiful photographs to remember how special this day was, we couldn’t have planned it or captured it more perfectly if we tried.

Sonoma Elopement Packages

Eloping on the Sonoma Coast offers intimate, stunning settings and breathtaking coastal views, making it a perfect, less crowded choice for a unique and memorable experience.

As your dedicated elopement photographer, I’m here to do more than just document your special moments; I’ll also help you plan the perfect day. From selecting the ideal ceremony spot to recommending the best local vendors, I’ll be with you every step of the way. Visit my contact page to learn more about my tailored Sonoma elopement packages and start planning your dream elopement today!

Sonoma Elopement + Micro Wedding Photographer

Hi, I’m Jess – your Sonoma Elopement and Micro Wedding photographer! I specialize in capturing authentic, candid moments with a documentary style that truly tells the story of your special day. I’m so stoked that you’re dreaming of eloping on the Sonoma Coast – it really is the way to go. While places like Point Reyes and Big Sur are iconic California coast elopement locations, the Sonoma Coast is equally stunning with its rocky cliffs and towering redwoods. I can’t wait to help you plan and document your perfect Sonoma elopement!

Reach out here and let’s make your dream elopement a reality!