CALIFORNIA elopement photographeRS

turning your love story into

ENCHANTING

visual masterpiece that echoes through time

CALIFORNIA elopement photographeRS

turning your love story into

ENCHANTING

visual masterpiece that echoes through time

Proudly Featured in:

Featured on Brides magazine
Featured on Looks Like Film
Feature on Sony Alpha
Featured on Junebug Weddings
Featured on Insider
Featured on Huffington Post
Featured on Rangefinder Magazine
Featured on Green Wedding Shoes

HELLO,

WE’RE HENRY & SERGIO AND WE’RE COMMITTED TO YOUR CALIFORNIA elopement EXPERIENCE

Henry Tieu & Sergio - Elopement Photographers
couple eloped at Yosemite kissed Henry Tieu, their elopement photographer

We’re one of the original elopement photographers before elopements became popular. Since 2018, we’ve helped over 200 couples elope all over California and across the world.

Although our main duty is capturing you and your love in the most breath-taking landscapes, we are more than just photographers. We help couples craft an intentional experience that allows honest emotions to reveal themselves because everyone deserve to truly and fully immerse themselves into the day that commemorates the beginning of something new, magical, and worth every second living for.

Just like where you are today, we each also went through wedding planning with our own life partner.

We learned that at the core of who we are as humans, we already know how we want to live, to love, to experience this life.

But somehow, the external noises of expectations can often drown out what we truly believe in – and this happens quite often when it comes to weddings.

We want to empower you through the whole journey of wedding & elopement planning

Here are some places you might have seen our work on adventure elopement photography and how we’ve helped couples like yourselves:

CONTACT US
Sergio from Henry Tieu Photography photographing wedding couple at sunset

World’s Best Wedding Photography 2019 – 2022 | Judge of World’s Best Wedding Photos 2023 Rangefinder Magazine’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography | Looks Like Film’s Artist Of The Year | World’s Best Wedding Photography 2019 – 2022 | Judge of World’s Best Wedding Photos 2023 Rangefinder Magazine’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography | Looks Like Film’s Artist Of The Year |

WHY ELOPE IN california?

Adventurous CALIFORNIA Elopement – Epic Love Deserves An Epic Location

We photograph love the way love naturally occurs: organically and tenderly. On your elopement day, you should be able to forget the world and just be with the one(s) who matters the most

So trust us to be there to celebrate you and with you. To hold your hands, to cry with you, and to create memories that will last a lifetime for you

We are inspired by your story, your voice, the way the wind touches your face, the way you look into each other’s eyes and tell each other your vows.

California holds a special place in our hearts. From wandering through the towering sequoias of Yosemite National Park to witnessing couples exchanging vows amidst the rugged coastline of Big Sur, we’ve been captivated by the Golden State’s diverse beauty. California truly has one of the most diverse landscapes we’ve ever photographed anywhere. While we love the iconic locations like the majestic Redwoods and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, Sergio and I also love the hidden gems we’ve scouted around Joshua Tree National Park , Eastern Sierra, and the stark beauty of Death Valley National Park.

If you think you’ve seen it all, wait till we help plan your elopement and share with you the beauty of California. Whether you dream of saying ‘I do’ under a canopy of ancient trees, on the shores of Lake Tahoe, or beneath the star-filled sky of Joshua Tree, California offers endless possibilities for your elopement adventure.

Let us guide you through this magical land and create unforgettable memories for your elopement experience.

Same sex couple eloped in Big Sur on a cliff with rugged rocks
Death Valley Elopement with milky way and stars
Star photos and lantern elopement photos at yosemite at tunnel view
couple eloped on a foggy moody day in big sur
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT AT TAFT POINT
couple eloped at yosemite at glacier point
tunnel view yosemite elopement
death valley national park desert elopement
Fall color in Yosemite as couple eloped in California

CALIFORNIA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS & PLANNING RESOURCES

Elopement Guest Etiquette 101

Attending an elopement as a guest is a special honor. Read this guide to learn elopement guest do’s and don’ts and learn our top elopement guest etiquette tips.

How to Plan Your National Park Elopement and Wedding

National park elopements are a great way to combine your love for the outdoors with an intentional wedding experience. quickly become a popular choice for couples looking to elope in nature. Visit the blog to learn how to plan your national park elopement and see the top places to elope in a national park.

Bursting Elopement Myths: 6 Misconceptions about Modern Elopements

Want to know the truth about elopements? There are so many ideas about what an elopement is or isn’t or what they should or shouldn’t be. The meaning of the word has changed over the years and the modern day elopement looks very different from the original meaning of the word. Read this blog post to discover some elopement myths and learn more about what today’s elopements actually look like. | Adventure Elopement Photographer | Elopement Myths | Elopement Wedding
VIEW ALL ELOPEMENT PLANNING RESOURCES

CALIFORNIA Wedding & Elopement Stories

Bride and groom couple portraits on the beach in Santa Cruz, California

California Micro Wedding at Sequoia Retreat Center

Jen and Craig’s California micro wedding took place at one of the most beautiful forest wedding venues in Northern California! Visit the blog to see more from their forest wedding ceremony and adventure photos on the beach!
VIEW MORE ELOPEMENT STORIES

KIND WORDS

To him, it’s more than just a business transaction. We felt like we gained a lifetime friend!

To say that Henry is an amazing photographer is quite the understatement. Henry is the best, truly. Aside from saying yes to marrying my husband (lol), asking Henry to photograph our elopement was the next best decision I ever made. Our ceremony took place in Yosemite National Park. He did all the research and laid out the logistics such as timing/locations for us. In other words, he did all the heavy lifting to make sure that everything went smoothly on our day. Not only is Henry super friendly and professional, he also makes you feel so comfortable. After spending the day with him, my husband and I seriously felt as if we had known him for 10+ years. This is so important because we felt completely open and comfortable with him the whole day. When you’re able to get on that level with your wedding photographer, it makes a huge difference. Not to mention, you can just tell that Henry is truly passionate about his work. Not only that, he also cares about his clients. To him, it’s more than just a business transaction. We felt like we gained a lifetime friend!

Speaking of photos. I mean, are you kidding me? He might actually be a wizard. The photos are just unreal. I have said this so many times, but I’ll say it again, Henry is the best!

julie & calvin | eloped in at yosemite national park

married couple eloping at yosemite and henry tieu photography

GET STARTED

5 TIPS FOR YOUR CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

1) Anyone can elope but elopement is not for everyone. You don’t want to regret your wedding day. Read these 6 things to consider before eloping

2) Plan early in order to guarantee a wedding permit (applicable for all National Parks in California and many National Forests in the area)

3) There are more than just the popular locations you found online. Consult with your elopement photographer for more beautiful locations and for the best planning strategies.

4) Learn about Leave No Trace in order to have a beautiful elopement without hurting the beautiful landscape we are in.

5) Explore these Elopement Planning Resources to brainstorm for what you can do to have a beautiful and unique elopement.

For info on marriage license, places to elope, and everything else you need to know, check out the How To Elope In California

CONTACT US FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

KIND WORDS

Even though we were behind schedule (which is normal) he never rushed us and he really made sure we were enjoying ourselves and savoring every moment.

When I got engaged the most exciting part of planning was choosing a photographer. The minute I came across Henry’s work, I knew that I wanted him to capture our big day not just because his work is absolutely breathtaking, but because he works with and highlights ALL love stories and equally showcases them on his page. Getting to work with and meet him was so surreal. What I loved most about working with him was how calm he was. Even though we were behind schedule (which is normal) he never rushed us and he really made sure we were enjoying ourselves and savoring every moment. Afterwards, he was QUICK to deliver a LARGE amount of sneak peeks and we have never gasped so hard. His work perfectly captured how we were feeling on the best day of our lives. I am so happy we invested in his work. If I could do it all over again, I would 100% choose Henry.

FEUN & PAUL | ELOPED IN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

big sur elopement with dramatic cliff coastal view

MORE THAN JUST PACKAGES, IT’S A PARTNERSHIP

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN EVERY CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT & WEDDING PACKAGE

Here’s how we help you embrace the unwritten chapters of your elopement experience

VIEW FULL PRICING
01

Document THE REAL YOU by Henry or Sergio:

From multiple phone calls and meetings to customized questionnaires, our goal is to get to know you so we can document what’s real and important

No elopement is the same. We photograph you with YOU in mind. There won’t be fake laughs or stiff poses. We believe in capturing candids & documentary moments mixed with personalized guidance for portraits that reflect you, your love, and the beautiful sceneries around you.

02

Unlimited Guides and Resources:

Complementary consultations and planning assistance from us including locations, timelines, what to pack, and vendor recommendations

50+ Page Elopement Guide filled with tips and information to help you navigate through this process from day 1 to the day you receive your photos back.

Questionnaires and Elopement Checklists to help you keep track of every important detail.

Whether you book Henry or Sergio, we have an entire team behind every beautiful elopement. All of us communicate with each other every day and help each other with location scouting, permit research, unique finds on accommodations and hidden gems. Overall, when you hire one of us, you get all of us.

03

A Personalized Elopement Experience:

Each couple is unique and so are their stories. This means each elopement experience needs to be personalized to truly reflect what love means for each couple. You’ll get access to our client-only Planning Portal so we don’t miss a beat

04

The Breath-taking Award Winning Photos and the Heart-Warming Moments

We document your days with 2 priorities in mind: Storytelling & Art. We want each photo and the whole gallery to be able to transport you right back to the day that signified the beginning of your next chapter. Regardless of which package you choose, we don’t limit the amount of photos you’ll receive.

GIFs, double exposures, creative imagery and drone (where legally allowed) are all included without additional fees

We carefully go through each photo we capture to make sure every important moment is preserved. Then each photo will be artistically edited and in high resolution

You have personal printing rights and Your custom online gallery with UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS is private and secured

And of course, all kind of fun sneak peak because just like you, we are excited to see these heart-warming moments

05

No Additional Travel Fees:

Our own travel costs are all included in each package so we can get to all the locations you’ve dreamed of. Our inclusive pricing is to make sure you don’t have to worry about inflation, changes in airfares or in gas pricing.

No extra fees. No hidden fees.

Your Elopement Day Is Your Wedding Day

And You Deserve An Experience That is Honest, Meaningful, and Memorable

CONTACT US FOR YOUR CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT

more answers to your

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We operate fully on transparency and empowerment. We believe that YOUR elopement day is YOUR wedding day and this day will forever be a part of you and your legacy. It signifies the beginning of your next chapter and hold significant meanings to every aspect of your life.

Therefore, you deserve a photographer whom you can truly connect with as they are the one who’s in charge of fleeting moments and memories of your day

We hope we can be your California Elopement Photographers but We STRONGLY believe that you should look around for options, view each photographer’s portfolio, read their reviews, and talk with them in order to really have a clear picture of how they work and how they can help you. Each photographer’s approach to wedding photography is like their DNA, it’s an extension of who they are

For us, we focus on an INTENTIONAL EXPERIENCE & ARTFUL PHOTOGRAPHS. In order to do so, we do more than just photography. We’ll be there with with you every step of the way to help you though this journey

We also believe in the power of your story, what makes you unique, and what you value rather than how you look or how your photos should look because of trends.

To learn more about what it’s like to work with us, view our Elopement Experience.

California holds a special place in our hearts, offering lots of options for your dream elopement. With its diverse landscapes and temperate climate, you can elope anytime (we have to bear in in mind the exact locations of course)

While places like Lake Tahoe and Joshua Tree National Park are accessible year round, higher elevations like Yosemite may experience snow in the winter months and therefore will have road closures, making June to mid-October (sometimes, even early November) ideal for optimal weather. With Yosemite specifically, the park is one of the busiest National Parks so they often have rules on entry permit. Don’t let that worry you, we’ll be there to help you navigate all the requirements

For a beach elopement such as Big Sur, you can elope anytime; however, November – April often get moodier with fog (we personally love it but we just want to make sure you’re aware)

Just like elopements anywhere in nature, keep in mind that California’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a backup plan and be prepared for any surprises. And of course we’ll be there every step of the way to help you plan for the unexpected and unknowns

One hundred percent. Elopement isn’t just about running away or keeping it all a secret. It should be an experience where you can enjoy the whole day with whomever you would like to be there. Therefore, for us, we consider elopements and intimate weddings the same.

Although we don’t limit the amount of guests you should have, some National Parks, State Parks, BLM Lands place limits on the guest size to protect trails and native plants.

We’ve noticed that a guest list of about 30 or so can still ensure a low-stress experience. If you are interested in having more than 30 guests, we can always chat to figure out a location and a plan to give you the best experience and photos.

You can elope without photography for as low as $60 (marriage license cost) or up to $33,900+ (with vendors, locations, etc…). How much your elopement will cost depends on what what you want to experience and your guest size. At a minimum, you’ll need wedding attires and a photographer.

We have an entire blog post on how much does it cost to elope that also includes a handy elopement calculator.

Our California elopement packages start at $6,900. To learn more about everything that’s included in our services and how we can help, please visit our Pricing Page.

You can apply for your marriage license online 90 days before your elopement date. California requires an ordained officiant and 1 witness (unlike many other States that often require 2 witnesses). We will be there every step of the way to help you with important deadlines to make sure your elopement experience not only legal but also magical. For a full guide on how to elope in California, read our guide here.

Most of our elopements average between 6-10 hours but how many hours you need will depend on how many locations you want to experience, how many guests you would like to have, and what activities you would like to experience for your elopement day.

A half-day elopement is around 6 – 8 hrs. Couples interested in both sunrise and sunset or multiple locations book a full day (10+ hrs.) Couples who want both a wedding experience where they spend the whole day with guests and also an elopement experience where they can spend private time together on a separate day book us for 2 days.

See our elopement packages for additional information and if you have any additional questions or are ready to book, send us a message and let’s get started!

Adventure elopements for us aren’t always about hiking. We believe that YOU DON’T NEED TO HIKE TO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL ELOPEMENT DAY

If hiking is what you enjoy, we’ll be ready with our hiking boots and some snacks to share. However, if it’s not something you love, we can certainly help find easy access locations for you and your family.

Mountain elopements can range from minimal walk and up to 6 miles total (for example, Glacier Point at Yosemite is just a short walk whereas Taft Point is around 2.5 miles total). Desert elopements at Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley will require a bit of walking on rocks and sand; therefore, although the hikes will be short, it’s important to make sure we have enough water, sunscreen, and other items to ensure safety from the heat and sun. We’ll be there with resources and packing list to make sure you are prepared.

If you’re looking to hike, we recommend no more than 2-3 miles each way since hiking for an elopement experience is different from hiking for fun as you’ll be carrying gears and outfits you’d typically not have.

  1. Once you’ve decided that eloping is for you, reach out to us on our contact page.
  2. We’ll get on a call to get to know each other and for us to share with you more knowledge, details, tips and resources.
  3. Once we figure out the best date for the best weather at your dream location, we’ll prepare a contract in order to reserve that date right away.
  4. After that, we go into planning mode together to make sure this experience is personalized and customized to your vision and your needs.

Trust us, it is as easy as it sounds 🙂

testimonials

Love Letters from Our Happy Couples

creative artful wedding photo at yosemite national park

HAILEY & SHAUN

ELOPED IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

If you’re looking for someone to photograph your elopement, look no further, you’ve found it. I can confidently say you can rest easy knowing you chose Henry Tieu Photography. My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Sergio for our Yosemite elopement this past week. From the moment we got on our initial FaceTime meeting with Sergio, we felt at ease. He did a fantastic job learning about us as a couple, rather than just treating us like a business transaction. The whole process was absolutely seamless from start to finish.

Although we live in California we were saving the beauty of Yosemite NP for our wedding day. Sergio was SO extremely helpful with providing us lists of housing, hair vendors, makeup vendors, food vendors, you name it. We found out a few months prior that our chosen ceremony location couldn’t accommodate our guest list. Sergio was so quick to send us other options. Which in turn worked out better than our original plan ❤️ about a month out he had a whole timeline written out for our wedding day. I can’t stress how much of a relief this was. Not to mention the stress it took off of us, knowing exactly what our day would look like from start to finish. It makes it much easier to coordinate a timeline for your friends & family if they are joining.

The day of flew by like a flash. We went from camera shy to identifying as models ✨😂 Sergio felt like so much more than just a photographer. He was a friend. We felt so incredibly comfortable working with him. For people who are virtually never in front of the camera (zero social media) I couldn’t help but feel we looked the same in every photo. I’ll go ahead and be the first to tell you, IGNORE THIS FEELING. We got our sneak peeks a few days back, and when I tell you I was absolutely floored. The photos are beyond incredible. GORGEOUS. Something you would see on the cover of a magazine. I don’t think I’ve looked away since we opened the email. We could not be more thankful that we chose Sergio to capture our wedding day. We truly owe this man our life. So again, THANK YOU SERGIO! The photos speak for themselves! You fricken kiddin’ me 😍

double exposure elopement photography in big sur

KATIE & erik

ELOPED IN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

Henry was absolutely amazing – we truly loved having him as part of our wedding day! From day one, he went above and beyond and made the entire process not only seamless, but special and an experience unto itself. If you’re thinking of hiring him, do it! It was the best decision we made.

After putting our wedding on hold multiple times due to COVID-19, we decided to have a micro wedding but didn’t know where to start so we reached out to Henry. We had been following him on instagram for awhile and connected with the way he was able to capture how moments felt, rather than just taking pretty/posed scenery shots.

After connecting via Facetime, we knew he was it! He was humble, kind and clearly very, very talented. From the moment we booked, he took care of everything! We shared our vision for the day and he (plus Viet of Rain and Pines) did the rest – he scouted our location, created the timeline, checked in with us regularly via text, etc. And then on the wedding day itself, he was phenomenal! Kind, professional, funny, relaxed – he put everyone at ease and it, honestly, felt like we were just hanging out with a friend.

And his photos – wow. I still can’t believe they are ours! Also, did I mention that he sent us a framed photo as a wedding gift with a card thanking us? If anyone deserves to be thanked, it’s Henry!

So thank you, Henry!! We love you!

double exposure creative elopement photos in california

cindy & daniel

ELOPED AT TAFT POINT, YOSEMITE

MAGICAL. That’s the word that best describes our elopement and our experience with Sergio. We came all the way to Yosemite from Florida to have an intimate ceremony in the most epic place we could think of and we also chose the most epic photographer! He is the nicest guy and truly an artist.

We were a little nervous about the whole thing, especially not being super comfortable in front of the camera but he made us feel so comfortable and made sure our photo shoot flowed really well.

Sergio was very helpful throughout the whole process and recommended our officiant Donny, who was also amazing.

Thank you for hiking back in the darkness with us Sergio! Lol

We have only gotten our sneaks so far and they are absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to see the entire gallery.
Could not recommend Henry and Sergio enough!!!
If we could give more than 5 stars, we would.
🙂