Oakhurst Elopement
Liz and Derrick’s Oakhurst elopement wasn’t what they originally planned, but it turned out to be exactly what they needed. Their original vision was a small Yosemite elopement surrounded by towering granite and just a few loved ones. When plans shifted, they chose to hold their ceremony on a family friend’s property in Coarsegold, near Oakhurst. The result was a peaceful and heartfelt gathering that blended the intimacy of an elopement with the joy of a small wedding.
The light that evening was beautiful. It filtered through the trees with that soft spring glow that makes everything feel a little more magical. Liz wore a flowing white gown and Derrick wore his Marine Corps dress blues. They looked incredible, but more than that, they looked calm, grounded, and ready.
The ceremony took place under a canopy of oaks. Light streamed through the branches above as they exchanged vows. It was quiet, natural, and full of heart. Just a few loved ones stood nearby. Committing their lives to one another in a space that felt personal and real.
Why People Choose to Elope
More and more couples are choosing to elope, and for good reason. An elopement allows you to keep your focus where it belongs, on your relationship and the promises you’re making. It can take the pressure off, especially for couples who feel overwhelmed by the idea of a large wedding.
Some couples elope to avoid the stress and expense of a big event. Others want a more private, reflective experience. Still others are drawn to nature and want their ceremony to feel rooted in the landscape. Whatever the reason, eloping can give you freedom and clarity about what matters most.
Liz and Derrick’s day reflected all of that.
A Blend of Elopement and Intimate Wedding
This wasn’t a traditional elopement where a couple runs off alone. It was more like a blend of elopement and intimate wedding. A handful of guests were present, but the day still felt quiet and deeply personal.
There was no reception timeline to follow. No big transitions. Just a natural flow from ceremony to portraits. We wandered around the property together, taking our time and soaking in the soft light and the peacefulness of the hills. That’s one of the best parts of a small celebration. There’s room to breathe and be present.
The Setting: A Quiet Coarsegold Property
The property belonged to a family friend and was tucked into the foothills just outside Oakhurst. It felt private and peaceful, surrounded by oak trees and open space. A simple wooden triangle arch with a touch of greenery marked the ceremony spot.
Birdsong filled the air, and there was a light breeze through the trees. After the ceremony, Liz and Derrick explored the grounds together. Liz carried her bouquet, her gown trailing behind her in the grass. Derrick held her hand as they walked, and you could feel how settled and happy they were.
Spring Weather and Scenery
Spring in Oakhurst and the surrounding areas is truly something special. The hills are still green, the air is fresh, and wildflowers start to appear in the meadows. It’s a short but beautiful season.
Their day was sunny and bright, with soft golden light throughout the afternoon. There were no weather worries and no crowds. Just the two of them, enjoying a perfect spring day in the foothills.
What Makes an Oakhurst Elopement So Unique
If you’re thinking about an Oakhurst elopement, you’ll be happy to know the area offers both natural beauty and quiet flexibility. It’s close enough to Yosemite to still feel tied to the mountains, but much easier to access. There are so many hidden gems tucked into the Sierra foothills.
You can choose from private properties, open meadows, oak groves, and quiet ridgelines. Each one offers a different feel, but they all share a peacefulness that makes elopements feel intimate and true.
For Couples Deciding Between an Elopement and a Small Wedding
Whether you’re leaning toward an elopement or a small wedding, both can be deeply meaningful. It all comes down to what feels right for you and your relationship.
Here are a few things to consider as you decide:
- Elopements offer more privacy and space to be fully present
- Small weddings allow you to celebrate with a close group of loved ones
- Both options tend to be more relaxed and less overwhelming than a traditional wedding
- You can keep the focus on your connection rather than logistics
- You have freedom to personalize the experience in a way that feels true to you
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you exchange vows just the two of you or surrounded by a few favorite people, what matters most is that it reflects your values and love story. You can always plan a larger celebration later if you want to share the moment with more people.
More from the Ceremony and Portraits at their Oakhurst elopement
Their ceremony felt both sacred and familiar. The moment Liz took Derrick’s hands, everything else seemed to disappear. The way they looked at each other during their vows, steady and emotional, full of quiet strength, set the tone for the entire day. There was a calm around them, like the kind that comes when two people are truly ready. I noticed how her fingers curled into his as she smiled through teary eyes, and how he nodded ever so slightly in response. These are the moments you can’t script. They just happen, and when you’re paying attention, you get to preserve them forever.
Later, as we moved into portraits, everything stayed just as natural. There were no poses to hold or performances to put on. They walked, they laughed, they paused to soak in the light or pull each other close. There was such an ease between them. Even the wind seemed to cooperate, lifting Liz’s dress gently as they walked hand-in-hand. Those little details, light, movement, quiet, make images feel alive, like they’re still breathing.
Favorite Moments From their Oakhurst Elopement
One of my favorite moments came right after the ceremony, when Liz and Derrick walked up the hill together. They were quiet, smiling, and so clearly in their own little world. No announcements, no crowd, just a peaceful walk as newlyweds.
Vendor Recommendations for Oakhurst Elopements
If you’re planning your own Oakhurst elopement or small wedding, here are a few local vendors I love working with:
Officiants
Florists
These vendors know the area well and share a love for relaxed, intentional celebrations. They’re wonderful resources if you’re planning from out of town.
Liz and Derrick, thank you for trusting me with your day. Your love for each other, your kindness, and your willingness to embrace change made your elopement one I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful to have been there and to help tell your story. Your day reminded me that beauty doesn’t come from big plans. It comes from honesty, presence, and love.
Kind Words from Liz
“Since beginning to look for a photographer, I stumbled across Ashley’s page on social media and right from the start fell in love with her vibrant but soft, whimsical editing style and photos. And when I reached out to Ashley about possibly covering my wedding and what that would entail, she was very informative and did not take long to get back to me. Most of the answers to your questions can be answered in her website as well. I’m so in awe with all the photos she took of our wedding. I can’t thank her and recommend her enough. They are so beautiful. I loved that she captured so much in such a short amount of time. I only booked her for two hours and wish I could have booked for more, but in our little amount of time she captured so much!
She caught so many amazing, beautiful little moments and coached us to pose in some amazing shots. I will truly treasure these photos forever.
Our photos could not have come out better.
Ashley is so professional, kind, respectful, and just truly talented at what she does.”
Explore More
If Liz and Derrick’s day speaks to you and you’re dreaming of your own elopement, I’d love to help bring it to life. Whether it’s in Oakhurst, Yosemite, or a quiet hillside tucked into the Sierra, there’s so much beauty to be found in these personal celebrations.
Take a look through more real sessions on my blog for ideas and inspiration. Each story is different, and that’s what makes this work so special.
Let’s create something that feels true to you.
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May 23, 2025
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