Many years ago I partnered with a vendor, who turned into a bestie, and created ElopeSantaCruz.com with Donna Rose Gardner. She is the wedding officiant behind Honey in the Heart Ceremonies. Together we have met so many couples from all over the world who feel inspired to say “I do” on the breathtaking California coast. There’s something truly magical about the Monterey Bay — the wild ocean, golden cliffs, and peaceful redwoods — that calls to couples who love nature, adventure, and authenticity.
Recently, we had the joy of helping a sweet family from England plan their dream Santa Cruz elopement after discovering one of our images online. That single photo sparked something in them — a vision of exchanging vows by the sea — and soon they were on their way to California to make it a reality.
They chose Greyhound Rock for their ceremony, one of our favorite elopement locations along the Santa Cruz County coastline. The views there are simply breathtaking — rugged cliffs overlooking endless ocean, sea birds gliding in the wind, and waves crashing below. It’s the perfect spot for couples who want their wedding day to feel connected to nature and far from the ordinary.
To make their day even more special, the family decided to turn their elopement into a full Santa Cruz adventure. They stayed at The Dream Inn, a beloved oceanfront hotel with panoramic views of the wharf and surf below. For their ride to the beach, they rented the Brew Cruz van (unfortunately they are no longer in business) — a retro-cool way to travel that felt perfectly in tune with the laid-back Santa Cruz vibe.
The result? A day filled with laughter, love, and absolutely zero stress. Just an ocean breeze, heartfelt vows, and the joy of being fully present in the moment.
At Elope Santa Cruz, we make eloping simple and seamless. Our elopement collections include both a wedding officiant and a professional photographer, so your ceremony is personal, beautifully documented, and stress-free from start to finish. Whether you’re traveling from nearby or halfway across the world, we’ll help you create a Monterey Bay elopement that feels meaningful, easy, and unforgettable.
If you’ve been dreaming of an intimate California coast elopement — barefoot on the beach, surrounded by redwoods, or high above the waves — we’d love to bring it to life for you. 🌿✨
📸 Visit elopesantacruz.com to explore our collections and see why couples from around the world are falling in love with Santa Cruz elopements.