Rachel & Kevin

Your wedding day should reflect your desires—and that’s going to look different to different couples. Take Rachel and Kevin. This lovely couple wanted an intimate micro-wedding near where they live—which is extra wonderful because they live near Crystal Cove.

If you haven’t been to this state park in Southern California, you really should treat yourself. This natural seashore is an absolute beauty—delighting all of your senses. From the soft sand to the warm sun, the sound of the gentle waves to the miles of hiking—it’s just an incredible place.

I feel pretty lucky to have grown up near the coast. I spent so much of my childhood at the beaches in Huntington Beach. I spent my teenage years driving PCH from Bolsa Chica to Newport Beach and sometimes even Laguna Beach. As such, I’m intimately familiar with this golden stretch of coastline.

So I was thrilled when Rachel and Kevin reached out to me about their Crystal Cove wedding plans. You can read about their micro-wedding below, and find some tips for your own Crystal Cove wedding day.

A Warm, Inviting Beach Wedding

While there are lots of cool places in and around SoCal, Crystal Cove is a gem of Orange County. It’s possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. In typical OC fashion, it was a warm November day. The gloom of the marine layer, present earlier in the week, was nowhere to be found.

I met Rachel and Kevin at the boardwalk, roped off for their wedding ceremony and guests. It made the moment feel a little more private, which was pretty special.

Our couple opted against a first look, preferring to see each other for the first time at the altar. This can be a lot of fun for couples as they experience the magic of the moment all at once; leading to a mix of emotions (surprise, delight, nervousness, excitement, love, and more) which my camera eagerly captured.

Rachel and Kevin’s wedding was officiated by a close friend. The two said their ‘I do’s with family and friends overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

After the ceremony, there was lots of hugging and congratulations—followed by some photos with friends and family.

I stole the couple away from the rest of the guests and headed down to the beach. It’s always nice to let the moment sink in, realizing that “Yes, it’s real! You’re married.” I snapped lots of photos of these two amongst the sand and patterned rocky surfaces of Crystal Cove.

Our newlyweds even had a first dance, with just the seagulls and my camera watching.

As the moon rose and the sun set, we parted ways as Rachel and Kevin headed to dinner with their guests.

All in all, that’s really the delightful nature of a micro-wedding. It’s a straightforward expression of your love and commitment to one another, often in a beautiful place, with a core group of adoring guests. It’s exactly as meaningful and romantic as you need it to be, because you two get to focus on what matters most. And that’s a spectacular thing!

Wedding Tips for Your Crystal Cove Wedding

Picturing your own Crystal Cove wedding day? Here are a few tips you need to know:

Crystal Cove requires a permit for weddings and professional photoshoots.
There’s a $15 payment required for each car that comes in. Carpooling helps reduce costs and makes parking easier.
The beaches often have a marine layer of fog or clouds, especially in the summer. If you visit this area between May and June, you should prepare for cold weather. Wearing layers is always a good idea.
Crystal Cove has paved walkways and a boardwalk, but the paths down to the beach are sand and dirt. Sturdy shoes can help you keep your footing.
Beaches are public areas and can get busy. If you want more privacy, you should consider weekday weddings.
Pack some essentials for you and your guests—like water, sunscreen, snacks, sunglasses, and the like.
Book an elopement wedding photographer to help you plan and capture the day. I was born and raised in Southern California, so I am intimately familiar with the beach cities. Contact me and I’ll help you have the most amazing wedding day.
Book lodging and other vendors ahead of time. Common examples include an officiant, flowers, decor, food, and more.
Get married. Celebrate your love on this magical beach!

Want more info or other beach wedding options? Check out our blogs for more ideas and tips.

Want More? Read These SoCal Beach Wedding Stories

Vendors We Love Near Crystal Cove

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