El Matador Beach Elopement in Malibu
Intimate Elopement at El Matador Beach
In August of 2021, I got an inquiry to capture E & M’s elopement.
While we were chatting about it, they casually let me know that what they really wanted was to have an elopement instead: Just them and the officiant.
I won’t deny that I was over the moon upon hearing this and immediately said YES!
So, over the course of the following weeks, we met up over Zoom and chatted away about what their vision looked like for their special day.
They asked me how they could start planning their elopement, so I sent over my guides and they got started with crafting their timeline, booking their vendors, and deciding on the final location for the ceremony.
After weeks of research, this lovely couple chose Southern California as their elopement location even though they currently live in the Pacific Northwest!
When I asked them why they chose El Matador Beach in Malibu specifically, they smiled and told me that’s where they had their very first date.
Ok. I wasn’t ready for that response! How special is that?!
So with that in mind, we got down to work to make sure they had the day they envisioned!
PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT: Elopement Planning Worksheets | Elopement Photo Packages
Malibu Elopement Inspiration and Ideas
E & M chose to start the morning by themselves. They stayed at this cute house overlooking the coast just 15 minutes away from their elopement ceremony location.
They devoted the beginning of their marriage adventure by spending quality time in self-reflection, meditation, and by reading letters that their lovely friends and family had written for them!
(Fact: having friends and family write letters to you is a very special way to include them on your elopement day!)
Then, a couple of hours later, E’s makeup and hair artist from Meg O’Hare Beauty (IG: @megoharebeauty) showed up at her door and got her all glammed up.
E ended up serving us with a gorgeous boho-inspired, natural look and soft beachy curls…Talk about looking effortlessly stunning!
In the room next door, M was getting ready at the same time. When I got there I checked up on him and I was speechless! His attire was absolutely on point.
He looked very dapper and matched E’s dress perfectly with his two statement pieces: A flower-patterned bowtie and rustic-orange suspenders!
E & M getting ready for their First Look in the backyard full of orange trees!
Malibu Elopement Timeline Ideas
The First Look
E and M spent some time chatting and embracing each other after revealing themselves during the first look.
I’m honestly telling you it was hard to not get misty-eyed by their reaction to each other! There were just so many smiles, laughs, and tears there.
What a core memory for them!
Then we decided it was time to head over to the ceremony location. But before we did that we actually stopped on the side of the road for these bridal photos I’m showing you next.
The view looked amazing but since the weather in Malibu kept quickly changing, it ended up quite cloudy when we arrived. You could even see haze over the horizon!
But in the end, I think we made it work and even got better photos than I imagined. The couple stood out in the midst of a dramatic sky and earthy landscape!
Bouquet + Boutonniere by Florelia by Ana Anaya (IG: @florelia_aa)
Make-Up and Hair by Meg O’Hare Beauty (IG: @megoharebeauty)
Elopement Picnic Setup at the Beach
Once we arrived and made the short hike down to El Matador Beach, my assistant and I set up a quick picnic for E and M to enjoy.
We left them on their own as they enjoyed a cheese and fruit charcuterie board for two + some macaroons because they are always a great idea!
As they enjoyed their snacks, they spent the time finishing reading those letters they got from friends and family
Now at this point, the weather was rather perfect at this Malibu beach. There was a brisk wind and the sky would switch from cloudy to sunny every now and then. It was neither hot nor cold.
It was also the perfect setting to take some gorgeous photos against the rugged landscape around them!
El Matador Beach Elopement Ceremony Location
Just as they finished their quick snacks and the sky started to clear out, E and M’s officiant from Celebrations by Shelby (@celebrationsbyshelby) met with us for the ceremony.
It started off right away as the officiant shared a grounded speech before they said their ‘I do’s. Then, it wasn’t long before they placed their rings, committed to their vows, and finally shared their first kiss as a married couple!
A few passersby clapped and cheered, and I recall the sun was shining through the clouds giving the couple that timeless glow you only see in movies. You could also hear the ocean waves softly crashing against the nearby rocks.
It almost felt like a dream.
To top it off, the moment was filled with sweet smiles, heartfelt hugs, and grateful tears.
Once the celebrations had all concluded, we started walking along the beach to find a few more spots where to take their bridal portraits!
Let me tell you, I had never been to El Matador Beach before. But exploring it reminded me of how beautiful California is. In my opinion, it’s seriously one of the top places to elope!
And not to mention the sunset…
The sun was peaking from behind the cliffs and we had one of the most perfect lights for our photo session.
Then an hour later, we said our goodbyes. We were sad to leave such a fun day but happy to know that this couple had began their union with a joyous elopement!
Evie and Matt headed back to their house where a 5-course Italian meal was waiting just for them. They had hired a private chef who served them burrata, tarragon salad, gnocchi, a plate of lamb chops in tomato-based sauce, and some tiramisu.
Their chef certainly ended their night on a sweet note!
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Hey, I’m Sara!
I’m a California elopement photographer based in the Central Valley.
If you’re recently engaged or ready to start planning your elopement day, I’m cheering you on and I’d love to help!
Let’s talk about your vision, gush over stunning locations and spend the day creating memories.
I’m here to guide you through the process + capture your day how you dream it.
YOUR PERFECT DAY STARTS HERE
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