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Southern California Elopement Photographer
ocean, mountains & everything in between
So happy to meet you, i'm talya!
I’m your adventure wedding consultant, guide & photographer
I have been photographing couples in love since 2017 and want to know - when you picture your dream elopement, what experience feels like you.
Whether that means:
Galavanting through Glamis Sand Dunes or Mount Laguna
Jumping in the ocean even in your wedding attire
Searching for the best pizza scavenger hunt
Giggling with your closest friends while stargazing
Climbing through slot canyons
Rock climbing and camping under the stars
Geeking out about the kelp forest at the Birch Aquarium
I am so there to guide, support and hype you up!
As Seen On:
If you want to celebrate your hobbies and personal journeys along with your vows, I know just the place - trust me, I am a Southern California Native and world traveler.
My goal is to craft an experience that feels once-in-a-lifetime epic - and Southern California offers so many epic options to celebrate who you are what your love story feels like.
Some of my Favorite Locations for
Southern California Elopements
1. Catalina Island
Whether you crave Mediterranean vibes with deep blue waters or want to summit Mt. Orizaba to kick off your wedding day, Catalina is a wonderland for epic weddings. You will be shocked to learn how accessible this magical island is from Los Angeles.
2. Death Valley National Park
While the name of this national park might not scream romance, the uniquely colorful sandy landscapes prove otherwise. If you want to go canyoneering, off-roading, biking, or anything else, Death Valley has it.
3. Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Think wildflowers, vast desert views, one of a kind artistic structures, hidden slot canyons, and palm trees - all just a two hour drive from San Diego.
4. Mount Baldy
Whether you want to go for a challenging hike or just want to enjoy the mountainous views, Mount Baldy is the true gem of Los Angeles.
Southern California elopements can be as diverse and unique as you'd like - between the beaches and mountains, islands and cities, so cal offers the most adventurous, outdoor-friendly wedding opportunities.
And I am here to guide you through all the world famous as well as secret locals only spots (if you are a native Californian reading this - please forgive me for divulging our secrets - they are just too good to keep to myself!)
It's my honor to matchmake your personality, values and love story to the most authentic celebration of who you are and what you love most about your life together.
Tips for Eloping in Southern California
1. Don't worry about what others think
Sure picking a middle of nowhere national park has more of an immediate outdoorsy wow factor, but truth is - Southern California offers so many locations to mountain bike, hike, skinny dip, camp out, kayak or paraglide. It's a location that allows you to explore no matter what the season is, so you don't have to wait for that one perfect week of weather and fight the crowds for your iconic photo opt. I vote focus on what YOU value in your big day and we will find it in right in between these famous cities.
2. Think BIG
San Diego and Los Angeles might be big cities, but there is literally a mountain bike path and a creek right outside my door. Southern California offers easy transportation and opportunity for family and freinds to join you for part of the day as well as more private experiences.
3. Enjoy the Sunshine
No matter where you live, you might be craving sunshine. Southern California is perfcet for winter elopements so you can enjoy 79 degree sunshine even in the middle of February.
4. Work with an Expert
Not to toot my own horn, but working with vendors that know the area, the culture and the weather patterns means that you can experience the version of California that sits right with you - whether that is a hidden hike, a hippie drum circle or the perfect spot to catch the sunset without the crowds. Southern California elopements go beyond just a courthouse wedding or Sunset Cliffs, and working with an expert supports your quest.
Why choose me to be part of your big day?
There are so many details to navigate in bringing your dream wedding adventure to life.
You deserve to feel 100% confident, knowing that you are in capable & caring hands.
I am an adventure expert
Ask me about backpacking solo or leading outdoor trips for teenagers, since completing my outdoor survival course when I was 15, I have become best friends with adventure and know the tricks to making the adventure a success in any weather. (Just ask me about leading a mindfulness backpacking trip that got hailed on the entire time)
Support here means emotional & technical
I know that planning this experience can bring up so much - especially when choosing a path that differs from others. I am not only here to offer unique planning tips, but to help you and your partner celebrate and continue to stay excited throughout the whole planning process.
You get to feel like yourself in front of the camera, regardless of the pose
I know how awkward it can feel to be in front of the camera and I fully believe it’s my task to put you at ease so you can focus on more important things like looking at your partner and thinking how freaking badass this is!
Digital, film & Polaroid Photography
To me, film photography is like summiting that mountain, and digital photography is a backpack stuffed with first aid, warm clothing and a Garmin - just as necessary for the adventure, and making sure that your memories stay safe.
Showing up for you isn't just a job. I mean, I am incredibly grateful that I get to do this as my job - my main goal is to tap into how much this day means to you two, to learn what your love feels like, what your values and goals are - and to show up fully for who you are.
So that your day is perfect, and the memories are captured perfectly.
8
years of
photographing
love
100+
times I have said I am obsessed "wow, why don't I come here more often"
70k
photos taken in my hometown
on top of timeless images, you get:
Consultation Call
Unlimited support and planning (as many Zoom calls, texts and calls that you need)
Location scouting & help with permit requirements
Vendor recommendations for hair, florists, makeup artists, suggestions for local places to stay and where to eat
Customized timeline
Posing prompts and must have list for images
Creative Collaboration
Detail oriented eye to make sure the images are perfect
Content Creation
A Fun & Supportive Presence
Sneak Peeks
Few Unique Things About Working With Me
Carbon Neutral Travel
As you know I am an environmentalist with years of experience in reducing environmental impacts. The carbon emissions from my travel are offset by financing carbon sinks. I can offset your elopement travel too and make your wedding carbon neutral! I also source eco-friendly albums and prints, and will guide you in planning an elopement that is friendly to our planet.
Outdoor Expertise
As a backpacker and lifelong outdoor adventurer, you can trust my experience in the great outdoors. I know how to plan and pack for adventures thoroughly and will guide you throughout the process.
Mindfulness Specialist
I hear too often that your wedding goes by too quickly and part of my job is to slow down these moments. I will naturally bring in mindfulness practices to have you two connect and stay in these breathtaking moments.
Inclusive & Proud
As a queer-owned, BIPOC inclusive business, I am honored to pay witness and celebrate your love. I also understand that some poses, locations or vocabulary won’t work for everyone. I take the time to get to know you, your preferences and your story.
"Talya Herring is a dream to work with! She has a talent for finding the perfect angles and lighting, and I was blown away by how easy she made everything feel”
Reach out to start planning your dream destination wedding!
Don’t worry, even if you have little to no plans at all, I can help translate ideas into really understanding your values, goals & dream plans. I can't wait to speak with you, no matter the stage you are at!
Starting Prices for Southern California Elopement - $4,000
And here’s what couples like you have said:
"We seriously could not be happier with how our photos turned out!!! Not only did Talya capture incredible photos, she was also amazing to work with and created such a safe, fun space, which was especially important for my girlfriend who doesn't like being in front of the camera too much.
She directed us very well in moments where we didn't know what to do & kept coming up with new, exciting ideas the whole time, which allowed us to feel confident in each pose and space.
10000/10 would recommend Talya!!!"
– Bailey & Riley
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