Spring Remote Southern California Desert Elopement
Jazmin + Thom
A Laid-Back Elopement in Lake Isabella: Jazmin + Thom’s Unforgettable Day in Nature
When Jazmin and Thom first reached out to me, they had one thing in mind: they didn’t want their elopement to feel like a production — they wanted it to feel like them. The kind of day where they could kick back, breathe deep, and soak in everything they love most: the outdoors, adventure, and their people.
Originally, we were eyeing Alabama Hills — a forever favorite for epic landscapes and off-the-grid vibes — but once they realized they wanted to bring their immediate families along, we pivoted. They found a dreamy rental tucked near Lake Isabella, and the plan clicked into place. It was the perfect mix of accessibility for their loved ones, new terrain to explore, and raw California beauty.
From the very start, they told me, “We want this to feel like one of our camping trips. That’s when we’re happiest.” And honestly? That intention shaped every piece of the day.
Sunrise in Hagen Canyon
We kicked off the morning before dawn. Just Jazmin, Thom, their beloved 4Runner, and the rising sun. They changed into their wedding attire at the trailhead — no fuss, just love — and I helped Jazmin lace up the back of her dress as the first light touched the canyon walls.
Their first look happened in the middle of Hagen Canyon, completely alone, with the sky turning gold around them. As soon as they saw each other, the tears started flowing. Jazmin’s hands were shaking. Thom couldn’t stop smiling. I was tearing up behind my lens. It was quiet, emotional, and utterly them.
We wandered around the canyon for portraits and then made our way back to meet their families.
A Windy, Wild Ceremony Overlooking the Lake
The ceremony site was a short but steep hike up a trail near Lake Isabella. We’d picked it for its panoramic views — mountains to one side, the lake shimmering to the other — and it delivered. Thom’s sister officiated the ceremony, and even with the gusty, everyone embraced the moment.
Honestly? The wind only made it better. It gave the whole scene this dramatic, untamed feeling — like the land itself was showing up to celebrate.
Afterward, we lingered for group photos and hugs, then wandered up a bit higher on the trail for a few more \ portraits. Those cliffside views above the lake? Pure magic.
Fly Fishing + Steak Cookout Dinner
To wrap up the day, Jazmin and Thom drove out to the Kern River for a little fly fishing. It’s their new shared hobby, and while they didn’t catch anything, they didn’t care. They laughed, cast lines, and let the adrenaline of the day settle into stillness.
Later that evening, everyone gathered at their Airbnb for a steak cookout. It was casual, cozy, and full of joy — the exact vibe they were going for from the beginning.
Thinking of Eloping in Southern California?
Here’s what Jazmin and Thom’s story proves: your elopement doesn’t have to be a Pinterest-perfect, over-the-top production. It just has to feel like you.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Southern California, here are a few tips we took from their day:
1. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
Originally, we had a different location in mind. But when their guest list shifted, so did our plans — and the new spot ended up being even more meaningful.
2. Mix private moments with shared ones.
Their sunrise first look was sacred and quiet. Their ceremony was full of family energy. That contrast made the whole day feel balanced.
3. Add personal touches.
Fly fishing, steak dinner, four-wheel drive trails — this wasn’t a “standard” wedding day, and that’s what made it unforgettable.
4. Choose a location that supports both your adventure and your people.
Lake Isabella was perfect — wild enough for hiking and solitude, but accessible enough for family.
Jazmin and Thom’s elopement wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about living fully in the present, surrounded by the places and people they love most. And honestly? That’s what eloping in California is all about.
If you’re planning your own adventure elopement and want it to feel real, relaxed, and 100% you — I’d love to help you bring it to life.
“Sally was a great help when we were planning our elopement. Initially we had no idea what we wanted to do on our big day and even changed our location a few times. Sally was accommodating and able to find the perfect locations for us. Being shy and uncreative, we were nervous about what to do, how to pose and how the pictures would turn out, but Sally provided the perfect amount of direction. Nothing felt awkward and the pictures turned out beautifully! She even captured photos of the landscape and other small special moments during our day that went unnoticed by us! We really appreciated Sally’s friendly, positive and calm energy during such a special day!”
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
