Destination Outdoor Elopement Photographer
Destination Outdoor
Wanting something different for your wedding day?
Eloping isn't what it used to be.
It's not about secrets or shame anymore, but a beautiful and thoughtful choice made by couples embracing their own unique love stories. Whether it's to save on expenses, immerse in nature for your vows, sidestep family drama, or simply focus on each other, modern elopements celebrate love YOUR way. They empower people to realize they don't need to stress themselves out with planning around everyone else's needs. It's a chance to focus on what truly matters: your connection and love with your fiancé!
In the heart of Northern California's breathtaking landscapes, couples discover the absolute magic of intimate, personalized outdoor elopements, creating cherished moments that stay with them forever. Eloping today is about celebrating love on your own terms, in stunning, natural settings, capturing your story in all its authenticity.
I'm an outdoor elopement photographer based in the Redwoods of Humboldt County, Northern California. And I'm committed to serving you and your fiancé with not only timeless and meaningful elopement photos, but also an unforgettable, custom-tailored outdoor wedding experience of your dreams! (Whew! That was a long sentence.)
I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of elopements, as my husband, Zach, and I have personally eloped in the enchanting Redwoods of Humboldt ourselves, over seven years ago. It was an experience we'll both cherish forever.
If you're seeking an elopement photographer who knows the unique charm of Northern California and the beauty of intimate ceremonies, you're in the right place. Let's get to know each other so we can craft your own magical elopement story together.
Hey, I’m Melissa :)
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Elopements
Embrace the magic of your dreamy California elopement with epic outdoor images to cherish forever. Add-ons available!
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Adventure Sessions
Embrace the adventure: celebrate love, life and milestones with stunning outdoor photo sessions, crafting treasured keepsakes.
Discover humboldt!
Custom Memories Collection
Let's customize your moments! Whether it's maternity, senior photos, families, anniversaries....the sky is the limit!
Custom Memories Collection
Let's customize your moments! Whether it's maternity, senior photos, families, anniversaries....the sky is the limit!
Finding bliss
in the wilderness:
resources for CRAFTING YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT!
RESOURCES FOR CRAFTING YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT!
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"She makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera!"
"If you want lasting memories caught on film, Melissa is your girl! She is an amazing photographer who makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera! I usually feel very awkward having my photo taken, but with her I did not! Melissa snapped gorgeous photos of me, my boyfriend and our one year old son. It got me excited for future shoots! Thank you so much for the beautiful photos you captured of our family!!" -Celeste B.
"I always leave shoots with her feeling more confident in my own skin and energized by the creative energy she instills."
"Melissa is a passionate and talented photographer. I always leave shoots with her feeling more confident in my own skin and energized by the creative energy she instills. She always makes me feel really comfortable in front of the camera and has a nice way of interacting with you throughout the shoot so that it feels more like you're hanging out with a friend and gives gentle directions that can make a world of difference in the final product. She is completely devoted to getting you the pictures you envision and has the ability to help you with a vision if need be. I highly suggest her for all your photography needs!" -Maddy C.
"She made me feel beautiful in every photo..."
"Working with Melissa as our photographer was such an amazing experience! She was professional, kind, and has an incredible creative eye. She made me feel beautiful in every photo and my husband and I will cherish each special moment she captured for the rest of our lives." -Emily A.
"We were able to flow through our morning activities despite a camera being around."
"I really can't say enough good things about how these photos came out. My vision was to capture some of our day to day life; the moments that easily slip away, yet make up the foundation of our lives. MeliRae did a truly incredible job and I will treasure these photos forever. Her attention to lighting and detail is exceptional. She made us feel very comfortable and we were able to flow through our morning activities despite a camera being around. She is truly an amazing artist and we are so grateful to have had her capture this special day for us. -Sydney M.
Inclusivity
At MeliRae Photography, I'm all about making outdoor elopements inclusive for all.
I believe love is love and that the great outdoors is open to everyone, no matter your background or outdoor expertise. You don't need to be an adventure junkie to wed in nature!
I'm here to create a magical and welcoming experience for all couples, embracing your love story's uniqueness!
It's the love and connection between you and your fiancé that matters most. and I want to make sure you feel comfortable and celebrated in nature's embrace.
Your elopement should reflect your style, abilities, and dreams, and I take my job seriously to ensure it's an inclusive and unforgettable experience for everyone.
As an outdoor elopement photographer and a mother of two young explorers, my work extends beyond capturing fleeting moments in the beauty of nature, although that’s a significant aspect. But it’s also about wanting to preserve and nurture that beauty for generations to come.
That’s why I’m stoked to partner with One Tree Planted, an organization dedicated to global reforestation and cultivating environmental awareness in younger generations. Each elopement I capture now contributes to something greater- supporting reforestation, creating lush oxygen havens and nurturing biodiversity across our planet.
By choosing me as your outdoor elopement photographer, we move beyond simply witnessing nature’s wonders, to becoming active participants in its preservation. Together, through the art of photography and our shared love of nature, we plant seeds of change and cultivate a legacy of caring for our planet.
With every package sold, 50 trees are planted through One Tree Planted, furthering global reforestation efforts. This means that each special moment captured during your elopement is not just a beautiful memory but also a tangible contribution to the restoration of our planet. Choosing me as your outdoor elopement photographer signifies a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
I'd love for you to join me on this journey, where we not only celebrate your love but also deepen our bond with Mother Nature. Let’s create memories that echo through time while nurturing the natural world we love and cherish so much.
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