Carrah and Ryan traveled all the way from South Carolina for their elopement on Catalina Island! Avalon holds a special significance for Carrah. As a child growing up in Southern California, she would often come to the island to go fishing with her family. It was the perfect location for their intimate wedding. They decided to invite their immediate family members and a close friend to officiate the ceremony.
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A Beautiful Day for an Elopement on Catalina Island
Spring is a beautiful time on Catalina Island! Carrah and Ryan were lucky enough to have picture-perfect weather on their special day. The island was lush and green, and the flowers were in full bloom thanks to the recent rain. The sun shined brightly all day long, making for some truly stunning photos.
Personalized Details for a Memorable Day
I arrived at Zane Grey Hotel in the morning to take some getting-ready photos. I could tell that Carrah had put a lot of thought and effort into personalizing her elopement details. She had handmade vow books, a photo album for polaroids, and a beautiful color scheme that tied everything together.
A Secluded Beach First Look
Carrah’s vision for the first look was to have it on the beach with their adorable pup, Kia. We made our way to a secluded rock beach, which was the perfect spot for their intimate first look. The beauty of elopements is that the timeline is fluid and relaxed, allowing for spontaneous moments like these.
Eloping on the Hilltops of Catalina Island
After the first look, we headed to the hilltops of Catalina Island for the ceremony. Carrah and Ryan were joined by their family members, and their good friend officiated the wedding ceremony. They spoke their heartfelt vows under the clear sky and peaceful setting. Eloping in early spring is a fantastic idea because the island is not yet overrun with summer crowds.
Going with the Flow: A Relaxed Elopement Day
Once the ceremony and family photos were over, Carrah and Ryan took a break and enjoyed some white claws and snacks. We spent some time on the hilltops taking photos with the stunning surrounding views before heading back into town.
Ocean Fun with a Pop-Up Dressing Tent
I set up my pop-up dressing tent so that Carrah could change into a wedding dress for some fun ocean photos. This tent and dress that I provide have come in handy for many sessions! They make it easy for brides to get into the ocean without worrying about ruining their own dress with sand and saltwater.
Celebrating into the Night
As the sun set over the hill top, Carrah and Ryan headed to their dinner reservation to meet up with their family and celebrate the night. The casualness and fluidity of elopement days make them truly special and memorable.
Carrah and Ryan’s elopement on Catalina Island was a dreamy, intimate affair that perfectly captured their love for each other and the island. From the secluded rock beach to the hilltop ceremony, every detail was carefully thought out and executed to perfection. If you’re considering eloping on Catalina Island, the early springtime is the perfect time to do it, and the charming town of Avalon is the perfect backdrop for your special day.
See their full story in the pictures below
Are you excited to start planning your beautiful Catalina Island Elopement? Let’s start your adventure!
