Northern California wedding photographer

For the sentimental rebels. for the blue hour lovers. For the all night talkers. For the wanderers in the mist. For You.

Bride dances with Grandfather at Shelter Cove wedding

Vibrant, soulful, cinematic wedding imagery for creative, unconventional couples. Images that immerse you into an environment and a moment all at once. I can’t stop time but I can take you back. 

KATE IS PURE MAGIC. HER SKILL AS A PHOTOGRAPHER IS ONLY SURPASSED BY HER KINDNESS AND THE JOY THAT SHE IS TO BE AROUND.”

HANNAH, OYSTER BEACH WEDDING

Portrait of Northern California wedding photographer Kate Donaldson

Ritual and relationship captured true to feeling

I’m Kate — a wedding photographer for couples who prioritize thoughtful, presence driven images and time well spent.

Based in beautiful Humboldt County where the trees meet the sea — I have photographed destination weddings in Northern California for almost a decade.

Vibrant, soulful, cinematic photography — mixing human magic, undone moments and the natural landscape.

“Kate, I don’t even know how to express to you how much these photos mean to us. They are just all. so. damn. beautiful. you truly captured the heart of our wedding.”

K&S, PAMPLIN GROVE

ROMANCE IN THE REDWOODS

Weddings and Elopements on the redwood coast

EUREKA, CALIFORNIA

Marigold wedding at mitchell Grove

An intimate golden hour wedding in an apple orchard surrounded by redwood forest.

Samoa, California

Humboldt Bay Social Club Wedding

A wedding planned wholly with the experience of the guests in mind.

Your wedding day is a TINY, BEAUTIFUL TEMPORARY UNIVERSE. Let me take you back.

“Stop looking. You have found your photographer.”

Gia & Adam, Redwood National Park

IF You want

  • photographs that are real and sentimental
  • an artful approach to light and color
  • seamless guidance
  • to replace pageantry with ritual 
  • a wedding day that doesn’t feel like a performance