Humboldt County Wedding | H + J

Non-traditional Humboldt County Wedding

Having spent childhood summers camping with her family at Sue-Meg state park, Hannah knew immediately that the ceremony would take place at Wedding Rock. Cocktails and a pumpkin patch preview followed at Huddie’s Harvest. I can now add “got lost in a corn maze” to my wedding photography memoir.

H & J tailored their wedding day to reflect their personalities and values. The couple focused on what mattered the most to them – community, connection, and an unforgettable experience in a personal location.

Venues: Wedding Rock, Huddie’s Harvest, Oyster Beach // Event Coordinator: D. Perkins Events // Catering: Casandra Kelly Catering // Florals: Blossoms Florist Eureka // Custom Gown: Angela Kim Couture

  • Mom warms rings before ceremony at Wedding Rock
  • Bride in sheer cape with fern bouquet reaches to kiss groom on the cheek as a forest tunnel stretches behind them during a wedding portrait session in Trinidad, California
  • Bride in sheer cape reads vows on top of Wedding Rock in Northern California

Why You Should get married in Humboldt County

Humboldt County offers a stunning mix of landscapes from coastal vistas to towering redwoods that are ideal for intimate ceremonies.

How to Plan Your Humboldt Micro-Wedding

These rugged coastlines and ancient giants provide a variety of activities that suit the adventurous and the laid back alike – from hiking and kayaking to wine tasting and Finnish hot tubs.

Unconventional timelines

Non-traditional weddings often have an unstructured timeline with fewer formalities. The flow of the day is designed without concern for customs or traditions that don’t resonate with you. Your photographs will emphasize the shared experiences and connections between family and friends.

  • Bride's hair catches the wind as the couple proceeds back down the trail at Wedding Rock
  • A dragon fly follows newly married couple down the trail at Wedding Rock in Humboldt County
  • Bride in gown embroidered with dinosaurs and groom in grey suit walk across the rocks in Sue-Meg State Park near Wedding Rock
  • Bride in custom gown embroidered with dinosaurs and groom in grey suit stand on a rocky overlook at Sue-Meg State Park near Wedding Rock.
  • Portrait of groom in grey suit with green tie on rocky outcrop in Sue-Meg State Park during wedding portraits
  • Bride in custom dinosaur embroidered gown lifts cape to catch the breeze near Wedding Rock in Sue-meg State Park in Northern California.
  • Bride in sheer floor length cape with jurassic embroidery on her gown laughs with golden retriever in grey tuxedo vest during a bridal portrait session on a rocky outcrop beside the Pacific Ocean in Trinidad, California
  • Bride glances backward for black and white wedding portrait in Sue-meg State Park in Humboldt County

Documentary Wedding Photography

A focus on candid, emotional moments rather than staged poses makes a documentary photography style an ideal match for a non-traditional wedding. Over a decade of experience with the shifting emotion and energy of weddings has taught me when to step in with warmth and empathy and when to stand completely back to let a moment unfold.

Planning an Interactive Reception

Local, seasonal food is sustainable and creates a relaxed, conversation friendly atmosphere. Family-style meals, food trucks, or small plate stations. Relaxed seating arrangements encourage guests to enjoy live music and take in the environment. When in doubt, add a bounce house.

  • Wedding guest in strapless green midi dress pulls a wagon filled with pumpkins through a wedding reception in Northern California
  • Tiny guest balances on pumpkin at Huddies Harvest in Arcata, California in Humboldt County
  • Guests in a green dinosaur onesies jump in bouncy castle at Humboldt Bay Social Club Oyster Beach wedding in Northern California
  • Young guest pets golden retriever in grey wedding vest at Humboldt Bay Social Club - Oyster Beach
  • Dinosaur suited guests pose with bride at the Humboldt Bay Social Club Oyster Beach cabins in Samoa, California
  • Bride and groom dance in the golden hour light to the Jurassic Park theme on the porch of a cabin at Oyster Beach - Humboldt Bay Social Club
  • Bride and groom jump together in a white bouncy castle at the Oyster Beach cabins - Humboldt Bay Social Club
  • Mom jumps in the bounce house while guests chat at Humboldt Bay Social Club Oyster Beach wedding
  • Two dinosaur suited guests hold hands as they walk down the eucalyptus trail at the Oyster Beach cabins Humboldt Bay Social Club in Samoa, California
  • Wedding guest twirls dark green skirt at Humboldt County wedding in Northern California
  • Black and tan puppy howls along with Rainy Day Picnic band at Humboldt Bay Social Club - Oyster Beach
  • Bride and groom dance like dinosaurs at Humboldt Bay Social Club Oyster Beach in Northern California
  • Wedding guest in black puffer jacket cuddles small brown and black dog at a Humboldt Bay Social Club Oyster Beach wedding
  • Family of wedding guests listen to live music at Oyster Beach cabins in Samoa, California
  • Wedding guests high-five over cocktails at a Northern California wedding in Samoa, California
  • Rainy Day Picnic shares the stage with a golden retriever at the Humboldt Bay Social Club Oyster Beach in Northern California
  • Bride and groom pose with axes at Oyster Beach in Samoa, California
  • Groom aces axe throw on first try at Oyster Beach wedding in Humboldt County, Northern California
  • Bride jumps off of picnic table at the end of the night while two guests in dinosaur onesies enjoy cocktails in the background.
  • Canvas glamping tent at dusk lit by string lights with eucalyptus trees and Humboldt Bay in the distance

My Favorite Venues for An Intimate Humboldt Wedding

While you won’t find large resort style accommodations in Humboldt, you will find gorgeous, one-of-a-kind and richly historic venues nestled amongst jaw-dropping Northern California landscapes. Some of my personal favorite Humboldt wedding venues include Julia Morgan Redwood Grove,Lost Whale Inn and the Benbow Inn.

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