Elizabeth & Nick’s Downtown L.A. & Santa Monica Adventure
Not every couple wants the traditional Saturday‑at‑3pm wedding. I love when couples decide to chart their own path and create a day that feels like them. Elizabeth and Nick did just that. As a LA elopement photographer, I got to help them trade the ballroom for the streets of downtown Los Angeles and the boardwalks of Santa Monica, transforming their elopement into a dreamy, cinematic experience split over two evenings.
Why Downtown L.A. & Santa Monica?
When Elizabeth and Nick first reached out, they described their vision as an urban dreamscape. They wanted the glitz and glamour of full wedding attire against gritty urban textures, then a playful shift to the seaside wonder of the Santa Monica Pier. Downtown Los Angeles offers colorful murals, industrial backdrops and textured streets; it’s a less crowded area with vibrant architecture. The pier, with its ferris wheel and cotton‑candy colors, feels like you’ve stepped into a dream. By weaving these two very different locations together, Elizabeth and Nick created a visual story that was both intimate and adventurous.
Downtown LA: Glam Meets Grit
We began our shoot in downtown L.A. late on a Friday afternoon, letting the golden‑hour light spill down the alleys and into the streets. Elizabeth stepped out in her full gown and Nick in his suit, immediately turning heads as we wandered through graffiti‑covered walls and past art‑deco facades. The juxtaposition was magic: flowing lace against concrete, polished shoes in puddles, laughter echoing between skyscrapers. DTLA’s bridges and viaducts are some of my favorite places to shoot—there’s a reason photographers love them. The 4th Street Bridge, for example, catches incredible golden‑hour light.
Why this worked:
Contrast creates intrigue – glamorous attire stands out against the urban backdrop, giving your photos an editorial vibe.
Easy accessibility – downtown Los Angeles has plenty of parking lots and side streets, making it simple to hop between locations.
Year‑round weather – LA’s mild climate makes urban elopements possible in any season, though summer afternoons can be harsh. Shooting in the late afternoon through golden hour provides soft, flattering light and cooler temperatures.
Santa Monica Pier: A Playful Dream
After soaking up the city, we reconvened the following day at the Santa Monica Pier. Once again it was late afternoon, the sun beginning to sink toward the horizon. Elizabeth swapped into a more relaxed look while Nick rolled up his sleeves. The pier was buzzing with life—children squealing on rides, vendors selling churros, and the ferris wheel spinning lazily in the background. Here, our goal was to capture the playful, surreal side of their elopement. We wandered under neon lights, took portraits on the carousel and let ocean breezes catch Elizabeth’s veil. We timed our visit to avoid the largest crowds; weekday evenings are ideal if you want a little space.
Why this worked:
Color and movement – the pier’s lights and rides add a whimsical element that contrasts beautifully with downtown’s grit.
Something for everyone – you can grab ice cream, ride the ferris wheel, or simply stroll along the water; it’s versatile and fun.
Crowd management – visiting on a weekday evening keeps the atmosphere relaxed.
Tips for Planning Your Own Urban‑Meets‑Seaside Elopement
If this sounds like your kind of day, here are a few things to consider:
Choose your vibe. Elizabeth and Nick knew they wanted an “urban dreamscape,” and it guided every decision—from location to wardrobe. Pick a word or theme that resonates with you and let it shape your day.
Scout multiple locations. Mixing urban and beach locations tells a fuller story and gives your gallery variety. Work with your photographer to plan a route that flows logically.
Plan around the light. For downtown, late afternoon into golden hour creates softer tones and fewer crowds. At the pier, weekday evenings are ideal.
Embrace contrast. Don’t be afraid to wear full wedding attire in unconventional places. The contrast between glamour and grit creates powerful imagery.
Add playful elements. Props like a bouquet, a vintage car, or a favorite snack can personalize your photos. On the pier, think cotton candy, carousel rides or simply going barefoot on the sand.
Stay true to you. Whether you’re eloping with just your partner or planning a larger celebration, the day should feel authentic. As I often remind couples, you don’t have to follow the standard timeline just because it’s what people do.
Hire a local pro. Working with a photographer who specializes in LA elopement photography means you’ll have someone who knows the best downtown spots, beach timing and how to navigate permits. A seasoned LA elopement photographer can also help you craft a timeline that fits your vision.
The Takeaway
Elizabeth and Nick’s elopement reminded me why I love what I do. There’s freedom in letting go of expectations and creating a day that reflects who you are. Mixing downtown LA’s textures with the playful energy of Santa Monica gave us a canvas for storytelling that felt both cinematic and intimate. You can do the same—whether you choose urban, mountains or desert, plan something that lights you up. Because when you shape the timeline around your energy (not the other way around), everything else just flows better.
Thinking of your own urban elopement? Let’s chat. I’d love to help you capture something that feels as real as it does beautiful.