Haley and Adam got married at Elk Cove Inn on October 17. Elk is a tiny town on the Mendocino coast, about three and a half hours north of San Francisco. Close family and friends. Nobody else.
They booked the whole weekend, not just the day. I think that’s the right call up there, and I’ll get to why.
Elk Cove Inn
The inn sits on a bluff above Greenwood State Beach. The main house is an 1883 Craftsman, and it’s been an inn since 1968. There’s a private staircase down to the sand.
Haley and Adam spent the weekend on the beach and driving the coast. By the time the ceremony came around they weren’t in a hurry. Neither was anyone else.
The first look
They did their first look with their two boys. It was my favorite part of the weekend.
At a big wedding the first look is about the couple. At a wedding this small it’s about the family. That’s exactly what this was.
The ceremony
Small on purpose. Close family, close friends, ocean behind them.
I’ll keep saying it because I believe it. Small weddings photograph better. Nobody is playing to a room.
Golden hour
The coast faces west, so the sun goes straight into the Pacific. We went out for portraits as it dropped and it was spectacular. Sea stacks, cliffs, the whole coastline lit up.
If you’re getting married on the Mendocino coast
A few things I’d tell anyone planning a wedding up there.
Fog. The marine layer can roll in and flatten the light, then burn off twenty minutes later. Leave some slack around portraits.
Wind. It blows on the bluff. Veils, hair, flowers, all of it. Pin things down and tell your guests to bring a jacket.
The drive. It’s three and a half hours from San Francisco. Don’t try to do it in a day. Haley and Adam stayed the weekend and it made everything easier.
Sunset. It’s the reason you’re there. Build your timeline backward from it.
The basics
- Elk Cove Inn is on a bluff above Greenwood State Beach in Elk, CA.
- 16 rooms and suites, so guests can stay on site.
- The inn lists elopements up to 12 guests, micro weddings up to 34 and small weddings up to 60. Micro and small weddings need a full buyout.
- Food and drinks are handled in-house. Check with the inn for current pricing.
More photos from Haley and Adam’s weekend are in their gallery. I’m based in Truckee, but I travel for weddings like this. If you’re planning something small on the coast, get in touch.
Questions couples ask
Where is Elk Cove Inn?
Elk Cove Inn and Spa is in Elk, California, on a bluff above Greenwood State Beach on the Mendocino Coast. It’s about 3.5 hours north of San Francisco.
How many guests can Elk Cove Inn host for a wedding?
According to the inn’s wedding page, elopements are up to 12 guests, micro weddings up to 34 and small weddings up to 60. Micro and small weddings require a full inn buyout. Confirm current details with the inn.
Is it foggy on the Mendocino Coast for weddings?
It can be. The marine layer can roll in fast and change the light. Build flexibility into your portrait time and don’t lock every photo to one exact minute.
When is the best time for photos at Elk Cove Inn?
Golden hour. The coast faces west, so the sun sets straight into the Pacific. Plan portraits around sunset.