Elopements are all about creating a wedding day that feels authentic, personal, and stress-free—and that’s exactly what Sara and Garrett did for their beautiful Riverside elopement! From a cozy Airbnb stay to exchanging private vows, tying the knot in a charming wedding chapel, and capturing stunning elopement photos at UCR Botanical Gardens, their wedding day was full of romance and unforgettable moments.

If you’re considering eloping in Riverside, California, this elopement is the perfect inspiration for planning a day that’s intimate, relaxed, and filled with love.

Why Riverside is Perfect for an Elopement

Riverside is an amazing place for couples who want to elope in Southern California without the crowds of big wedding venues. With a mix of historic charm, scenic landscapes, and beautiful outdoor locations, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic, intimate wedding day.

Some of the best things about a Riverside elopement include:

✔ Unique locations like private Airbnbs, charming chapels, and lush gardens

✔ Mild weather year-round for beautiful outdoor wedding photos

✔ A mix of nature & city vibes, offering the best of both worlds

✔ Less stress, more romance! Focus on what truly matters, each other

Sara and Garrett embraced all of these things, making their elopement in Riverside truly special and unique to them.

Getting Ready at a Cozy Riverside Airbnb

Instead of a traditional bridal suite, Sara and Garrett rented a beautiful Airbnb in Riverside to get ready for their big day. This was such a great choice because it allowed them to:

✨ Have a relaxed, stress-free morning.

✨ Get ready in a cozy, stylish space with amazing natural light for photos.

✨ Spend private, meaningful moments together before the ceremony.

Sara’s soft, romantic bridal look was perfect for the intimate vibe of their elopement. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, paired with delicate accessories and a bouquet of wildflowers and greenery. Meanwhile, Garrett kept it classic with a tailored suit, adding a touch of personality with stylish details.

Private Vows Before the Ceremony

One of the most touching moments of the day was when Sara and Garrett exchanged private vows at their Airbnb before heading to the chapel.

Instead of saying their vows in front of guests, they wanted to share this intimate moment just between the two of them—a decision that made their elopement even more special.

Why consider private vows?

💛 You can be fully present and emotional without feeling nervous

💛 It’s an intimate, personal experience that’s just for the two of you

💛 It allows for more freedom and authenticity in your words

This quiet, heartfelt moment was one of the highlights of their wedding day.

A Charming Chapel Ceremony in Riverside

After their private vows, Sara and Garrett headed to a beautiful chapel in Riverside for their official wedding ceremony. The intimate setting, soft candlelight, and simple yet elegant decor made for the perfect backdrop as they exchanged rings and became husband and wife.

Some reasons why eloping in a chapel is a great choice:

✔ It gives your elopement a traditional feel without the big wedding stress

✔ It provides a beautiful, timeless setting for your ceremony

✔ You don’t have to worry about weather changes (great for winter elopements!)

Their ceremony was filled with happy tears, laughter, and pure love—a moment they’ll cherish forever.

Dreamy Elopement Photos at UCR Botanical Gardens

After the ceremony, we headed to one of Riverside’s most stunning photo locations—the UCR Botanical Gardens. If you’re looking for a romantic, nature-filled setting for wedding or elopement photos, this is the place to go!

With lush greenery, winding garden paths, and breathtaking floral landscapes, UCR Botanical Gardens is a dream location for couples who love the beauty of nature.

During their elopement session, Sara and Garrett:

🌿 Walked through lush, romantic garden paths

🌿 Shared candid, joyful moments together

🌿 Soaked in the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens

The combination of golden-hour light, blooming flowers, and their effortless love made for the most stunning wedding portraits!

Here is the link to the UCR Botanical Gardens website if you are interested.

Why Eloping Might Be the Best Decision for You

Sara and Garrett’s wedding was proof that eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing a beautiful, meaningful wedding day. Instead, it allows couples to:

✔ Focus on their love story without distractions

✔ Choose locations that feel personal and special

✔ Save money on a big wedding and invest in experiences they truly love

✔ Have a relaxed, intimate day without pressure or stress

If you’re dreaming of a Riverside elopement or an intimate wedding day, take this as a sign that you can create a wedding experience that’s completely your own!

Planning a Riverside Elopement? I’d Love to Capture Your Love Story!

Capturing Sara and Garrett’s elopement was an absolute honor, and if you’re planning your own intimate wedding or elopement, I’d love to help document your special day.

Click here to inquire about elopement photography and let’s create beautiful, timeless memories together!