Planning a Baker Beach Elopement - San Francisco, CA - Stephanie + Sara
Baker Beach in San Francisco is an absolutely epic, yet convenient, elopement location if you’re considering eloping in Northern California! Whether you’re San Francisco locals, or a couple seeking a destination wedding experience from far away, this easily accessible beach has so much to offer. The landscape, the fresh air, and the legendary Golden Gate Bridge nearby make it a beautiful, memorable spot to take romantic pictures - it would make a great spot for portraits after a SF City Hall Elopement, too!
WHERE IS BAKER BEACH?
Baker Beach is about 45 minutes from SFO Airport, and just about 20 minutes away from downtown San Francisco. It’s just a short drive away from the iconic ruins of Sutro Baths, too (see Grace + John’s 2019 Sutro Baths Elopement if you’re interested!) The mile-long strip of Baker Beach has the perfect backdrop of the Golden Gate bridge, gorgeous California coastline, and massive waves. Baker Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes several parks and landmarks throughout multiple counties in Northern California. More specifically, this gorgeous beach is part of The Presidio in San Francisco, which became a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area in 1994. The only thing more beautiful than this gorgeous setting? This gorgeous setting WITH an amazing couple, like Stephanie and Sara.
Ready to start planning your Baker Beach Elopement?
Stephanie and Sara had the most insane chemistry and energy, despite the chilly temps! You could tell that they are the perfect balance to each other, the yin and yang pulling and pushing each other in an organic and fun way. It was so inspiring to see the level of connection these two share after over ten years together! After our shoot, I learned Stephanie is a Holistic Nutritional Consultant at her business, Gut of Integrity, and I’ve loved following her work on instagram - she defines her approach to nutrition as “helping strong-willed womxn and gender-nonconforming folx create more power in their lives.” This immediately brings me back to something D’Arcy Benincosa said at Evolve Workshops in 2019 - “We have the power to shift the narrative.” D’Arcy spoke on the power EACH of us has in making the world a more accepting, inclusive space through our platforms -- no matter how big or how small. Whether that’s through offering health services, photography, or anything else. Valuing inclusivity in our own work (and the businesses we choose to support) has a ripple effect and together, we can really make waves. Read more about Stephanie here!
WHERE TO STAY IN SF:
what to do while you’re eloping in San Francisco:
One of the coolest perks about eloping is the fact that you can basically make it a weeklong (or however-long!) adventure + you get to make it ALL up based on what you actually want to do! If you’re able to stay in San Francisco for a few days before or after your wedding ceremony, here are some lesser-known things to do:
Music + Art Experiences in SF
Visit The Wave Organ, a massive musical instrument played by the Pacific Ocean.
Take a trip to the iconic museum the Palace of Fine Arts.
Explore the 16th Street Moraga Tiled Steps - bonus points if you make it all the way to the top to see the sprawling view of the Pacific!
Head to infamous Amoeba Music (in the Haight-Ashbury District)
Best Hiking + Outdoor Activities in San FranciscoPopular SF trails include Twin Peaks and Lands End Trail (Lands End is even adjoined with Baker Beach!)
For something slightly lesser known and further out of the city, try Tennessee Valley Trail.
If you’re up to venture further, a stop at Muir Woods or Point Reyes should be on your list!
Other outdoorsy options include cruising around Alcatraz Island, strolling the Goldsworthy Line & art installation Lover’s Lane (by Andy Goldsworthy).
Where to Eat in San Francisco
Indulgent coffee + pastries: Dandelion Coffee (for something a little less fru-fru check out Reveille. You can’t go wrong with an iced latte!)
Epic, hearty brunches + breakfasts: Early to Rise, Good Mong Kok, Pearl 1601
Locals-approved lunch: Off the Grid hosts “food truck flash mobs,” representing the wide variety of flavors found in San Francisco like empanadas, pizza, and Filipino dishes or cast your vote in the San Francisco - versus - New York City pizza battle after a slice at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.
Dinner: Comstock Saloon for oysters on the half shell + reasonably-priced cocktails; Foreign Cinema for outdoor dining with ambiance + classic movies; Tadich Grill for a classic SF dining experience (what’s more classic than eating at a restaurant that originally opened in 1849?)
Or cook at home (or at your Airbnb) with the best selection of produce from one of SF’s many Farmer’s Markets.
Shopping in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to vintage stores galore (I bought my favorite pair of cowboy boots while lost and waiting for my uber!) See SF’s best vintage shops here.
Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co. can be found at Union Square
Independent shops + boutiques make up much of the shopping in San Francisco. Noteworthy shops include City Lights Bookstore, Hello!Lucky, Paxton Gate, The Perish Trust.
For even more cool things to do in SF (that aren’t super touristy) check out the Atlas Obscura San Francisco page!
Ready to Say “I Do” in one of the most diverse, eclectic cities in the world? Let’s start planning your san Francisco elopement or intimate wedding - contact me today to get started!
California is a great place to elope for so many reasons! California does not have a waiting period for a marriage license, meaning you can apply for your license and receive it the same exact day. Eloping at San Francisco City Hall can be a little tricky though- reservations are required in advance. It’s no surprise, considering it’s one of the most recognizable courthouses in the world! To host your wedding at Baker Beach, a permit may be required - click here for more information!
MORE LIKE THIS:
Grace + John’s Sutro Baths Elopement
5 Things To Know Before Eloping in the Redwoods
Northern California Elopement + Wedding Resources
Here’s the list of everyone involved for this Baker Beach Shoot:
Host - Evolve Workshops
Stylist - Morgan Olsen | @inframesphotography
Models - Stephanie @gutofintegrity + Sara @dazzosf
HMUA - Bay Area Beautiful LLC | @bayareabeautiful
Florist - Orange Moon Floral | @orangemoonfloral
Hey! I’m Morgan Pirkle.
I’m an intimate wedding + elopement photographer for couples seeking a different + daring wedding photography experience across the U.S. If you’re considering planning an adventurous California elopement or intimate wedding, contact me today to receive location inspiration + timeline advice to craft a wedding day that feels like YOU.