A Beautiful Courthouse Elopement in Thousand Oaks with Stunning Pre-Ceremony Photos at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley
What does eloping mean?
Elopements have become increasingly popular especially in post-Covid days, for couples seeking an intimate and meaningful wedding experience. Recently, I had the honor of capturing a beautiful courthouse elopement in Thousand Oaks, complete with pre-ceremony photos at the picturesque Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley. The combination of digital and 35mm film photography added a timeless touch to the special day. Soledad and Warren met online and have had a long-distance relationship for the past few years. They chose to have a small legal ceremony in Thousand Oaks to pledge their love and commitment, and later on plan to host a grander more traditional wedding day in Peru.
Pre-Ceremony Photos at Strathearn Historical Park: Before heading to the courthouse, I captured pre-ceremony photos at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley. This charming park is rich in history and offers a variety of beautiful settings and local Ventura County history, making it an ideal location for wedding photography. Also the park does not charge a permit fee for professional photography!
- The couple's love for each other was evident as they posed amidst the greenery and cacti at Strathearn Historical Park. The bride's elegant dress and the groom's sharp suit complemented the natural surroundings perfectly. The use of 35mm film added a vintage feel to these romantic portraits, capturing the timeless essence of their love.
- Strathearn Historical Park is the home of many historic buildings from Simi Valley, which provide a unique and charming backdrop for photos. The bride and groom's playful and loving interaction in front of a green door marked with the year 1958 was a highlight of the session. The juxtaposition of modern love in a historical setting was captured on 35mm film, which was perfect for the colors of the park!
Thousand Oaks Courthouse
The day concluded with a heartfelt wedding ceremony at the Thousand Oaks Courthouse. The simple and intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop for their vows and exchanged rings, making it a truly unforgettable moment. Elopements or micro weddings offer a more personal and stress-free alternative to large traditional weddings. For this couple, it meant focusing on their love and commitment without the pressure of a large event. The combination of a courthouse ceremony and a photo session in a scenic location like Strathearn Historical Park made for a perfect day.
Photography: Digital and 35mm Film:
Using both digital and 35mm film photography allowed me to capture a wide range of emotions and moments throughout the day. Digital photography provided the flexibility and immediacy needed for the courthouse ceremony, while the 35mm film added a nostalgic and artistic touch to the pre-ceremony portraits. The blend of both mediums created a diverse and beautiful collection of images that the couple will cherish forever.
This courthouse elopement in Thousand Oaks, paired with pre-ceremony photos at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, showcased the beauty and simplicity of eloping. The combination of digital and 35mm film photography added a unique and timeless quality to the images. I am so thankful to have been a part of this day and celebration!
If you're considering an elopement or wedding in Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks, don't hesitate to reach out to discuss how I can capture your special day in a way that reflects your unique love story.
