An Intimate Elopement Ceremony under a 600-year-old oak tree

When Mason and Madeline decided to elope, they didn’t want a production. No guest list. No timeline pressure. No big expectations. Just each other—and a place that felt like home.

They chose Eden Gardens State Park for their elopement. It’s located in in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, a tucked-away space known for its oak-lined paths and quiet beauty. It’s a place where time slows down a little. Where stories feel like they’ve been unfolding for centuries. And in a way, theirs became part of that story—underneath a 600-year-old live oak tree, also known as the “wedding tree.”

Vows under the branches

They stood beneath the oak—just the two of them and the steady rustle of leaves overhead. No crowd. No script. Just handwritten vows and a whole lot of emotion.

Matt (yep, me!) had the honor of officiating their ceremony, something we sometimes offer couples who want to keep things small and personal. It’s one of the quiet ways we step in—not just to document the day, but to help shape it so it feels like you.

Their vows were honest and real. Madeline’s hands shook a little as she read hers. Mason got teary, even if he didn’t realize it in the moment. They didn’t choreograph anything. And somehow, it was perfect.

A champagne toast, and the tree-selfie lady

After the ceremony, they popped champagne and laughed about the “tree selfie lady”—a woman who wandered into the background of a few photos mid-selfie. We kept those shots in the gallery because… of course we did. Life is messy and funny and full of weird, wonderful interruptions. That’s what makes it feel real.

Here’s what Madeline texted us after seeing the photos:

“We LOVE them! So many moments we didn’t even really realize happened. I didn’t even remember us holding hands when I said my vows and also didn’t realize how teary-eyed Mason had gotten as well ❤️ We love that you kept the tree selfie lady photos in too 🤣🤣”

That’s exactly why we photograph the way we do. Not just to show you how it looked, but to remind you how it felt.

Photos that felt like memories

A few weeks later, they finally got to share the news with family. Mason’s dad—who happens to be a professional photographer—was seriously impressed. He kept asking about the camera settings (photographer to photographer) and couldn’t stop talking about how candid everything felt.

“He loved how candid everything felt… kept saying he wanted to know what camera settings you use lol.”

When you have a fellow creative recognizing the emotion in the work—not just the technical stuff—you know you did something right.

Why Eden Gardens?

For couples like Mason and Madeline, Eden Gardens State Park is the perfect setting for an intentional, laid-back elopement. The park offers sprawling lawns, towering oaks, and quiet corners that feel like they were made for slow, meaningful ceremonies.

It’s located in Santa Rosa Beach, just a short drive from Destin, Florida.

Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, the historic Wesley House, or the feeling of calm that settles in once you’re there—it’s a spot that lets you just be. And that’s what makes it so special.

Why we officiated their wedding

Every now and then, we step in to officiate for our couples—especially for elopements where they want to keep things truly personal and minimal. It’s not something we advertise loudly, but it’s part of the way we show up with more than just a camera.

We’re not just there to take pictures. We’re there to create space for your story to unfold naturally—without pressure or performance. Sometimes that means helping you figure out where to stand or how to write your vows. Sometimes it means signing your marriage license. Always, it means being a steady, grounding presence in the middle of it all.

What they’ll remember

Mason and Madeline didn’t want to pose all day. They wanted to experience it. And when they look back, they’ll remember how it felt to hold hands without realizing it. How the champagne tasted under the trees. How peaceful it was to promise forever with just each other.

And that’s what they got—photos that feel like breath, and a day that felt like them.

Planning your own Eden Gardens elopement?

If you’re thinking about eloping at Eden Gardens—or anywhere else that feels quiet and meaningful—we’d love to walk with you through it. We help couples plan everything from location scouting to timeline flow, and we’re there on the day not just as photographers, but as grounded, supportive guides.

Want to see more intimate stories like this? Check out our blog or explore our approach to emotional documentary-style filmmaking.

Or, if you’re just starting to imagine what your day could feel like, you might love this piece from The Good Trade on intentional wedding planning. It’s right in line with how our couples want to experience their day: fully present, beautifully simple, and deeply true to who they are.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a crowd to have a meaningful wedding. You just need space to be yourselves, and someone to help you preserve that with care. Mason and Madeline’s Eden Gardens elopement was a reminder of that—and a joy to be a part of.

If that’s what you’re looking for, we’re here when you’re ready.