Tucked away on California’s wild and rugged coastline, Ben and Ashton’s wedding at Sea Ranch Lodge was the perfect vision of understated luxury and raw natural beauty. As a Sea Ranch wedding photographer, few landscapes inspire me more than this stretch of the Sonoma coastline, and this celebration felt like it was pulled straight from a dream.

An Oceanfront Ceremony Like No Other

Imagine standing on the edge of the world — waves crash into sculptural sea cliffs below while the breeze dances through wild grasses. That’s exactly where Ben and Ashton said “I do.” Their cliffside ceremony was perched high above the Pacific Ocean, with panoramic views in every direction.

Instead of a traditional setup, they embraced soft, modern curves in their ceremony layout featuring cream-colored couches and textural florals which echoed the coastal palette, featuring muted sands, misty blues, and subtle greenery. The minimalist design allowed the setting to shine. It was elegant, refined, and completely harmonious with the natural surroundings.

As a photographer, moments like these feel sacred. There’s something grounding and ethereal about capturing vows exchanged with nothing but sky and sea as witnesses. The emotion in the air was palpable—raw and romantic.

Reception in the Meadow

After the ceremony, guests wandered to an open meadow, where a single, beautifully appointed table awaited. The long tablescape ran like a ribbon across the grass, perfectly aligned with the horizon. Every seat offered a view of the ocean and the rolling coastal hills — a setting that speaks to the simplicity and depth of connection this couple clearly values.

Ben and Ashton opted for elegant simplicity, with their table featuring soft ivory linens, natural wood chairs, and a collection of stone-toned candles and organic florals in creamy whites and soft greens. The setting sun cast long shadows across the meadow, creating the kind of lighting photographers dream of— soft, golden, and romantic.

What made this reception particularly striking was its seamless integration with the land. It didn’t feel staged or forced; it felt like it had always been there, just waiting for a moment like this.

Designed with Intention

From start to finish, every element of this wedding was curated with care and purpose by Wilde & Sage Co. The entire day felt relaxed and intimate, yet elevated. Ben and Ashton’s celebration is a beautiful example of what happens when you let the landscape lead. Sea Ranch offers such a rich tapestry of textures — rock, ocean, forest, and field — and they leaned fully into that. Just good design, good people, and a whole lot of love.

Why Sea Ranch Is a Hidden Gem for Weddings

As a Sea Ranch wedding photographer, I’ve explored the California coast many times, and it never looks the same twice. The weather, the light, the ocean… they all shift constantly, giving each couple a one-of-a-kind backdrop for their day. Sea Ranch is known for its quiet beauty and architectural legacy. The homes and venues here are built to blend into the land, not compete with it. It’s a place where the land is honored, and where your wedding can feel like a deeply personal, immersive experience.

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a full celebration like Ben and Ashton’s, Sea Ranch offers something rare: privacy, authenticity, and a kind of untouched beauty that’s becoming harder and harder to find.

Capturing the Unscripted

My philosophy as a wedding photographer is simple: I’m here to document what’s real. That means focusing less on posed perfection and more on the fleeting, meaningful moments — windblown hair, tight hand squeezes, the way light falls across a cheek mid-laughter. Ben and Ashton gave me full trust to do just that. And the result? A gallery that reflects not only their wedding day but the heart of their relationship, one that is elegant, honest, and artful.

Planning a Wedding at Sea Ranch

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day rooted in nature, design, and connection, Sea Ranch might be the destination you’ve been looking for. And if you’re looking for someone to capture it all, someone who knows how to work with the elements and highlight your vision, I’d be honored to be your Sea Ranch wedding photographer. From cliffside vows to meadow dinners under the open sky, your love deserves to be documented in a way that feels as timeless as the coast itself.

Planning your own wedding at Sea Ranch? Let’s chat about it HERE!