A Golden Gate Bridge Elopement for Samantha & Justin

Samantha & Justin may have grown up in the same town, but it took an online meeting to bring on the first date. Samantha says that Justin “felt like home,” which is one of the best first impressions we have ever heard. These two rolled with changing plans like pros. They feel that every change that had to be made, from the ceremony venue to the honeymoon, ended up for the better. Simply Eloped worked with the Florida couple to have the quintessential San Francisco elopement at Crissy Field. The stunning photos show the iconic Golden Gate Bridge witnessing their exchange of vows on a perfect, misty California morning. You are going to love their honeymoon adventures that spanned snow to the beach – sometimes in one day!

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Samantha: Although Justin and I grew up from around middle school age in the same town and went to neighboring high schools, we had never met. We met online. Chatting online with Justin, I instantly felt comfortable and we realized we knew a lot of the same people. We talked on the phone the night before our first date and I got butterflies. The second we met I felt both completely comfortable and excited all at once. Justin felt like home right from the beginning.

How did you propose or accept the proposal? 

Samantha: I knew Justin was going to propose but I didn’t know when. I am a private person and large social gatherings tend to make me feel a little anxious. I wanted to go to a local resort, and Justin booked a weekend there for his birthday. Unbeknowst to me, he had our room upgraded and our stay extended. He proposed to me on the suite balcony as a thunderstorm was rolling in over the Gulf of Mexico. He said he had planned for a sunset, but it was beautiful. It is very much like Justin to take a day that was supposed to be for him (his birthday) and make it all about me. We frequently visit that resort now for “staycations” and to think about that wonderful day.

Where did you choose to elope and why did you choose that destination? 

Samantha: We eloped in San Francisco. We had initially planned to elope in San Francisco City Hall then cruise out of the port there to Alaska. This plan had been in the works a long time when COVID happened. Instead, we kept our airfare and decided to explore California for two weeks (the duration of the initial cruise) since we had never been. 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there?

Samantha:  I initially had my heart set on City Hall. I do believe that everything in life happens for a reason, including the change in plans. We looked at several venues when we realized City Hall would be closed. Crissy Field, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background is quintessential San Francisco. One look at our wedding photos and everyone knows exactly where we got married. My favorite part about getting married there is the variety of scenery you have in a very small area- rocks and mountains, the beach, the city skyline, grassy open fields, a eucalyptus forest…it has everything. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Samantha: We got married right next to the bay water. It was cloudy and cool out, again, typical San Francisco from what we hear. It was just magical- the sound of waves and seagulls, mist in the air, everything felt fresh and crisp. We are from Florida so we are used to the ocean- but in May our weather is completely different- and it is never cool and misty, foggy, or as enchanting. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Samantha: Because we chose to elope, we went all out for our honeymoon. We flew across the country from Southwest Florida to San Francisco first class. We had reclining seats that turned into beds and were completely spoiled. As soon as we checked into our hotel and they found out we were getting married, we received a bottle of wine. The morning of our wedding we drove to San Mateo to get our marriage license in person. We had the best doughnuts we ever ate for breakfast there! Back at the hotel, Simply Eloped arranged for hair and makeup for me. That was a complete game changer. I did not have anyone with me except Justin. Vanessa became my instant friend and helped me tremendously that day. I went from worried about what I would look like to completely exciting thanks to her wizardry. She was a godsend, and we are still in touch. 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Samantha: Communication was excellent with Simply Eloped. My questions were answered quickly, which calmed my nerves. Navigating a license and venue during a pandemic is not ideal. I wish we could add that service (at least maybe securing the venue instead of on our own). I would say Simply Eloped gave five-star service throughout the planning process!

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Samantha: We had a spectacular honeymoon being tourists in San Francisco, Monterey, and Yosemite. We visited tourist destinations like Alcatraz but then also did off-the-beaten-path excursions. My favorite memory was getting caught in a snowstorm on the top of a mountain in the Sierra Nevada National Forest when we rented a UTV. We were not dressed for it- and it was a total surprise. Living in Florida and being an educator that typically vacations in the summer, I had not seen snow since I was nine years old! I was beyond excited. The next day we were in Monterey, soaking up the sun at the beach and watching sea lions. California has a little bit of everything. And we made so many amazing memories on our honeymoon. 

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Samantha:  Don’t think twice about it; I promise you won’t regret it. So many friends and family members will see our wedding and honeymoon photos and say that they wished they had done the same thing. I would even consider using Simply Eloped for a vow renewal in the future. It was such a wonderful experience.

Officiation by: Rebeca Ruiz Delgadillo
Photography by: Melati Citrawireja
Hair & Makeup by: Emily Van Scoy
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: West Bluff Picnic Area at Crissy Field/Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.