If you're considering a more intimate wedding, the California Central Coast, with Cambria at its heart, offers a picturesque backdrop that's sure to make your special day truly exceptional. View this blog post for Aliya and Matt's intimate wedding in Cambria at Oceanpoint Ranch, plus some inspiration from Aliya's incredible red wedding gown! Honestly, this non-white wedding gown and making your own traditions and style for your intimate wedding could have its own post.

Vintage white and red wooden water tower structure stands among tall cypress trees at historic fairgrounds in Cambria California.

An intimate wedding allows you to focus on what truly matters: your love story. With a smaller guest list, you can craft a deeply personal and authentic ceremony that reflects your unique journey together. The California Central Coast is renowned for its natural beauty, with Cambria nestled amidst this picturesque region. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, or serene vineyards. The region's tranquility and versatility of venues create a magical ambiance that's perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony. Aliya and Matt shared their first look and wedding portraits in the beautiful coastal woods next to the Pacific Ocean and Moonstone Beach.

Someone wearing a gray suit and red tie adjusts their sleeve outside on a sunny day.
A woman in a black top helps adjust a red floral dress in an outdoor setting with a white fence in the background.
Couple standing beneath cypress trees at a scenic coastal location, woman in flowing red dress and man in dark suit.
A couple stands together on a beach path, with her in a flowing red dress and him in a dark suit during golden hour in Cambria California.
A couple embraces outdoors in a romantic pose, with the woman wearing a flowing red dress against a sunlit pine tree backdrop in Cambria.
A couple in a red dress and dark suit embrace outdoors while holding a bouquet of white flowers at sunset in Cambria California.
A couple poses outdoors for a romantic wedding photo, with the bride in a red floral dress and groom in dark suit.
A couple embraces outdoors with a cypress tree backdrop, the woman wearing a flowing red lace dress and holding flowers in Cambria.
Groom at Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria California.
A couple holding hands walks together on a dirt path, with the person in a flowing red dress against a scenic landscape in Cambria.
A couple walks hand in hand on a dirt path, with the woman wearing a flowing red dress and walking through sunlit trees in Cambria.
Person in flowing red floral maxi dress holds white wildflower bouquet while standing on sandy beach path at sunset.

This chuppah set up was held on the property at Oceanpoint Ranch across the street from the Pacific Ocean and down the road from the guest rooms. Aliya and Matt used a family heirloom chuppah held by friends and family members while they exchanged vows and their first kiss in Cambria.

A small outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under birch trees during autumn with attendees in formal attire in Cambria California.
An outdoor wedding ceremony under a canopy with people wearing formal attire including a stunning red lace gown in Cambria California.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors under a white arch with people gathered in formal attire on a grassy area in Cambria California.
A couple stands together under sunlit trees, with the woman wearing a flowing red floral dress and holding baby's breath flowers in Cambria

Oceanpoint Ranch is an ocean front property in Cambria that is available for small intimate weddings with small guest counts. The outdoor area is perfect for a small dinner set up with bar, but be warned that the ocean air can get chilly at night!

Bride and Groom in Cambria California.
Gold wedding rings in wooden box with delicate white baby's breath flowers on rustic wooden surface in Cambria California.
A couple walks along a sunset path bordered by trees and white fences, with the woman wearing a flowing red floral dress in Cambria.
Wedding reception table decorated with blue runner, white candles, eucalyptus garland and vintage table number sign.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a path surrounded by cypress trees at sunset, with the woman wearing a red lace dress in Cambria.
Bride and groom pop champagne at Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria.
A couple shares a cheerful moment by a white gazebo while holding a wine bottle at an outdoor celebration in Cambria California.
A round chocolate cake with blue frosting top decorated with a black crescent moon topper and the name Matt written in icing in Cambria.
Speeches at Cambria intimate wedding held at Oceanpoint Ranch.

Aliya and matt also asked me to add in a little bit of 35mm film, when i was just starting to experiment with film. i'm so happy they did and i got some great film images for them.

A 35mm photo of couple in formal attire holding hands on a sunlit outdoor path with golden light filtering through trees in Cambria.
A 35mm photo of couple sharing a romantic moment on a California coastline with waves crashing on the beach in the background.
A 35mm photo of two people stand together under cypress trees at sunset along the California coast with golden light filtering through.
A 35mm photo of floral bouquet with delicate white baby's breath flowers against an oceanfront backdrop in Cambria.

Absolute magic. Cambria is definitely a wedding goals location in Central California, especially for a smaller intimate wedding.