In January 2025, Hailey texted me unsure of if her venue had burned down.

Inn of the Seventh Ray

The Los Angeles Palisades fire was devastating to the Santa Monica Mountains and coastal Los Angeles community. Hailey and Sage were set to have their wedding at Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga, CA in February 2025. The LA fires hit in January, leaving one of my other clients without a venue (hers did burn down entirely), and Hailey unsure if Inn of the Seventh Ray would survive.

Inn of the Seventh Ray is a renowned restaurant nestled in Topanga Canyon, California, celebrated for its enchanting ambiance and commitment to organic, health-conscious cuisine. Established in 1975, it has evolved from a former church and feed store into one of Los Angeles' most romantic dining destinations. Thankfully the fire did not reach all the way to the community of Topanga, and this Topanga wedding venue was spared. In April 2025, Inn of the Seventh Ray is still recovering from the recent Palisades Fire, which led to a temporary closure and financial challenges. Hailey and Sage were the first couple able to have their wedding ceremony at the restaurant after re-opening.

After Getting Ready at a Nearby AirBNB,

We headed to the restaurant to begin the ceremony and celebration! The restaurant offers a serene outdoor dining and wedding experience beside a tranquil creek, surrounded by lush gardens, pines, and sycamore trees. The private courtyard is used for wedding ceremonies and events and features a beautiful fountain able to be decorated with florals. The menu emphasizes organic and locally sourced ingredients, featuring dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Not only are you getting a beautiful ceremony space, but an incredible menu as well for you and your guests.

A short and sweet wedding ceremony at Inn of the Seventh Ray

As always, all photos shown are a mixture of digital and 35mm film.

Topanga Canyon Wedding

Topanga Canyon is one of Southern California’s many gems for weddings, offering a perfect blend of bohemian spirit and natural beauty. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, this serene canyon provides an enchanting backdrop for couples seeking a more intimate celebration surrounded by nature. Towering sycamores, winding trails, and golden sunsets create a magical atmosphere that’s tailor-made for dreamy wedding photography.

What sets Topanga Canyon apart from other Los Angeles areas is its artistic energy and laid-back elegance. It's a favorite among film wedding photographers for good reason—the soft, natural light that filters through the canyon’s trees brings an ethereal quality that can be lost in sunnier parts of Los Angeles and Southern California. There’s a timelessness in these moments that lends itself perfectly to film, since for me film photography is all about that hint of nostalgia. For any wedding photographer, this location offers endless visual inspiration: vintage cabins, gardens, cliffs, and romantic forest nooks that tell a story all on their own.

Choosing Topanga Canyon for your wedding means stepping into a slower, more meaningful rhythm. It’s a place where love feels grounded and present, where your wedding photographer can capture not just the big moments, but the quiet ones—the wind in your veil, laughter in golden hour, or the look in your partner’s eyes during the vows. It's a much less showy part of Los Angeles, hidden in nature and surrounded with forest energy. For couples who value artistry and connection, Topanga isn’t just a location—it’s an experience. A vibe, if you will. And for any film wedding photographer lucky enough to shoot here, it’s nothing short of a dream canvas.

Why Skipping Formal Events at Your Wedding Reception Might Be the Best Decision You Make

Not every couple dreams of a traditional wedding reception. For some, the idea of stopping the dance floor for a bouquet toss or gathering everyone around for a garter removal just doesn't feel right—and that's totally okay. In fact, many modern couples are choosing to skip these formalities altogether in favor of a more relaxed, organic celebration.

As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I’ve noticed a growing trend: weddings that flow like one big, joyful dinner party—with good food, great music, and zero pressure to perform or take guests out of the moment to watch a particular event. For many couples, a wedding is the only time when many of their extended families are all together in one place. That offers a unique and special opportunity to catch up, share memories, and make new ones. When there is more space for casual chatting, dancing, and laughing, it can help guests make the most out of a once in a lifetime opportunity like a wedding.

Some couples choose to skip first dances, toasts, and every kind of traditional wedding reception events, whereas some choose to keep one or two meaningful events. Hailey and Sage chose to keep formal speeches and a cake cutting, but did not participate in official dances, or bouquet/ garter tosses. We had lots of time for candid moments, chatting, and enjoying the beautiful Topanga Canyon wedding venue.

A Sparkler Exit Completed the Night at Inn of the Seventh Ray

I hope you enjoyed Hailey and Sage's wedding in Topanga Canyon and got some inspiration for your own intimate wedding in Los Angeles! For any questions, please reach out, I would be happy to help you with suggestions for a perfect wedding day. 35mm film photographer Holly Castillo.