Martyn & Natalia

Part of Idyllwild’s charm is its unassuming town, filled with delightful people and surrounded by natural wonder. It’s quaint and quiet, while still offering beautiful views and endless trees. It’s wild to me how relatively close it is to major cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, while still seemingly like an underappreciated gem of Southern California.

For all these reasons and more, Idyllwild, CA is a perfect wedding location for couples who want to take their nuptials at their own pace. From the cozy cabins and cute downtown area to the trees and mountains, there’s so much to appreciate here.

So, it’s no wonder it attracts couples who want to slow down and celebrate their special day in a laid-back way; like Martyn & Natalia.

Martyn & Natalia’s Moonlight Mountain Retreat

Martyn and Natalia were drawn to Idyllwild, not just because of its vibe, but because Martyn’s family used to own land in the area.

After months of searching for the ideal spot, they found a glorious cabin with enough room for a ceremony site, dinner, and all their friends and family to stay, called Moonlight Mountain Retreat.

When I arrived to photograph their Idyllwild wedding day, I was met by Martyn & Natalia’s friends and dog, Oliver. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation. Some folks were getting themselves ready, others were gathering things for the festivities, and some were just soaking up the moment. Exactly the kind of positive energy you want!

The house smelled absolutely amazing, thanks to Chef Franny, who was cooking a lovely meal. The cuisine was a combination of Mediterranean and North African flavors. Honestly, I couldn’t tell if people were more excited for the ceremony or for dinner. How incredible!

With my camera in hand, I led my husband Isiah (who’d be officiating the wedding ceremony) upstairs to meet Martyn & Natalia in person. As our couple finished getting ready, I grabbed detail shots of their DIY florals, makeup, mountain-themed decor, and the wedding dress altered by Natalia’s friend who works in costuming. And all that even before capturing some portraits of our bride and groom!

Ceremony, Celebrations, and Cheer

Isiah began his wedding ceremony, as I mentally calculated the seconds it would take for me to run up and down the stairs to capture photos from the balcony. It’d be tricky — but I knew it was an opportunity too good to pass up. And I’m fast, so I needn’t worry about missing moments.

The bride and groom stood on the cabin deck, backgrounded by the granite mountains surrounding Idyllwild. Martyn & Natalia’s guests looked on as our couple cheerfully read their vows. Our spouses-to-be even had their dog be the ring bearer—and he did an amazing job!

Still riding the high of the post-ceremony, I gathered everyone for family and friend photos with the newlyweds—before stealing the couple away for portraits at Idyllwild Nature Park.

When we arrived, the park was mostly empty, aside from a few hikers who were excited to see these two spectacularly dressed people.

The three of us returned to the Airbnb, where dinner was being served. Our couple made merry with their guests, laughing, sharing memories, and sipping on a bottle of scotch Martyn had saved for the occasion. Dinner was exquisite, including chicken, couscous, Arabic ice cream, and a carrot cake with carrot jam baked by Martyn’s sister.

Isiah and I left the couple and their guest to celebrate the night away. A perfect end to a cabin wedding in Idyllwild.

Tips for Your Idyllwild Wedding

Here are a few things to know when planning your Idyllwild wedding day:

Work with your photographer regarding locations versus venues. This area has very steep terrain, which makes outdoor weddings here more complicated. Big, flat outdoor spaces are harder to find, so work with a photographer/planner who understands the area.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. Keep the natural world happy and healthy by following LNT guidelines: like packing out what you pack in, staying on trails, and respecting the local flora and fauna.
Consider the timing. Idyllwild is less stormy than other mountains, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get its fair share of weather. Get married in the spring and fall for less rain and heat.
Looking for adventure and activities? If so, Idyllwild is a great spot for all sorts of outdoor fun! Talk with your photographer about including some activities such as picnicking, visiting wineries, and more.

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Idyllwild wedding photographer!