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Courtney Bowlden Photography Blog

Photographing classy, timeless, and fun couples around the world. Sharing the details, inspiration, and education with you here. 

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Hi there! Welcome to the blog, a place to share wedding beauty, engagement inspiration, and plenty of tips. I'm glad you're here and I hope you'll stick around!

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3 Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara: Gainey Vineyard, Sunstone Winery & The Sanctuary

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Bridal Education

Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara: Gainey Vineyard, Sunstone Winery & The Sanctuary Santa Barbara has this way of making a wedding feel like a destination without ever leaving California. Ocean views, vineyard-lined valleys, Spanish architecture, golden light — it’s romantic without trying too hard. If you’re searching for the best wedding venues in Santa […]

Gainey Vineyard: A Timeless Santa Barbara Wedding Venue in Wine Country

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Bridal Education

Gainey Vineyard: Your Dream Santa Barbara Wine Country Wedding Venue When couples think “California vineyard wedding venues,” one name that always comes up — and for good reason — is Gainey Vineyard. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, this historic estate blends classic wine country charm with gorgeous natural backdrops, making […]

a bride and groom standing in a vineyard at their wedding in southern california

5 California Vineyard Wedding Venues: Why Sunstone Winery & Santa Barbara Wineries Are a Dream for Elegant Weddings

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Bridal Education

California Vineyard Wedding Venues: Why Sunstone Winery and Santa Barbara Wineries Are a Dream for Elegant Weddings When couples tell me they’re dreaming of a vineyard celebration, I immediately understand the feeling they’re chasing. There’s something about golden light spilling over rows of vines, a glass of wine in hand, and the soft hum of […]

Top 10 Best Elopement Destinations Around the World

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Elopement

Top 10 Best Elopement Destinations Around the World (With Best Seasons & Average Costs) One of the most beautiful things about choosing to elope is freedom. Freedom to travel. Freedom to choose a place that actually feels like you. Freedom to plan a wedding day around experience instead of expectations. The best elopement destinations offer […]

10 Common Myths About Elopements: Surprising Truths About Elopement Meaning

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Elopement

10 Common Myths About Elopements (And What They’re Really Like) Elopements have come a long way—but there are still a lot of myths floating around about what it actually means to elope. I hear these misconceptions all the time from couples who are drawn to the idea of an elopement but feel unsure because of […]

Why Hiring An Elopement Photographer Matters: Elopement Photographers Near Me

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Elopement

Why Hiring An Elopement Photographer Matters: Elopement Photographers Near Me Finding the right elopement photographers near me can make all the difference in your experience. Elopements are often described as “simple,” but anyone who has planned one knows the truth: elopements are intentional. They require thought, clarity, and support — just in a different way […]

a woman in a black suit holding a large floral arrangement for an elopement in sedona

How to Plan an Elopement in Utah: A Utah Elopement Guide

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Bridal Education

How to Plan a Utah Elopement: How Many Guests You Can Have, and Whether an Elopement or Wedding Is Right for You Elopements have evolved so much over the years. What was once thought of as something secretive or rushed has become one of the most intentional and meaningful ways to get married. And in […]

utah elopement photographer

Best Season To Elope In Utah: Your Utah Elopement Guide

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Elopement

Best Season To Elope In Utah: From A Utah Elopement Photographer One of the biggest questions couples ask when planning an elopement in Utah is “When is the best time to elope?” And the honest answer is: it depends on the experience you want. Utah is unique in that every season offers a completely different […]

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