MENDOCINO Wedding Photographer
Be present on your wedding day. Feel seen in your photos.
I document people — on their wedding day and in their everyday lives — truthfully and with care. For me, documentary photography is about paying attention to what is happening all around. It’s about noticing subtle details and unassuming moments as much as the pronounced ones. Ultimately, it’s about creating images that draw you back into those scenes and moments, and that feel true to you.
Above all, I want you to feel seen, and to see the truest expression of yourselves reflected in your photos. Creating an affirming, safe, and inclusive space is of utmost importance to me. I show up with curiosity rather than preconceptions of what a wedding should look like, and I prioritize the way you want to experience your day.
MENDOCINO Wedding Photographer + Traveling Anywhere
WeddingS in Mendocino
Over a decade of photographing weddings in Mendocino and I’m still in absolute awe that this corner of our planet exists. The landscape is an expanse of natural wonder – coastal bluffs, wildflower meadows, wild ocean, and towering redwoods (just to scratch the surface). It’s an enclave of ecology-minded folks, artists, and stewards of the land who inspire sustainable living. Mendocino is a DREAMY place to get married for anyone who wants to be immersed in nature, and the options are practically endless.
I love weekend-long celebrations that have lots of relaxed downtime built in, because there’s so much life to capture when the constraints of a rigid timeline are loosened. Some of my favorite moments are the casual ones – hanging out with friends, a family dinner the night before, ocean plunges and campfires. Mendocino is a perfect place for longer stays, to really retreat into nature and spend time connecting with friends, family, and each other. There are countless amazing venues in Mendocino, but below are a few places I would return to again and again.
Relaxed, Nature-Immersed Wedding Venues in Mendocino
Hi, I’m Rachelle.
A documentary wedding photographer living at the ocean’s edge in SF. I photograph weddings (digital + film) in Mendocino and throughout Northern California. Available to travel anywhere.
Working with me is as relaxed as it gets. I’m a calming presence on your wedding day, comfortable blending into a wide range of dynamics and environments. I show up with enthusiasm, joy, and deep appreciation for the privilege of bearing witness.
Client Review
“The moment I stumbled upon Rachelle’s photos online, I just knew she was the one. Her shots are packed with emotion, attention to detail, and a real love for the natural surroundings – they’re genuinely authentic! Some close friends couldn’t make it to our wedding, so I shared with them the whole album. They went through every single photo and told me they felt like they were right there with us. If you’re looking for someone to capture the true essence of your wedding day, I can’t recommend Rachelle enough. She’s truly amazing!”
Y + J
Rachelle Derouin is a Mendocino wedding photographer, documenting weddings throughout Northern California and occasionally in other parts of the world. Available to travel worldwide. Digital + 35mm film.