I’m Kristin, a Lake Tahoe elopement photographer who helps couples plan stress-free, unforgettable days.

Lake Tahoe & Yosemite elopement photography with personalized planning support.

california Elopement Photographer

Creating relaxed, meaningful wedding days
that feel like the best date of your lives.

based in tahoe region, serving california & beyond

photography and planning for elopements and intimate weddings

Creating relaxed, meaningful wedding days that feel like the best date of your lives.

based in tahoe region serving california & beyond

california elopement photographer & planner

as seen on

Wedding days created from the heart.

Thoughtfully planned, personally guided, and created with genuine care from the first call to the final gallery.

Calm.
Present.
Unreal in the best way.

When nature shows up and it’s just the two of you thinking,
“I can’t believe this is ours.”

One of my couples kept saying this on their elopement day and I smiled because:

“That’s exactly how your wedding day should feel.”

That's the feeling.

“This entire day has felt like dream."

We can’t wait to come back and do it again!
Thank you SO MUCH for everything! 10000/10 experience!!!"

- tony and lauren eloped in lake tahoe

"Love love love !!!!!
Seriously the best time ever!

We can’t wait to come back and do it again! Thank you SO MUCH for everything! 10000/10 experience!!!"

And a story beautifully told from start to finish.

A wedding day that feels like the best date of your lives.

You're in the right place.

FOR COUPLES WHO WANT

You and your love in a breathtaking location in California, exchanging vows with the perfect backdrop of mountains, forests, lakes, or oceans, and feeling completely in sync with nature and each other.

An elopement experience that is adventurous, meaningful, and stress-free, allowing you to focus solely on each other and the journey you're embarking on together.

Just Imagine...

Meaningful & Authentic

That's how your wedding day should be.

MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND WEDDING EXPERIENCES

THAT FEEL

LIKE A FIRST DATE

Your California elopement photographer and planner, here to help you create a wedding day that feels relaxed, personal, and completely centered around the two of you.

From choosing the right location to building a day around what you actually enjoy, everything is created so you can be present, have fun, and soak it all in.

California elopements are photographed throughout Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, San Francisco, Mount Shasta, Big Sur, and the coast.

Hey, I'm Kristin!

"We really wanted someone that was going to make our pictures fun while taking them and that’s exactly what we got."
- Hailie & Justin

"Kristin we cannot thank you enough! It was truly just the most perfect day, thank you for all your hard work making everything come together. You made it so EASY and the ability to feel relaxed and just be able to enjoy every second of our wedding day is such a gift. We are so happy, thank you so much!"

"The ability to feel relaxed & just be able to enjoy every second of our wedding day is such a gift."

- cody & jaime eloped in lake tahoe

Epic Photography
Real emotion and those in-between moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

Full Planning & Design
Your entire day is thoughtfully planned so everything flows naturally from getting ready to sunset.

Faux Florals That Are Photo-Ready
Bouquets and boutonnières designed to match your colors and location.

Cake + Toast
Celebrate your “just married” moment with a styled cake cutting and toast.

Timeline Creation & Day-of Guidance
Every moment is intentional, but nothing feels rushed.

Permit Help + Vendor Recommendations
I guide you through permits and connect you with trusted vendors so everything feels easy.

I'm not just your photographer.

I’m your guide, planner, & your calm in the chaos.

Epic photos are just the beginning.

You also get real support, intentional planning, and a day that actually feels relaxed.

Real Moments.
Epic Views.
Elopements, Made Easy.

serving california locations & beyond

California Epic Photography & Planning Support

Planning & design is included.

No need to hire a separate planner for your wedding day.

Faux florals, Mini Cake, & Toast
are always included.

your story beautifully told in a chill way.

"It feels like you get a friend when you work with Kristin."

"Absolute best of the best. No need to look any further for the perfect photographer. She is super easy going, easy to work with, and her photos are beautiful. Honestly, it just feels like you get a friend when you hire Kristin. She helped us feel comfortable for our photos and helped coordinate our day- always going above and beyond.
Well worth the investment!"

- B and K eloped in california

California gives you an incredible range of landscapes without limiting your wedding day to one kind of experience.

You can exchange vows on the coast, wander beneath redwoods, explore Yosemite, or watch the sun set over Lake Tahoe.

From San Francisco and Big Sur to Yosemite National Park, Mount Shasta, and Lake Tahoe, there are options for every season, comfort level, and vision.

That variety makes California one of the best places to create an elopement day that feels personal, relaxed, and completely centered around the two of you.

For more location ideas, explore the best places to elope in California.

Why Elope in California?

And when you work with a California elopement photographer who knows these locations, you’ll have help choosing the right season, light, permits, privacy, and experience for your day.

Yes. You can legally elope almost anywhere in California, from national parks and state parks to beaches, forests, mountains, and city landmarks. Depending on where you choose to get married, you may need a ceremony permit, photography permit, or reservation, but the process is usually straightforward with the right planning.

Whether you're dreaming of Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, or another California location, every elopement is planned around the experience you want to have—not just the backdrop.

Can You Elope in California?

how to elope in california

The cost of a California elopement depends on your location, guest count, and plans for the day. Some couples choose a simple ceremony, while others include multiple locations, dinner, or activities.

Most couples budget for:

Marriage license
Permits
Photography
Hair and makeup
Florals
Lodging
Dinner or a picnic

Costs vary across Yosemite, San Francisco, the coast, Mount Shasta, and Lake Tahoe, but your day can be built around what matters most to the two of you.

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in California?

Planning doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

Eloping in California should feel exciting, not overwhelming. I help couples every step of the way, from choosing your dream location to making sure permits, timelines, and every detail are handled with care. You’ll get expert guidance, personalized planning, and a laid-back day that actually feels like you. Once you book, you’ll get my exclusive planning guide to walk you through every step with ease.

How to Elope in California

What a Real California Elopement Can Look Like

Every elopement and intimate wedding day I create is different.
Here are real California elopements and intimate weddings to show you what’s possible in every season.

Fall Elopement in Yosemite National Park

Romantic San Francisco City Hall Elopement

Lake Tahoe Elopement at Emerald Bay

Yosemite National Park Elopement

Best for: Iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Explore the Yosemite Elopement Guide

Best for: Crystal-clear water, granite peaks, and unforgettable sunrise or sunset views.

Explore the Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide

Lake Tahoe Elopement

San Francisco Elopement

Best for: City views, coastal cliffs, redwood groves, and San Francisco City Hall.

Explore the San Francisco Elopement Guide

Mount Shasta Elopement

Best for: Towering mountain views, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Explore the Mount Shasta Elopement Guide

Napa Valley Elopement

Best for: Rolling vineyards, luxury wineries, world-class dining, and a romantic wine country experience.

Explore the Napa Valley Elopement Guide

Some of California's
Best Elopement Locations

Adventure doesn’t always mean ‘crazy long hikes’ or jumping out of airplanes, it’s about what feels right for you.

Create a wedding day that is uniquely you!

California Elopement Packages & Pricing

The Experience of Working in With Me

Elopement | Intimate Wedding Ideas & Activities

Adventure doesn't have to mean hiking for miles.

It can be as adventurous or as laid back as you want, because this isn't about checking off a list. It's about creating a wedding day you'll genuinely enjoy.

Hike to a scenic mountain or coastal overlook
Take a helicopter ride over California’s mountains or coastline
Kayak or paddleboard on an alpine lake
Explore waterfalls, redwood forests, or coastal trails
Go horseback riding through the mountains or wine country
Ski, snowboard, or snowshoe during a winter elopement
Jump in the lake or take a post-ceremony ocean dip

Visit a local brewery, winery, or coffee shop
Share a picnic, cut your cake, or pop champagne
Walk along the beach, through a redwood grove, or around the city
Watch the sunrise or sunset together
Bring your dog along for part of the day
Dance beside the ocean, in the mountains, or under the stars

CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT ADVENTURE IDEAS

RELAXED CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT IDEAS

Here are a few common questions couples ask while planning their California elopement.

DO WE NEED TO CHOOSE A LOCATION BEFORE REACHING OUT?

Not at all. Most couples start with a general vision like mountain views, dramatic coastlines, or a quiet forest. From there, I'll recommend California locations that fit your priorities, the season, and the kind of experience you're hoping to have.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA?

California has incredible locations year-round. Spring and fall are perfect for Yosemite, summer is beautiful in Lake Tahoe, while coastal locations like San Francisco and Big Sur are fantastic options throughout much of the year. We'll choose the best location based on when you're getting married.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?

Popular dates and locations can book quickly, especially during peak seasons. I recommend reaching out 6–18 months in advance, but if your date is flexible or you're planning something sooner, it's always worth asking!

Can we bring guests to our elopement?

Absolutely. While many California elopements are just the two of you, you're welcome to include your closest family and friends. I specialize in intimate celebrations with 20 guests or fewer so the experience stays relaxed and personal.

Couples with more than 20 guests will likely need a traditional wedding venue, as my focus is on intimate weddings and elopements.

DO WE NEED TO HIKE TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA?

Not at all! California has everything from easy-access overlooks and beaches to adventurous mountain hikes. Whether you're dreaming of Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, or somewhere along the coast, we'll choose a location that matches your comfort level.

let's plan your day

DO YOU HELP PLAN CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENTS?

Absolutely! From choosing the perfect California location to creating your timeline, recommending trusted vendors, navigating permits, and planning meaningful activities, I'll guide you through the entire process so your day feels relaxed, organized, and completely centered around the two of you.

Frequently Asked Questions about California Elopements

Ready to start planning your perfect day?

I’ll walk you through every detail, answer any questions, and help shape your vision.

DO WE NEED PERMITS TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA?

Many California locations require permits for ceremonies, professional photography, or both. Permit requirements vary depending on where you choose to elope, but I'll help you understand what's needed and guide you through the process.