A wedding day with time to slow down, celebrate, and enjoy the places you came here for.
Location guidance tailored to your plans
A custom timeline with room to enjoy your day
Photography that captures the moments and the scenery
California Elopement pricing and Packages
My elopement packages combine photography, planning support, and help designing the details with four-hour, full-day, and two-day options.
You want something different.
"It was important to us that we kept things relaxed, stress-free, and private and she knew exactly where to take us and made us feel at ease. I never once felt like I was being “too posed” or awkward.
She also handled my flowers, our first dance, champagne toast and cake (which was so good!). I could not be more pleased with our experience and photos."
- alex & taylor eloped in lake tahoe
"Kristin was the absolute best thing we did for our elopement!
"It actually felt like I had a wedding planner & photographer combo."
- C & K, lake tahoe elopement
MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND
wedding experiences THAT FEEL like the best date of your lives.
Hey, I’m Kristin!
I don’t simply show up to photograph your elopement.
I help create the day, take care of you through it, and keep things moving when plans change. If you’re cold, uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or the weather decides to do its own thing, I notice—and we adjust.
Because I care just as much about how your wedding day feels as I do about how it looks.
Elopement photographer, planner, and the person who’s got you through all of it.
“She is spunky and energetic and was literally running alongside us,
capturing memories as we found our own way to ‘dance in the rain.’”
- C & K
Elopements are the only thing I do
learn more about me
and That level of focus changes everything.
I’m in it with you.
The Kristin Smith Elopement Experience
WELCOME TO
PHOTOGRAPHY · PERSONALIZED PLANNING · THOUGHTFUL DETAILS · Easy & STRESS-FREE
Here's what's always included
In all of my california Elopement Packages
LOCATION GUIDANCE
Places chosen around your scenery, guest count, and how much walking you want to do.
CUSTOM TIMELINE
Time for beautiful light, your favorite activities, and breaks along the way.
PLANNING HELP
Permit guidance, vendor and lodging recommendations, and answers to your questions.
BEFORE YOUR ELOPEMENT
Your locations. Your timeline.
PERSONAL PLANNING SUPPORT FROM THE START
Your plan.
activity ideas
Ideas for hikes, meals, ice cream, and little stops that make your day memoriable.
style & details
Help choosing colors, outfits, and details that work beautifully together.
what to bring
Packing and preparation guidance so you arrive comfortable and ready.
FAUX FLORALS
A bouquet and boutonniere chosen around your colors—and yours to keep.
PICNIC & MINI CAKE
A styled picnic and mini cake, ready for you to sit down and enjoy together.
CELEBRATORY TOAST
Champagne or a sparkling toast to celebrate that you’re officially married.
the little details that make
YOUR DAY
faux florals, a picnic, & a celebratory toast
yours
NATURAL DIRECTION
Help knowing what to do in front of the camera, with space to enjoy real moments.
CARE AS YOU GO
Watching for when you need warmth, a break, or a change of plans.
24-HOUR TEASERS & YOUR FULL GALLERY
Teasers within 24 hours. Your full, personally edited gallery in 6 weeks.
THROUGHOUT YOUR ELOPEMENT
Beautiful photos.
GUIDANCE, PERSONAL ATTENTION, & PHOTOS TO KEEP
Someone looking out for you.
- C & K
“It was so cold, within minutes she had a blanket, food, hand warmers and hot tea for us.”
$7,000
Elopement & Intimate Wedding Package Pricing
Full-day + multi-day packages available.
inquire for availability
- C & K
Includes 4 hours of photography, planning, experience design, faux florals, mini cake, toast, and all travel costs.
the experience
“She did so much for me before ever taking a photo.”
Add my husband, Rick, as your second photographer, and have both of us documenting your day.
From getting ready separately to different ceremony angles, we capture more of your day—including drone photos that show you surrounded by the scenery, where permitted and conditions allow.
Husband & Wife Photography Team
Two photographers. Two perspectives.
optional add-on
Start Planning Your California Elopement
Kristin and her husband Rick are truly the dream team! They didn't just photograph our elopement , they planned it with us from start to finish. From choosing the perfect location to creating a stress free timeline, they made everything feel effortless and meaningful. It was such a pleasure working with them. Kristin was consistently in touch, answering any questions that I had and reassuring me that our elopement day would be amazing! We could not be happier with the high quality photographs. But what really stood out was how much they genuinely cared. Kristin and Rick made us feel comfortable, supported, and completely celebrated. Not to mention, they are a super cool and fun couple to hang out with on your elopement day. Time FLIES when you are having fun!
We highly recommend the full or multi-day elopement timelines."
"Kristin and Rick made us feel comfortable, supported, and completely celebrated. The photos are STUNNING!
- dan & elise eloped in truckee, ca
You’ll see your day again within 24 hours
You’ll receive a handful of images within 24 hours, so you can see how your day actually felt, not just how it looked.
start planning your day
And start reliving it right away.
You don’t have to hold everything together.
By the time your wedding day arrives, the locations, timeline, details, and backup plans are already handled.
And once we’re in it, I’m paying attention to the weather, crowds, timing, and most importantly—you.
You get to be present with each other because I’ve got the rest.
schedule your planning call
If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! From the very beginning, you made the entire experience feel so easy and stress-free. You are not only incredibly talented, but one of the kindest, most genuine people to work with.
When we got our photos back, we were completely blown away. Every single picture is absolutely stunning, and somehow you captured every emotion, every little detail, and all of the moments we never want to forget. We truly love every single photo and will cherish them forever.
Thank you for making us feel so comfortable, for making us laugh, and for giving us memories we’ll be able to look back on for the rest of our lives. We are beyond grateful and couldn’t recommend you more!
- blayke & haylee eloped in lake tahoe
"Kristin is not only incredibly talented, but one of the kindest, most genuine people to work with.
Here are a few common things couples ask before booking, just to make things easier.
can you help with planning?
Totally. I help with everything from location scouting and timeline creation to activity ideas and vendor suggestions. I’ll guide you through the whole process so the day feels organized but relaxed. No stress, no scrambling.
do you offer vow renewals?
Yes! My elopement packages can also be used for vow renewals. You’ll receive the same planning support, location guidance, timeline design, and photography experience to create a meaningful day centered on the two of you.
Do we need to have a location picked before reaching out?
Not at all. Most of my couples come to me with just a general idea, like “we love the mountains” or “we want a lake view.” Once we chat, I’ll send personalized location options based on your vision, the season, and what kind of experience you want.
How far in advance should we book?
The sooner the better, especially if you have a specific location or season in mind. I recommend reaching out 6–18 months in advance if possible, but if you're flexible, we might still be able to make magic happen sooner. I have planned elopements with a month's notice!
Can we bring guests to our elopement?
Absolutely. While elopements are typically 20 people or less, many couples include a few close family or friends. If you want it to just be you two, or include guests, I’ll help plan a day that feels personal, relaxed, and true to you. You can even bring your dog if you want!
Couples with 30+ guests is considered a "micro wedding" and will need to find a traditional wedding photographer as my focus is intimate elopements only.
Do we have to hike or do something adventurous?
Nope! Not every elopement includes hiking or even dirt! If you want an epic view without the trek, I’ve got lots of accessible spots with jaw-dropping scenery. We’ll plan something that matches your comfort level and your vibe.
do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I offer payment plans. I require a $1,000 deposit to secure your date, and the remaining balance is due one month before your elopement. Most couples pay in 2–3 installments, but I’m happy to customize a plan that works best for you, just let me know what you need!
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping
Do we need to worry about permits?
Nope, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed based on your location and where to apply. Whether it’s a national park, beach, or forest spot, I’ll let you know what’s required and how to get it. You won’t have to figure it out alone. Some locations require photographers to obtain a commercial permit and I will do that portion on my own!
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