California elopement packages with photography that feels like your day and planning that makes it easy
elopements & Intimate weddings, personalized just for you.
Hey! I’m Kristin, a California elopement photographer and planner who helps couples plan stress-free, unforgettable days.
based in tahoe region, serving california
Elopement photography packages and pricing for couples planning in Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and California.
"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
This isn’t your typical elopement experience
and that’s the point.
A day that isn’t rushed or overplanned.
You want something different.
The freedom to do things your way
An experience that actually feels fun and relaxed
No pressure. No expectations.
Just something real.
Something meaningful.
You don’t want a day that feels like a performance.
it’s about being intentional with how you choose to get married.
If the traditional path doesn’t fit your story, you’re allowed to create one that does.
it’s about being intentional with how you choose to get married.
If the traditional path doesn’t fit your story,
you’re allowed to create one that does.
Eloping isn’t about running away anymore…
From beginning to end, your elopement is designed to feel unforgettable.
Hey, I’m Kristin!
You don’t want a wedding that looks like everyone else’s.
You want something that actually feels like you.
I guide you through everything, from locations to logistics, so your day feels easy and intentional.
And I bring it all together with the details like florals, a cake moment, and a champagne toast so it feels elevated and fully yours.
Your elopement photographer & planning sidekick.
Elopements are the
only thing I do.
That level of focus changes everything.
Elopements are the only thing I do.
And it changes everything.
“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
She was dependable, talented, and an incredible presence on our day. And our photos? Absolutely breathtaking.”
- Shane & Ashley eloped in lake tahoe
"Kristin made everything feel seamless and helped us feel completely relaxed and confident.
as seen on
California Elopement Packages & Pricing
kristin smith photography
No stress. No pressure.
Just a day that actually feels like you.
Starting at $5,500 for 4 hours of photography.
What’s Included in Your Elopement Experience
What’s Included in Your Elopement Experience
My travel costs are covered and included.
inquire for availability & info
My travel costs are covered and included.
“She did so much for me before ever taking a photo.”
- C & K
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.
Kristin was absolutely amazing! I can’t recommend her enough! She’s such a sweetheart and never makes you feel rushed—she really takes her time to make everything perfect."
- matt & irine eloped in lake tahoe
"She took her time to make us feel comfortable and really got to know our story beforehand, which truly showed in her photos.
Here's what's always included
In all of my elopement photography packages
You’ll receive a curated selection of hand-picked locations based on your vibe, not just the popular spots everyone uses.
A Fully Curated Elopement Design
Stunning, Secluded Location Scouting
Your timeline is built around golden hour, crowd flow, permit rules, drive times, and breathing room, so your day feels calm, never rushed.
Strategic Timeline Design for Perfect Light
Custom Activity & Experience Ideas
Personalized Styling & Mood Guidance
Your Personal Elopement Planning Partner
You can text, email, or hop on a call anytime. No gatekeeping. No radio silence.
Direct Access to Me (Start to Finish)
Permit & Logistics Guidance (Tahoe + Yosemite Expert)
Private chefs. Officiants. Trusted creatives I actually enjoy working alongside. No random Google guessing.
Pre-Vetted Luxury Vendor Recommendations
Lodging Recommendations That Photograph Beautifully
Customized Packing & Preparation Guides
A Red-Carpet Photography Experience
Signature Faux Florals Included
Styled Picnic, Cake Cutting + Toast
Emotion-First, Introvert-Friendly Guidance by Kristin Smith
Husband & Wife Team Option
Hand-Edited, Full Gallery Delivery
Let’s Plan Your Elopement
“Within minutes she had a blanket, food, hand warmers and hot tea.”
- C & K
You’re taken care of without even thinking about it.
Photographed as a husband-and-wife team for seamless coverage and a relaxed experience.
Add a second photographer for more perspectives and a richer story throughout your elopement day.
Perfect for capturing both partners getting ready, multiple angles during your ceremony, activities, and all the in-between moments you don’t want to miss.
Two-Photographer Add-On option
When you book our two photographer team, officiating a short ceremony is included.
bonus
So you don't have to stress..
Every elopement package includes the option to keep things completely hands-off,
so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
You can show up, be present, and just focus on each other.
see elopement packages
You don’t want a big wedding. You want this instead.
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."
"The photos are STUNNING, full of emotion, beauty, and capture who we are as a couple. We could not be happier.
- dan & elise eloped in truckee, ca
With so many elopement packages out there,
how do you know which is right for you?
The Reality of Most Packages vs. A Fully Curated Experience
Most Elopement Packages
A Fully Curated Experience
My elopement packages are different because every detail is intentionally designed to create an experience that feels entirely yours.
Elopements are the
only thing I do.
That level of focus changes everything.
Elopements are the only thing I do.
That level of focus changes everything.
see elopement packages
We hired Kristin for our elopement at Lake Tahoe. Besides eloping, this was the best decision we made. Kristin helped us plan out our day from start to finish, answering all messages in a timely manner and providing us with a detailed plan for our special day. She gave us recommendations on places to check out, places to avoid, and even helped coordinate the colors for my suit so that the photos would look great. The photos are spectacular. She gave us a 24 hour sneak peak and a 2 week sneak peak album. She is incredibly talented!
We recommend that you book the 8 hours.. it’s 100% worth it!!"
- Greg & Diana eloped in lake tahoe
"The amount of effort she put in to make sure our day was easy and enjoyable made our day the best day ever!!
"The bouquet SCREAMED my personality."
"She made us feel relaxed and at ease."
- alex & taylor
- david & hannah
We loved working with Kristin and the final product is perfection! Thank you Kristin for making our dream wedding a reality so quickly!"
- stacie & tom eloped in lake tahoe
"She made our dream wedding a reality so quickly!
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.
Is an elopement an intimate wedding?
They can overlap, especially with smaller guest counts. An intimate wedding is still a wedding, just smaller and more structured. An elopement is about the experience—laid-back, intentional, and focused on you, not a timeline.
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. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of loved ones, 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.
let's plan your day
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
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 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!
Start Planning Your Elopement
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Kristin Smith is an elopement and intimate wedding photographer serving California