Everyone can agree that weddings look different nowadays. Instead of my usual large weekend affairs, my 2020 was filled with lots of intimate and often last minute events. Every tiny union I photographed felt magical and wonderful and fueled my heart, especially during dark moments. The celebrations may be small, but the love and warmth I feel at each one is as potent as ever. After a year of shooting exclusively elopements and minimonies, I wanted to share some tips and thoughts on why I love photographing these tiny weddings.

Old Mill Park & Muir Beach COVID Elopement in Marin (See more here.)

1 — INTROVERT FRIENDLY

Don’t like being the center of attention? Elopements are a great fit for couples who don’t want a lot of fuss. Keeping the guest list small (if you even have guests at all) helps from feeling too overwhelmed and makes organizing logistics easier. You still get to dress up, get married and take some fabulous photos. Everything else is optional. And the wedding part of the day is usually over in two to three hours so you’ll be back home and comfy in your pajamas at a reasonable hour. Also, less guests and shorter celebrations means saving a lot of money overall. (And who doesn’t love saving a bit of green.)

Mount Tamalpais & Muir Beach COVID Elopement in Marin (See more here.)

2 — SO. MANY. PRETTY. LOCATIONS.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area means we have access to lots of gorgeous outdoor landscapes and all of these spots are potential elopement locations. Willing to drive a few hours? Go on a little location scouting road trip together. From national parks to tiny piers in the middle of Lake Merritt, the options are endless. And if you’re planning a backyard ceremony, you can still set aside some time to go to a local regional or city park in your neighborhood. Not sure what your options are? I’m happy to help suggest a few. Coastal rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, forests, ancient redwood groves, mountains, rolling fields of grass? Take your pick.

Sunset Cavallo Point COVID Minimony in Sausalito (See more here.)

3 — THE PERFECT LIGHT & FLEXIBLE scheduling

As a photographer living in Northern California, I am grateful for the stunning golden hour light every evening. During the short days of winter, our light turns even softer and “glow-ier” as the sun hangs low in the sky. This means elopement celebrations can be planned within the two to three hours before sunset when the light is at its prettiest. (Not to say there isn’t any flexibility as the early birds like me can also enjoy amazing morning light as well. And if Karl the Fog decides to show up, we roll with it and make it magical too.) And because the sun sets around the same time every day, elopements aren’t restricted to the weekends. Weekday celebrations offer lots of flexibility. And another bonus, most outdoor locations are way less crowded during the week.

4 — TECHNOLOGY KEEPs US CONNECTED

2020 was the year we learned to socially distance and video technology became our lifeline to loved ones. Many of my couples livestreamed their weddings this year so family and friends could still participate in the celebration. With a strong WiFi signal/cell reception, guests can tune in from all around the world. And no worries if you’ve picked an off the grid location, you can still record the ceremony on your cell phone, camera or GoPro so grandma won’t miss out. A good tripod helps with the logistics, and if you don’t have one, you can always borrow mine.

Lands End Labyrinth COVID Minimony in San Francisco (See more here.)

5 — OPPORTUNITIES TO BE CREATIVE AF

Because you’re eloping, the sky’s the limit with how you chose to celebrate. Without the restrictive social trappings of traditional weddings, you are free to express yourselves and your union in all the creative ways imaginable. Creative doesn’t have to mean complex either. Focus on simple joys like: Celebrate with a pizza party or at the In-N-Out drive-thru. Have a dim sum picnic. Make yourself the ultimate cheese plate and charcuterie spread. Wear that favorite outfit of yours that just doesn’t get out of the closet enough. Hike to that one spot where you first said “I love you.” Have your family and friends who can’t be there in person share poems, thoughts and words of wisdom for you to read during your ceremony. Splurge on that really nice bottle of champagne. Include your rescue pup in the festivities! As long as it brings you both joy, I can’t think of a better way to honor your relationship.