Wondering when the best time is to get married at San Francisco City Hall for beautiful light and fewer crowds? In this guide, I break down the best days and times to plan your ceremony or photo session inside this iconic building, plus insider tips for timing, lighting, and avoiding the busiest hours. I also share why privately renting City Hall for an evening or weekend wedding is such an incredible experience — from having the entire building to yourselves to saying your vows anywhere you choose, even on the grand staircase. If you are dreaming of a romantic and elegant City Hall wedding, this guide will help you plan a day that feels calm, beautiful, and completely you.

One of the biggest style questions brides ask while planning their wedding or elopement is simple but important: veil or no veil? A veil can feel soft, romantic, and timeless, while going without one can feel modern, effortless, and beautifully you. In this guide, I break down the pros and cons of each option, how veils photograph outdoors, tips for windy or adventurous elopements, and some gorgeous alternatives like bows, birdcage veils, capes, floral crowns, and more. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself on your wedding day.

Liana and Dino’s Big Sur elopement was the perfect mix of adventure and intimacy. Their day began in the glowing redwood forest before we headed out to the fog wrapped coastline at Garrapata, where they shared their vows surrounded by a handful of their closest friends. We explored the cliffs together, soaked in the moody ocean air, and ended the night with some incredible after dark photos. Their day was such a beautiful reminder that Big Sur is full of magic in every kind of weather. At the end of this blog I am also sharing some tips on how to plan your own Big Sur elopement, so you can create an experience that feels just as meaningful and personal.

Can you elope in Yosemite in winter? Absolutely yes. Winter in Yosemite feels like stepping into a quiet snowy dream, with soft light, peaceful landscapes, and far fewer crowds than the busy summer season. In this ultimate guide, I am sharing everything you need to know about planning a winter elopement in Yosemite, including what to pack, what parts of the park are open, how to stay flexible with weather, and why renting a cozy cabin can make your day even more magical. If you are dreaming of a romantic, intimate elopement surrounded by snow kissed cliffs and towering pines, Yosemite in winter might be the perfect place for you.

Experience the ultimate Yosemite wedding adventure with Vlad and Darlene’s three-day elopement and wedding celebration. From Glacier Point and Taft Point to cozy forest ceremonies and festive receptions at AutoCamp Yosemite, their story proves you can design your wedding exactly how you want it. Whether you’re planning a Yosemite elopement, multi-day celebration, or a mix of both, get inspired by their unforgettable adventure and tips for creating a personalized wedding experience in one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world.

Experience the magic of eloping under Moab’s breathtaking night sky. With its world-famous red rock landscapes and designated Dark Sky Parks, Moab offers some of the clearest stargazing on earth — the perfect setting for an adventurous, romantic elopement. Learn why Moab’s dark skies make it one of the best places to elope, plus get tips on planning your own starlit celebration, where to stay, and the best spots beyond Arches National Park.

Marina and Matt flew all the way from California to Italy to elope in the Dolomites, turning their wedding day into the start of their honeymoon. From a foggy morning on the lake to sunny mountain peaks at Seceda and a golden sunset in the valley, their day was filled with adventure, love, and the most breathtaking views. Every part of their elopement felt intentional, relaxed, and completely them — the perfect mix of romance and adventure in the heart of the Italian Alps.

Can you have both a wedding and an elopement? Absolutely yes. This guide explains how to combine the joy of a wedding celebration with the intimacy of an elopement. Discover creative ways to plan both, include loved ones, and design a day that feels completely true to you, whether that means a destination adventure or a quiet moment just for two.

Hallie and Jay’s romantic elopement in Mykonos, Greece was pure magic. From their private pool and windy first look to exploring the whitewashed alleys and saying vows on a secluded beach, this intimate Greece wedding was the perfect blend of adventure and romance.

Planning a wedding in Olympic National Park means you are surrounded by dramatic coastlines, lush rainforests, and mountain views that make every moment unforgettable. But with the park being so large, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. From historic lodges like Lake Crescent to cozy A-frame cabins and unique glamping spots, your accommodations will shape not just your experience but also your photos. In this guide, I share the best accommodations for your Olympic National Park wedding — including lodges, cabins, rentals, and hidden gems — so you can find the perfect place to relax, celebrate, and begin your marriage adventure.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day surrounded by towering redwoods and sparkling twinkle lights, Deer Park Villa in Fairfax is one of the Bay Area’s most magical venues. Tucked away in Marin County, it combines the romance of an ancient redwood grove with the convenience of being just minutes from San Francisco. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning your wedding at Deer Park Villa — from ceremony and reception details to photography tips and what makes this venue so unique.

A snowy Grand Teton winter elopement filled with adventure, a sunrise first look, family, pets, and vows by a frozen lake on their 11th anniversary.

Discover why Cathedral Beach on the Merced River is ideal for intimate Yosemite weddings. Learn about its secluded riverfront setting, natural beauty, photography opportunities and planning tips.

Discover this moody November elopement in Olympic National Park — a rainy, intimate day full of emotion, adventure, and wild Pacific Northwest beauty.

Thinking about eloping in California? Discover why Mendocino is the perfect intimate wedding destination that no one talks about — wild cliffs, redwoods, moody skies, and no crowds.

Elopements are more popular than ever in 2025, and for good reason. From saving money to choosing breathtaking destinations like Yosemite, Big Sur, or even a safari in Africa, eloping gives couples the freedom to celebrate their love their way. Discover 10 detailed reasons why couples are choosing elopements over traditional weddings and how to plan your own unforgettable day.

Discover the top Bay Area wedding venues from romantic gardens and scenic wineries to coastal spots and historic architecture. Featuring Filoli, Nestldown, City Hall, Jefferson Street Mansion, Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, and more.

An intimate Big Sur Elopement with their closest friends, their sweet dog, and a private chef. See their intimate cliffside ceremony, coastal portraits, and beautiful Airbnb celebration.

Planning your Zion National Park elopement Discover the best places to stay from cozy cabins and glamping domes to luxury resorts plus why your getting ready space and stargazing opportunities can make your photos even more magical

Planning a San Francisco City Hall wedding? The hotel or Airbnb you choose to get ready in can make all the difference in your photos and your experience. This guide covers the best places to stay in SF for stunning getting-ready photos, dreamy light, and first look locations—plus bonus tips for rooftops, cable cars, and elegant interiors.