Why Choose an Intimate Destination Wedding?


I'm STOKED to chat about one of my absolute favorite things - intimate destination weddings! As a destination wedding photographer, I've seen firsthand how these magical weekends can transform your big day into an unforgettable experience for you, your love, and your closest friends and family. So let's dive into why an intimate destination wedding is the ultimate way to celebrate your love!

Bride and groom standing and holding hands looking at the greenary landscape
Bride and groom overlay on each other with the background of palm trees and the desert landscape
Bride and groom holding hands at a desert wedding venue
Bride and groom holding hands and smiling at a beautiful desert for their wedding photos

Creating a Shared Adventure for Your Guests


IMAGINE THIS: you're surrounded by your ride-or-die crew in a breathtaking location that's special to you. The sun's setting over a new horizon, and everyone's buzzing with excitement for the weekend ahead. That's the magic of an intimate destination wedding - it's not just a ceremony, it's a full-on adventure for everyone involved

the flower girl holding her flowers while her mom is carrying her with big smiles
bride being hugged by her mom during the wedding reception

Picking a Location That Tells Your Story


Now, let's talk about the impact of choosing a location that's special to you as a couple! Maybe it's where you had your first vacation together, or just a place you've both dreamed of exploring. Whatever the reason, picking a meaningful spot creates this incredible, inclusive vibe that makes your guests feel like they're part of something truly special.

Unique wedding ceremony setting at desert location
Flower girl walking down the aisle with her mom holding her hand
bride holding her yellow bouquet
Bride and groom about the kiss at the end of the wedding ceremony aisle
First kiss of bride and groom during wedding ceremony with the desert background
Wedding ceremony at a stunning desert destination

The Perks of a Destination Wedding Package


More Time for Authentic Moments


Here's where having a destination wedding photographer (ahem, like yours truly) comes in clutch. Booking a larger package, like my Getaway Special, gives us so much more time to capture those authentic, candid moments that really tell the story of your weekend!! We're talking welcome dinner snapshots, group photos, and of course, plenty of time on the big day itself. Trust me, that extra time is golden for getting those natural, relaxed shots that'll make you feel the special moments for years to come!

couple looking at each other during golden hour
couple photo holding hands during golden hour
couple holding hands looking at the scenery full of  desert mountain
cute couple photo as the groom is looking at the bride and the bride looking at the camera during golden hour
candid couple photo of bride and groom kissing at desert mountain

Embracing the Unique Scenery in Your Photos


One of the best things about destination weddings? The STUNNING scenery does half the work for me! Whether it's a majestic mountain range, a serene lakeside setting, or a picturesque coastal view, the unique surroundings create a backdrop that's truly one-of-a-kind. With an intimate group, we can really take advantage of these special locations. We might hike to a secluded overlook for some breathtaking couple shots. These natural elements add depth and character to your photos, creating images that are as memorable as the day itself. Plus, the changing light throughout the day offers diverse shooting opportunities!

bride and groom holding each other at desert location
Cool wedding portrait of the bride and groom at desert location
bride and groom walking and being happy at desert location

Real Wedding Inspiration: An Intimate Destination Dream


Let me share a little inspo from a recent intimate destination wedding that was INSANE! This awesome couple chose to tie the knot in the most EPIC location—Borrego Springs, CA, a super small and isolated town in the California desert! The ceremony was held in the stunning state park, and the cocktail hour and reception took place at the beautiful La Casa Del Zoro. They incorporated so many personal touches that made the day uniquely theirs:


  • The bride wore her great-grandmother's vintage bracelet as her "something old" as it’s been passed down to all the brides in her family
  • Their something “new” a small record of their first dance song, "Say Yes to Heaven" by Lana Del Rey
  • Their vows included promises to always be up for the next adventure


The ceremony took place at a breathtaking spot, and how cute is this -the flower girl (the bride's niece) walked down the aisle with wildflowers that were picked from the surrounding desert!! The couple even wrote personal letters for each guest to read when they entered the dinner space, making everyone feel extra special.

Candid wedding portrait of the Bride putting on earrings
Bride and groom holding hands entering the wedding reception
bride and groom kissing for their wedding portrait
Film photography of the bride and the groom looking at each other at desert location

Creating a Relaxed Destination Wedding Timeline


One of the best things about intimate destination weddings? You can create a weekend FULL of amazing experiences! This couple built in plenty of laid-back "chillin" time throughout the weekend. This relaxed vibe allowed for those really natural, beautiful candid shots both as a couple and with their loved ones!!

bride and bridesmaids looking at the baby during getting ready time
Bride's wedding dress hanging
First look of the bridesmaid looking at the bride
Flat lay of the bride's shoes, earrings, wedddng invite and all her things
bride putting on her shoe

Why Book a Destination Wedding Photographer for Your Love Celebration?


Choosing a destination wedding photographer who knows the ins and outs of travel can make all the difference in capturing your SPECIAL weekend!! Here's why:


1. We understand the unique challenges of shooting in various cool locations

2. We're pros at working with different lighting conditions and landscapes (wherever it may be, I got YOU!)

3. We can help you plan your timeline to make the most of those precious hours

4. We're there to capture not just the wedding, but the ENTIRE weekend experience!


So, if you're dreaming of a wedding that's more than just a day - if you want a whole weekend of adventures with your favorite people in a place that means the world to you - then an intimate destination wedding might be your PERFECT fit!!! As your destination wedding photographer, I'm here to capture every laugh, sunset and ALL the unforgettable moments along the way!!

wedding guests getting ready to sit during wedding ceremony at desert location
Bride and her Father walking down the aisle
Wedding ceremony moment of the bride and groom at desert location
A wedding guest reading her personal letter from the couple during wedding reception
Flash photography of the wedding reception table setting

Wedding Captured With Film Photography

Couple holding hands at golden hour captured in film photography overlaying with another image
Landscape with the couple standing on the mountain with film photography
Bride and groom holding hands in a greenery desert location
Cactus photo with an overlap of the bride and the groom
Desert location with mountains Bride and groom holding hands while the bride looks back
Candid wedding portrait of the groom and bride in a desert mountain location

Book Me As Your Destination Wedding Photographer


Ready to start planning your epic celebration? Let's create memories together that'll have you smiling every time you look back at those photos— that'll transport you right back to those extraordinary moments, just like that. Trust me, there's nothing like capturing the OOEY GOOEY, love-soaked vibes of your big day!!! So go ahead, Book me as your destination wedding photographer!! I’m genuinely stoked to hear all about your vision and help turn it into something you’ll treasure forever!


Check out my latest blog on a mountain destination wedding for more destination wedding inspo!

Blurry photo of the bride and groom with the desert landscape
Bride taking photo of the groom on a polaroid
Bride and groom walking towards the desert landscape

Vendors


Rspace (main venue & caterer): La Casa Del Zoro

Florist & planner: Nicole Burbank (aka Frances Loves Francis)

getting ready: Villa in Borrego Springs