Kristin Smith Photography

08/28/2026

THIS is why I niched down.

I didn’t become an elopement photographer just because I love beautiful scenery.

I did it because I want to be IN IT.

If you’re hiking, I’m hiking.

If you’re climbing over rocks, I’m right there.

And if you’re jumping into Lake Tahoe in your wedding clothes?

I’m getting in the lake with you.

Not standing safely on shore with a long lens.

I’m chest-deep in the water, camera in underwater housing, getting right into the experience so I can photograph it from a completely different perspective.

Above the water. At water level. Underwater.

THIS is why I specialize in elopements.

I want the freedom to create images like this.

To push what elopement photography can look like.

To give you more than pretty photos in pretty places.

I don’t want to photograph your experience from the sidelines.

I want to be in the adventure with you.

If this is the kind of elopement experience you’ve been looking for, let’s start planning yours. Lake Tahoe elopements are booking for 2027. 🤍

08/27/2026

SJ and Dave had one goal for their elopement: HAVE FUN.

They didn’t want the pressure of a big wedding or a day spent worrying about everyone else. They wanted to get married, spend the day together, and actually enjoy it.

And that is exactly what we did.

We started tucked away in the forest for their ceremony and portraits before heading to Kings Beach for lunch.

Then obviously we needed some sunglasses-on, beachy newlywed photos. 😎

This part honestly was a little torturous because we ALL knew how this day was ending, and it was already hard not to jump in. 😂

We grabbed ice cream after lunch and eventually made our way to Sand Harbor for sunset.

And then WE GOT IN THE LAKE.

SJ had been talking about it all day. She couldn't wait to end their summer elopement swimming in Lake Tahoe.

She wasted NO time either. She got in and pretty much immediately dunked herself. 😂

Lake Tahoe was basically a freaking wave pool that evening, but we went right out there with them. Water housing on the cameras, getting tossed around by the waves, laughing our asses off and having just as much fun as they were.

And LOOK AT THEIR FACES.

They weren't thinking about posing or keeping their wedding clothes clean.

They were playing, laughing, kissing, getting completely soaked and just letting go.

Later SJ told us swimming was her favorite part of the entire day. It was fun, refreshing, felt SO good, and they loved having us right there in the water experiencing it with them.

THAT is what I want an elopement to be.

Actually doing things together. Eating delicious food. Exploring. Laughing. Swimming in Lake Tahoe in your wedding clothes because why the heck not?!

My husband and I tag-teamed this one as photographers, Evan joined us for video, and of course my girl Lea worked her magic on SJ’s hair and makeup.

This is what happens when your only wedding-day rule is to have a damn good time! ❤️

I'll bring you the BEST team with all the good vibes, promise!

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

Yesterday’s Lake Tahoe elopement did NOT end the way we planned it and it ended up being exactly what Allegra and Mason needed. 🥹

They had their ceremony at Round Hill Pines and lunch at Riva Grill already planned, so I built the rest of their elopement day around that.

They got married on the beach, celebrated with family and friends, took photos with the geese (because apparently they’re part of my team now 😂), danced with their parents, cut cake at their Airbnb and spent time just hanging out.

But during lunch, Allegra was DONE with that wedding dress, plus it was HOT. 😂 She wanted to get comfortable and our original sunset plan suddenly didn't sound nearly as appealing to me anymore...

So I threw an idea at Mason:
“How would y’all feel about just going for a golden hour swim instead?”

Immediate YES. It sounded way more like them.

I hadn't exactly planned on swimming in Tahoe, so I ran across to the gift shop outside, bought some Tahoe shorts and a tank, and we completely changed the plan. 😂

AND it was their first time getting into Lake Tahoe since arriving, once we were out there, they kept saying how happy they were and the swim was exactly what they needed.

Of course I was neck-deep in Tahoe too, camera in hand. Tahoe did humble me once when a wave hit my camera harder than expected. Quick time-out, fast reflexes, dried everything off and we were good. Then right back in. 😂

But my favorite part?

While we were out there, a few meaningful little glimmers appeared in the sky, things that meant something to them and that we never would have seen from the sunset location we originally planned for.

It was one of those moments where you realize we were supposed to end up here.

This is why the timelines I create aren't rules. We have a good plan, but the plan exists to serve your wedding day, not the other way around.

Sometimes creating your elopement experience means knowing when to throw out the plan and be spontaneous.

Allegra and Mason climbed out of Lake Tahoe so happy and relaxed with how their day ended.

THAT is the whole point.

Lake Tahoe elopements + California elopements created around the people actually living them. 🤍

08/15/2026

These two understood the assignment: get married in Lake Tahoe, laugh your asses off, drink some champagne, and spend the day actually enjoying the fact that you just got MARRIED. 😂🥂

This is what a California elopement can look like when you throw out the idea that your wedding day needs to follow a bunch of rules. Get dressed up, explore the lake, pop some champagne, chase the good light, laugh until your face hurts, and leave plenty of time to slow down and take it all in.

That’s one of my favorite things about elopements in Northern California. There are mountains, lakes, beaches, forests, cliffs, cities, and some seriously beautiful places to get married.

Your elopement can be built around where you want to be, what you want to do, and HOW you actually want to spend your day together.

Lake Tahoe is hard to beat for an elopement. Clear blue water, huge granite boulders, pine trees, mountain views, and those ridiculous Tahoe sunsets give you so much variety without your wedding day feeling like one giant photoshoot.

Because that’s the point. Your Northern California elopement should be a day you get to experience.

So if you’re planning a Lake Tahoe elopement or looking at California elopements for 2027, make it fun. Make a whole day out of it. Drink the champagne. Laugh too loud. Stay for sunset.

Get married somewhere freaking gorgeous and enjoy the hell out of it. 🤍

Ready to make Lake Tahoe or California the backdrop for your elopement?

Come see what your day could look like!

All the details are on my website. =)
www.kristinsmithphotography.com

08/06/2026

Guess who got a new toy!? 😍

In my brain I always thought, when I first get my drone, first flight is simple... just straight UP. I have always wondered what the aerial views were in my forest neighborhood and its so beautiful!

So stoked, I am already loving this thing! It's going to be a bit before I can use on elopements and intimate weddings.

Need to practice flying more and most importantly, get my drone pilot license so I CAN use it for elopements.

I am so excited! I have been wanting a drone for years and now I finally get to play! Love playing with RC cars, this is next level fun.

08/01/2026

A few teasers from Cory and Kathryn’s Lake Tahoe elopement day. 🥹

Their biggest goal for their elopement was to have a relaxing, stress-free wedding day, and that’s exactly what they got. They wanted plenty of time to soak it all in and actually enjoy being together.

Kathryn is seven months pregnant, and her little baby bump is SO cute in these photos!

It’s been a while since I’ve photographed a bride with a bump, and I seriously loved capturing this season of their lives alongside their elopement. For her toast beverage, she enjoyed sparkling apple cider while Cory had some champagne. 🥂

The weather in Lake Tahoe was gorgeous, definitely hot, but perfect. I can’t wait to share more from their day!

Planning a Lake Tahoe elopement or intimate wedding and want a day that feels relaxed, thoughtfully created, and completely centered around the two of you?

I don’t just show up and take photos. I help create your entire Lake Tahoe elopement day, because the experience should be every bit as incredible as the gallery you receive afterward.

Now booking a limited number of 2027 Lake Tahoe and California elopements.

07/28/2026

Just delivered Hailey and Austin’s Lake Tahoe elopement gallery, and these two brought ALL the heat. 🔥🥵

Their day was full of laughter, gorgeous views, summer sunshine, and the kind of energy that makes photographing a Lake Tahoe elopement so damn fun. Every part of their day felt relaxed, personal, and completely them.

This is exactly why I love California elopements and intimate weddings—you get to skip the traditional wedding timeline, spend the day exploring together, and create an intimate wedding experience that is actually fun!

Planning an elopement or intimate wedding in Northern California?

I’m currently booking a limited number of 2027 dates.

- My 2027 summer months in Lake Tahoe are almost full

www.kristinsmithphotography.com

07/24/2026

Your wedding day doesn't have to look like everyone else's.

You don't have to spend the entire day rushing from one tradition to the next just because it's what you're "supposed" to do.

Go paddleboarding. 🍕 Eat pizza. Take a swim. Explore a new city. Hike to an epic view. Watch the sunset turn into blue hour.

The best part about planning a California elopement is that you get to build a day around the things you actually love doing together. Those are the moments you'll remember long after the day is over—and they always make for the most meaningful photos.

What would you add to your wedding day? Tell me in the comments! 👇

Planning a California elopement?
Head to the link in my bio to learn more about creating a wedding day built around the things you actually want to do, and if you need ideas, that's what I'm here for. 😉

www.kristinsmithphotography.com

07/23/2026

If pizza and beer matters to you on your wedding day, well then we build in time for pizza and beer! 🍕😍

Thank you to Alibi Ale Works - Brewery and Barrel House for being awesome on Haylee and Blayke's wedding day!

So... what would you want to eat on your wedding day!? Tell me in the comments! 👇