A couple, dressed in wedding attire, walks hand in hand on a sandy beach. The bride wears a flowing white gown, holding a bouquet, and the groom wears a white shirt and black pants. Behind them, a large cliff with sparse vegetation rises against a blue sky—perfect for stunning wedding photography.

THE MICRO-WEDDING GUIDE

If you’re thinking about having an elopement or micro-wedding and you are looking for Elopement photographers in San Diego and beyond, you’re in the right place. As an experienced photographer who loves telling stories, I’m here to help you plan your incredible day. Keep scrolling for your guide to Elopement Photography in SoCal.

at Rancho Guajome Adobe A bride in a white lace gown and groom in a light gray suit walk down a dirt path surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet of red and white flowers, smiling, while the groom holds part of her dress, looking at her. The sky is clear and blue.

Getting started

SUMMARY
A barefoot woman in a long white dress sits on a rocky ledge outdoors, smiling and holding a bouquet of orange and green flowers. The rocky landscape surrounds her under a clear sky.
A bride and groom holding hands walk through a sunlit arched passageway, casting long shadows on the brick path. The scene is in black and white, adding a timeless feel. Two banners hang on either side of the arch.
THE PERFECT LOCATION

San Diego has tons of amazing places perfect for small weddings. Imagine getting married with the ocean as your backdrop or surrounded by lush greenery in a park. Popular spots like Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, and La Jolla Cove are great for capturing the essence of Southern California. If you’re into city vibes, downtown San Diego has colorful streets and cool buildings that make for unique wedding photos.

THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

Finding the perfect photographer is so important for capturing your special day. Look for someone whose style matches what you want and who tells great stories with their photos. My style? I am a lot of things, (read about me here), but I can promise you this: I am absolutely dedicated to crafting photography that is rich in emotion, to capturing fleeting interactions and to tell a photo-story worth reliving over and over again.

From our first conversation to the final image delivery, I’m dedicated to crafting an unforgettable journey tailored to you. Together, we celebrate your unique love story, fostering collaboration and creativity every step of the way.

With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for storytelling, I strive to make your wedding photography experience nothing short of magical.

black-and-white image of photographer Jennifer Dery
A bride and groom are walking up the steps to a stone chapel surrounded by tall trees. The bride is wearing a white dress and veil, and the groom is in a black suit. They are heading towards the entrance.
THE TIMELINE

Having a plan for your day will make things go smoothly. Figure out when and where you want to have your ceremony, and think about things like lighting and weather. Leave enough time for getting ready and taking photos throughout the day. Even though you may be having a micro-wedding, I strongly urge you to utilize the help and expertise of a wedding planner.
A sample timeline might look like this:
Night-before party, beach bon-fire, or couples pre-wedding photos session
Wedding day preparations: hair, dress, make-up. Or a relaxing brunch with friends.
Ceremony, toasts, kisses, and hugs.
Lifestyle Session with Newlyweds + a few with friends and family
Where’s the party? Let’s have fun!

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a sandy beach with the ocean and hills in the background, capturing the quintessential essence of wedding photography. The image is softly focused, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is dressed in a white shirt and dark pants.
A close-up side profile of a person with long dark hair, partially covered by a delicate sheer fabric. The background is blurred but suggests a coastal setting with a bright sky, capturing the essence of wedding photography. The person's expression is serene and peaceful.
Intimate micro-weddings in San Diego

Micro-weddings are a great option if you want something extremely intimate. Invite your closest friends and family for a day filled with love and laughter or just stick to the two of you. Whether you’re getting married outside or in a cozy space, make it reflect who you are as a couple.

As your photographer, my job is to capture all the special moments of your day. From the big moments like saying “I do,” to the small ones like reviewing you vows in the last few moments, I’ll be there to document it all. My goal is to create photos that transport you back to your wedding day every time you look at them.

Your elopement is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the beach in La Jolla, at a luxury hotel like The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, or in front of your favorite art work in a museum in Balboa Park, make it a day to remember. With careful planning and the right photographer by your side, your elopement will be a magical start to your happily ever after.

JenDery 3444
COST: SAN DIEGO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

I would LOVE to tell you a flat fee. I’m so sorry that I can’t. Since couples rarely plan the same thing, on the same day, with the same needs, well… its all custom as you can imagine. Generally: holiday destination weekends have the least availability and higher investment, and local (San Diego) weekdays (M-Th) have the most availability and lower investment. For a custom proposal to fit your needs exactly please reach out. I would love to talk with you.

A black and white photo of a bride in a lace wedding dress, seen from behind, at a Japanese Friendship Garden wedding. The dress features an intricate lace design and a row of buttons along the back. A hand, presumably of a groom or attendant, is gently touching her back near the waist.