Los Angeles Elopement Photographer
Just the two of you, and a view worth the drive.
Intimate, adventurous elopement photography across Southern California: city hall, the coast, the desert or anywhere that feels like you.
Elopements are about the two of you. I'll help you plan the timing and light, then stay unobtrusive so the day feels like yours, not a photoshoot.
Courthouse elopements
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is one of my favorite places in California to photograph, with Spanish Colonial Revival arches, the Sunken Gardens and the historic Mural Room. I've photographed plenty of couples there, rain or shine, and I know the process from appointment to paperwork.
Coast, desert and everywhere in between
Prefer the cliffs of Malibu, the hills above Calabasas or somewhere off the map? I'll help scout a spot, plan around the best light and handle the logistics, so all you have to do is show up.
Small guest list, big story
Whether it's just the two of you or a handful of family and friends, I capture the vows, the portraits and the celebration afterwards, from the first toast to the dive bar nightcap.
What to expect
How I work
Help with the plan
Locations, permits, timing and light, figured out together.
Intimate and unobtrusive
Space to be present, with gentle direction for portraits.
Adventure welcome
City hall, the coast, the desert, or somewhere new.
Location scouting
Ideas for spots that fit your style, with the best light.
Timeline planning
Built around golden hour and your ceremony.
Courthouse know-how
Tips for appointments, paperwork and witnesses.
Private online gallery
Hand-edited, full-resolution photos to download and share.
Investment
Collections & investment
Every collection can be tailored to your day. Pop in your name and email to see the full investment guide, with what's included in each.
View investment- Two HoursCourthouse vows or a sunset ceremony, with portraits after.
- Three HoursTime for the ceremony, portraits and a toast with your people.
- Four Hours and UpGetting ready, a second location, golden hour, or a full day of exploring.
Portfolio
A few favorites
Recent stories
Real Elopements
A Paradise Cove Proposal in Malibu
Brenda & Alex | Santa Barbara Courthouse Engagement Session
Kari & Sean | Creston Ranch Wedding
An Ocean-View Wedding at Chart House Dana Point
Terry & Kevin | Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room Elopement
A Soft, Overcast Maternity Session at Point Dume
Santa Barbara Sunken Gardens Wedding & El Paseo Reception
A Fall Wedding at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
MountainGate Country Club Wedding | Alison & Akbar
Sunset Proposal at The Point at the Bluffs | Paige & Philip
Scottish-Inspired Eden Gardens Wedding | Michelle & Mark
Erynn & Josh | Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Engagement Session
Jen & Ryan | Santa Maria Gazebo & Barn Wedding
Sarah & Michael | Carpinteria Foothill Ranch Wedding
Nisha & Alexander | Sherman Oaks Backyard Wedding
Elyse & Andy | Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
Tiffany & Edem | Bonaventure Brewing Company Wedding
Amanda & Mario | Backyard Wedding in Lompoc
Janna & Tony | Rainy, Retro Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
Kari & Sean | Spooky Stow House Engagement Session
Kind words
From past clients
★★★★★
Thank you, Brian, for treating our love story with such empathy, respect, and care. It was a joy to work with you.
Nzinga Moore
★★★★★
Brian is an incredible photographer and even more importantly a great person to be around.
Steve Wood
★★★★★
To be able to relive that day through these images is the greatest gift we have ever been given.
Lauren Jenkins
★★★★★
His energy is friendly and relaxing, which creates the perfect atmosphere for feeling comfortable in front of the camera.
Aimee Marie Woodard
★★★★★
My toddler was eating salami in most of the pictures and on-and-off crying and somehow so many pictures turned out so well.
Nina Quattrocchi
★★★★★
Brian is a FANTASTIC photographer and I give him a A+ referral to anyone looking or someone professional, timely, and skilled.
Trudie Lopez
★★★★★
Just got our photos back from our photoshoot and am blown away how beautiful they turned out!
Kaylie Richardson
★★★★★
There were so many precious moments he captured effortlessly and I went 'how did he even get that photo...'
Julia Linger
★★★★★
He captured the moment perfectly without me knowing he was there, and afterwards he made us feel comfortable right away as he walked us through different poses.
Paige Kingston
★★★★★
I love the style and lighting because it makes each moment feel dream-like.
Linda Alaniz
★★★★★
His work will be treasured by our family for all the years to come and we are so grateful to have found him!
Lisa Hestrin Lerner
★★★★★
His kind, professional approach helped make both of those events more special. We will cherish these photos forever!
Olivia Ghielmetti
★★★★★
They shot our wedding this spring and we truly don’t know how to choose which photos to frame since every single one is stunning.
Sarah Schoenberg
★★★★★
Brian not only photographed my wedding, but my sister’s and my best friend’s as well and there is simply no one better.
Aimee Colomy
★★★★★
Truly the most amazing experience I’ve ever had having photos taken.
Shea Cahoon
★★★★★
He was truly our best vendor and the best person we could've hired for our event.
Jessica Lopez
★★★★★
There's not enough words I can say about Brian to explain how much of an incredible photographer he is.
Maureen
★★★★★
Brian went above and beyond as our wedding photographer! He is a true professional.
Mark Boyd
★★★★★
He always goes above and beyond to capture my vision. Whenever we shoot, I am in awe of the photos he captures.
Shannon Ross
★★★★★
We loved his photojournalistic style and ability to capture such genuine moments from our special day.
Dakota Russell
Good to know
Questions, answered
Can you be our witness?
Often, yes. I've served as a witness for courthouse elopements before. Check with your officiant or county on their rules.
What if it rains?
Some of my favorite elopement photos are rainy ones. I bring clear umbrellas and scout covered spots as a backup.
How long is elopement coverage?
Elopements start at two hours, which is perfect for a courthouse ceremony and portraits. From there we can build around whatever you have planned, up to a full day.
How many guests can we have?
Elopements are for up to 10 guests. Planning something bigger? Take a look at my wedding collections, which include a second photographer.
Let's make something beautiful
Planning an elopement?
Dates fill up early. Check yours and you'll know in seconds if it's open.