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Elope in Nashville : Where and How to Elope (2024) The Ultimate “How to” Guide to Elope in Nashville(complete with pricing and locations) Eloping is becoming more and more popular, so I wrote this guide on how to elope in Nashville to give you ideas! At the end of the day, a marriage does not need a big ceremony and a huge guest list. It is all about you, your partner, and the love you share.  Read below for the ultimate guide on how to elope in Nashville, complete with locations and legal information, to help you in your planning. How to Elope in Nashville – Legal Stuff To put it simply, eloping is getting married without all of the bells and whistles. There is no big guest list, huge ceremony, or any of the other traditions we associate with weddings. You simply find someone to legally marry you to your partner and get on with it! Despite the lack of traditions, eloping is still incredibly romantic and can be a great start to your life together. There are different laws depending on which state you are in, but in each one you will need to obtain a marriage license that allows you to be legally married. After your wedding, you will sign your wedding certificate and send it to the local courthouse in order to receive your official marriage license. Don’t forget that some state marriage laws require at least one witness to the wedding. In the case of Nashville, Tennessee, you just need to have your officiant – the person who will officially marry you and your partner.  Hopefully, this information has made it easier to imagine eloping! If you choose to elope in Nashville, there are many options for quality places to get married. After all, eloping does not mean sacrificing the beauty of a traditional wedding. Places to Elope in NashvilleCheekwood Estate & Gardens This venue is an absolutely beautiful and historic mansion with over 55 acres of land! You are responsible for booking your time and date, as well as making sure that your ceremony lasts less than an hour. There is a rental fee, and no pets or alcohol are permitted on-site. Still, this gorgeous place is the perfect location for a romantic elopement! Drakewood Farm This property is close to downtown Nashville but still feels like a rural country getaway! You can bring up to 40 guests for either a ceremony or reception, making it a great destination for people who want to ditch the big wedding traditions but not the big wedding parties! Drakewood Farm offers different packages and choices for eloping couples, so you can customize and make your special day perfect. Iris Garden at the Ellington Agricultural Center This is the perfect spot for anybody who wants a magical location to elope in Nashville that will allow a breathtaking ceremony! You can bring up to 20 guests to watch your garden-based ceremony surrounded by beautiful flowers; the Ellington Agricultural Center requires a $100 donation fee to book your spot. This is definitely the location for a wonderful outdoor elopement that you won’t soon forget. St. Augustine’s Chapel For those who still want to get married in a more traditional setting, consider the beautiful St. Augustine’s Chapel located near the Vanderbilt campus. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the church does not schedule weddings outside of the season of Lent or when Vanderbilt is having large campus events. As long as you keep those dates in mind, you can have a beautiful elopement within St. Augustine’ s Chapel in no time at all! Fall Creek Falls State Park If you are a nature-loving couple wanting to start your life together in the great outdoors, there is not a better location than Fall Creek Falls State Park! Located just outside Nashville, there is a specialty venue called The Lodge with 5,000 square feet available for your ceremony. If you just really want to be out in nature, you can even find a wonderful location within the park to be married by your officiant. Riverwood Mansion  Riverwood Mansion is an absolutely stunning location that will take your Nashville elopement to the next level! This beautiful home offers many packages and perks for an intimate ceremony, including an on-site officiant to perform the ceremony and even a small wedding cake. You can choose from options including a simple one-hour ceremony to a ceremony and two-hour reception. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage This 1,000 acre property was owned by President Andrew Jackson, making it a historic site filled with beautiful gardens, a well-preserved church, and acres and acres of grounds to wander. Your elopement can take place in either the gardens, church, or general grounds. The Hermitage offers a special elopement package for happy couples ready to elope in Nashville in a historic location. Saidee Gallery at Noelle The Noelle Hotel in Nashville is an incredibly beautiful building with so much to offer! The crowning jewel  is the Saidee Gallery, a breathtaking ballroom with gorgeous architecture and plenty of room for an elopement. This ballroom has a capacity of 140, so it can certainly be an ideal reception or ceremony location for an elopement of any size. If you want to elope in Nashville, this is a perfect place. Centennial Park This lovely park is filled with ideal venues for an intimate and romantic elopement. From the Herb Garden Courtyard to the Sunken Gardens, you can rent a variety of spaces to ensure a private ceremony. Since the park is public, any fee from renting out the space will be significantly lower than other places on this list. Enjoy a beautiful outdoor ceremony with your closest friends and family! CJ’s Off the Square The final item on our list is CJ’s Off the Square, a private wedding venue just outside of Nashville that has just about everything a venue can offer. With a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, this place is absolutely

Elope in Sedona : Where and How to Elope (2022) The Ultimate “How to” Guide to Elope in Sedona(complete with pricing and locations) Combining minimal guests, intimate celebrations, and stunning red rock views, there are many reasons why people are choosing to elope in Sedona out of all other places in the world. Being one of the most photographed places in Arizona, an elopement in Sedona is the perfect outdoor setting for your wedding. Read below for the best guide to elope in Sedona to help make your elopement planning easy! Why Elope in Sedona AZ? Many decide to elope in Sedona Arizona because of its stunning natural beauty, imposing red rocks, and clear blue skies stretching for miles! This place can be the one for you too! With several interesting places to explore, Sedona also offers a lot of adventures, including 4×4 cars to go offroad. Want to experience an adventure in the same location you have your wedding? Then, start your plans to elope in Sedona and experience this magical place and start your newlywed life on an adventure! How to Elope in Sedona – Legal Stuff You will be happy to know that most ceremony locations in Sedona do not ask for a permit or a registration fee when the number of guests is below 25, assuming you have don’t have any props such as chairs, arches, etc.  A Sedona elopement is truly a wonder because there are several breathtaking places to elope in Sedona. But before jumping to that, you should be aware of the legalities of getting married in the state of Arizona. To obtain an official marriage license ($83) in Arizona, you need to file at an Arizona courthouse (no AZ residency needed) The closest courthouse to Sedona is Yavapai County Court, located in Camp Verde  The license is issued about 20 minutes after you file in the courthouse After the ceremony, you need to have two witnesses (18+) to sign and legalize your marriage If you are going to have an elopement with zero guests, that’s no problem! Your witnesses could even be the photographers (ahem!) or makeup artists! Worst case, you could request a couple of hikers to help you out. Places to Elope in Sedona Sedona is an extraordinary spot for elopement weddings, especially for adventure seekers. If you are intent on having your wedding in Sedona, then keep an eye out for these places to elope in Sedona and choose the one that catches your eye! 1. Cathedral Rock This is the most popular place to elope in Sedona AZ, as it is a short easy 1.2 mile hike and offers stunning views of the valley at the top. If you are choosing this trail for your Sedona elopement, I suggest going on a weekday to avoid the crowds and have more privacy for your elopement ceremony. In the morning, especially in hotter months, many hikers start their hikes before sunrise to avoid the harsh midday sun, so it is something to consider as well. Dusk is another popular time to elope, and you can stay out and watch the stars in the sky afterwards. 2. Doe Mountain Doe Mountain is a moderate 1.5 mile roundtrip hike with decent uphill climbs and is often overlooked as a place to elope in Sedona. This trail is unique in that it is dog friendly as well (leashed). Once you arrive at the top, it is flat and rewards you with stunning views. I suggest hiking attire going up this trail and then changing at the top. Note that the parking spots ($5) here are limited, and the view is best at sunrise.  3. Baby Bell The area around the Courthouse Butte and Baby Bell has some popular trails (such as Bell Rock) that are fairly crowded, so this trail is one of the better spots for elopements, since it is only a mile roundtrip and is considered an easy hike. Once at the top, it offers 360 degree views that aren’t as high as the more popular and nearby Bell Rock, but are stunning regardless. 4. Merry Go Round Rock Reaching the Merry Go Round Rock (also known as Carousel Rock) will be a bit of a tedious task if you aren’t equipped with the right gear and equipment. If you are taking a high-performing, high clearance vehicle, then yes, this spot is pretty good for you! Check out the local Pink Jeeps to help you get up there. All the effort you put in to reach the spot is quite worth it when you take a look at the view from there! Check out this video taken during the ride up to get an idea of the fun to be had to get there! 5. Tlaquepaque Known as the heart and soul of Sedona, this village is perfect for both indoor and outdoor intimate weddings. Fashioned upon an authentic Mexican Village, this Arts and Crafts haven has everything right from refreshments to charming gardens! As one of the incredibly enchanting places to elope in Sedona, Tlaquepaque even offers perfect outdoor weather conditions – this place could turn out to be the best romantic getaway for your wedding! How to Get to Sedona There are three airports around Sedona – the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Flagstaff Regional Airport, and the Sedona Private Airport.  From Phoenix Sky Harbor, you will have to take a 2-hour car ride to reach Sedona. After the wedding, you can stay and explore the Superstition Mountains and the Salt River banks to have a glimpse of the beautiful wilderness surrounding the rocks. If you are entering at the Flagstaff airport, you should check for the frequency of flights and the pricing. This airport is a 45-minute ride from Sedona, and you can find car rentals online in advance. From here, you could plan a trip to visit the other attractions, including the Grand Canyon. If you wish to charter a private flight then the Sedona Private Airport is the perfect spot to

8 Things to Do at Wedding Reception Besides Dance 8 Things to Do at a Wedding Reception Besides Dance – Wedding Planning Help for Couples and Planners Are you looking for some fun and unique things to do at your wedding reception besides dance? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’ll share a few of my favorite ideas that will keep your guests entertained all night long. So whether you’re looking for ideas for your own wedding or not, read below for vendors and other things to do at a wedding reception besides dance. Open Bars with a Twist There’s usually a bar or two set up at wedding receptions, so this is the obvious choice…but why not make it a little more unique by setting up beer pong or flip cup tables for more group fun? Impersonators If you’re looking for ways to keep your guests entertained at your wedding, why not consider hiring impersonators joking / taking photos? Singing Elvis? Dancing Michael Jackson? They can be a lot of fun and really get the party started. Plus, they can help break the ice between guests who don’t know each other well.  Magicians Similar to impersonators walking around, magicians going around tables doing sleight of hand magic tricks is a great way for people to naturally gather and be more social. These are always fun to see up close! Photobooth / Videobooth Photobooths are one of the most popular additions to a wedding. Photo / video booths are always a lot of fun and provides a great way for guests to capture memories from the wedding and acts as a nice souvenir for guests to take home. Sketch Artist Another fun unique idea is to have a caricaturist there. They can quickly sketch out your guests as they arrive and it’s always a lot of fun to see the final product. It might be a good idea to hire two different artists, since they take several minutes per person. Arcades Sport games are always a hit no matter where, but including them in weddings (basketball, air hockey, punching bag, etc) is a good sign people will have a good time. They are social and give you a chance to cool down after the dance floor! Lawn Games Jenga and Cornhole are two of the most popular lawn games out there…with good reason! They are fun and social activities that work for people of all ages. One of my favorite photos was taken with a Jenga tower, so I’m a little biased…but the natural reactions when the tower falls makes for some awesome images also! Pinata EVERY PARTY SHOULD HAVE A PINATA! I mean…what better way to bring smiles to everyone’s faces by breaking open a pinata filled with goodies?! I’ve only seen this once, but from that 2017 wedding until now I have always hoped to see another one at a wedding to give other  things to do at wedding reception besides dance. Conclusion Well, there you have it! Eight fun and unique ideas for things to do at wedding reception besides dance to keep guests entertained. Hopefully this will give you a few new ideas as you plan your own wedding reception, and help to alleviate some of the stress that comes with planning a party for hundreds of people! Which idea is your favorite? Let me know when you CONTACT ME to discuss your wedding in more detail.  Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

How to Plan Weddings in Yosemite National Park The Ultimate Guide for Planning Weddings in Yosemite National Park (complete with pricing and photos) If you are looking for information on planning weddings in Yosemite National Park you have come to the right place! There’s little doubt as to why it is among the most popular national parks in the US, with its granite domes, scenic viewpoints, and towering waterfalls. It is one of the best backdrops to have your wedding photos taken in any season! Read below for information  How to Get a Permit for Weddings in Yosemite National Park Every ceremony requires a nonrefundable $150 permit, as well as a separate photo/video permit You can schedule your wedding event for up to a year in advance or at least 21 days before the date. Yosemite is one of most popular National Park Wedding Venues so I highly recommend submitting your application sooner than later to avoid any delays and headaches in sheduling. Locations for Yosemite National Park Weddings and Photos Yosemite has iconic photo backdrops that blend perfectly with the surrounding. If you want the best sunset view, you can check out Taft Point for its daring views of the falls and valley. Glacier Point serves as the must have Yosemite background of Half Dome, followed closely by Tunnel View. If you want waterfalls, Bridalveil Falls is the most accessible and is a short easy hike. And finally on the outskirts of the park, Mariposa Grove serves as a more unexpected Yosemite National Park wedding venue if you want to be dwarfed by these majestic trees. The indoor locations include the central Ahwahnee Hotel, and the nearby Convict Lake Resort and Evergreen Lodge. Check out the more complete list of ceremony specific locations. Check the availability of these locations as some are closed down during certain times, especially in the winter (such as Glacier Point). Best Times for Weddings at Yosemite National Park Choose a date or season that is special to you and will be for years to come. Have other options available because Yosemite tends to get crowded in peak seasons, during the summer and spring, when the waterfalls are gushing.  Summer is the most popular time, but doing a winter wedding can also allow for some spectacular and quiet images. Springtime has the most color and most water in the falls, however. If you are real lucky, you can be there during a “snowfall” whereas the trees are colored from the spring change, but there was a fresh coat of snow the day before to have the unique view of Yosemite that I personally have only seen once in my life! Places to Stay There are plenty of places to explore, so a single day wouldn’t be enough for your wedding in Yosemite National Park. To get the whole experience, check out accommodations in camping locations, cabins, and resorts within and outside the park or even Airbnbs. Top places include Yosemite Valley Lodge, Autocamp, and the Ahwahnee Hotel. Groveland is the nearest town right outside Yosemite. Oakhurst is a 30 minute drive outside the Park as well. Most Popular Yosemite Elopement Locations There are plenty of picturesque places for Yosemite National Park weddings. Some of the places for smaller elopements you can consider include Tenaya Lake, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and Washburn Point. Each of these places is available all-year-round, but all still require a Yosemite National Park wedding permit. Conclusion Yosemite National Park Weddings offer the most magical outdoor experiences you can imagine. If you have ever been there, you know why it is one of the most popular national parks in the USA…and why it is one of my favorite places in the world to visit! With so much natural beauty, and so much variety all within the Park, it is arguably the best place to elope in the US! If you are thinking of other California elopement locations, see my posts about the Best Places to Elope in San Francisco or the Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe for more wedding planning help. If you would like to discuss your Yosemite National Park wedding please CONTACT ME to discuss ideas! Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

Planning a Wedding in Catalina Island (updated 2022) The Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Catalina Island(complete with pricing, photos, and venues) A Caribbean wedding, especially a wedding in Catalina Island, is matched by few if any. The gorgeous location is perfect for every wedding, from the small, intimate elopement to the extravagant and lavish celebration. There are dozens of places to explore, from towering hikes to alluring beaches, all eager to make yours the next big event of the Island. Planning a wedding in Catalina Island is as exciting as it is adventurous. Lets look at how you can make your Catalina Island wedding an epic one! Getting to Catalina Island You can sail into Catalina Island through San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, or Dana Point ports, which are about an hour from the island. If you feel like flying, you can take a private chopper ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank, or John Wayne airports, which will take close to 15 minutes.  Wedding in Catalina Island – Legal Stuff You’ll need a California marriage license for any wedding on Catalina Island. If you choose to have your wedding on any outdoor location, you will need an officiant, at least two witnesses, and a location permit to be on the safe side. Make reservations or bookings early enough.  Plus, it advisable to get familiar with the guidelines and permits for the location you choose. Wedding Venues in Catalina Island You can pick from two main sides to host your wedding in Catalina Island. There’s Avalon to the east, where all the big fun typically happens, and Twin Harbors to the west for the more intimate villa experience. There are dozens of places to choose from, including Lover’s Cove for smaller events and elopements and Little Harbor and Shark Harbor Trail for the couple that loves a little adventure. There’s also Catalina Adventure Tours for an over-the-top luxury wedding on a boat in the ocean! Overlook Hall for something a bit rustic and artistic, Descanso Beach Club for a chill event on the beach, Hotel Metropole for a sleek and lavish event and so much more! If you want a smaller, more intimate setting, you can explore Airbnb options which offer more customization. Explore lodging places since hotels get booked up pretty quickly when it’s high season. Also, shop ahead of time. Wedding Packages in Catalina Island I offer special rates for your wedding in Catalina Island, since its such a gorgeous location to photograph! Wedding packages in Catalina Island start at $3200. Please CONTACT ME to discuss your Catalina Island wedding today! Best Time for a Wedding in Catalina Island Of course, the best time to have your wedding depends on what you prefer and your schedule. However, if you wish to have your wedding during more temperate whether, then spring is the best time to schedule it. Summer days can sometimes be overcast until noon or later. The island tends to be extra busy during this period, so amenities and activities can be a bit more expensive.  Catalina Island Wedding Vendors A Catalina Island wedding is a unique event in one of the most gorgeous places in the world. You have an elopement as personalized as you want! Few vendors live within the Island so you will need to get them “off island”, and they’ll probably charge a fee as part of their total fee.  Conclusion A wedding in Catalina Island is incomplete if you don’t get to explore the rest of the Island. Treat your guests to a Zip Line Tour, an aerial adventure & helicopter tour, a tour of Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, cocktails at Luau Larry’s, Kayaking, or a Mini Golf tournament. Since it’s a small island, things get booked up fairly easily, especially during the summer months.  If you would like to discuss your Catalina Island wedding, please CONTACT ME to chat! Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118