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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

11 Best Places Where to View the Golden Gate Bridge With so many options to choose from, it could be pretty difficult figuring out the best places where to view the Golden Gate Bridge. This San Francisco icon is easily seen from many vantage points throughout the City, so knowing which ones are best and why can potentially save you a lot of time. Whether you are visiting with family or coming solo, read below to find out the best locations where to view the Golden Gate Bridge from a San Francisco native photographer! Baker Beach Baker Beach is the most popular and best place where to view the Golden Gate Bridge and is the most chosen location from my Clients regardless of genre (proposal, family, engagement). With the unique potential of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge reflected in the water during low tide, it offers a memorable view for multiple reasons (it is clothing optional closer to the Bridge FYI!). In addition to having one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it has ample free parking divided over two parking lots. If I was asked where to get the best view of Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach is my recommendation given all of the above. Battery Spencer Located on the northern end of the Bridge, Battery Spencer is what I call the most Instagramed view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer is one of the more popular spaces of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge and is the most Instagrammed locations on social media. Located in the Marin Headlands, you are greeted with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, giving you views ranging from Alcatraz to Ocean Beach and a 180 degree view of the City. With a such a higher vantage point, you can see the Bridge in its full glory and seemingly the closes view of where to see the Golden Gate Bridge out there. The only negative to choosing this location to view the Golden Gate Bridge is that parking in front is very limited although there is a small parking lot down the hill 15 minutes away walking. In addition, a short and easy walk from the street level. 5 minute easy walk from the road is needed to actually get to this vantage point. This entire area is called the Marin Headlands which also includes Hawk Hill and Kirby Cove which you can scroll down to read at the bottom of this page. Crissy Field Located on the eastern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field offers great location of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge during sunset. With the sun seemingly setting behind the Golden Gate Bridge, this is an open area to allow kids to potentially run around as well. Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts in a 3.9 mile round trip loop trail that offers a variety of views of the Golden Gate Bridge with settings ranging from wonderful beach views to open fields of grass. Personally, I prefer other places where to view the Golden Gate Bridge but if you are going here, you also have surrounding areas to visit such as house of air, which is a fun jump house venue. Lands End Labyrinth Lands End is actually a 3.4 mile long area, so for the purpose of this post, I will focus on the western tip located near the Legion of Honor Museum that is Lands End Labyrinth. While the recent vandalism of this area (10/13/21) has left the “labyrinth” non existent, this location still offers a more uncommon and unobtrusive view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It does require a 15 minute hike from the Legion of Honor Museum, but once you arrive to this secluded overlook you will know it is worth it! If you want to hike more and see other SF locations, Sutro Baths is within a few miles away as well. Golden Gate Overlook The Golden Gate Overlook is the simplest and most obvious location to view the Golden Gate Bridge since it is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Designed as an educational center revealing all things historical significant to the Bridge, this spot is not the most unique but caters to the majority of most views of the Bridge. Best thing about this location is that it is the only location on this list that allows you to walk across the Bridge. If you want to check out the best places to take pictures in San Francisco, not just including the Golden Gate Bridge, take a look at the Best Places to take Pics in San Francisco. Fort Point Fort Point offers one of the most unique spots. Fort Point offers one of the most vantage points where to view the Golden Gate Bridge because you are literally viewing it from sea level! Open on weekends and free to the public, Fort Point allows you to visit this historic location and imagine. Gives you up close views of the underside of the Bridge. If you would like to see the Bridge in its entirety, a short walk away from Fort Point leads you to Torpedo Wharf aka Fort Point Pier. Here you can go shoulder to shoulder with fishermen and tourists alike taking in this grand view of the Golden Gate Bridge Fort Scott Fort Scott is one of the lesser-known views of where to view the Golden Gate Bridge for whatever reason. While these other vantage points listed on this post showcase the Golden Gate Bridge as a profile, showcasing the twin towers to the left and right, Fort Scott showcases the Golden Gate Bridge Towers right in front of you with such a unique and unexpected view of the Golden Gate Bridge, I’ve always wondered why this view is not showcased more. Because this location is lesser known, you are able to get more unique images and more easy free parking compared to other locations