Why We Love Photographing Elopements & Micro Weddings in New York

There’s a particular kind of quiet magic that shows up at elopements and micro weddings. Without a packed timeline or a room full of expectations, the day softens. People breathe. The moments stretch out. As photographers, that’s where we do our best work.

Over the past year, we’ve documented several elopements and micro weddings at non-traditional venues across New York. Each one looked different on the surface, but they all reflected the same values: intimacy, intention, and the freedom to celebrate love without compromise.

Intimacy Changes Everything

One of the biggest reasons we love elopements and micro weddings is how close we get to our couples and their people. With smaller guest counts, we’re not just observing from the edges. We’re present, trusted, and often deeply woven into the day.

At a late-summer ceremony in a rose garden in Schenectady’s Central Park, a couple exchanged vows surrounded by just a small group of family members. The ceremony was officiated by Sheridan, whose approach centers connection and care rather than performance. The setting was public, but the moment felt entirely private.

They were also expecting a baby at the time, which brought an added layer of meaning to the day. Later, we had the joy of meeting their newborn and photographing those first family moments. That continuity is something we see far more often with elopements and micro weddings. These aren’t one-day relationships. They’re chapters.

The Best Parts of the Day, Front and Center

When couples strip away everything that feels obligatory, what’s left is usually the heart of the day: the ceremony and the portraits.

At a quiet Airbnb overlooking the Hudson River in Catskill, one couple chose a true elopement. No guests, no audience. Just the two of them, their dog, an officiant, and us. We served as witnesses alongside their pup, who was legally able to sign on in New York State.

With nothing pulling attention elsewhere, the day unfolded slowly. The ceremony wasn’t rushed. Portraits happened organically, shaped by light, landscape, and emotion rather than a schedule. These are the days where images don’t feel staged because they aren’t.

Space to Do Things Your Own Way

Elopements and micro weddings often give couples the freedom to make choices without family pressure or tradition dictating the experience. That freedom shows up in powerful ways.

At a fall micro wedding on Lake George, a couple gathered a very small group of chosen family at a lakeside rental. The focus wasn’t on hosting or managing logistics. It was on being present with the people who truly support them. The energy felt calm, affirming, and grounded, and that sense of safety carried through every part of the day.

This is especially important for LGBTQ couples, who don’t always feel supported or protected in more traditional wedding environments. Smaller celebrations can offer a safer, more controlled space to fully be themselves and celebrate without compromise.

Why Elopements Matter to Us

As photographers, elopements and micro weddings align deeply with how we work and what we value.

They allow us to build real relationships with our couples and their families.
They prioritize meaning over performance.
They center autonomy and choice.
They often create safer, more affirming spaces for LGBTQ couples.

Whether a ceremony happens in a public garden, by the Hudson River, or on the edge of a quiet lake, these days remind us that weddings don’t have to be big to be powerful.

If you’re planning an elopement or micro wedding in New York and want a team that understands how to hold space for your story, we’d love to talk.