◈ Homepage — http://harberphotography.com/Skip to content “TASTEFUL, BEAUTIFUL, AND NEVER CHEESY… DISARMING AND QUIRKY IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS.” -JENI + NATE his photographs are beautiful and documented the feeling and energy of our wedding perfectly” -Anne + James OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BAY AREA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER- GABRIEL HARBER I’m Gabriel — a documentary-style wedding photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For over 20 years, I’ve been capturing weddings, elopements, and family stories throughout Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Marin, and all over California. My work blends humor, honesty, and an appreciation for unscripted moments. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a quiet elopement, I’ll be there with a calming presence and a sharp eye for the moments that matter. I photograph real people, real love, and real life — always with style, empathy, and just the right amount of weird. ABOUT AS SEEN ON GALLERIES WEDDINGS Near & Far ELOPEMENTS Tiny Weddings FAMILIES Married with Children creativity, humor, whit, with a true gift for storytelling” – Isabel and Jesse QUESTIONS ANSWERED! You have questions… I have answers. Let’s tell it like it is and cut to the chase. You want helpful information. Here are a few questions that might have been on the tip of your tongue. WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED LEAD TIME FOR BOOKING YOU AND OTHER VENDORS FOR OUR WEDDING? HOW MANY HOURS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY DO PEOPLE USUALLY NEED? DO YOU HAVE ANY GREAT BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS YOU CAN RECOMMEND? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE? FULL FAQ EASY PEASY PRICING! Great photography will bring you joy for years to come. It is hard to put a value on joy. Below are my most popular offerings. Check out my full pricing page for more details. FAMILIES Prices start at $950 30-minute portrait session. Longer sessions available. Includes edited digital images, printing rights, and online gallery. ELOPEMENTS AND TINY WEDDINGS Prices start at $2,000 For non-weekend tiny weddings. 1.5 hours of photography. Includes edited digital images, printing rights, and online gallery. WEDDINGS Prices start at $5,500 8 hours of photography, edited digital images, printing rights, and online gallery. FULL PRICING PAGE LET’S WORK TOGETHER Reviews It is so helpful to know what other folks who have worked with your photographer have to say. Check out the reviews. KIND WORDS Frequently Asked Questions I bet you have more questions. Or maybe you don’t even know what questions you should be asking. No worries. I got you covered. FULL FAQ Contact You like what you see here, and the price fits your budget, so let’s meet up. I’d love to hear what you have planned and learn a bit about you. CONTACT LATEST STORIES Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Posted on October 4, 2025 100 Images | Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 Posted on March 10, 2025 A Magical Campout Wedding at Heartwood in Mendocino Posted on October 16, 2024 Sand Rock Farm Wedding With Rockin’ Dance Party Near Santa Cruz Posted on August 29, 2024 Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding at the Travis Marina Posted on October 18, 2025 Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes Posted on October 10, 2025 Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Posted on October 4, 2025 100 Images | Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 Posted on March 10, 2025 A Magical Campout Wedding at Heartwood in Mendocino Posted on October 16, 2024 Sand Rock Farm Wedding With Rockin’ Dance Party Near Santa Cruz Posted on August 29, 2024 Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding at the Travis Marina Posted on October 18, 2025 Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes Posted on October 10, 2025 Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Posted on October 4, 2025 100 Images | Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 Posted on March 10, 2025 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS Fires, Floods, and the Flu – Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times Posted on March 18, 2020 Your Complete Guide For Planning a Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Posted on November 6, 2019 San Francisco City Hall Wedding Tips and Tricks Posted on October 3, 2019 A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding Posted on August 30, 2019 Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Backyard Wedding Posted on January 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgetable Bay Area Elopement: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration! Posted on May 31, 2023 Updated Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Tips Posted on January 19, 2023 Fires, Floods, and the Flu – Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times Posted on March 18, 2020 Your Complete Guide For Planning a Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Posted on November 6, 2019 San Francisco City Hall Wedding Tips and Tricks Posted on October 3, 2019 A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding Posted on August 30, 2019 Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Backyard Wedding Posted on January 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgetable Bay Area Elopement: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration! Posted on May 31, 2023 Updated Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Tips Posted on January 19, 2023 Fires, Floods, and the Flu – Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times Posted on March 18, 2020 CONTACT ME. LET’S CHAT! First Name* Last Name* Email* Telephone Number* Event Date* Event Location* Event Type* — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me?* Message* Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. SUBMIT GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026  Gabriel Harber Photography ◈ Interior Pages — 27 pages crawledBay Area Wedding Photography Blog | Gabriel Harber Photo Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu THE BLOG Recent Work Real People Real Stories WEDDINGS ELOPEMENTS ENGAGEMENTS PERSONAL Bay Area & Beyond – Wedding Stories by Gabriel Harber Welcome to my awesome Bay Area wedding photography blog. After years of blogging, I have collected a lot of great wedding resources. There is also inspiration for engagement shoots, elopements, family portraits and so much more. Whether you are looking for a venue, trying to get some decor inspiration, or just want to get an idea of how other wedding couples have structured their day, you will find help and resources here. October 18, 2025 Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding at the Travis Marina Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding The Presidio Yacht Club strikes the perfect balance… OPEN POST October 10, 2025 Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes Athena and Vince’s elopement in Point Reyes was… OPEN POST October 4, 2025 Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Julia and Devin’s Sweet Jewish Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Heartwood Mendocino has quickly become one… OPEN POST March 10, 2025 100 Images | Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 From Upstate New York to Mendocino, California, here are… OPEN POST January 7, 2025 Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Backyard Wedding Vintage Vibes, Sweet Tunes, and Camping Under the Stars: Your Guide to an Amazing Backyard… OPEN POST October 16, 2024 A Magical Campout Wedding at Heartwood in Mendocino An Awesome Heartwood Wedding: Julia & Travis’ Magical Celebration If you’re looking for a charming… OPEN POST 1 2 3 … 38 Next Page » Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Bay Area Wedding & Elopement FAQ | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu FAQ You’ve Got Questions… I’ve Got Answers! Bay Area Wedding & Elopement FAQ Plus Engagement & Family Photography FAQ Whether you are planning a big wedding, tiny wedding, or an elopement, weddings in the Bay Area are a lot of work. The best piece of advice I have for you is to ask for help. Use the resources available to you. Having worked with hundreds of couples over the last 20 or so years, I am a great resource, and always happy to share my knowledge. If you haven’t read it, please check out my  Tips for Planning an Awesome Wedding  blog post. It will give you helpful hints no matter where you are in your planning process. Whether you are planning a wedding locally or at some exotic destination, there are some basic questions that you probably would like to have answered. Jump to the FAQ or scroll down. WEDDING FAQ ELOPEMENT FAQ ENGAGEMENT FAQ FAMILY PORTRAIT FAQ It was remarkable how he effortlessly captured the candid and intimate moments, all while being the sole photographer … What sets Gabriel apart is not just his undeniable talent, but also his advice and support .” -Sarah + Mike WEDDING FAQ How would you describe your photography style? My photography style is candid, documentary, and editorial, with a relaxed, photojournalistic feel. I focus on capturing real moments and genuine emotion while helping the day flow naturally. Whether it’s your tiny wedding, big celebration, or intimate elopement, I blend in like a guest so you can be yourself. We’ll carve out time for portraits that feel fun and effortless, never forced. I believe in building trust and connection. You’ll work directly with me, someone who feels like part of your community, not just another vendor. How many hours of coverage do we need? Every wedding is different, but most full-size weddings in the Bay Area typically need 6–9 hours of photography coverage. Elopements and intimate weddings often require less, sometimes just 1.5 hours for something like a San Francisco City Hall ceremony. I’ll help you figure out exactly how much time makes sense for your day based on your timeline and priorities. How will we receive our images? Your full-resolution edited digital wedding images will be delivered through a password-protected online gallery.  You can share the gallery with friends and family, download the images, and order prints.  This gallery will be active for 3 months after your wedding. Will we be able to make prints and share pictures with family and guests? Once you have downloaded the images from the online gallery, you are welcome to make prints from your favorite lab.  There are many online photo printers to choose from.  The images will not have any watermark, and you will have rights to share and reproduce the images for personal (non-commercial) purposes. Do we need a second shooter? Nope.  Almost never in my opinion.  Having worked with and without second shooters, I feel like it is better for my couples when fewer people are covering the event.  The images from two photographers tend to be somewhat redundant, and often we will inadvertently get in each other’s way.  I have been shooting solo for about 10 years.  Unless you have over 200 guests (even then it is questionable), you shouldn’t need a second photographer. What happens if you get sick? I have superhuman powers, I never get sick, and rain does not get me wet. But, on the off chance that I am so sick or injured that I can not make it to photograph your wedding, I will make every effort to find an excellent photographer from my network of pros with a similar style. Can you guarantee that you will get a picture of every guest at my wedding? While I aim to capture as many guests as possible, my priority is documenting the story of your day—authentic moments, emotional connections, and the people closest to you. The best way to ensure every guest is photographed is with a big group photo right after the ceremony. You might also consider adding a photo booth or portrait station to get more individual guest shots. We don’t want to miss out on too much of our party, when do you take couple photos? I am always trying to optimize the day so that my couples have as much time as possible with their friends and family.  I typically will take folks out for a casual “walk about” close to sunset or around the end of the day when there is a natural gap in events.  This is often toward the end of cocktail hour or after the main course at dinner.  We will duck away for 15-20 minutes and be back before you know it. I try to keep it fun and casual, and it usually feels like a refreshing recharge. Do you work off a shot-list or timeline? In my experience, a timeline is much more useful than a shot-list. I will work with you to help build a timeline that includes enough buffers to allow for the unexpected.  We will optimize your day so you can spend as much time as possible with your friends and family.  Since I want to make sure that you get the pictures that are important to you, if you have any specific request, you are welcome to ask before the wedding day or the day of. And then when it was time for the various group shots, I admit, I doubted him. Sure, I will stand here, hold still, smile and look at the camera. But good luck with the rest of this clown show, Sport. And yet. He was a crazy mother-, blustering father-, drunk brother-, distracted toddler-, crying bridesmaid-, distracted in-law-whisperer. -Maggie + David WEDDING FAQ CONTINUED When do you think it is best to take posed family and wedding party pictures? Whenever possible, I do posed pictures with the immediate family and wedding party before the ceremony.  I keep the combinations down to just a few important groupings.  Whenever possible, I take individual portraits during this time.  If there are extended family, friend groups, or any other posed group shots that people want, I tend to do those pictures during cocktail hour.  Cocktail hour posed group pictures are casual. Do you think an engagement session is important? Doing a photoshoot before the wedding is a great way to work out some of your photo jitters, get some cool shots around town, and practice working together.  If you have the time and budget to include one, by all means, do it.  But if not… it is ok to skip it. How many pictures will we get? In general, the more activities, action, and story elements that you have at your wedding, the more final images you will receive.  As a rough number, you can expect between 50 and 100 images per hour of shooting. For an 8 hour wedding, typically between 500-800 pictures.  I try to deliver a balanced selection of images that reflect my artistic style, capture the best action, and give you a sense of the overall story of the day. How long after the wedding will we get the pictures? You can expect to have the images within 4 weeks of your wedding, but I will usually have them to you within a week or so. Can we get a wedding album from you? Most certainly.  Printed albums are one of the best way to show off pictures of your wedding.  I offer album design for $800 (this includes cover design and one round of edits) plus $10/ page for printing. Can we get the RAW files of all the images you take at our wedding? I do not offer bulk unedited images.  While I would love to think that every image I take is a work of art, the reality is that sometimes it takes several tries to get that perfect shot.  Sorting through the less-perfect images, redundant pictures, and outtakes and curating a well-edited set of images is a big part of the service you are paying for.  I adjust the color, white balance, exposure, etc Kate & Andy's Presidio Yacht Club Wedding at Travis Marina Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding at the Travis Marina October 18, 2025 October 11, 2025 Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding The Presidio Yacht Club strikes the perfect balance of funky dive-bar charm, stunning Golden Gate views, and a laid-back atmosphere. With Cavallo Point right up the hill, it checks a lot of boxes for couples who want something unique and convenient. Kate and Andy are two fun-loving people who enjoy biking around Marin, and they’ve even been known to stop at the Travis Marina Bar for a drink mid-ride. During one of those stops, they realized it might be the perfect place for their wedding. What a fun day they put together! Their dance party was next level, and I was stoked to be a part of it. The Presidio Yacht Club at the Travis Marina is an awesome Bay Area wedding venue that feels homey and rustic, and doesn’t have the polish or pomp of many commercial venues, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. This venue also holds a little piece of Bay Area history. Founded in the late 1950s, it was originally open only to military personnel. Today, it’s home to a close-knit community of boating enthusiasts. As the club puts it, “The Club continues its tradition of camaraderie by having all-volunteer work days every second Saturday of the month, followed by dinner.” Besides the epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio Yacht Club has several unique spaces that make it both flexible and full of character. Presidio Yacht Club Wedding Spaces The Deck This is where ceremonies usually take place. It overlooks the marina, the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the City skyline. After the ceremony, it’s also where the cocktail hour happens. The Boat House The dinner and toasts take place here. This large, warehouse-style space has high ceilings, exposed beams, and lots of windows. Big rolling doors open onto the deck, creating an easy flow between the ceremony and reception spaces. The Banquet Hall A flexible space often used by the caterer or for small setups, like a favor table. There’s also a coat room off this space, access to the Travis Marina Bar, and access to the Boat House. The Travis Marina Bar Located upstairs, this bar is a gem. It’s got a true dive-bar vibe (in the best way), with plenty of seating, a great dance floor, and tall, light-colored ceilings that make it an excellent spot for photography. The bar opens onto a small deck where guests can cool off when the dance floor heats up. More pics further down the post. Nearby Spots for Epic Portraits In addition to the on-site spaces, there are several sweet spots close by for couple portraits. At Travis Marina, you’ll find Battery Yates and Satterlee Breakwater, which are both incredible photo locations with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Hopefully, that gives you a good snapshot of the Presidio Yacht Club wedding venue — now, onto Kate and Andy’s amazing day! Getting Ready and First Look at Cavallo Point Both Kate and Andy got ready at Cavallo Point, just up the hill from Travis Marina and the Presidio Yacht Club. They had an upstairs and downstairs suite in the same building, making it easy to move between them. Things were pretty chill, but there were a couple of stressful moments. Kate couldn’t find her shoes and discovered a rip in her veil. Thankfully, she kept her cool, we did a quick fix on her veil, and found her shoes. We did a quick first look right outside Kate’s suite. It was simple and sweet. Family Portraits at Cavallo Point Cavallo Point was busy that day, with several other couples on-site taking pictures around the property. After scouting a couple of possible portrait locations, I found a big, flat lawn below the little chapel. Apparently, all the other photographers and couples had the same idea! We waited our turn, and zipped through family portraits. Once we wrapped up family and friend portraits, we headed down to Travis Marina and the Presidio Yacht Club. Ceremony on the Deck at the Presidio Yacht Club We arrived about 45 minutes before the ceremony, and Kate and Andy were tucked away in a small room off the Boat House. I got some great shots of them peeking out through the window as guests arrived. The flower girls were, of course, adorable. After the last-minute veil repair, it looked perfect. The ceremony itself was heartfelt and relaxed, with the Golden Gate Bridge as a stunning backdrop — an unforgettable setting for any Presidio Yacht Club wedding. Cocktail Hours and Couple Portraits Around Travis Marina Toward the end of cocktail hour, we did a quick loop around the Presidio Yacht Club for portraits in front of the nearby warehouses and above the Travis Marina Bar with views of the bridge. It is nice having so many great shooting locations so close by. After dinner, we slipped out for more portraits at the breakwater and Battery Yates. As fog rolled in and a tanker motored into the bay, we got some epic, moody shots before heading back for toasts and dancing. Toasts and Dancing at the Travis Marina Bar The toasts were some of the best I’ve heard all year — funny, heartfelt, and clearly written by humans. After cutting a carrot cake (one of my favorites!), Kate and Andy headed upstairs to the Travis Marina Bar for dancing. As I mentioned earlier, shooting in the Travis Marina Bar is always a pleasure. Kate and Andy’s dance floor was packed, the energy was electric, and guests were decked out in colorful headbands representing their favorite sports teams. At one point, someone even started bedazzling people! When I wrapped up, folks were doing the limbo while Quick Dog was setting up late-night snacks outside on the deck. What a fantastic day — so many great memories. Thank you, Kate and Andy, for letting me document your Presidio Yacht Club wedding. Congrats! Wedding Planner – Golden Gate Special Events DJ – Max Haegard Catering – Sonoma County Catering Florist – Poppy Flowers Hair / Makeup- Hazel Skye Late Night Snacks – Quick Dog If you enjoyed Kate and Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club wedding and want more inspiration, check out this awesome and colorful wedding I shot at the Presidio Yacht Club a couple of years back. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Heartwood Wedding | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu A Magical Campout Wedding at Heartwood in Mendocino October 16, 2024 October 3, 2025 An Awesome Heartwood Wedding: Julia & Travis’ Magical Celebration If you’re looking for a charming wedding venue where you can camp with friends and family in style along the California Coast, look no further. Have an awesome wedding at Heartwood in Mendocino. Heartwood is a thoughtfully designed, beautifully built venue just 10 minutes from the town of Mendocino. The property features unique touches like an outdoor shower built into the trunk of an ancient redwood tree, sweet little tent cabins, a 1920s farmhouse, and many more wonderful amenities. If you need extra beds beyond what’s available onsite, there’s plenty of space to pitch tents, or folks can stay at one of the hotels in town. Julia and Travis’ wedding at Heartwood left me spinning (in the best way possible). The day was packed with so many meaningful moments and thoughtful details. Everywhere you looked, there were personal touches they had lovingly considered. Yes, they had friends to help, an event planner to coordinate things, and a fantastic venue—but even with all that support, planning a wedding is no small feat. Julia and Travis were intentional with every detail, yet somehow managed to stay relaxed and enjoy their incredible camping celebration. I have no idea how they pulled it off, but kudos to them! Getting Ready in the Redwoods Heartwood’s layout offers both space and intimacy. Julia and her bridesmaids got ready in the farmhouse, while Travis and his groomsmen dressed just a two-minute walk away in one of the glamping tents provided by Wayward Glamping . Friends and family helped set up tables, added finishing touches, and enjoyed lunch around the outdoor kitchen. Golden Bell Music worked on their DJ setup at the farmhouse, Shani’s Sweet Creation arranged the dessert table, Hitch Photo Booth parked their trailer, and Mendocino Outland Bartender set up the bar trailer. Mendoughs , the caterer, arrived with their wood-fired pizza oven, creating a brief traffic jam—but everything fell into place. Despite all the hustle, folks were chill and cheerful. A Heartwood Wedding Filled with Thoughtful Details If “the devil is in the details,” Julia and Travis made it seem effortless—or at least that’s how it felt from my perspective. Weddings can become stressful with the endless list of decorations, flourishes, and personalized elements, but Julia and Travis pulled it off without sweating the small stuff. Their creativity shone through in everything: custom keys to the cabins and tents, a selfie station in the woods, a vintage telephone that recorded voice messages for the couple, the cheeky “Pour Decisions” beverage sign, hidden photos of their cat in the redwoods, and beautifully designed table settings. The personal touches were everywhere. Family and Wedding Party Pics in the Redwoods The day started calmly, but as the ceremony time approached, I could feel the usual shift in energy. We ran a bit behind schedule, but I knew we’d catch up. I found a stunning spot in the redwoods for family and wedding party portraits, with the sunlight filtering through the trees, adding a perfect backlit glow. It was one of those moments where the light was just right. By the time portraits were done, we were back on schedule. Ceremony in the Secret Garden About 15 minutes before the ceremony, we made our way along the wooded path to the Secret Meadow. Guests paused at the handkerchief station and hat tree to prepare for the sunshine, but the real attraction was Jay Shatnawi , the magician Julia and Travis had hired. I stopped by briefly, and within seconds, I was captivated. His performance was on a whole new level (more on him later). The ceremony itself was beautiful, with carpets lining the aisle and adding a cozy, whimsical touch. Cocktail Hour in the Area by the Outdoor Kitchen After the ceremony, guests gathered around the outdoor kitchen area. It was a charming space, with a camp stove placed atop a vintage blue-and-white enameled stove from the early 1900s (or so I guessed). Guests snacked on dried fruit, fresh seasonal produce, cheeses, and bread while sipping signature cocktails. And then, there was Jay. I’ll admit, when I hear “magician,” I usually think of children’s party performers, but Jay Shatnawi brought humor, charisma, and real showmanship—certainly a magician for adult parties. The guests were mesmerized. Toward the end of cocktail hour, Julia, Travis, and I wandered the property for some couple portraits. We finished just in time for one final magic trick before dinner on the lawn outside the farmhouse. Dinner, Toasts, Dancing, and a Hilarious Party Game If you know me, you know I love good food. The wood-fired pizza and salads were phenomenal. There’s something special about enjoying pizza at a wedding in Mendocino—it just hits differently. After dinner and toasts, Julia and Travis introduced a game called “Bring Me.” It was my first time experiencing it, and it was a blast. The game was fast-paced, hilarious, and provided the perfect segue into dancing and dessert. A well-paced wedding flows seamlessly from one moment to the next, and Julia and Travis nailed it. They kept the momentum going, making each part of the day feel organic and engaging. I was thrilled to be a part of their celebration—what an awesome day! If you’d like to see more from another magical Mendocino wedding, be sure to check out Fiona and Elijah’s wedding at the Oz Farm , where Golden Bell Music rocked the party until the wee hours of the morning. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Kind Words - Great Reviews | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu REVIEWS KIND WORDS FROM RAD COUPLES Finding the perfect photographer for your wedding can be a difficult decision. You want someone who fits your stylistic desires, won’t take you away from your party for pictures that you aren’t interested in, and will give you good value. It can be hard to know how you will feel in the end. Maybe you ask friends for recommendations, perhaps you do a Google search for Bay Area Documentary Wedding Photographers and probably look at lots of websites. In the end, it is super helpful to hear about other folks’ experiences. I have compiled some excerpts from the many great reviews on my Google Business page (check out the page for the full reviews). Hopefully, this will make deciding to say YES a little easier. if you want to capture the heart and soul of you and your partner, friends, and family on your wedding day, there isn’t a photographer more suited than Gabriel Harber.” -Julia + Mike a humble, fun-loving, guy who makes everyone feel insanely comfortable… Gabriel’s amazing and if you’re considering booking him, stop considering and do it already. He’ll capture the best memories of your life. -Kristen + Lauren his pictures tell stories and capture every emotion of wedding days, from joyful tears to silliness … On the day of our renegade wedding , Gabriel showed up ready for whatever might happen” -Shirley + Todd He made the pictures easy and fun without taking us away from the party for long.” -Fiona + Eli My husband and I are both terribly camera shy but his easygoing demeanor made us feel more comfortable and led to some amazing shots.” -Marisa + Tristan beautiful, authentic, and hilarious moments with his photography that we will cherish.” -Shira + Spencer His calming presence not only let us get better photos, but helped us have a better time at our own wedding.” -George and Jessica Gabriel is easy going, full of stories and adaptable . He was super fun to have as our photographer; our guests came up to us many times throughout the night to underscore that fact.” -Rachel + Kevin Gabriel is an old soul and one of those people you would want to bring to your grandma’s house for dinner” -Danny + Kelsey Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Bay Area Family Photographer - Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu FAMILIES Let’s Make Some Memories Candid, Natural Bay Area Family Photography As a Bay Area family photographer, I capture the real stuff—silly laughs, messy hair, and quiet connections. Whether we’re in your backyard or a Bay Area park, I aim to make your session feel like a fun hangout, not a stiff photoshoot. My sessions are relaxed, honest, and tailored to your family’s vibe. I offer family sessions year-round in the Bay Area—typically 30 to 60 minutes long, depending on your needs. These relaxed sessions are designed to capture genuine connection, joy, and a bit of chaos in beautiful light. Toward the end of the year, I also offer a limited number of 15-minute mini sessions—perfect for holiday cards or a quick update of your family photos. CHECK OUT MY PORTRAIT SESSION FAQ AND PRICING PAGES FOR MORE INFO FAMILY PORTRAIT FAQ FAMILY PORTRAIT PRICING Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions San Francisco City Hall Wedding Tips | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu San Francisco City Hall Wedding Tips and Tricks October 3, 2019 August 6, 2025 San Francisco City Hall Wedding Tips and Tricks Here is a quick guide with some helpful tips on getting married at San Francisco City Hall and information about the six-guest rule. So, you want to get married at San Francisco City Hall. Congrats. It is a great venue. The architecture is incredible, and the light inside is magic. It is easy to access by public transit and by car, and you can park in the garage across the street. That said, there are some things you should be aware of. Make sure to check out the San Francisco County Clerk’s office website. You will find the core of what you need there. I will touch on the main points of what you need to know and give you a step-by-step summary of how to get married at San Francisco City Hall, but a very important thing you should know is… The County Clerk is Enforcing Their Six-person Limit. Historically, the San Francisco County Clerk has not enforced its six-person limit at City Hall civil ceremonies. For years, I told couples not to worry about the rule—no one from the clerk’s office ever asked how many guests were in attendance. When I photographed my first SF City Hall wedding in 2009, there were 15 of us total. Honestly, most of the couples I’ve worked with over the years have invited more than six guests, and a few even brought along 30 or more. It was never a problem. That changed in April of 2019. After a decade of relaxed enforcement, the County Clerk’s office began actively monitoring guest counts and enforcing the six-person limit. This shift caught a lot of people off guard and marked a significant change in how weddings at San Francisco City Hall were managed. We will get back to this, but first, here are the basics of what you need for a San Francisco City Hall wedding. What You Need to Get Married at SF City Hall To get married at San Francisco City Hall (Monday-Friday 9-3:30), you need: -A valid marriage license (they are good for 90 days from the date they were issued, and you can get one from another courthouse or county clerk’s office if you don’t get it from SF City Hall) -The fee for the marriage license if you are getting your license from the San Francisco County Clerk. -If you want to get your marriage license from the San Francisco County Clerk, you will need to make an appointment online . Your appointment for the license can be on the same day as your ceremony, but doesn’t have to be. Make sure the marriage license was issued within 90 days of the day you plan on having your ceremony. -An appointment for a ceremony. Book your ceremony appointment online. They do not accept walk-ins. -Valid government-issued IDs (passport, driver’s license). -One or two witnesses (your photographer can be the witness) unless you are having a confidential ceremony, in which case you do not need a witness. -The fee for the ceremony . The County Clerk’s Office is on the ground floor at the end of the hallway behind and to the right of the grand staircase. The Day of the Ceremony. Check in with the County Clerk. Let’s assume you have already gotten your marriage license and are coming to San Francisco City Hall for your ceremony appointment. Once you arrive at City Hall, you will walk through security and find your way to the County Clerk’s Office. The office is behind and to the right of the grand staircase. You will wait in line and check in with the clerk. They will check your IDs, confirm the information on your marriage license, and you will get a number for your ceremony appointment. Your guests should wait in the hallway leading up to the clerk’s office. The typical wait, once you have checked in, is between five and twenty minutes. Wait for Your Number to be Called. Once you have checked in, wait in the lobby for your number to be called. If the commissioner has just left to conduct a round of ceremonies, the wait will be on the longer side. If they have just finished, you may just wait a few minutes. Once your number is called, go back into the clerk’s office and bring one or two witnesses with you. The rest of your guests should continue waiting in the hallway. Meet with the Marriage Commissioner. Next, you will meet with the marriage commissioner who will be performing your ceremony. They will check your IDs, confirm the pronunciation of your names, tell you where the ceremony will take place, and have your witness or witnesses sign the license. Their default ceremony location is always the top of the grand staircase at the Rotunda. I always ask for the fourth floor because the light is nice up there. They will give you a souvenir marriage certificate. It is not an official document. Your official marriage certificate will be available about two weeks after your ceremony. Here is info on how to obtain your copy of it. Go to the Ceremony Location. Wait for the Marriage Commissioner. Next, you will go to the ceremony spot and wait for the commissioner to meet you for the ceremony. The wait is usually between five and twenty minutes. I typically take some portraits or candid pictures when we are waiting for the marriage commissioner to arrive. Once the commissioner arrives, they will conduct a short ceremony, and then you will be married. Woohoo. The Rotunda The Fourth Floor. The commissioners often agree to do civil ceremonies on the fourth floor unless they are busy or someone has reserved the space. If you scored a fourth-floor ceremony, take the elevator located near the security check-in. Portraits Fourth Floor Portraits Because of the great light, I like to do family portraits on the fourth floor. I will also do some couple portraits there, and then work my way down to the front of the building. Fourth Floor by the Elevator Stairs Leading Down Third Floor Windows The Grand Staircase The Entrance to City Hall Private Weekday Ceremonies If you decide to reserve a space because you know you have more than six guests, you can do so by contacting the events department . You can reserve a spot on either side of the fourth floor or the Mayor’s Balcony, bring your own officiant, and invite up to 60 guests. A one-hour rental runs $1,000. The Mayor’s Balcony. The Fourth Floor. Wait… There is More. Really – San Francisco City Hall is Enforcing the Six-Person Rule! From what I understand, sometime in April of 2019, the SF County Clerk received complaints from city officials regarding excessive noise from a very large civil ceremony in the Rotunda. To appease city officials, the clerk agreed to enforce the 6 person limit on civil wedding ceremonies. I have spoken to several couples lately who were working on the assumption that they would be able to bring all their guests (10-20) to their ceremony without issue. Many people will be heading into City Hall with at least six family members and their photographer, assuming they will be able to get married in the main part of City Hall. They will now be asked how many people are going to be at the ceremony, and many people will have more than six. Parties with over six people may be offered the private ceremony room (a fairly nondescript room near the clerk’s office) or told that extra guests will need to wait outside. How Many are Six? Let’s Do the Math. Four parents + friend + photographer = six guests. This might be fine still, but most people will have more than this number. If each member of the couple has one sibling, you are now up to eight guests, including the photographer. What now? So, now that you know what to expect, you can make a plan. I am here to tell you, do not despair. The ceremonies at City Hall are very brief. If you were married in the private ceremony room or with a limited number Sand Rock Farm Wedding | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Sand Rock Farm Wedding With Rockin’ Dance Party Near Santa Cruz August 29, 2024 August 6, 2025 Sand Rock Farm – A Sweet Wedding Venue Just Outside Santa Cruz Sand Rock Farm is a sweet wedding venue in Aptos, located about 15 minutes away from Santa Cruz. It’s a cool venue, featuring goats and chickens, a neat old barn, an Airstream trailer, and much more. Sand Rock has accommodation for about 30 people on-site. There is a large kitchen where you could cook a Sunday morning brunch. The place has Redwoods, a sweet craftsman-style house, and picturesque nooks and crannies everywhere you look. Getting Ready in the Barn and Craftsman House When I arrived at Sand Rock Farm for Ann and Kevin’s wedding, the guys were getting ready and hanging out in the barn. A couple of guys were playing pool. Kevin was writing his vows. A few steps away in the main house, the ladies were getting ready. Ann and Kevin’s dog was hanging out. Having everything close always makes the day less stressful. Huge Wedding Party – Pics Done Before the Ceremony Ann and Kevin had a very large wedding party, and I was glad to take the portraits before the ceremony. Even with so many in the wedding party, we managed to get the pictures done quickly and efficiently, and everyone didn’t have to wait around. We also took immediate family pics before the wedding. After we were done with family and wedding party pictures, Ann went to the main house and put on her veil. Waiting until right before the ceremony to put on the veil is key. The veil is surprisingly difficult to maneuver in. Ceremony in the Redwoods The redwood grove is a sweet little spot at Sand Rock. Ann and Kevin had their ceremony under the trees there. Their dog was the ring bearer. I love it when folks have their dogs at weddings. Cocktails, Dinner, and First Dance Outside After the ceremony, folks went to the barn for cocktails and appetizers. Then Ann and Kevin shared dinner with friends and family at long farm-style tables a short walk away. One nice thing about this venue is that there are separate spaces for each event, and everything is so close together. It makes the day a lot easier to have things clustered together. After dinner, folks moved into the dancing area, which is kind of hard to describe… but very cool. I think there may have been a house with a basement on the property at one time. The house is gone, and the foundation / retaining walls create a very cool dance space. Couple Portraits Around Sand Rock Farm After the first dance, we took a walk around the farm. Everything is very close, and there are a ton of cool spots for pictures within a short walk. Ann and Kevin wanted to do something with banana peels, and one of my favorite shots of the night is of the two of them with banana peels on their heads. After the banana peel pics, we stopped off at the barn and then headed back to the party, where Ann and Kevin cut the cake. More Dancing After cake cutting, the party rolled on. This usually feels like the time in the day when people take a deep breath and start enjoying themselves. With all the to-dos done, people feel free to get down. And folks did not disappoint… they let loose and tore it up on the dance floor. If you want to check out another cool wedding venue in the Santa Cruz area, take a look at Krystal and David’s wedding at Radonich Ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Fires, Floods, and the Flu – Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times March 18, 2020 August 6, 2025 Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times – Simple Tips and Tricks Wedding planning in uncertain times? Floods, fires, and flu outbreaks might not typically top your wedding planning checklist, but in recent years, they’ve become impossible to ignore. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the reality of our unpredictable world into sharp focus, leading to countless event cancellations and postponements. Over the years, I’ve had clients change wedding dates and venues due to mudslides, wildfires, flooding, and most recently, the pandemic. Rescheduling a wedding can be incredibly stressful—not just for the couple, but for everyone involved. So, how can you plan a celebration that feels safe, joyful, and as stress-free as possible? Is it even worth planning a wedding when the world feels so unpredictable? The answer is yes—but with flexibility, creativity, and a little perspective, you can still have a meaningful and memorable celebration. Remember Why Getting Married is Important Weddings are, at their core, a gathering of friends and family in celebration of love and community. They’re a way to reaffirm our deepest connections and strengthen the bonds that hold us together—something that feels more vital than ever in these uncertain times. So yes, keep planning weddings. Celebrate love boldly. Focus on what truly matters: the people you cherish, the joy of shared moments, and the beauty of building a life together, even when the world feels unpredictable. Cover your Bases Here are a few simple steps you can take to feel more confident in your wedding plans: Talk to your vendors about their rescheduling and cancellation policies—knowing where they stand can give you peace of mind. Look into wedding insurance , but be sure to read the fine print to understand what’s actually covered, especially when it comes to pandemics or natural disasters. Sketch out a backup plan. Even a loose outline can help you stay flexible and reduce stress if things need to shift. Planning with a little foresight goes a long way in uncertain times. If the ban on larger gatherings persists, consider having a small gathering out in nature. Support Your Wedding Vendors Keep in mind that photographers, DJs, planners, florists, makeup artists, and other wedding pros are real people—many of us running small businesses in an already unpredictable industry. These are tough times for everyone, and the wedding world is no exception. Check out my vendor list for some great folks. Most of the folks I know in this profession genuinely love what they do (I know I do). We’re here to help, to be flexible, and to keep creating joyful celebrations—while still putting food on the table. We’re so grateful for the thoughtful, kind clients who keep showing up with understanding and grace. Let’s continue to support each other. Stay healthy. Keep loving. Get married. In these uncertain times, having something exciting and joyous to look forward to feels really good. If you want to check out my general tips for planning an awesome wedding , I wrote an article with lots of great ideas. I recently received a heartfelt message from a couple navigating their wedding plans during the pandemic. They wrote: “We hope soon we can all return to a time when you don’t need to think twice about pulling someone in for a full embrace. Or wiping tears from your face after a moving speech. Or taking hold of a friend’s hand to drag them on the dance floor. For now though, we hope you are able to enjoy time with your family, celebrate friendships with virtual happy hours, and feel grounded by the power of nature and community in this time of upheaval and uncertainty.” Their words beautifully sum up what so many of us are feeling—longing for connection, joy, and togetherness. While we may have to adjust how we celebrate right now, the love and community at the heart of weddings remain as powerful as ever. Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Backyard Wedding Tips and Tricks for Planning Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Backyard Wedding January 7, 2025 August 6, 2025 Vintage Vibes, Sweet Tunes, and Camping Under the Stars: Your Guide to an Amazing Backyard Wedding. If you’re considering having your wedding in your backyard, a family member’s backyard, or even a friend’s backyard, this post is for you. While the convenience of an established wedding venue is undeniable, a backyard wedding can offer something uniquely personal and meaningful. If you know someone with a great property and they’re willing to host, it’s worth considering. Last year, Amalia and Wolfram threw an amazing wedding on their family friend’s property in Clovis, CA. The event spanned several days. There was live music, contra dancing, kids, family, friends, great food, a photo station, and a whole lot of fun. I was there to capture the big day and later asked them for advice they’d share with other couples considering a similar setup. While I only saw the final results, it was clear that a lot of thought and effort had gone into the weeks and months leading up to the celebration. The Setting Amalia and Wolfram’s wedding hosted about 140 guests and included a 20-person wedding party. The property they used was expansive, with multiple structures, trailers, and a main house. Planning for a large-scale event like this meant thinking through everything: toilets, parking, shade, tables, chairs, cooking spaces, dance floors, flatware, glasses—every detail needed to host over 100 people. Their community is both creative and musical, which played a big role in the overall vibe of the day. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a collaborative celebration of love and connection. Why a Backyard Wedding? Amalia and Wolfram chose the backyard setting for deeply personal reasons. They wanted to maximize the time they could spend with friends and family and didn’t want to feel constrained by noise curfews or strict timelines often imposed by traditional venues. For them, the property felt like a special place to bring their communities together in a meaningful way. One important takeaway from their experience: saving money should not be the primary reason for choosing a backyard wedding. While you might save on certain venue fees, the costs of rentals and preparations can add up quickly. What makes it worthwhile is the personal connection to the place and the freedom to create a celebration that reflects your values and style. Building Community Through Preparation In the months leading up to the wedding, Amalia and Wolfram organized several work weekends to get the property ready. Friends came out to help with infrastructure projects like building the dance floor and cleaning up the grounds. These workdays were not only productive but also a great way to build community and bring people together. To show their appreciation, Amalia and Wolfram hosted potluck meals during the prep weekends. They also encouraged friends to let them know if they planned to come early during the wedding week to help with setup. This preparation made the wedding weekend itself less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Planning for the Cleanup One thing to keep in mind is that teardown can be more challenging than setup. Guests are often eager to help before the event but less likely to stick around afterward. Amalia and Wolfram strongly recommend hiring people to help with the cleanup. The couple had a plan for trash and recycling, but were still relieved when Wolfram’s dad volunteered to do a dump run with his trailer. Leaving the property in good condition is key to showing gratitude to your hosts, so make sure to plan for this well in advance. Rentals and Decor Choices Rentals played a significant role in making the wedding run smoothly. Amalia and Wolfram rented a walk-in fridge, which they said was one of the best decisions they made. It allowed them to store large quantities of food and drinks safely. For the wedding meal, a friend prepared paella, which reduced the strain on the host’s kitchen and made meal prep easier. Their decor was a mix of rented items and personal touches. They found mismatched china and jam jars for drinks from various sources. They scored vintage linens from the White Elephant Sale in Oakland . (Pro tip: shop on the last day for big discounts!). Cutlery, linens, coffee maker, champagne flutes, tables, and chairs were rented from a larger event company, and they splurged on specialty glassware from a boutique rental service. Bistro lights purchased on Amazon added a cozy ambiance. Shade and Seating Finding a level, easy-to-navigate space at a wedding venue can be harder than one thinks. Bumpy ground and sloppy surfaces abound. Amalia and Wolfram originally planned to use benches for the ceremony, but found that the ground was too uneven to support them and opted for chairs instead. They set up a shade over the ceremony site, which was so nice. Having a shaded ceremony space makes a big difference. After the ceremony, they moved the chairs over to the dining area. There was no assigned seating for dinner. One note about sweetheart tables. Amalia said that while darling, she felt that the sweetheart table took her and Wolfram away from their guests. In retrospect, she would have rather sat at a table dedicated to the wedding party. Food and Drinks Amalia and Wolfram’s approach to food was practical and creative. They assembled charcuterie trays (thank you, Costco) ahead of time and stored them in the walk-in fridge. The paella served as both the wedding meal and a breakfast option on Sunday morning. I am a big fan of premixed signature drinks. Keep things simple. You can add a selection of beer and wine to that, and it will be good to go. There are plenty of alcohol calculators online. Judging by the leftover booze at weddings, I think people usually overbuy on alcohol. Amalia and Wolfram rented a keg from Bevmo and had some homebrewed beer as well. They got wine from Trader Joe’s, and one of the guests gifted sparkling wine for toasts. They said that they ended the weekend with a lot of leftover alcohol. Logistical Considerations Parking can be tricky for backyard weddings, especially on rural or uneven terrain. Amalia and Wolfram’s hosts leveled areas of the property and mowed the grass to reduce fire risk. They also created plenty of signage to guide guests to the designated parking areas. As a backup, they coordinated with a nearby church for additional parking, though it wasn’t ultimately needed. For accommodations, they encouraged guests to camp on-site. About 60 people stayed on the property, setting up tents or sleeping in vehicles. They provided shade, communal spaces, and an outdoor shower with a garden hose and privacy screens. A few bedrooms and trailers were reserved for high-priority guests, and portable toilets helped keep the property’s infrastructure from being overwhelmed. Final Thoughts on Planning a Backyard Wedding Amalia and Wolfram’s wedding was a true labor of love. By involving their community, they created a celebration that was both personal and unforgettable. Their advice to other couples? Don’t underestimate the time and effort required to pull off a backyard wedding, but know that the payoff is worth it. Make sure to hire folks to help set up, clean up, run the bar, and coordinate the day. Don’t skimp on the coordination and support staff! Bonus if you can find an event coordinator who feels comfortable working a non-traditional wedding on private property that is not usually used for events. With careful planning and the help of friends and family, you can create a wedding that is special and unique. More Photos Thanks for reading. Here are some more pictures from this awesome wedding. Some posed pics of family and wedding party, ceremony, reception, Bay Area Elopement Photographer | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Elopements Intimate, Tiny Weddings & Elopements by Bay Area Elopement Photographer Gabriel Harber I’m a Bay Area elopement photographer who captures your story with humor, style, and ease, helping you relax and enjoy your intimate gathering, pop-up wedding, or personalized celebration. With over 20 years of experience, I focus on the little details, heartfelt moments, and even help craft a game plan so your day flows smoothly. Plan an Awesome Tiny Wedding or Elopement in the Bay Area The Bay Area offers countless stunning locations for your intimate wedding or elopement—from San Francisco and Oakland to Berkeley, Marin, and beyond. As a Bay Area elopement photographer, I’ll help you find the perfect spot, assist with logistics, and connect you with trusted vendors. Ready to start planning? Check out my elopement guide below for tips, inspiration, and everything you need to know to create your ideal tiny wedding or elopement. Advice / Tips | Elopements | Weddings The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgetable Bay Area Elopement: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration! The Ultimate Bay Area Elopement Guide The Bay Area is a beautiful and diverse region of Northern California, home to iconic landmarks, stunning landscapes, and romantic destinations. Whether you’re a… Read More The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgetable Bay Area Elopement: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration! Continue Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding - Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding August 30, 2019 September 10, 2025 Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Wedding Welcome to my Bay Area guide to planning an awesome wedding. Applicable to other regions, but written from the perspective of a Bay Area photographer. Read it. Love it. Share it with friends. Leave me a comment at the bottom with any questions or thoughts. To readers in the LGBTQ community and folks who use non-binary pronouns, note that I use the words bride and groom because I haven’t found an easy gender-neutral alternative. Love is love. People should be able to marry who they want. Step 1. Find someone to love. Step 2. Ask them to marry you. Step 3. Pick a place to get married. Step 4. Plan an awesome wedding. Step 5. Get married and live happily ever after. Where? Step one, after you have found your partner and you both have said yes to getting married, is figuring out where you are going to have your wedding. Besides the commercial online guides (Here Comes the Guide, The Knot, Wedding Wire, etc), check out photographers’ blogs for location ideas. Once you have figured out where you are going to get married, everything else is optional. Since you are reading this, I assume you are in the process of planning a kick-ass wedding to celebrate your love. Keep reading. Ask For Help. Even simple weddings are a big undertaking. Don’t take it all on yourself. Let other people help you. Ask friends who they hired for their weddings. Ask your photographer for their vendor list. This is a great place to find florists, DJs, caterers, and other great wedding professionals all in one place. Narrow your options and live longer. Focus on big things that matter, and don’t worry about the little things that won’t be missed if you don’t get to them (life lesson). Don’t sweat the small stuff. Having shot over 150 weddings, I know there are simple things you can do to improve your wedding. Read on and enjoy less stress while planning an awesome wedding. A Well Thought Out Timeline A well thought out timeline will help keep your day running smoothly, reduce stress, and make for better pictures. It can also be the backbone of planning your wedding. It doesn’t need to be complicated. There should be enough time to photograph the key story elements of the day, get the essential posed portraits, and give you lots of time to spend with your friends and family. When drafting a timeline, I like to use the ceremony as a starting point and work in either direction from there. When deciding on your ceremony time, make sure to take into consideration the sunset. Sample Timeline (This is Gold) The Morning – Hair and makeup is usually happening for anyone having hair and makeup done. The bride (if there is a bride) should have her hair styled in this window of time. 1-2 Bride gets makeup done, and the groom gets dressed 2-2:30 Bride gets dressed, and the couple does a first look 2:30-3:30 Wedding party and immediate family pictures 3:30-4 Buffer – guests arrive, and the wedding party chills before the ceremony. 4-4:30 Ceremony 4:30-5:30 Cocktails 5:15-5:30 Couple portraits… which can go over a little while guests transition to dinner 5:30-7 Dinner and speeches 7-7:30 First dances (if any) and cake cutting (or pie, or whatever) 8:15 Sunset 8:10-8:20 Sunset couple portraits 7:30-10 Open dancing and whatever else you have planned. *If there is travel in between venues, this will need to be taken into consideration. This timeline works as a good starting point for 90% of the standard-sized (75-150 guests) weddings that I shoot. Getting Ready This is a sweet, casual part of the day that I love. Go for a walk, do some yoga, eat a donut. You’ll get ready—either with your partner or separately. If you have a wedding party, they’ll be getting ready too. The more folks you have around, the more interesting the photos tend to be. If you’re doing a lot of the setup yourself, you might be running around wondering how it’s all going to get done. But don’t worry—everything will fall into place. Hopefully, your friends and family are there to support you. If you have a planner, they’ll be a huge help during this time. Once you’re dressed, you’ll do a first look, then gather your immediate family and wedding party for posed photos. I’ll help fix a bridesmaid’s zipper and button your dress—but don’t ask me how to tie a bow tie. Stay Close Together It is best when the couple gets ready very close to each other, whether it be in the same room or spaces within a two-minute walk of each other. It should be easy for one photographer to bounce back and forth between the getting-ready locations and capture all the key action. I love it when couples get ready together. Consider that as an option. Hair Before Makeup Hair should be done before makeup. I usually don’t photograph hair getting done, because it is not as photographically interesting as makeup. It can also take a lot of time to do hair, and I like to optimize the shooting time in the day and focus on the most noteworthy events. If there are several people getting hair and makeup, the bride should have her makeup done last. This allows for the least amount of time to elapse between the end of getting ready and the beginning of the ceremony. Eat Now, Eat Later, Eat Often Make sure to eat breakfast and lunch. If you are ordering lunch, consider asking your photographer if they would like food as well. Keep your calorie count up. Putting on and planning an awesome wedding is a lot of work. First Look, Wedding Party, and Family Portraits Do a first look and take posed immediate family and wedding party pictures before the ceremony.  After the ceremony, people want to eat, drink, and celebrate. When you do posed pictures before the ceremony, you will have more time in your day to spend with your guests. Doing immediate family photos before the ceremony also has the benefit of getting your family all in one place, so you don’t have to worry about where they are for the beginning of the ceremony. First Look Doing a first look before the ceremony has become pretty standard. I am a fan and an early adopter. There is little downside, but a big upside. You get twice the excitement and buy yourself a bunch of time in your day. The first look doesn’t need to be a super orchestrated event. It is a special moment where you see your partner for the first time on your wedding day in their finery. Once you have seen each other, take wedding party and family pictures. Immediate Family and Wedding Party Portraits Take off your sunglasses—and don’t just push them up on your head. Spit out your gum before portraits. Keep bulky stuff like your keys, wallet, and phone out of your front pockets. Tuck them into a jacket or your back pocket. Keep it simple. You don’t need an elaborate shot list. We’ll cover the essentials: both immediate families with the couple, each immediate family separately with the couple, the whole wedding party with the couple, and each partner with their respective attendants. If grandparents are present, let’s make sure to get portraits with them too. To keep things quick and smooth, choose a portrait location that’s close by, flat, and evenly lit. I start with basic “stand in a line” shots to cover the must-haves. If there’s time, I’ll get more creative. Once we’ve got the essentials, we can always add more portraits if you’d like. Groom immediate family + couple. Both immediate families + couple. Bride immediate family + couple. Groom + groomsmen. Entire wedding party. Bride + bridesmaids. Bride + groom + groomsmen. Groom + groomsmen. Epic Sea Ranch wedding party portrait. Buffer Time! Buffers in the day are super helpful. Because Pricing, Packages, and Rates | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Pricing “Investing in photography should be one of the most important parts of your wedding budget, you’re spending so much money on this night that you deserve to be able to relive it for many many more nights.” – Sammita and Eeshan Wedding, Elopement, and Family Portrait Pricing CITY HALL, ELOPEMENTS, AND TINY WEDDINGS $2,000 City hall, elopement, tiny mid-week weddings. Usually under 25 people. -up to 1.5 hours of photography -at least 150 edited images -online gallery -travel within 50 miles of 94607 -wedding planning advice FULL DAY WEDDINGS $5,500 Full-size rustic barn weddings, vineyard soirées, wild ranch nuptials, summer camp extravaganzas in the redwoods, cozy backyard celebrations, and all the rest. Usually 60-180 people. -up to 8 hours of photography -at least 500 edited images -online gallery -travel within 50 miles of 94607 -wedding planning advice FULL DAY WEDDINGS + SOME GOODIES $8,500* All you get with the full-day wedding, but more time, an album, and an engagement session. Usually 60-180 people. -up to 10 hours of photography -at least 500 edited images -online gallery -album design + Up to 50 pages -engagement session -travel within 50 miles of 94607 -wedding planning advice *tax additional ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS, PHOTO STATION, ALBUM PRICING Engagement Sessions $1,500 Work through any nervousness you have about being photographed. Get fun pictures around town, at home, or some cool local spot. Doing an engagement session is a great way to get to know each other, work out nervousness, and get some great shots of you as a couple. Sessions are usually 1 hour long. ENGAGEMENT FAQ Photo Station $1,500 If you want fun, different pictures, if you have family that wants to do lots of posed group shots, or if you want to get Uncle Jim and Aunt Betty to get their weird on, consider hiring my photo station. This simple set-up comes with a camera, trigger, and two lights. You bring the background and props, or leave it natural. I usually set it up during cocktail hour. It is a self-serve operation. Albums Treat yourself to a curated album of your wedding. It is one of those things that will bring you joy every time you pull it out Album Design – $800 Album Printing – $500 The design fee includes one round of edits. Album printing is $10/page or $500 for 50 pages. Additional rounds of editing are $400 per round. Shipping and tax extra. Wedding Extras Extra Time – $550/ hr Rehearsal dinner – $2,000 Travel – $2/mile Extra hours of photography can be decided on the day of the wedding or in advance. Rehearsal dinner fee covers up to 1.5 hours of photography. Travel fee applied for weddings further than 50 miles round-trip from 94607. Prices subject to change. family portrait sessions 30 Minute Session – $950 1 Hour Session – $1,500 1.5 Hour Session – $2,000 All sessions include travel in the Oakland and Berkeley area. Up to 5 people included in session fee. Edited high-resolution images will be delivered within 2 weeks of the session. Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Oakland Mini Sessions | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Mini-Sessions Bay Area Mini Portrait Sessions If you have been meaning to take a photo for your holiday or family card, get a more professional or up-to-date profile picture, do a birth announcement, save the date, picture with your new puppy or new baby, etc, now is the time. For a limited time, toward the end of the year, I offer short portrait sessions in a beautiful outdoor setting. I offer Oakland mini sessions and San Francisco mini sessions. It will be relaxed and fun. Join me. 15 Minute Session in Oakland – $400 15 Minute Session in San Francisco – $450 BOOK YOUR SESSION TODAY Mini Session FAQ Where will the session take place? We will do the shoot at a park or other public space with nice light. I currently shoot in Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland and Battery Godfrey in San Francisco. How many people can I bring? You can bring up to 5 family members (including yourself).  There is a $50 charge for each additional family member over 5.  Furry family members don’t count. Is 15 minutes going to be enough time? If you are looking for a handful of great group and individual portraits, 15 minutes should be more than enough time. How many pictures can I expect? You should get between 10-50 images. I should have them ready within a week. What should I wear? Wear something fun, something festive, something that feels you.  Try to avoid solid white and solid black if possible. Can I bring my dog? Yes.  You can also bring your cat, lizard, fish, parrot, or other pet. What if I am late? Your session starts at the appointed time that you select.  If you are late, we will have less time together so please arrive on time. What if I need to reschedule? Rescheduling is tricky.  It is best if you can find someone to fill your spot.  But, in the case that you have to reschedule, you can apply your session fee to a new date within a year of the original shoot date. Is it ok if I tell all my friends about your mini-sessions? Please tell your friends.  I rely on the good faith and good words of past clients and greatly appreciate referrals. What if I want to do a session at a different time or location than what you are offering? If you want to do a session at a different time, date, or location than what I have offered, I can do a custom mini session for you if you get at least 2 other families to sign up for your custom date/ location. I still have questions.  How should I contact you? If you still have questions, feel free to text me at 510-967-6244 or email me at [email protected] Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Privacy Policy | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu OUR PRIVACY POLICY Who we are Our website address is: https://harberphotography.com. We are a company that photographs weddings, portraits, and events. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. 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Where your data is sent Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Elopement in Point Reyes - An Adventure on the Coast Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes October 10, 2025 October 10, 2025 Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes Athena and Vince’s elopement in Point Reyes was the perfect mix of spontaneity and adventure with a good dose of stunning California coastline. As a photographer well-versed in both elopements and full-sized weddings, I helped them craft a relaxed day exploring the area’s most scenic spots — from windswept beaches to cypress-lined tunnels. With no strict timeline and plenty of laughter, their shoot captured exactly what makes elopements so special: freedom, connection, and natural beauty. When Athena and Vince first reached out at the beginning of the year, they knew they wanted to elope, and they knew they wanted photos. Well, Athena knew she wanted photos. Vince wasn’t so sure. They didn’t have a date or location yet, just a shared love of the outdoors and a vision for something non-traditional. They also knew that they wanted to incorporate Vince’s vintage hotrod into the day. That was our starting point: no date, no location, no problem. We spoke on the phone a couple of times, emailed a bunch, and somewhere between location scouting and logistics, I convinced Vince to buy a suit. We discussed possible spots, including San Francisco, the Marin Headlands, Sonoma County, Point Reyes, Big Sur, and a few others. I even let them know I could act as their witness if needed. Eventually, we landed on a tentative date a few months out. The plan was still pretty fluid. As the elopement day got closer, we still hadn’t locked in a location. Athena and Vince were leaning toward Napa or Sonoma, but that left a lot of ground to cover. I made a strong case for Point Reyes. It has multiple stunning backdrops within a short drive of each other, but they weren’t fully convinced. A couple of weeks before the big day, I sent them sample photos from Travis Marina, the Marin Headlands, and Muir Beach to help them decide. A week out, we still hadn’t figured out the location. Three days before our shoot, Athena emailed to say they wanted to do their elopement in Point Reyes. She also let me know that they had snuck off to the courthouse and officially tied the knot—so our session would just be a celebratory elopement shoot, no ceremony. One of the best things about elopements is their flexibility. When it’s just the two or three people (and a photographer), you can change plans on a whim and still have a beautiful, relaxed day. Though it is nice to have things planned and settled well in advance of your elopement date, this goes to show that it is not necessary for a successful shoot. After much back and forth, we settled on a plan that felt good. We met at North Beach in Point Reyes, stopped at the Cypress Tunnel, the Oyster Day Use Area at Drakes Estero, and finished at the bridge overlooking Schooner Bay and Drakes Estero. All these locations are within a five-mile radius. We shot for about an hour and a half near sunset, moving between locations to keep things light and fun. The day felt effortless, and the photos turned out beautifully for Athena and Vince’s little elopement in Point Reyes. North Beach The Cypress Tunnel The Pullout Overlooking Schooner Bay The Oyster Day Use Area at Drakes Estero The Bridge Overlooking Schooner Bay and Drakes Estero If you enjoyed this little elopement in Point Reyes National Seashore , check out Taylor and Ben’s foggy Point Reyes Elopement . GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Gabriel Harber - Bay Area Wedding Photographer Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu ABOUT Hi there — I’m Gabriel Harber – Bay Area Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire based in Oakland, California. Since shooting my first professional wedding in 2002 and going full‑time in 2007, I’ve captured love and life across the San Francisco Bay Area — from redwood elopements and city hall ceremonies to backyard weddings and family adventures. My work celebrates the real, imperfect, goofy, sometimes messy, always beautiful moments. I live in a lovingly restored Victorian home in Oakland with my wife, Loretta, our kids, Ellis and Zelda, and Hazel the dog. We keep bees, chickens, fruit trees, and veggie beds—living a mini urban homesteaders lifestyle. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m baking bread, foraging for mushrooms, soaking in hot springs, fixing things, or thinking about my next food project. I’m a finder, fixer, maker, and old soul who brings light humor and grounded presence to your wedding day. I won’t boss you into stiff poses—I’ll nudge you gently, laugh with you, and stay out of your way when the moments call for it. From Oakland to San Francisco, the Marin headlands to Mendocino, I’m ready to document your amazing celebration. If you’re looking for a Bay Area wedding or family photographer who sees the beauty in imperfections and the humor in chaos, let’s connect. I’d be honored to capture your story, wherever it unfolds. Gabriel is a true professional , wonderful human , and a great person to have on your team as you plan a special event!” -Jaime + Niall IT’S A COLLABORATION A wedding is a massive collaborative effort. You will work put your heart and soul into this amazing event. The time you spend celebrating with your people will go by in a flash, but the memories will stay with you for years to come. I am so stoked to be able capture and to share these special moments with you. GET IN TOUCH OUR ANNUAL FAMILY PORTRAIT My annual family portrait traditions (complete with time-consuming, chubby-cheeked kids) remind me how fleeting moments are—and why documenting them matters. Keeping things honest, quirky, and messy is essential. FAMILY PORTRAITS Through the Years MY KIDS We dress up, explore in the woods and desert, and generally have a grand time together. Every November/ December my kids join me at the Dickens Christmas Fair where we play chimney sweeps. Here are some pics of my kids over the years. I love kids at weddings, and being a parent means I very much respect the decision to not have kids at a wedding. HELLA HOBBIES! I am an obsessive Do It Yourself-er.  Ever since I was a kid, my drive to taste, take apart and put together, and explore has been high.  If you are curious about some of my hobbies or thought it might be fun to pick up a new hobby of your own, here are some resources that I have found helpful in my recent endeavors. Fermentation – bread, ginger beer, mead, sauerkraut, …  check out The Art of Fermentation and Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz. Beekeeping?  Have you secretly always wanted to start beekeeping?  Me neither, but now that I have started, I am hooked.  If you are interested in starting your own back yard beekeeping operation, here are a few resources:  Bush Farms , Randy Oliver , Beekeeping for Dummies , and Mann Lake .   Mushroom Hunting is so fun.  It is a great excuse to get out into the natural world when the weather is crappy.  Get All That Rain Promises … a pocket guide to mushroom hunting, and go find yourself some dinner. Bought a new house, getting married, want to find cool old shit?  The best place to do your vintage and antique shopping in the Bay Area is the Alameda Antique Fair .  It happens the first Sunday of every month, and is an epic treasure trove of vintage and antique stuff and tons of great food trucks.  Estate Sales are good too, but require more effort. Personal Posts The Most Epic Saline Valley Hot Springs Blog Post… An Epic Saline Valley Wedding Part 3 An Epic Saline Valley Wedding. Part 2. An Epic Saline Valley Wedding Part 1 Thanksgiving Saline Valley Camping Adventure Family Camping Trip to Saline Valley CONTACT First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino October 4, 2025 October 4, 2025 Julia and Devin’s Sweet Jewish Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Heartwood Mendocino has quickly become one of my favorite wedding venues. Thoughtfully built and meticulously maintained, it’s a hidden gem just a few miles outside the town of Mendocino. The on-site tent cabins are really cool. With exposed wood beams, rustic doors, and big windows, they offer guests a truly unique experience. Each cabin has its own personality.  In addition to these charming cabins, bell tents are also available. Guests can even pitch their own tents or stay in campers. For those who prefer hotels, there are plenty of hotels and rental houses nearby. From the bathrooms to the showers to the architecture and layout, every detail has been carefully considered at this awesome venue. It’s no surprise that the owners are super sweet people. Julia and Devin described themselves as pretty photo-shy people, something many of my couples say about themselves. It was important to them to have beautiful photos documenting time with their friends and family, without spending the whole day in stiff, posed shots. Their wedding weekend kicked off Friday (before I arrived) with a rehearsal, dinner, food, drinks, and plenty of merriment. That’s also when the portable wood-fired sauna and cold plunge they rented arrived. Hell yes to portable saunas. By Saturday, the celebration was in full swing. The day started with arts and crafts, yoga, and breakfast.  By the time I arrived, guests lounged on the lawn, rotated between the sauna and cold plunge, and got ready in the main house. The vibe was wonderfully relaxed. I wandered around, soaking up the scenes. Getting Ready Everywhere At Heartwood Mendocino, “getting ready” happens all over the property. There was even a shower schedule for the weekend, with each guest assigned a time slot. Aside from that, people got ready in their cabins, tents, and wherever else felt right. Julia and a group of friends got ready in the main house, Ellie’s Farmhouse, on the property. A few people, including Julia, had hair and makeup done by Beauty on Set, while most of the ladies opted to do their own. Julia and a group of her friends did shots of Tubi 60 in the Farmhouse… this magical drink working its warmth into the day. Devin popped into the house to get into his suit, and the first look unfolded spontaneously right there in the farmhouse. Afterward, we stepped outside for family photos. Family Photos and Ketubah Signing As usual, I kept family photos straightforward and efficient. We found a great little spot just past the sauna where we took pictures under a grove of redwood trees. Then it was back to the farmhouse, where Julia and Devin signed their ketubah in a cozy greenhouse space. Signing the ketubah always feels like such a tender, intimate moment in Jewish weddings. Ceremony in the Secret Meadow After the ketubah signing, I wandered down the winding path through the woods toward the secret meadow. The trail is lined with whimsical gnomes; keep your eyes open for them if you ever find yourself there. Julia and Devin brought up an Argentinian Klezmer band from LA, who played as guests made their way through the forest. The ceremony itself was a sweet, modern Jewish celebration. Cocktails, Couple Portraits, and Magic In 2024, I photographed another wedding at Heartwood Mendocino, where the bride (also named Julia) had hired a magician to perform close-up magic during cocktail hour. It was such a great experience for the guests and made for some fun photos. When I told this Julia about it, she loved the idea and brought in San Francisco magician Andrew Evans of The Magic Patio. His close-up magic had everyone wide-eyed and entertained.  So many great reactions to his tricks. Toward the end of cocktail hour, I whisked Julia and Devin away for a few quick portraits nearby. The cabins make fantastic backdrops, and there are so many nooks around the property that are perfect for photos. Julia and Devin were eager to get back to the party, so we spent less than 15 minutes shooting before rejoining the crowd. The magician wrapped up cocktail hour with a fantastic trick that left everyone laughing, shaking their heads, and grinning in disbelief. Dinner and Dancing Outside of the Farmhouse Still buzzing from the cocktail hour magic, guests headed to dinner, where long tables were arranged in a huge semicircle facing the dance floor. The setup gave everything an intimate, communal feel, even with a large group. After heartfelt toasts and a delicious family-style meal, Klezmer Juice got the dance floor moving. The hora is always a little wild, and this one was no exception. I try to get right into the middle of the chaos if possible. After Julia and Devin were hoisted into the air, their parents and siblings also got their turn. From there, the hora flowed into a DJ set, and the party rolled on late into the night. When I was getting ready to head out, trays of donuts were about to be served. I grabbed one for the road. Before leaving, I jumped into the photo booth with Zoe Braga and her awesome team for some goofy shots. Thanks, Penny and Co., for the sweet photo booth and cool props! The vendor team for this wedding was incredible, and the entire day felt like magic. I can’t wait to return to Heartwood in Mendocino again soon. Here is a list of the awesome vendors who made this magical Heartwood Mendocino wedding such a success: Venue – Heartwood Mendocino Event Planning and Coordination – Zoe Braga Events Hair and Makeup – Beauty on Set Flowers – Khamoor from Mendocino Floral Design DJ – James Guzzi from Ceremony DJs Band – Klezmer Juice Rabbi – Rabbi Page Magic – Andrew Evans from the Magic Patio Photo Booth – Penny and Co. Sauna and cold plunge – Mendo Sauna Caterer – CaliCosta Catering Bartending Trailer – Mendocino Outland If you liked this awesome wedding at Heartwood Mendocino, check out Julia and Travis’ wedding at Heartwood . GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Bay Area Wedding Photography Portfolio | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Weddings A Bay Area Wedding Photography Portfolio Authentic, Candid, and Unscripted Wedding Photography Your wedding should feel like you — joyful, stylish, a little wild, and deeply personal. I’ll be there to document the belly laughs, the emotional moments, and everything in between with humor and heart. You throw the party of a lifetime; I’ll capture the magic. Below is a curated collection from my Bay Area wedding photography portfolio—real couples, real celebrations, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with them. Plan an Awesome Wedding in the Bay Area The Bay Area is an amazing place to have your rockin’ wedding. There are so many incredible locations in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin, and the surrounding areas. Check out the blog post below for great tips on how to make your wedding look even better, flow even smoother, and be even less stressful. Advice / Tips | Weddings A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Wedding Welcome to my Bay Area guide to planning an awesome wedding. Applicable to other regions, but written from the perspective of a… Read More A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding Continue Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Contact | Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Contact LET’S CONNECT Contact | Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Gabriel Harber I’d love to find out about what you have planned. You have taken a peek around my site and love what you see… you have checked out my pricing and it lines up… so let’s meet up. I would love to hear about your plans, answer all your questions, and chat about how to make your day even more awesome. I still love face-to-face meetings. I’m in Oakland and have a sweet brewery around the corner and a cool coffee shop close by, and would be down to meet up. But if you would rather, I am also cool with a phone or video call. First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit If you prefer to just email me, feel free to send me a message at [email protected]. Thanks! GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Oakland-Based Bay Area Wedding Photographer Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu “ tasteful, beautiful, and never cheesy … disarming and quirky in all the right ways .” -Jeni + Nate his photographs are beautiful and documented the feeling and energy of our wedding perfectly” -Anne + James oakland, California documentary wedding photographer Bay Area Wedding Photographer- Gabriel Harber I’m Gabriel — a documentary-style wedding photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For over 20 years, I’ve been capturing weddings, elopements, and family stories throughout Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Marin, and all over California. My work blends humor, honesty, and an appreciation for unscripted moments. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a quiet elopement, I’ll be there with a calming presence and a sharp eye for the moments that matter. I photograph real people, real love, and real life — always with style, empathy, and just the right amount of weird. ABOUT AS SEEN ON Galleries WEDDINGS Near & Far ELOPEMENTS Tiny Weddings FAMILIES Married with Children creativity, humor, whit , with a true gift for storytelling ” – Isabel and Jesse Questions Answered! You have questions… I have answers. Let’s tell it like it is and cut to the chase. You want helpful information. Here are a few questions that might have been on the tip of your tongue. What is the recommended lead time for booking you and other vendors for our wedding? I typically book out 6 months to 1 year out. But I have also booked weddings 1 week prior and 1.5 years in advance. Usually, people choose a date, find a venue, book a photographer, and then book all the other vendors. I have been contacted before folks have a date or a venue, but that is more of an exception. If you find someone whose work you love, you like them personally, and you can afford the price they are asking, hire them. How many hours of wedding photography do people usually need? While every wedding is different, I usually find that between 6-9 hours is about right for most full-sized weddings.  About 8 hours of photography will usually get you from getting ready to the first hour of dancing. Tiny weddings and elopements usually require less time.  If you are having a small San Francisco City Hall wedding, 1.5 hours is typically enough time.  I will work with you to figure out how many hours of coverage is right for you.   Do you have any great Bay Area wedding vendors you can recommend? Having the right people on your team can make a world of difference. You don’t want to spend your wedding day worrying about the people who are supposed to be supporting you. Your DJ should bring the party. Your florist should rock the flowers and be cool to work with. You want to love the food and the catering staff. I have compiled a list of awesome wedding vendors from around the Bay Area. Reach out. I would be happy to share my list with you. How would you describe your photography style? My style of photography is documentary, editorial, photojournalistic, candid, casual, and fun. FULL FAQ Easy Peasy Pricing! Great photography will bring you joy for years to come. It is hard to put a value on joy. Below are my most popular offerings. Check out my full pricing page for more details. Families Prices start at $950 30-minute portrait session. Longer sessions available. Includes edited digital images, printing rights, and online gallery. Elopements AND TINY WEDDINGS Prices start at $2,000 For non-weekend tiny weddings. 1.5 hours of photography. Includes edited digital images, printing rights, and online gallery. WEDDINGS Prices start at $5,500 8 hours of photography, edited digital images, printing rights, and online gallery. FULL PRICING PAGE LET’S WORK TOGETHER Reviews It is so helpful to know what other folks who have worked with your photographer have to say. Check out the reviews. KIND WORDS Frequently Asked Questions I bet you have more questions. Or maybe you don’t even know what questions you should be asking. No worries. I got you covered. FULL FAQ Contact You like what you see here, and the price fits your budget, so let’s meet up. I’d love to hear what you have planned and learn a bit about you. CONTACT LATEST STORIES Kate & Andy’s Presidio Yacht Club Wedding at the Travis Marina Posted on October 18, 2025 Athena & Vince’s Elopement in Point Reyes Posted on October 10, 2025 Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at Heartwood Mendocino Posted on October 4, 2025 100 Images | Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 Posted on March 10, 2025 A Magical Campout Wedding at Heartwood in Mendocino Posted on October 16, 2024 Sand Rock Farm Wedding With Rockin’ Dance Party Near Santa Cruz Posted on August 29, 2024 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS Tips and Tricks for Planning an Awesome Backyard Wedding Posted on January 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgetable Bay Area Elopement: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration! Posted on May 31, 2023 Updated Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Tips Posted on January 19, 2023 Fires, Floods, and the Flu – Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times Posted on March 18, 2020 Your Complete Guide For Planning a Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Posted on November 6, 2019 San Francisco City Hall Wedding Tips and Tricks Posted on October 3, 2019 A Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding Posted on August 30, 2019 CONTACT ME. LET’S chat! First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Awesome Bay Area Wedding Vendors | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Vendors Awesome Bay Area Wedding Vendors ( Planners , DJs , Caterers , Hair and Makeup , Live Bands , Florists , and More ) Wedding planning can be challenging.  I am here to make the process a little easier.  Working with a great group of wedding pros who will support you in the lead-up to the wedding, the day of, and even after will make your wedding all that much better. Here are some amazing Bay Area wedding vendors who you should check out.  I have worked with or know most (but not all) of them. If you are in the very early stages of planning your wedding and are interested in my venue list, please reach out. Event Planners / Coordinators Willa Via Wedding Co. Super fun, organized, one of my favorite Bay Area wedding planners Zoe Braga Events Dream Team! Works mainly on the Mendocino coast but happy to travel for the right couple. Fern Foot Events Lovely husband and wife team out of Mendocino. Be Hitched Rebecca is a super sweet, laid-back artistic event planner based in Oakland. Blissful Events Based in the Bay Area. Great to work with. The Poppy Group Corina is a fun, quirky, well organized event planner based in Sonoma County. Catering Katie Powers Catering Absurdly good, local, organic, farm-to-table seasonal California food. Her food is magical. Los Cilantros Well-run, excellent, fresh, local Mexican food from Berkeley. Nopalito Killer Mexican food out of San Francisco. Anaviv Excellent food, great flowers, and event coordination all with one company… one-stop shop… and it is all good. Cochinita Authentic and delicious food from the Yucatan served out of their cool food truck. Based out of SF. S+M Vegan Vegan main courses and desserts. Super good food that your non-vegan family will love. Cholita Linda Another great Latin American option. Awesome fish tacos. Locations in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek Roli Roti A Bay Area classic. One of my favorites. Amazing roticery chicken, incredible pork sandwiches, stellar salads, and more. Chef Devin Lawrence Remarkable, unique, local, whole food that is on another level. Whole animal BBQ, amazing fresh salads, and so much more. Makeup + Hair (MUAH) Kristen Marie Does both hair and makeup and can work onsite or at the salon. She is super fun to work with. Marisa Perel Does both hair and makeup and can work onsite or at the salon. Fox and Doll Vintage and classic makeup and hair. Flowers + Botanicals Flower and Forage Alyson is my rad neighbor in West Oakland. She is a delightful person and does great work. Belle Flower Design Natalie is great. Her studio is in Emeryville. I have been working with her on weddings for over 10 years. Ash + Oak Floral Design Great Bay Area florists with an easy-to-navigate website and awesome floral designs. Jenniflora Jennifer McClendon owns a flower farm in Sebastopol. She is a delightful person to work with and her arrangements are awesome. Her Urban Herbs Sweet San Francisco-based florist. Front Porch Farm From the farm to your wedding. Organic flowers from Sonoma County. Farm Girl Flowers Based out of San Francisco. They will ship flowers anywhere in the US. Amy Burke Designs Florist based out of San Francisco. DJs Golden Bell Music Kickin’ DJs who spin mean mixes and play along with live music. I have worked with these talented folks a handful of times. They know how to bring the party! DJ John Piazza Another Rad Bay Area DJ who can bring the party. Ceremony DJs Jaime Jams is a super nerdy, vinyl-loving, old-school DJ with serious chops. Heart of Gold DJs A team of sweet lady DJs who will rock your dance party. Live Bands Kugelplex Kick ass Klezmer band. The Class Band Based in Southern CA, but travels to the Bay Area often. Excellent cover band. Fleetwood Mask A kickin’ Fleetwood Mac cover band to rock your party. MJ’s Brass Boppers Authentic New Orleans singing and swinging Second Line brass band out of the Bay Area. They are super fun. Susan and Eric Thompson Bay Area Blue Grass band. David Trevors Bay Area-based classical guitarist. Also plays jazz, pop, bossa nova, flamenco, and more. Other Vendors Three Babes Bakeshop Based out of San Francisco. Hands down the BEST pies in the Bay Area. Duchess Clothier Custom suit maker out of Portland. Hall Madden High-end custom suits out of San Francisco. Dark Garden Corsetry Custom corsets and wedding dresses out of San Francisco. Kavamore Press Custom Letterpress out of Berkeley. Tarot + Chalk Art Mary Kay does Tarot cards, flower crowns, sign painting, calligraphy, and chalk art. She is based in the South Bay. Nick Engel & Co. If you are interested in making your own wedding rings, check out Nick’s workshop in San Francisco. Penny & Co Photobooths Vintage inspired photo booth rental based in Sacramento. Shelter Co Fancy tent rentals for your camping wedding. The Gentleman Beekeeper Honey makes awesome wedding gifts. I also dabble in beekeeping. Hit me up for some of the best honey in the Bay Area. Better 1/2 Wedding Videography Jenn Dorn Heard is a sweet, laidback, unobtrusive, wonderful videographer. Based in Chicago, but happy to travel. Jay Shatnawi Magic An incredible magician. Great way to spice up your cocktail hour and get some aweomse reaction shots of this amazing magic. Andrew Evans Magic A great Bay Area magician. Knows how to work a crowd. He runs a magic speakeasy in San Francisco called the Magic Patio. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Ultimate Bay Area Elopement Guide - Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgetable Bay Area Elopement: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration! May 31, 2023 January 9, 2026 The Ultimate Bay Area Elopement Guide The Bay Area is a beautiful and diverse region of Northern California, home to iconic landmarks, stunning landscapes, and romantic destinations. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the Bay Area is a great place to elope and start your journey as a married couple. Here’s a guide to help you plan your Bay Area elopement. Consider What Type of Location You Want The Bay Area has incredible elopement locations — beaches, forests, vineyards, and urban backdrops. Think about the scenery and vibe you want, and choose accordingly. Favorites include Mount Tam, Point Reyes, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Sonoma, Napa, the Oakland Hills, Carmel, Big Sur, and especially San Francisco City Hall—the most popular spot by far. When deciding, consider accessibility, nearby dining and lodging, and whether a permit is required. It’s always a plus to be near good food and a comfy bed. Scout Locations Since elopements tend to be short affairs with few people, getting official permission to have your ceremony in a specific space may be more effort than it is worth (in my opinion). Scout your location and make your own assessment before the big day. There are many parks, open spaces, and public spaces that make great backdrops for an elopement. If you are planning to elope during the week, visit prospective locations on a weekday to get an accurate idea of what it might be like on your ceremony day. Most places won’t notice or care if you gather with a few people for a brief ceremony. If you want some great locations to start your search, check out the spots on the map below. Point Reyes National Seashore Point Reyes National Seashore offers a variety of stunning elopement locations. From craggy rock formations to beautiful vistas with views of the Pacific to incredible forested areas. You can find incredible vacation rentals around Inverness and Point Reyes Station. There are also excellent food choices in the area. It is remote enough to offer privacy and a sense of seclusion, but located just a little over an hour from San Francisco. Mount Tam State Park From Muir Beach to Muir Woods and Trojan Point, Mount Tam is a large expanse of space close to Mill Valley, Sausalito, and San Francisco. While some of the most iconic spots (Muir Woods) tend to be crowded and require special arrangements to conduct a ceremony in the space, there are plenty of less-trafficked areas to do your elopement. Trojan Point is a sweet spot with amazing views and fairly easy access by car. The Marin Headlands The Marin Headlands is about as close as you can get to San Francisco without being in the City and has many spots that are easily accessible by car. There is no lack of gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the iconic rolling hills of the Bay Area. There are plenty of excellent places to stay and dine close by. San Francisco Presidio The San Francisco Presidio is one of my favorite places to photograph in the City. It has an old San Francisco vibe to it and is surrounded by stunning views, nature, and vistas of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. There are places to stay within the Presidio, and since it is in San Francisco, you have all the benefits of the City close by. If you are from out of town, make sure to take into consideration driving times when planning your stay. Even though locations in San Francisco might just be a few miles away, getting around the City often takes much longer than one would think. San Francisco City Hall San Francisco City Hall is probably the most iconic elopement location in the Bay Area. If you are looking for a simple, gorgeous location, this is it. The architecture is stunning, the lighting is wonderful, and there are officiants onsite to conduct your ceremony. SF City Hall is also a public space, so if you bring your own officiant, you can conduct a ceremony in an open area of City Hall. City Hall is located in the center of San Francisco and has easy access to many excellent restaurants and places to stay. I have worked with couples who have flown in from other states just to get married in this beautiful building. East Bay Regional Parks District The East Bay Regional Parks District covers a chain of local parks including Tilden, Sibley, Roberts Regional, Joaquin Miller, and others. Joaquin Miller is one of my favorite shooting locations in the East Bay. It is easy to access, has lots of space, tends not to be crowded, and offers multiple beautiful spots among the redwoods. Scout around and find a spot that is perfect for you to do your Bay Area elopement. The East Bay has lots of great restaurants and places to stay, and tends to be easier to navigate than San Francisco. Half Moon Bay Half Moon Bay is a small town located less than 30 minutes from San Francisco. Close to Pacifica and other small towns along the coast, Half Moon Bay offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and small coastal town charm. There is a large parking lot at Poplar Beach and beautiful vistas, a short walk away. If you are looking for a little more seclusion, take a drive south a half an hour and check out some of the other spots along HWY 1 toward Santa Cruz. Carmel Carmel is a super stylish, iconic California seaside town. The small downtown has cute shops and fancy restaurants. There are plenty of quaint vacation rentals around. It is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco and 1.5 hours from San Jose. In the area around Point Lobos State Preserve, there are lots of incredible coastline views with birds flying overhead and craggy rocks jutting out of the crystal blue ocean. Decide on a Date and Time of Day for Your Ceremony Choosing the right time of day for your elopement can greatly impact the look and feel of your photos, the overall atmosphere of your ceremony, and your guests’ experience. The lighting during your elopement can greatly affect the photos. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, the end of the day, around sunset, when the lighting is soft and warm, is probably the best. Later in the day also works well for having dinner after. The light first thing in the morning can be great as well, but people usually have a hard time motivating for an early start. In general, I would avoid scheduling something for the middle of the day when the sun is overhead. Consider the schedules of your guests, vendors, and any other factors that may affect your elopement timeline. Having your ceremony during the week will give you a better chance of encountering fewer people at your chosen location. Also, restaurants tend to be less crowded, and photographers have more flexibility mid-week. Ultimately, the best time of day for your elopement will depend on your personal preferences, the location of your ceremony, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Consider the Weather Weather can shape your elopement experience, especially outdoors. The Bay Area is mild year-round, but fog and wind—especially near the coast—are common. That moody fog can make for killer photos – embrace it. Planning a small, midweek elopement gives you flexibility: if the weather turns cold or wet, there’s often room to shift the time or even the day with little hassle. Make a Guest List Eloping means that you are choosing to have a small, intimate ceremony with only your closest friends and family. Think about the overall vibe and atmosphere you want for your elopement. Do you want it to be just the two of you, or do you want a few close family members or friends to join you? Take into consideration the logistics of getting your guests to y Bay Area wedding highlights from 2024 | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu 100 Images | Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 March 10, 2025 August 6, 2025 Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2024 From Upstate New York to Mendocino, California, here are 100 Bay Area wedding highlights from 2024(well, mostly Bay Area). Another year has gone by. How quickly they slip into the past. So thankful for the friends, community, great vendors, and amazing people who come together to make wedding celebrations unique and special. Last year took me from Upstate New York to Fresno, Mendocino, Marin County, and all around the Bay Area. I shot backyard weddings, foggy California Coast weddings, and tiny intimate affairs. Here is a collection of 100 of my favorite images. Mountain Terrace Wedding This Mountain Terrace wedding in San Mateo County was early in the year. It was rainy and cold, but still a beautiful wedding. We got a rainbow over the redwood trees, and even grandma got down on the dance floor. San Francisco Botanical Garden Wedding Was stoked to find myself back at the SF Botanical Garden for this super local, walk everywhere wedding. From getting ready, the ceremony, to dinner, and then dancing and drinks, everything was within a 5 block radius. Caitlin got ready at her apartment and then walked to the SF Botanical Garden for the ceremony. After the ceremony, Caitlin and Ben walked to Fiorella for an incredible dinner. They finished the night around the corner at the Fireside Bar . Everything was within an 8-minute walk of their apartment. Marin Headlands Center for the Arts Wedding The Headlands Center for the Arts in Marin is such a cool wedding venue. It feels so Bay Area. The vibe is funky, artsy, and moody. The food is farm to table wonderful. It is hard not to love this place. I always feel so fortunate to work here. This wedding was no exception. Rancho Nicasio Wedding West Marin is one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area. The rolling hills, views of the ocean, redwoods, fog, etc. It really has it all. This Rancho Nicasio wedding was super sweet. The couple is friends with the man who owns a bunch of the land around the venue so we got special access to the surrounding farmland. Backyard Wedding in Fresno What an incredibly wonderful wedding weekend. Nothing better than camping out with friends, eating awesome food, dancing the night away, and celebrating love. My heart is full. This was a real community effort of a wedding. Check out the full blog post I did on this one. Backyard Wedding in Upstate New York My friend and fellow photographer invited me to New York last summer to photograph his wedding. It was a full weekend of events, family meals, fireworks, a town fair, lots of kids, hiking in the forest, and boating on lakes. During the ceremony, a boats went by pulling a unicorn raft behind it. This was just one of the magical moments from the weekend. Later on that same evening another boart came by with a band of bagpipers. Guests wandered from the wedding celebration to the town fair across the street where they played bingo or coin toss. A truly wonder filled weekend. Cuffy’s Cove Wedding in Mendocino This was my first time working at Cuffy’s Cove in Mendocino. What a cool venue. It has several barns, and old Victorian, and classic Northern California vistas. Was so fortunate to be working with Fern Foot Events . Always great working with them. The fog rolled in hard at the end of the day for some moodiness. Heartwood Wedding in Mendocino This was an epic wedding at a new favorite venue in Mendocino. Heartwood Mendocino is a truly magical spot. Check out the full post I did on this awesome wedding. Nick’s Cove Elopement This micro wedding in Tomales Bay at Nick’s Cove was a blast. Always fun to have a drive down the coast. Was a short a sweet affair. The groom’s beard was next level. Dillon Beach Elopement Sometimes I end up influencing weddings a bit. When Michelle and Lofton reached out to me to inquire about having me photograph their elopement at the Oakland Courthouse, I made a pitch to them. They were planning on having a family weekend and dinner at Dillon Beach. Why not move everything there? I suggested they have a friend officiate, and keep everything in one location. Thankfully they were open to my suggestions, and had an awesome tiny wedding with their twins and close friends and family outside of the place they rented in Dillon Beach. Alameda County Courthouse Wedding A shot from a sweet little courthouse elopement in Alameda. I actually didn’t shoot the ceremony, just showed a bit before to and did a few family pics. Brazil Room Wedding Been shooting at the Brazilian Room for years. It is a great local spot. This couple had lots of games and kids around. Was stoked to be working with their family again (photographed the bride’s sister’s wedding). Temescal Beach House Weddings It is always a pleasure to have weddings close to home. Was stoked to shoot weddings on back to back weekends toward the end of the year at the Temescal Beach House in Oakland. Sequoyah Country Club Wedding My last big wedding of the year was at the Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland. November weddings can be tricky. It sometimes feels like you are racing against the setting sun and trying to get as much out of the daylight hours as possible. I am so thankful that Ariel and Victor were open to my timeline suggestions. They brought ease, laughter, and joy to the day. Really great working with folks who have such a strong connection. The dance party was dope. Golden Bell Music rocked the house, and the dance floor was rocking from start to finish. Wrap Up Thanks so much for reading. Hopefully you found some inspiration in the photos here. If you want to take a look at my top 100 from 2023 , head on over. GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding | Gabriel Harber Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Your Complete Guide For Planning a Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding November 6, 2019 August 6, 2025 Tips and Tricks for Planning a Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding If you’re considering having a Roberts Regional Recreation Area wedding in Oakland, this guide is for you. It’s the most comprehensive resource I’ve put together to help couples plan their wedding at this unique East Bay venue. The details below cover everything from onsite storage, load-in and load-out logistics, lighting and audio setup, dance floor placement, ceremony tips, food and beverage considerations, vendor recommendations, costs, and more. A huge thank you goes out to Kim and Geoff—the last couple I photographed at Roberts Regional—who generously shared much of the information in this guide. You’ll see their wedding images featured throughout this post. Their experience helped shape the insights you’ll find here, and I’m grateful for their contribution in helping future couples make the most of this space. When I met Kim and Geoff to talk about their wedding, they said they had found me through Laura and John’s Roberts Regional wedding . They said it had been very helpful in their planning, and they continued to use that post to help them. I also connected Kim with Laura, who was generous enough to share her Google Docs. In talking about their wedding, I suggested that Kim and Geoff chat with my neighbor Alyson, who owns Flowers and Forage, about flowers for their wedding. Why you Should Consider Roberts Regional for your Wedding Venue Wedding planning is complicated. Some venues are easier than others. Roberts Regional is one of the more complicated wedding venues. That said, it has a lot going for it. The park is close to Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco. It has easy parking, great views, and huge oak and redwood trees. And, as far as Bay Area venues go, it is very affordable. Kim and Geoff spent $15,000 on their wedding, not including rehearsal dinner, rings, and attire. Why Roberts Regional is a Complicated Wedding Venue The logistics of schlepping in everything for your wedding, setting up, breaking down, and clearing it out all in one day are tricky. Setting up in the morning is one thing, but when you and your guests have been drinking and partying for hours, breaking everything down and packing up is probably not going to be high on your list of things you want to do at the end of your wedding day. Pro-tip : hire help! Five to six people for a couple of hours to break down, haul out, and clean up everything will be well worth whatever you pay them. And bring a wagon so that you don’t have to carry everything by hand. How to Reserve a Space at the Park for your Wedding Kim and Geoff used the Madrone and Bay Vista picnic areas for their wedding. The other weddings I have done at Roberts have also utilized these two sites. You need to reserve two sites to do a wedding at the Roberts. The rental fee (at the time I wrote this) for the two sites is $566 plus a $325 deposit. Kim and Geoff had their ceremony at the Madrone site and reception at the Bay Vista site. Check availability for Madrone/Bay Vista on the EBRPD site’s Facility Availability Calendar . To make your reservation, you will need to meet with a park ranger and do a walkthrough. Once you have done your site visit, you can call the EBRPD to reserve your date and get the rental contract. Here is a link to their reservation page . Their number is 888-327-2757. Here is Kim and Geoff’s site map . It should be helpful to visualize the layout of the space. Some Park Rules and Considerations Roberts Regional Recreation Area has a pool, a playground, a baseball field, and several picnic areas. It is a community space, and you will be sharing the park with other people. There is enough separation between things that it probably won’t feel like other people are too close, but it is something to consider. The fact that it is a regional park run by a government agency means there are rules and guidelines that you will need to adhere to. Some things to note: No electricity is available on-site No generators are allowed Nothing can be hung from the trees Beer & wine are allowed, but NO hard liquor Vendors who need to drive off the pavement into the picnic area (e.g., to drop off chairs in the Redwoods) need to have a vehicle access permit ($75) and be escorted by a park ranger. You will be responsible for securing this permit. Note that this process takes longer than it should.  The park entry gates close in September at 7 pm. Cars can exit but can not enter after the park closes. Plan accordingly. Make sure that all vehicles that need to load stuff out are in before the gate closes. Park curfew is at 10 pm. Vehicles left overnight (before or after the event) should be called into the EBRPD dispatch line (510-881-1833) to avoid getting towed away. There is usually a parking fee of $5 for the lot. You can prepay for your guests or just have them pay as they enter. Here are more details about EBRPD Picnic Reservations Getting Ready Since there is no getting-ready space at Redwood Regional, Kim got ready at a rental house about 10 minutes away. Geoff got ready at a separate location. We decided that I would just stick with Kim and meet Geoff at the park. When I shot Jessica and Ethan’s wedding at Roberts Regional a while back, Jessica got ready at their house, and Ethan got ready at a friend’s place. There is not a great spot for getting ready at Roberts to get ready, so plan accordingly. First Look and Family Pics There are a handful of decent places to do family pictures. Because the lighting inside the redwood grove is a little tricky, after doing a first look in the redwoods, we decided to do family pics by the baseball field. Keep in mind that redwood needles like to hang on to wedding dresses. Ceremony You don’t need seating or speakers or rugs or an aisle runner for your ceremony… but they are nice. Kim and Geoff didn’t have runners or carpets for the ceremony aisle, but the previous 2 weddings I shot at Roberts Regional had them. Kim and Geoff rented chairs and speakers. The speakers were used for both the ceremony and the reception. Their audio equipment was from Guitar Center ( Audio Package A ). They borrowed one of my camping rugs for the ceremony. They got their chairs from All Seasons Event Rentals for $2.25/chair. A Quiet Moment After the Ceremony After the ceremony, Kim and Geoff had some quiet time alone, we took a few portraits, and then headed to the Bay Vista site for dinner, speeches, dancing, and the rest of it. Food and Beverages Los Cilantros (they are on my vendor list) brought some bomb Mexican food to Kim and Geoff’s reception. Because they just came in and dropped the food off, there was a lot of running around, making sure that the food stations stayed stocked and all the other things were in place. Having some folks in place to serve food, clear dishes, and take care of all the little things would be a good idea. Most of the beer was from the local brewery, Drake’s Brewing Company . Kim and Geoff served keg beer from a Jockey Box (from NorCal Draft Co ) along with some canned and bottled beer. They also served agua frescas and other beverages. I am always a fan of glass cups (just say NO to plastic bottles and cups!). You can either rent or purchase glasses. Mason jars or other jars make fine glasses and are cheap. Check out the General Bottle Supply for a huge selection of bottles that can double as beer glasses. Dinner and Speeches The dinner and speeches were super sweet. Kim and Geoff rented tablecloths from the same company they got the chairs. They used compostable plates and silverware. I don’t mind the compostable pl Pricing, Packages, and Rates | Gabriel Harber Photography Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Pricing “Investing in photography should be one of the most important parts of your wedding budget, you’re spending so much money on this night that you deserve to be able to relive it for many many more nights.” – Sammita and Eeshan Wedding, Elopement, and Family Portrait Pricing CITY HALL, ELOPEMENTS, AND TINY WEDDINGS $2,000 City hall, elopement, tiny mid-week weddings. Usually under 25 people. -up to 1.5 hours of photography -at least 150 edited images -online gallery -travel within 50 miles of 94607 -wedding planning advice FULL DAY WEDDINGS $5,500 Full-size rustic barn weddings, vineyard soirées, wild ranch nuptials, summer camp extravaganzas in the redwoods, cozy backyard celebrations, and all the rest. Usually 60-180 people. -up to 8 hours of photography -at least 500 edited images -online gallery -travel within 50 miles of 94607 -wedding planning advice FULL DAY WEDDINGS + SOME GOODIES $8,500* All you get with the full-day wedding, but more time, an album, and an engagement session. Usually 60-180 people. -up to 10 hours of photography -at least 500 edited images -online gallery -album design + Up to 50 pages -engagement session -travel within 50 miles of 94607 -wedding planning advice *tax additional ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS, PHOTO STATION, ALBUM PRICING Engagement Sessions $1,500 Work through any nervousness you have about being photographed. Get fun pictures around town, at home, or some cool local spot. Doing an engagement session is a great way to get to know each other, work out nervousness, and get some great shots of you as a couple. Sessions are usually 1 hour long. ENGAGEMENT FAQ Photo Station $1,500 If you want fun, different pictures, if you have family that wants to do lots of posed group shots, or if you want to get Uncle Jim and Aunt Betty to get their weird on, consider hiring my photo station. This simple set-up comes with a camera, trigger, and two lights. You bring the background and props, or leave it natural. I usually set it up during cocktail hour. It is a self-serve operation. Albums Treat yourself to a curated album of your wedding. It is one of those things that will bring you joy every time you pull it out Album Design – $800 Album Printing – $500 The design fee includes one round of edits. Album printing is $10/page or $500 for 50 pages. Additional rounds of editing are $400 per round. Shipping and tax extra. Wedding Extras Extra Time – $550/ hr Rehearsal dinner – $2,000 Travel – $2/mile Extra hours of photography can be decided on the day of the wedding or in advance. Rehearsal dinner fee covers up to 1.5 hours of photography. Travel fee applied for weddings further than 50 miles round-trip from 94607. Prices subject to change. family portrait sessions 30 Minute Session – $950 1 Hour Session – $1,500 1.5 Hour Session – $2,000 All sessions include travel in the Oakland and Berkeley area. Up to 5 people included in session fee. Edited high-resolution images will be delivered within 2 weeks of the session. Let’s Connect First Name * Last Name * Email * Telephone Number * Event Date * Event Location * Event Type * — Wedding Elopement or Tiny Wedding Engagement Family Portrait Corporate Other How did you hear about me? * Message * Please include some details about your wedding or event. How many guests, hours of photography, anything special you have planned, photography budget, etc. Submit GABRIEL HARBER PHOTOGRAPHY Discover There are so many awesome resources here. If you are looking for images of a Point Reyes Wedding, Oakland Hills wedding, Carmel wedding, or any other specific location, do a search and see what you come up with. I have also photographed at lots of wedding venues around the Bay Area. So if you want to check out a wedding at Triple S Ranch, Sand Rock Farm, Oz Farm, or any other spot... throw it in the search box. Do some digging. See what treasures you uncover. Search Search Links CLIENT LOGIN BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS PRIVACY POLICY Connect INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK © 2026 Gabriel Harber Photography Scroll to top Scroll to top ABOUT WEDDING GALLERY ELOPEMENT GALLERY FAMILY GALLERY BLOG PRICING FAQ KIND WORDS CONTACT Mini Sessions Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Tips Skip to content Portfolio Expand Weddings Elopements Families Blog About FAQ Kind Words Pricing Contact Toggle Menu Updated Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Tips January 19, 2023 August 6, 2025 Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Tips – Kayla and Miguel’s Midsummer Dance Party Here is a recent wedding I shot, along with some updated tips and thoughts for my Complete Guide to Planning a Wedding at Roberts Regional Recreation Area . Roberts Regional Recreation Area is located in the Oakland hills. It is fairly close to downtown Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco. It is nestled in a grove of Redwood trees, has plenty of parking, and can be reserved for a few hundred dollars. While it is conveniently located, beautiful, and affordable, planning a wedding there does take some extra work. In this and previous posts, I have tried to give some guidance on how to best plan a wedding there. When I met with Kayla and Miguel in 2021, they told me that my guide to planning a wedding at Roberts Regional was super helpful. They studied the post, zoomed in on images, reached out to my previous couples, and had great questions for me when we met. After their wedding, I was curious about their experience and wanted to know if they had any tips to share. They were happy to send me some insight, which I will incorporate into my post here. Getting Ready Kayla and Miguel got ready at a rental apartment near Roberts Regional with just the two of them and their awesome hair and makeup artist, Kristen Marie (on my vendor list). They stayed there the night before and after the wedding, keeping things nearby made everything smoother. To navigate the windy road to the park, they rented two cargo vans (though one might’ve been enough) and used U-Haul dollies and Sports Basement cargo wagons to haul gear to the site—super helpful! Pre-wedding Portraits at Roberts Regional When we arrived at Roberts Regional, folks were setting up for the wedding. Kayla and Miguel had a stack of Arizmendi Pizza for the family and the setup crew. The light at most venues changes from day to day and hour to hour. While it is nice to have a general idea of spots that work for photos, it is important to stay flexible. What worked one time may not work again. I did a quick walkabout the property and found a nice spot (one I hadn’t shot at before), under one of the big oak trees at the Bay Vista site. Ceremony in the Redwoods Kayla and Miguel had Chairs 4 events deliver their chairs for the wedding. They also got their tablecloths from the same company. Redwood needles getting stuck on your wedding dress is pretty much a given, but the runner and carpet that Kayla and Miguel put out helped out a bit. The carpet certainly added a nice splash of color. They rented speakers from Guitar Center and hooked them up a few days prior, making sure they weren’t missing any cables and that everything worked. The ceremony was super sweet. Group Shot, Couple Portraits, and Cocktail Hour Directly after the ceremony, I gathered everyone in a group for a picture of everyone in attendance. Since I didn’t have a ladder to climb, I climbed a fence. A rather tall fence. Sitting on top of that fence, I had to wonder for a moment about the decision to sit 10 feet up in the air, trying to get 60 or so people into a tight group so I could take a picture of them. Glad I did it, and thankful I didn’t fall. After the group shot, Kayla and Miguel grabbed drinks and chatted for a bit before we walked around the redwoods and took couple portraits. Dinner, Toasts, and Dancing I find that weddings at Roberts Regional tend to be on the earlier side. Kayla and Miguel said that their reservation was from 10 am to 6 pm, but it sounds like the park is flexible about the end time. They were there past 7 pm, and I have shot weddings that didn’t wrap until after dark. But it can get cold in there. Having a plan (blankets) for the cold is a good idea. Kayla and Miguel’s dinner started around 4 pm. Creative Ideas Catering put out a delicious spread of Colombian Mexican eats. There was lots of salad, plantains, and rice. After dinner family gave a few toasts, and then they moved into dancing. They had a few carpets out for the dance floor (looks nice and helps to keep the dust down). Kayla and Miguel met while Salsa dancing in San Francisco, and their first dance was awesome. Some Things to Keep in Mind The Madrone and Bay Vista picnic areas have to be rented together. The capacity for Madrone is 50 people; Bay Vista is 150 people. The rental fee for the two sites is $320 plus a $225 deposit (as of Jan 2023) for Alameda County residents.  Here is a link to the page where you can find the current fee schedule . Reservations for the next calendar year are sometime in December (check for the exact dates). Make sure you have a few people calling at the same time to increase your chances of getting the reservation you want. There are no compost bins in the park, so if you want to do compost, bring a bin and bring it with you at the end of the event. Parking passes for guests can be purchased on the day of for $5 each (cash only). Technically, there are no in-and-out privileges, but they’re not always strict with that. Overnight parking of cars or U-Hauls in the parking lot is no longer allowed. There is no vehicle access to Bay Vista or Madrone. Everything must be carried out from the parking lot. Generators and charcoal are NOT allowed. Battery packs are recommended. While you can park on Skyline Blvd, the supervisor does not recommend it. The supervisor now recommends UBER or Lyft. There is a drop-off and pick-up area on the asphalt where the buses go, which is easy for rideshare drivers to find. Carpooling and bus rental are also good options.  Recommendations for DIY Couples Wipe down tables the day before, and have the setup crew bring towels—it’s often damp in the morning. If you’re DIY-ing flowers, make sure they can withstand wind. Offer them to guests or staff afterward so they don’t go to waste. Hire 3–4 people for setup and cleanup. Rehearse the ceremony in advance to smooth out any kinks. Bring a small brush for your shoes and bug spray just in case. Lights add ambiance, but skip them if you’ll be gone before dark. Final Thoughts While much of this information is specific to Roberts Regional Park in Oakland, I hope that it will be useful to folks doing DIY outdoor weddings in other places. Many of the same considerations need to be taken into account for any outdoor venue with minimal infrastructure. Here is the first detailed post I wrote about planning a wedding at Roberts Regional Park . At the bottom, you will find links to other weddings I have shot there. And, you can always use the search bar on my website. Thanks for reading. 5 Comments Ana Vargas says: at Hello, We’ve found your blog very helpful as we are planning our wedding for July. We’re wondering if we could contact the couple to ask a few questions about how it went for them. We are a little worried about parking and some other logistics. Thanks, Ana and Alex Log in to Reply gabrielino2 says: at Ana and Alex Glad to hear that my posts have been helpful to you. I will forward your info along. Best, Gabriel Log in to Reply Addison Fonseca says: at Hi Ana, We are getting married there in July, as well. Do you want to connect? And thanks so much, Gabriel. All of your blogs about Robert’s weddings have been so helpful. I would love the Kayla and Miguel’s contact too, please! Thank you, Addison Log in to Reply Hayden Eager says: at Thank you for these posts, your wonderful photos, and the details. Question: It’s been noted you can’t put anything in the trees. For the weddings you’ve photographed here, were the lights strung from trees, or wrapped around the trunk? We were trying to have floodlights (above da