Southern california Christian Elopement and wedding Photographer
This isn't just wedding photography. This is artistic wedding photojournalism with jesus at the Center.
I'm a storyteller at heart, a bit of a nerd, a lover of beautiful light, follower of Christ, and the wonderfully imperfect moments that make our lives so blessed.
Hi, I’m Kristin
I didn’t grow up near the beach (I grew up land-locked in Kansas City), but it always felt like home! I’m a Christian, wife and mother and I count it a wonderful blessing to get to photograph couples on one of the most important days of their lives!
With a degree in photojournalism and over 20 years behind the camera, I've learned that the best photographs aren't always the perfectly posed ones. They're the teary-eyed glances, the belly laughs, the windblown hair, the happy chaos, and those little moments you didn't even realize were happening.
My approach is a mix of fly-on-the-wall observer and old friend who just happens to have a camera (or three). I'll gently guide you when needed, fix your bustle, laugh with your family, and then happily disappear into the background so you can actually enjoy getting married.
I believe marriage is a beautiful gift from God, and there's something pretty incredible about being invited to document that covenant. Every couple has a story worth telling, and my job is to capture yours honestly, artistically, and with a whole lot of heart and joy.
I want your photos to be beautiful, of course. But even more than that, I want you to look back 10, 20, or 50 years from now and remember exactly how it all felt.
The salty air, the happy tears, the people you love most, and the absolute joy of marrying your favorite person.
Real love. Real moments. A little adventure. Beautifully documented. A glorious God.
Elopement coverage beginning at $1,000 ($1500 weekends)
Weddings begin at $5000
The Orange County Elopement
$1,000
Perfect for courthouse weddings, beach ceremonies, chapel weddings and intimate celebrations.
✓ Up to 2 hours of photography
✓ Planning guidance
✓ Orange County location recommendations
✓ Ceremony + portraits
✓ Professionally edited high-resolution images
✓ Online gallery
✓ Printing rights
Want more time? Build the day the way you want.
Additional photography available.
Want to elope to Catalina Island? Let’s go!
I believe in my future bride’s and groom’s seeing complete wedding collections prior to booking! Click HERE to see complete wedding and elopement collections. Select “WEDDING”
Laguna Beach often requires photo permits for professional sessions, but don’t worry — I’m here to help you navigate the process so you can relax and focus on what matters most: your love story. I’ll contact the City of Laguna Beach and file for all necessary permits for you ahead of time.
“We were so lucky to have Kristin capture our wedding! Not only are the photos absolutely stunning, but she was such a calm and kind presence throughout the entire day.”
- Joy S
COMPLETE GALLERIES
I firmly believe that potential brides and grooms should see complete galleries BEFORE booking a photographer. It’s not very hard to curate a few photos on Instagram, it’s must harder to remain consistent through an entire wedding or elopement. Below you will find the galleries as they were delivered to the client:
Caitlyn and Austin - Santa Ana Courthouse
Caitlyne and Guy - Laguna Beach Courthouse
Maci and Jeff - Laguna Beach
Tyler and Amanda - Laguna Hills Civic Center
Vanessa and Jeremy - Catalina Island
Jeel and Rajvi - Chapel of Orange
Sadie and Harjot - Santa Ana Courthouse and Laguna Beach
INQUIRE HERE
PRICING
Elopement Packages start at $1,000 for weekdays and $1500 for weekends
Includes personalized planning assistance, a curated location list, and handcrafted images that feel timeless and true to your love story.
Lead Photographer Kristin Smetona
At least 2 hours of coverage
100+ edited images
48-hour sneak peek turnaround
online gallery
printing rights
planning consultation
Ready to book? Fill out the form below or contact me directly.
Contact Kristin at 949-648-3781 or info@smetonaphoto.com or fill out the form below.
Sunset season fills fast—reserve your date early
FAQS
Do you travel within Orange County if we pick a nearby beach instead of Laguna? Yes, I’m happy to travel all over the Southern California region and internationally as well! I’ve traveled as far as New Zealand!
Can we have a first look? Of course! It’s your day! Do whatever serves you best! Want a first dance on the beach? I’ll bring a Bluetooth speaker! Want dinner recommendations? I’m happy to oblige some ideas and suggestions.
What’s your wedding philosophy? I truly believe that weddings are an incredibly wonderful occasion, whether big or small. They are a glorious picture of Jesus Christ and his bride (the Church). While I love all the flowers, details and dresses, this is not the most important part of a wedding. The heart of a wedding (the forming of a marriage and the joining of two lives) is invisible, I love to capture the outpouring of the marriage. Elopements allow me to really focus on this aspect! The people and candid emotions are my focus in any wedding I photograph and I promise to make it my priority at yours!