Kingston City Hall Elopement & Burger Hill Adventure
What I loved about this Kingston elopement was how simple it was! No distractions and no timeline to keep. Just the couple, a few beautiful locations, and time to be fully in the moment. I even signed as their witness, which made it all the more meaningful to document.
A Kingston City Hall Ceremony
We started outside Kingston City Hall, a building that feels both historic and full of character. Its brickwork, carved details, and late-June rose blooms became the backdrop as they exchanged vows. There was no rush, no audience, just the two of them making a promise. The intimacy of this ceremony made it even more beautiful, proof that a city hall wedding can carry just as much meaning as a big celebration.
I photographed everything on film. 35mm for candid moments, like their laughter on the steps after they were officially married, medium format (120) for more formal portraits that hold a softness and depth, and a few frames on my Holga, which always brings a dreamlike, artistic quality. Blending those cameras gave R & G’s final gallery a mix of textures and tones that digital alone can’t replicate.
For couples who are drawn to elopements, film fits perfectly, because it’s slower and more intentional, I find.
A Stop at the Kingston Lighthouse
After City Hall, we wandered to the Kingston waterfront, where the Hudson River meets the city. The air was warm, and the light over the water was bright and golden. Originally, the lighthouse wasn’t part of our plan, but we decided to sneak it in anyway.
That decision ended up being one of the highlights of the day. The lighthouse stood out against the river and vibrant blue sky, while R & G walked along the path down to the water. For me, that’s one of the gifts of elopements: there is this extra freedom to lean into the day as it unfolds without the pressure of a big guest list and restrictive timelines.
From the River to the Hills
Next we crossed over into Rhinebeck and climbed Burger Hill at Drayton Grant Park. The wide open fields and expansive views were the perfect contrast to Kingston’s city textures and riverfront. It was the perfect place to take in their first hours as a married couple.
By the end of the afternoon, their gallery told a layered story with historic architecture, a scenic waterfront, and the rolling hills of upstate New York. Each location added a chapter, all tied together through the warmth of film.
Why I Love Photographing Elopements Like This
For couples considering a courthouse or city hall wedding, I love how film deepens the experience. It asks us to let go of instant gratification and trust the process. Instead of checking the back of a camera, you’re free to just be with each other — and when the scans return, it truly feels like unwrapping a gift.
As a Hudson Valley elopement photographer, I’m drawn to days that are pared down to what really matters: two people, their favorite places, and the choice to keep things simple. There’s a kind of ease in it, and that ease is where the real moments happen.
Thinking About a Hudson Valley Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of something intimate, laid-back, and true to you—whether at Kingston City Hall, the Rhinecliff waterfront, Burger Hill, or anywhere in the Hudson Valley—I’d love to help tell your story.
🎞️ Film stock: Kodak Portra 400 developed & scanned by The Find Lab
