Read my story
My own elopement taught me what it feels like to choose ourselves over everyone else’s expectations. Now, I help introverted, highly sensitive, and non-traditional couples create intimate adventures in nature—so that you can celebrate your love without the pressure of traditional expectations.
your fellow Introvert who Chose an Intentional adventure Elopement Too.
Meet Peter 3 — California Elopement Photographer
Read my story
And now, I help other introverted, highly sensitive couples create intimate adventures without the pressure of traditional expectations.
Your fellow introvert who chose an intentional adventure elopement too.
Meet Peter 3
In 2023, my wife Gen and I hired a photographer to document our own Yosemite adventure elopement.
From getting ready together in our Airbnb, hiking to Taft Point in our wedding clothes, exchanging private vows overlooking the valley, and ending the night with lantern photos beneath the stars…
I remember thinking,
“This is exactly how a wedding day should feel.”
Not rushed.
Not performative.
Not planned around everyone else’s expectations.
Just us.
That day completely changed the way I think about weddings—and eventually inspired Peter 3 Photography.
Now I help introverted, highly sensitive, and non-traditional couples create the same kind of intentional experience:
One that feels peaceful.
Meaningful.
And completely true to who they are.
Because I truly believe your wedding day shouldn’t be the day you perform for everyone else.
It should be the day you choose each other.
It All Started With My Own Elopement.
I’m here to make your entire elopement feel effortless, from the first idea to the final photo.
That means helping you discover incredible locations, building a timeline around the best light, navigating permits, recommending trusted vendors, calming nerves when they show up, and making sure you never have to wonder what comes next.
Whether it’s hauling gear with my wagon, recommending the perfect picnic spot, or carrying lanterns for blue hour photos, I’m there to make your day easier—not just document it.
Think of me as your:
✅ Photographer
✅ Planning Guide
✅ Location Scout
✅ Timeline Expert
✅ Calm, Reassuring Presence
✅ Biggest Hype Man
✅ Adventure Logistics Nerd
Your only job is to be fully present with each other.
I’ll take care of the rest, so you can slow down, soak in every moment, and simply enjoy the adventure.
More Than Photos. It's An Entire Experience.
Since we’re probably going to spend one of the biggest days of your lives together, here’s a little about me beyond photography:
❤️ I eloped too. It's one of the best decisions Gen and I have ever made.
🥾 National parks are my happy place. Being outside helps me slow down, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most.
🚐 My camper van has taken me all over California. I’m always scouting new locations for couples.
👨🏻🔬 Former scientist turned photographer. Turns out I traded laboratory machines for sunsets.
🌅 Blue hour is my favorite time to shoot. Lanterns, stars, and those quiet moments after everyone else has gone home.
📷 Why “Peter 3 Photography”? People always ask. I’m the third Peter in my family, so growing up everyone called me Peter 3. The nickname stuck, and when it came time to name my business, there wasn’t anything that felt more like me.
A Few Fun Facts About Me
Here’s what I’ll help you with along the way:
📍 Personalized Location Recommendations. Based on your personalities, accessibility needs, and dream scenery.
🗓️ Custom Timeline Planning. Built around the best light, the best experience, and plenty of time to slow down.
📋 Permit & Logistics Guidance. I’ll help navigate permits, park regulations, and the little details that often get overlooked.
🌎 Leave No Trace Principles. Protecting the beautiful places we get to celebrate in is always part of the plan.
🎨 True-to-Life, Vibrant Editing. Colorful, timeless images that still feel like the place and the moment you experienced.
❤️ Introvert-Friendly Experience. A calm, low-pressure approach so you never feel awkward or rushed in front of the camera.
🤍 Gentle Direction When You Need It. Never stiff posing—just enough guidance so you can relax and be yourselves.
Why Do couples trust me?
Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but that's why I'm here.
Here’s what I’ll help you with along the way:
📍 Personalized Location Recommendations. Based on your personalities, accessibility needs, and dream scenery.
🗓️ Custom Timeline Planning. Built around the best light, the best experience, and plenty of time to slow down.
📋 Permit & Logistics Guidance. I’ll help navigate permits, park regulations, and the little details that often get overlooked.
🌎 Leave No Trace Principles. Protecting the beautiful places we get to celebrate in is always part of the plan.
🎨 True-to-Life, Vibrant Editing. Colorful, timeless images that still feel like the place and the moment you experienced.
❤️ Introvert-Friendly Experience. A calm, low-pressure approach so you never feel awkward or rushed in front of the camera.
🤍 Gentle Direction When You Need It. Never stiff posing—just enough guidance so you can relax and be yourselves.
Why Do couples trust me?
Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but that's why I'm here.
"We cherish the photos you took and constantly get compliments on them!"
"After our wedding was canceled in 2020, we struggled to find an elopement photographer whose style felt right — until we found Peter. His photos were vibrant, full of life, and exactly what we were looking for. He was kind, professional, and even hiked with us in Lake Tahoe to make it happen. We constantly get compliments and will cherish these memories forever."
Cynthia & Scott
Lake Tahoe Elopement
"Peter made the whole experience feel effortless — and the photos turned out absolutely stunning."
"Peter made everything feel easy and natural — from timeline planning to shooting. The photos were even better than we imagined, with the soft, romantic vibe we’d hoped for. His wife joined too and brought such a warm, fun energy. We recommend Peter to everyone we know."
Leslie & Vince
Oahu, Hawaii Elopement
Start Planning your elopement
Whether your dream day includes mountain sunrises, quiet forests, desert sunsets, lantern photos beneath the stars, or simply slowing down together, I’d be honored to help you create something that’s unapologetically yours.
I Can’t Wait To Meet You Two.
Joshua Tree | Yosemite | Redwoods | Eastern Sierra | Big Sur | Laguna Beach | Malibu | Glamis Sand Dunes | Arizona | Catalina | Hawaii | Alaska | Bali
As a california elopement photographer, I help adventurous couples live out their dream WEDDING day in beautiful places across the state and beyond.
Let's go Elope!
Joshua Tree | Yosemite | Redwoods | Eastern Sierra | Big Sur | Laguna Beach | Malibu | Glamis Sand Dunes | Arizona | Catalina | Hawaii | Alaska | Bali