THRILLED to share this story! Elopements are our thing. We offer a complete guide to eloping. From finding an Airbnb in Alexandria, getting your marriage license, hiring the perfect officiant, to delivering your intimate and beautiful photos.
As an Alexandria elopement photographer, who else would be perfect wedding vendor to plan out your elopement.
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Key takeaways:
- Photos of what it looks like to get married in an Airbnb
- Photos of newlywed portraits walking in the streets of Alexandria
- Family photos in Carlyle Historic Park
- Couples hired me to plan out where to get married in winter in Alexandria
- Hired an officiant to get married inside the Airbnb
Why should you get married in Alexandria?
Alexandria is one of the best places to elope in Virginia. It’s got a really good vibe, a hallmark, small town feel, perfect for couples who want something intimate. The cobblestone streets and historic rowhouses make it feel like you’ve stepped into another era—without leaving modern comforts behind.
What really sets Alexandria apart? It’s all about options. Want to exchange vows in a cozy Airbnb? Done. Prefer a small outdoor ceremony in a scenic park? No problem. And the city’s small-town feel with big-city convenience makes it super easy to navigate, especially for couples traveling in.
Planning the Airbnb Elopement
When this couple came to me, they wanted a vibe that was low-key but still felt personal and special. We started with finding the perfect Airbnb. The goal was something that felt warm, inviting, and could double as both a ceremony spot and a space for getting-ready photos.
Once we had the Airbnb locked in, we brought in an officiant who absolutely killed it. They kept the ceremony short and sweet, with just enough personal touches to make it feel like it was theirs. It was intimate, emotional (but not too extra), and exactly what they wanted.
Starting the couples photos first
We walked around the area to get an idea of the midday lighting. This is a good time to do some candids of the couples around Alexandria
Getting around Alexandria
We used their brother's car, he drove us around Alexandria. Parking was readily available. Everything was walking distance but considering that it was 50-ish degrees outside and wearing heels, it wasn't gonna happen.
Couples walking around Alexandria
Our driver dropped us off in front of the Wilkes Tunnel
Getting Eloped in Alexandria
- The couple really wanted to get married downtown. So they asked me where we can do it.
- I offered them an easy to follow itinerary. I arrive at their home, get photos of them around Alexandria
- get married in their Airbnb
- and finally family portraits.
All took about 2 hours to complete.
Using an Airbnb
Getting married in at a rental company gives you the flexibility to talk to the owner faster than your traditional wedding venues.
You can also see which properties are available on which dates you wish to elope.
The downside is that there aren't a lot of rental companies that offer this. I'd recommend using VRBO to find which owners offers events in their homes.
Bride's Bouqet
Dad walking her down the aisle.
Dad giving bride away
bride giving her bouquet to her dad
Bride, Matt the officiant, and Groom, everyone sitting down in the sunroom
They both read their vows in front of everyone
They both said "I, do!"
Captured bride's sister's reaction
Captured bride's sister's kids reaction
Couples first kiss(kind of!)
There was confetti everywhere
After the ceremony, we rounded everyone up for a family portrait in Carlyle Historic Park
Hi! my name is Glenn, owner and lead photographer of Pink Penguin Studios. We travel between North Carolina and the DMV.
If this is the vibe you're going for, feel free to contact us!
