Ahhh, weddings. There are so many ways to do them, and the best part? You get to make the rules. Some couples throw the biggest party of their lives, while others keep it small, quiet, and super intentional. Whether you’re all about the dance floor or something slower and more intimate, your Bodega Bay wedding can be whatever you want it to be. No matter what, it’s going to be beautiful!

Alexa and Robert dreamed up the most peaceful, waterfront celebration with just their closest people. It seriously was straight out of a Pinterest board. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you’re in for a treat—this blog is full of inspo and helpful tips for planning your own Bodega Bay wedding day.

Why Choose a Bodega Bay Wedding?:

If you live in Northern California (or have traveled there), you know how gorgeous the natural scenery is. Alexa and Robert knew they wanted to get married at Bodega Bay because of those backdrops. I mean, just look at the pictures I captured and you’ll see exactly why!

However, there are WAY more pros to getting married in Bodega Bay. You’ll also find:
– Gorgeous weather year-round
– Diverse options for venues and Bay Area Wedding Locations
– A wide variety of experienced wedding vendors

Honestly, there are really no cons to planning a Bay Area wedding in my personal opinion.

Bodega Bay Wedding Locations:

Since Alexa and Robert were planning a small and intimate wedding, they found a stunning private estate on Airbnb that was SO them. I seriously want every Bay Area wedding to be here now. It’s an absolutely gorgeous coastal estate complete with a ceremony space overlooking the water that’s so beautiful I couldn’t even create it in my wildest dreams.

This Airbnb had everything they wanted – a cozy space to get ready, the perfect sized space for their closest family and friends to watch (and celebrate!) them getting married, and the Bay Area coastal views that you truly just can’t find anywhere else. It genuinely felt like was made for them!

Tips for Planning an Intimate Wedding:

Book vendors that match your vibe

Chances are, if you’re planning an intimate wedding, you’re dreaming of a laid-back, slower-paced day over the typical hustle and bustle of a larger wedding. And honestly, I’m right there with you. One of the biggest ways to make sure your day flows effortlessly is by choosing vendors who totally get your vibe and have experience with smaller weddings. Your venue, your planner, your hair and makeup team, your photographer (hi!!), and everyone else involved should feel like they get you and are excited to show up for your day in a meaningful way.

Shooting Alexa and Robert’s wedding was such a dream because we just clicked. And that kind of connection matters. Your photographer is with you for most of the day, so having someone you actually love being around makes a huge difference. You want someone who hypes you up, calms your nerves, and feels like a built-in friend.

Nail down the things that are really important to you

One of the best parts about having an intimate wedding? You get to slow things down and actually enjoy it. There’s less pressure, less chaos, and way more room to focus on what really matters to you. The whole vibe is just calmer. Planning feels easier, the day feels more relaxed, and you can soak up those little moments that can get lost in the shuffle of a big wedding. It’s all about quality time, meaningful experiences, and having the freedom to do things your way.

Alexa and Robert totally nailed that energy. Their day felt so intentional and laid-back in the best way. They got ready slowly and casually, had the sweetest first look, exchanged vows, and then sat down to celebrate with everyone at one table. It was emotional, heartfelt, and just felt like them through and through.

Create an intentional guest list

Being intentional with your guest list is everything when it comes to planning an intimate wedding. This day is about you two—celebrating your love and soaking in every second of the first day of forever together. Keeping things small means you’re surrounded by the people who truly know you and love you. And honestly? That energy is unmatched.

Robert and Alexa did this so beautifully. They kept it super simple—no wedding party, no extra fluff—just 18 of their favorite humans by their side. It felt personal, meaningful, and exactly how it should be.

Grace Thao | Bay Area Wedding Photographer

Still dreaming about a Bodega Bay wedding after reading all this? Honestly, same. There’s just something about Northern California that’s effortlessly romantic—and when you mix that with an intimate, intentional wedding day? Pure magic. If you’re into laid-back vibes, emotional moments, and those film-inspired frames that feel like home, you’re in the right place.

Want to see more? Peek at this Bay Area engagement photoshoot for even more inspiration. And if it feels like we’d vibe (aka you want a photographer who’ll cry at your vows and fix your hair), you can inquire right here. Let’s make it official.