A Queer Photographer’s Take on Elopements in Austin & San Antonio

In 2025, I photographed 15 queer elopements in Austin and San Antonio free of charge.

No contracts.

No expectations.

Just love, trust, and a camera.

At the time, I didn’t realize how much those days would change me.

Why I Picked Up the Camera, No Strings Attached

A lot of couples told me the same thing, quietly: “We don’t know how long we can wait.”

There was excitement, of course, but there was also real fear. Fear about rights being questioned. Fear about love being politicized. Fear about waiting too long and losing the chance to choose each other freely.

These elopements weren’t rushed because the love was uncertain. They were rushed because the love was that sure.

Where These Love Stories Unfolded

Some of the most meaningful elopements happened in simple, powerful places:

The Bexar County Courthouse
The Travis County Courthouse on Guadalupe Street
Quiet walks downtown
Lunch or dinner afterward at a favorite nearby restaurant

No grand venues.

No performative traditions.

Just couples choosing each other, intentionally.

Here’s What the Elopements Taught Me

It turns out, this job isn’t really about photos. People were looking for safety, a sense of being celebrated, and the feeling of being seen without having to explain themselves.

At its core, photography is about showing up for people exactly as they are. Once you realize that, everything changes.

Seeing Yourself Changes Everything

So many couples say the same thing, “We just wanted to see people like us online.”

Representation isn’t optional. Seeing queer love reflected back — joyfully, beautifully, unapologetically — can be the difference between feeling welcome or feeling invisible.

If even one couple finds my work and thinks, “I see myself here,” then I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing.

Love, Joy, Fear — All Holding Hands

These elopements held everything at once:

Deep happiness
Real fear
Quiet resistance
Loud, unapologetic love

And honestly? That’s what made them sacred.

Why This Isn’t Just Work to Me

I’m a queer photographer. This isn’t a niche — it’s my community.

Photographing these elopements put everything into perspective in a way I didn’t expect. It reminded me why I ever picked up a camera in the first place and why this work matters so deeply to me.

This isn’t about trends, algorithms, or chasing whatever’s popular online. It’s about showing queer love honestly, joyfully, and without apology. It’s about telling stories that deserve to be heard and making sure they’re seen. And it’s an honor to be a part of it.