Having a Carmel mission wedding means not only do you get amazing portraits in their incredible gardens and mission, but it also means you and your guests becomes a part of Carmel and California history. The Mission Carmel is a quintessential Monterey Bay historical site. As such, it’s super special to get married there and Ellen and Nish took full advantage.

I got to return to the gorgeous West house in Carmel to photograph Ellen getting ready. I was thrilled to find a small portrait of the Mission at the house to use in her details. What a treat! From there it was into the dress and off to the Mission for their First Look!

They met in front of the Basilica to finally get to hug, chat and have a bit of a photo op in the main courtyard. It all required a bit of coordination given there were a few weddings happening that day, but Ellen and Nish were both so flexible and chill it ended up being way less chaotic than I had planned on. Their kick-ass wedding party met us up after that and got to hang out with them before guests started arriving before the ceremony.

Iconic as always, the biggest tip I can give for the Mission is to leave plenty of time for photos around the property because it is just so damn beautiful! Ellen and Nish humored me with a tour around the grounds, getting some jaw dropping portraits before heading to MPCC to party it up at their Reception!

Check out Ellen’s Sister’s wedding at the Carmel Mission Ranch!

Interested in getting married at the Carmel Mission Basilica? Check it out!