Jenn and Craig ditched tradition from the moment they began wedding planning. Craig’s military career took him to Las Vegas, while Jenn still resides in New Jersey. They have their long distance relationship down pat, and they have a strong bond rooted in friendship and trust. Both of them knew a big wedding wasn’t for them, so together they planned their self uniting Airbnb microwedding! It’s super unique and so perfectly them.
After searching online, Jenn found the cutest Airbnb and kindly asked the owner about performing their ceremony on the grounds. Thankfully she was all for it! They booked the space for them and their families to stay at, and they were able to get ready there too.
After they were ready, they did a fun little first look before inviting their families to the front yard for their Airbnb microwedding. My favorite part of their microwedding is the fact they chose a self uniting ceremony. If you’re unfamiliar with it, you can actually marry yourselves in Pennsylvania!
Self-uniting ceremonies, also known as “Quaker-style” or “self-officiating” weddings, are a distinct and cherished tradition within the state. Rooted in Quaker beliefs of simplicity and equality, these unique ceremonies allow couples to marry without the need for a clergy member or an officiant. Instead, the couple takes on the role of officiating their own marriage, exchanging their vows directly with each other in the presence of their loved ones. This deeply personal and intimate practice reflects the essence of the couple’s commitment and empowers them to shape the ceremony according to their values and beliefs. With Pennsylvania being the only state in the United States that legally recognizes self-uniting marriages, it holds a special place for those who wish to celebrate their love in a way that is authentic and meaningful.
This is my first time photographing this kind of ceremony and I’m obsessed! It really makes their ceremony and their vows that much more special.
After they signed their license, we took to the grounds to do some fun couples portraits! The grounds of this Airbnb in Downingtown, PA are to DIE for! So manicured and feels like a secret garden you could get lost in. We took full advantage of the gardens and had a blast taking their potraits. How stunning are they??
Of course we had to give both Jenn and Craig a moment! They look incredible, I’m obsessed with their wedding day fits!
After their ceremony, Jenn and Craig actually had a reception! They kept their ceremony initmate with their families, but knew they had to have a celebration with all their loved ones still! It took the stress of a full wedding away and let them just enjoy the party. We had a fabulous time at Mendenhall Inn and it was truly a party!! I’m so thankful I got to be apart of such a unique day for an awesome couple!
Luna & Lark Photography is a New Jersey based wedding photographer for quirky, best friends in love who love their pets, a good drink, and all things artsy. She captures joyful moments with unposed prompts with a moody, true-to-life flair. Rebecca Renner Photography also offers destination and elopement photography for those ready to ditch traditional wedding plans. Sound like a plan? Let’s do this! Get in touch here! She photographs a limited number of New Jersey weddings per year. Want to see more weddings by Rebecca? Check out the galleries + past blog posts!
If you LOVED this Airbnb microwedding, be sure to follow along on all my wedding adventures on Instagram!
As a wedding and elopement photographer based in New Jersey, I specialize in capturing enchanting moments that tell the unique love stories of my clients. I am dedicated to providing LGBTQIA+ friendly services and take pride in embracing and celebrating the diversity of all couples.