Old St. Hilary’s Church Wedding + private yacht reception

Wide shot of Old St. Hilary’s Landmark Church exterior — white chapel, golden windows, and that iconic cross against the bright sky.

The hilltop white chapel that stole every heart in Tiburon, CA.

If you’ve ever dreamt of saying “I do” inside a little white chapel perched above sweeping Bay views — meet Old St. Hilary’s Landmark Church in Tiburon, CA.

It’s the kind of place that looks like it was plucked straight out of a storybook — and then dropped onto a hillside overlooking the sparkling water, with the kind of light that makes photographers (hi, it’s me, Charlotte 👋) do a little happy dance.

Getting Ready Moments: Soft Light & Sweet Anticipation

Inside the cozy prep spaces, Emily slipped into her elegant gown as her mom helped with the final buttons — all bathed in buttery morning light filtering through whitewashed walls. Meanwhile, Mike shared laughs while getting ready nearby, cufflinks glinting and bow tie perfectly askew (for the moment).

Bride smiling while her mom helps button her dress inside Old St. Hilary’s Church getting-ready room, bathed in soft morning light.

Emily’s morning glow — that mix of nerves, laughter, and love.

Groom laughing as his friend helps him with cufflinks inside a cozy Tiburon room before their Old St. Hilary’s wedding ceremony.

Mike’s pre-ceremony moment — bow tie and all the good vibes.

These quiet, sentimental snippets of the day are where storytelling begins — the gentle rhythm before the big “wow” moments.

Old St. Hilary’s Church Ceremony: Where History Meets Heart

Stepping inside Old St. Hilary’s Church, you’re instantly wrapped in warmth — the honey-toned wood panels, arched doorways, and that iconic cross behind the altar. Emily & Mike’s ceremony was intimate, filled with laughter and tear-sparkling vows.

Bride and groom share a kiss framed by the open church doors at Old St. Hilary’s Church, overlooking the Bay and Tiburon hills.

As sunlight streamed through the windows, they shared their first kiss as newlyweds — a golden glow spilling through the doors behind them. Honestly? It was cinematic perfection.

Couple’s first kiss at the altar inside Old St. Hilary’s Church in Tiburon, surrounded by warm wood tones and lush floral decor.

Their ceremony was captured in both digital and 35mm film photographs, bringing that nostalgic, timeless texture that film lovers know and adore. Each frame — from the delicate lace of Emily’s dress to the crisp white of the chapel — felt like a page from an heirloom album.

Portraits with a View (and a Dip!)

Outside, the views of Richardson Bay and the rolling Tiburon hills painted the perfect backdrop for couple portraits. Emily & Mike laughed their way through every prompt — joyful, real, and oh-so-them.

There’s something about that gentle afternoon light against the white chapel that makes this spot unforgettable for couples wanting both classic and adventurous.

From Church Bells to Yacht Horns: A Twist on Tradition

After their heartfelt ceremony, Emily & Mike traded pews for open decks — hopping aboard a private yacht for their reception celebration.

From chapel bells to yacht horns — Emily & Mike traded pews for the Golden Gate Bridge view, celebrating love, laughter, and adventure with their closest people.

And honestly? It couldn’t have been more them.

Emily (a flight attendant) and Mike (a pilot) wanted to celebrate their love in a way that reflected their adventurous spirits — surrounded by loved ones, cruising across the Bay, wind in their hair and champagne in hand.

Their story is the perfect reminder that your wedding day doesn’t have to follow the rulebook — it just has to feel like you.

Your Story Deserves to Be Told Like This

If you’re planning your Old St. Hilary’s Church wedding or dreaming up an elopement with a unique twist — I’m all in for couples who want to co-create an experience, not just a gallery of pretty photos.