Promise Ridge Wedding Photos | Stroudsburg, PA (2026)

An Intimate Micro Wedding at Promise Ridge in Pennsylvania

Katrina and Michael got married at Promise Ridge, and it was one of those days that reminds me exactly why I love photographing small weddings so much.

Promise Ridge is one of my favorite places to shoot. It’s intimate by design, and it’s not a venue meant for big guest lists or large productions. It is a micro wedding venue with a very small maximum guest count, and because of that, everything about the day feels SO much more intentional. You are not surrounded by a ton of people you barely know – you are surrounded by the people who actually matter most to you.

I am usually not on site for very long when I have a wedding at Promise Ridge. These days tend to be shorter, but they are incredibly full. The emotion is real, the reactions are honest – when you can only invite around 20-30 people, you are choosing the closest people in your life. That selectiveness changes the energy of the entire day.

What I love most about these weddings is how connected everything feels. Guests are paying attention, they are emotionally invested, and you catch quiet expressions, soft reactions, and moments that would get lost in a larger crowd. As a photographer, those nuanced emotions are what I am always hoping for.

Why Micro Weddings Give Us So Much to Capture

This kind of wedding experience hits close to home for me because I eloped myself. My wife and I eloped in Iceland with just our parents. Six people total, including the two of us, and I can safely say I would not change a thing.

That day felt calm and grounded. There was nothing pulling us away from the moment. No distractions. No pressure to perform. We were actually present, and that presence is something I see over and over again at Promise Ridge.

That’s what makes photographing weddings like Katrina and Michael’s so rewarding. I can fully focus on what matters. The couple, their people, the connection between them – That’s the stuff that makes photography so enjoyable to pursue as a passion!

Promise Ridge: A Venue Unlike Any Other

Promise Ridge itself feels magical in so many ways. I think one of the best things about it is that it doesn’t try to be anything it is not. The setting is beautiful, natural, and peaceful, and it doesn’t need anything added to it. It feels personal, almost like being invited into someone’s home, because in many ways, you actually are.

A huge part of what makes Promise Ridge so special is Alisa Tongg. She is an incredible celebrant, and it is always a joy to work alongside her. She brings so much warmth and heart into every ceremony – seriously, her energy alone changes the room.

What she offers goes far beyond standard vows or traditional ceremony structure. She genuinely gets to know the couples she works with and asks questions, listens, and weaves their stories into the ceremony in a way that feels natural and honest. It never feels scripted or generic.

That authenticity makes all the difference, both for the couple and for everyone getting to partake in the ceremony! As a photographer, it gives me space to capture moments that feel deeply human rather than forced, awkward, or staged.

Katrina and Michael’s Day

Katrina and Michael were very clearly in love. You could see it in how they looked at each other, how relaxed they were, and how present they stayed throughout the day. They were excited to celebrate with their friends and family, and it felt like everyone there was truly part of something meaningful.

Their wedding was not about spectacle. It was about connection. About sharing something real with the people closest to them. Promise Ridge was the perfect setting for that.

Days like this are a reminder that weddings do not have to be big to be powerful. Sometimes the smallest celebrations hold the most meaning, and there’s nothing compromised by choosing this way to do it.

3 Tips for Your Promise Ridge Wedding

Trust the Living Forest Lighting

The ceremony space at Promise Ridge (the Living Forest) is famous for its view, but the lighting can be tricky as the sun moves behind the trees. Because it’s an open-air overlook, I always suggest letting the ceremony timing be guided by Alisa’s expertise. The way the light filters through the canopy creates a dappled, forest-floor glow that is incredible for “just married” portraits right on the deck.

Lean into the Dinner Party Vibes

Since this is a micro-wedding venue, don’t feel pressured to follow a traditional “big wedding” timeline. One of the best parts of Promise Ridge is the transition to the Pavilion for dinner. It feels more like an intimate dinner party with your favorite people. My tip? Keep your “formal” photos brief so you can actually sit, eat, and talk with your guests. Those candid moments at the table are often the most meaningful photos from the day anyway!

Prepare for the Poconos Mountain Air

Promise Ridge is high up, and the weather in Stroudsburg can change faster than in the valley. Even on a warm day, it can get breezy at the overlook. I always tell my couples to have a “just in case” plan – whether that’s a stylish wrap for the evening or just being mentally ready to embrace a little mountain mist. Some of the most atmospheric, “cinematic” photos I’ve taken here happened when the clouds rolled in over the ridge.

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Promise Ridge Wedding Vendors:

This day would have never come together the way it did for these two if it weren’t for the awesome team behind all the details! Here is a list of the vendors who took part of the day, and a link to their website if you want to go check them out!

Venue: Promise Ridge
HMU: Makeup By Roxy
Florals: NE Flower Boutique
Planner: Alisa Tongg
Officiant: Alisa Tongg
Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander Signature
Stationery: zazzle
Groom’s Attire: Jos A Bank
Caterer: Chef Kara’s Kitchen

Looking for more Lehigh Valley Wedding Venues?

Promise Ridge is truly in a league of its own when it comes to intimate, scenic views, which made it a top priority for my master list of the Lehigh Valley region’s best spaces. I’ve spent years documenting weddings across the local landscape and compiled everything I’ve learned into one massive resource. To see where this spot falls on my list and to explore 45+ other locations, check out my Ultimate 2026 Guide to Lehigh Valley Wedding Venues.