Springtime on the Oregon Coast is stunning - big open beaches and an incredible variety in the landscape. McKenzie and Gabe’s intimate Oregon elopement allowed them to take their time and experience the most beautiful parts of the coast together. With just their parents to witness their sweet ceremony, they included gorgeous details that elevated their magical Oregon elopement.

The couple walks along Cannon Beach at sunset after their Oregon elopement

An Oregon Elopement on the Coast

The Oregon Coast is an amazing place for a couple to elope, especially if they embrace the flexibility and opportunities for adventure. Along the coast, you can find mountains and beaches with rugged paths and hidden coves. The landscape lends itself well to the intimacy of an elopement because you can feel like you’re completely alone with the one you love.

Exterior and interior of A-frame cabin where couple prepares for their Oregon elopement

A bride writers her vows for her Oregon elopement

An Oregon elopement is ideal for a couple like McKenzie and Gabe. They had started planning a big traditional wedding. Then they realized it just wasn’t for them. Instead, they planned an intimate elopement with their parents as their only guests. Like all my favorite clients, they just wanted to marry the person they love dearly on a day that felt just right.

The groom's parents tie his tie for his Oregon elopement

The first look overlooking the beach for an Oregon elopement

Elopements give couples so much flexibility. McKenze and Gabe trusted me so much in guiding the planning for their Oregon elopement. They are very go-with-the-flow humans. It was great! They let me take the lead on locations, the timeline, and even suggesting other vendors. They felt very taken care of, which is so important to me.

The couple climbs a hill in the forest en route to their Oregon elopement

The couple embraces on a cliff at their Oregon elopment

I was able to help them plan a day with plenty of time for romantic, timeless portraits. As an Oregon elopement photographer, I loved that we were able to adjust McKenzie and Gabe’s timeline so that we could get the best light at each location. We even made it to a different beach for sunset.

The bride and groom walk through a meadow

The bride listens to the groom's vows at their Oregon elopement

These portraits are so special because they reflect how in love McKenzie and Gabe are with each other. Their love is palpable in every portrait. McKenzie and Gabe will be able to look back on these pictures in 20 years and remember exactly how they felt. It was so much fun because we didn’t feel the pressure of a tight schedule!

The couple explores Cannon beach in their wedding clothes

The couple holds hands in front of a waterfall

Beautiful Wedding Details

Since an Oregon elopement doesn’t require a big guest list, couples often are able to focus on details that really matter to them. Just because you don’t have a crowd, doesn’t mean you should skip the beautiful details at your elopement! McKenzie and Gabe included unique details tailored to their love story. The thoughtful details made the day - and the photos - even dreamier.

Details for the Oregon elopement including rings

A wintery bouquet for an Oregon elopement

McKenzie and Gabe didn’t hold back on romantic details. Starting with the house they got ready in, they included special touches everywhere. Loving quotes decorated paper hearts. Crystals and flowers brought nature inside and brightened up every room. It was so special to have a space that felt like them from the very start of the day.

The bride's parents walk her to the ceremony location for the Oregon elopement

The couple's parents watch the Oregon elopement

The wedding ceremony by the cliffside at Cannon beach

The couple holds hands during the Oregon elopement

Because McKenzie and Gabe had their Oregon elopement in March, they incorporated some dark colors and cozy details. The average temperature at that time of year is just under 60 degrees. McKenzie wore a beautiful fur stole over her wedding dress for their evening ceremony. The soft fur contrasted so nicely with the texture of her lace sleeves. It was an elegant and unexpected way to tie some nature into her wedding clothes.

The bride and groom walk away from the cliffside

Another way McKenzie and Gabe went all in on details were the flowers. McKenzie’s bouquet had burgundy, gold, and blush roses. Red ferns and greenery added movement to the lush flowers. Even the darker-hued flowers brought warmth and life to the arrangement. A long pink ribbon tied it all together and swayed romantically in the coastal breezes.

The couple watches the ocean after the Oregon elopement

The couple explores the rocks at Cannon Beach

A Family-Focused Elopement

McKenzie and Gabe paid so much attention to detail as a way of expressing how much they care about each other and their families. Their parents were their only guests. Gabe’s mom even officiated the wedding as the others held hands and witnessed the ceremony. It was an honor to witness such close family connections. Having an Oregon elopement really kept the focus on McKenzie and Gabe and their parents, the people most involved in supporting them in their relationship.