Here you'll find actual elopements to inspire your own and resources to help you through the planning process.
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Actual Elopements
About Venturing Vows
This elopement is a perfect example of an experience based day featuring the most epic places on the Oregon Coast.
They started the day by getting ready together (an amazing way to break tradition, by the way). We had a good laugh about some of the decor choices of the vacation rental. Our next stop was Redwood National Park. This is a perfect early afternoon stop since the forest gets dark early. Next was the infamous Secret Beach in Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. They wrapped up the day with a sunset picnic overlooking the beach.
Getting ready together is a trend I’d love to see grow. How sweet are these photos?? Many couples experience some anxiety early in the day and it’s usually because they have to stay hidden from their partner. These two didn’t experience the nerves because they spent the entire day together. Some couples opt for a solution in the middle: getting ready together until the outfits. Once it comes time for outfits, they’ll go in separate spaces so they can do the first look with the entire look.
Redwood National Park is one of the most awe inspiring forests to visit. When paired with the Oregon Coast, it gives you a massive diversity of photos. If you chose to exchange vows in the park, all ceremonies (even very simple ones) require a special use permit. You can learn more about these permits at the National Park Service website.
It’s also very important to know that live and dried florals are NOT allowed in the Redwoods to protect the forest from invasive species.
This iconic beach is perfect for elopement photos. Make sure to check the tides before visiting! This small beach is unsafe at high tide and some middle tides. I recommend visiting during off hours/seasons as it can get very busy.
When you’re planning your elopement, make sure you’re not planning a giant photo session. For my couples, we make sure to include hiking, picnics, vow exchanges, letters from family, and any other meaningful events for the couple. This day should so fun and special, not just a day where you took a bunch of pictures. These two spent this part of the day exchanging vows, having a picnic, and having their first dance on a foggy cliff.
All of my elopement packages come with one roll of 35mm film. While 95% of galleries are in digital, that roll of film adds something special to the gallery. Here’s some of my favorites from these two’s day.
Dreaming of eloping on the Oregon Coast? Check out these other resources!