Oregon Elopement Photography

Elopement photography can be going cool places to be yourself with the person you love and having a girl with a camera go along with you.

Lilee & Tieg’s Oregon Elopement

Lilee and Tieg did their engagement photos with me back in October of 2023. October 2023 me had no idea how much I would love getting to shoot their wedding, too (hint: it’s giving Oregon elopement).

L & T had a wedding WEEKEND. Day one was a traditional wedding in Washington with their family and friends. It was a beautiful day. On the second day of the wedding weekend, we (Lilee, Tieg, a couple of their friends, and I) drove 6 hours to the coast of Oregon.

They decided to plan this sort of post-wedding elopement moment. They wanted to have the experience of an elopement like this as well as the more traditional wedding experience with their family and friends. I love seeing people doing exactly what they want to do for their wedding. You can dream bigger than you thought you could. You can have it all. Your wedding gets to be a special time. These two decided to have it all on the Northwest Coast and get loads of photos together in the process.

SO, day one was the traditional wedding, day two was mostly driving, but once we reached our destination, we spent some time taking photos at Seaside Beach.

Beach Elopement Photography

Just north of Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast is Seaside Beach. Seaside is particularly special to Lilee and Tieg, which is why it was our first stop! It’s a meaningful place for them in their relationship. They wanted to take a private moment to reflect together on their wedding and relationship and to share private vows. BUT, mostly they wanted to, as they put it, “go visit the water”. So we visited the water, ran around the beach as the sun started to set, popped some champagne, and got some photos. Getting photos of you having fun at the beach and you are super in love?? Say less.

Seaside beach also has this sidewalk lit by these super cool lampposts. I loooove these lamps. We hung out there for awhile while the sun finished up its setting. L & T held hands and swung around and let me get a little creative.

Cinematic Elopement Photos

As it got darker, I was picking up on some major La La Land vibes. So, we followed those vibes for a bit. I just think that is so cool. To have accidentally La La Land inspired wedding photos? ICONIC.

From the running around the beach as the sun set to the La La Land moment, these photos felt so cinematic—as intended. It was like we got to run around making our own lil movie. My elopement photography takes on a cinematic, movie-esque, kind of editorial feel. There is something so special about taking such real people, real stories, and creating art with them. Those real stories, YOUR story—all are just as special, as important, as beautiful as a movie. You just need someone that can translate it into images. <3

We ended the night with some fun flash photos and running through the street. LOL. You truly have to trust the process even if it feels like the opposite of sane to get the photos. It’s always worth it (usually).

Seaside beach was such an amazing spot to shoot elopement photography. I wish with all my heart I get to go back someday.

Coastal Oregon Elopement Photos

Day three we drove a bit south to Elk Flats Trail which is just off the Oregon Coast Highway at Oswald West State Park. It’s kind of a side of the road park. I knew this place was a somewhat popular west coast spot for photos. What I had no idea about before we went was that it is a bit of a hike from where you can park (how was I to know, I’m literally just a girl). Lilee was such a trooper. She hiked the whole way in her heels (and this cute dress change!). If I could travel back in time, I might have suggested that we pack some hiking boots.

We hiked maybe 10-15 minutes to this STUNNING cliffside. Just wait until you see it! This where we got the shots that really scream “Oregon elopement”. The super blue water, the cliffs, the trees, it was truly a sight to take in. It’s still a little unreal to me that this all happened. This place is so beautiful, this couple is so beautiful.

It was kind of muddy, but nonetheless we had a wonderful time. We spent 1 1/2-2 hours here. Fun was had in volume. It was a carefree day. That vibe makes for some of the best photos. These two really just wanted to do cool things together and have loads of photos together to celebrate their marriage.

YOUR Elopement Photography

This is proof that elopement photography can simply be celebrating your marriage by going cool place and getting cool photos together that you love and cherish. These are sometimes once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Prioritizing YOUR experience with the person you love for your wedding day is the best, most authentic, love-filled thing you can do. For you that could be hiking to a muddy Oregon cliffside, or a small backyard wedding, or a big party with all your favorite people there, or traveling the world. What is right for you and your partner isn’t always going to make perfect sense to everyone else. That is what makes it yours.

It is my life’s goal (okay, that is dramatic. A life goal) to go back to the west coast. I would LOVE to get back to the Oregon coast. Being based in Michigan, I don’t get to see loads of mountains or cliffsides. And while we have beaches on the Great Lakes, it isn’t quite the same as those coastal ocean views. It is a complete dream for me to get to travel for wedding and elopement photography.

SO, if you are planning an Oregon elopement or are otherwise in need of elopement photography, I’ve made a list of what you need to do. Step one: talk with your partner about your desires and priorities. Step two: hire me. 😈

For real though, I do have a guide on how to elope in Michigan you might find helpful! The process varies from state to state, that post specifically talks about the process for the state of Michigan. In another state the legalities may look a little different, but if planning your elopement is a little overwhelming you should take a look (just note that if you are eloping in a different state, you will want to look into what the legalities look like for that state)!!!

For more info on elopement photography with (me) Anika B, check out the details and inquire for your date!