Family time and “just the two of us” time is a perfect balance for some eloping couples

Eloping doesn’t mean you need to exclude your family.

My absolute favorite part of elopements is that you can build the perfect day that suits you and your relationship.

Jordan & Katelyn are the sweetest couple, and they are Oregon locals. I knew right away we’d get along when they told me their favorite thing to do was to hike the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. I also love that trail, but am not quite close enough to do it whenever I feel like it… because I feel like it a lot.

They were friends for a long time before they started their romantic relationship. As I understand it, Katelyn helped Jordan pick out his kitty, Kolsch (an excellent cat name), but it turns out she was picking her own cat.

The two of them are people who value the simple things. They care deeply about each other and their families. They are not huge on being the center of attention, which is why they decided to have a smaller event.

One big consideration during this process was a family member who was not in good health. We wanted to make sure that they could make it to the ceremony location, which is not an easy feat on the Oregon Coast.

The Oregon Coast is well suited to more adventurous elopements, but it is not impossible to find a spot that is more accessible.

Gathering with family

Jordan and Katelyn rented a beautiful seaside cottage south of Yachats, my favorite town on the Oregon Coast. There is nothing trendy or polished about it– it is funky and artsy and unique. You can tell that the people and leadership of the town care deeply about their environment and strive to keep it safe and cared for.

Jordan & Katelyn got ready separately, putting together details that matched their personalities. Things like Katelyn’s bridal sweater and Jordan’s socks are great examples of this.

Down by the creek, they shared a First Look that was tender and emotional.

One of the most difficult things about the day was that their family member had taken a turn for the worse and was not going to be able to make it. They set aside time in the morning to facetime with them, and when I asked if they wanted me to give them space, Jordan said that he wanted the whole day documented, even the hard parts.

Embracing the grief that comes with love is one of the most difficult aspects of being human. Our emotions are tangled and messy, and it can feel like a punishment sometimes. But feeling deeply is one of the greatest gifts that evolution has given to humanity. It allows for profound connections to each other and to the planet. And sometimes it hurts, but that is why it’s important. It binds us to the responsibility of care. People shy away from their grief and so forget how to care. Grief is evidence of love. It is the longing to place your love for someone with them, even though they are gone.

Well, I didn’t think I’d get philosophical writing this blog, but it is a topic that I think about almost everyday… and Jordan and Katelyn’s elopement was such a beautiful reminder of the exquisite messiness of life.

I mean that in the highest praise I can possibly offer.

Private Vows in the Forest

And the emotional roller coaster continues, as Jordan and Katelyn decided to share their vows privately with each other.

We spent the better part of a couple hours hiking through the forest at Cummins Creek. Deviating from the main fire road, we went down a small trail that led to the bottom of the hill.

Climbing over fallen trees and navigating a small swampy zone full of skunk cabbage, we found an idyllic ferny patch of forest.

When I photograph private vows, I try my very best not to listen too closely. They’re meant to be just the two of you… but the pieces I overheard of Katelyn & Jordan’s vows were so sweet and so funny. I love when the vows make people throw their heads in laughter.

Micro Wedding on the Beach

After exploring the forest, we headed to Neptune Beach, just a few minutes down the road. A short trail leads to a very cool beach with a maze of rocks that create some wind break on the more blustery days.

Jordan and Katelyn had a very informal ceremony. Instead of mucking about with walking down aisles or anything, the whole group walked down to the beach together, and they all just huddled up so everyone could hear. Several different family members spoke before the officiant declared them married.

The next stop was Haceta Beach. One of my favorites in Oregon. They wanted a spot to set up a celebratory picnic, but Jordan also wanted trees… he loves to slackline.

After cutting the cake, we spent some time exploring the coastline and checking out the tidepools.

This bridge is so beautiful, and one of my favorite things about Haceta Head. For the folks who are willing, there is a short, lovely hike up to the lighthouse.

In an attempt to make it up to the top of Cape Perpetua for sunset, we decided to forego the lighthouse. And, as can be expected on the Oregon Coast, when we reached the top of the hill, we stepped out of the car and into a cloud.

Cape Perpetua is a very cool spot on the Oregon Coast. You can drive right up to the top, through big, old growth sitka spruce trees, then take a short walk out to a stone structure. The views? Panoramic. The weather? Often foggy. That’s just the way of the Oregon Coast.

We could see that we were at the very bottom of the cloud. Looking down, we saw the intricate rocky coastline near Thor’s Well, but looking out, we could not see the horizon in the slightest.

Nonetheless, Katelyn and Jordan enjoyed a cup of champagne together at the vista point.

Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer

Eloping on the Oregon Coast definitely comes with its challenges– whether it be the weather, tides, or choosing where exactly to go… luckily, there are people who can help 😉

After moving to Oregon 6 years ago, the Oregon Coast was the first place I really explored. And I’d love to help you plan the perfect elopement on the Oregon Coast, or anywhere in Oregon, or the greater Pacific Northwest, really. (See me at Mount Baker Wilderness below 🙂 )

My background as an ecologist and outdoor guide gives me a unique angle to curating elopement experiences. I have always loved connecting people with the outdoors and I am honored to get to do this for couples on their Best Day Ever.

Please peruse the blog here for elopement inspiration and tips. And get in touch here when you’re ready to start planning the perfect adventure elopement.