Running around the southern Oregon Coast with Ashlee and Ryan was a DREAM come true. No strict timeline, no intricate plans, no big groups to wrangle for photos. . . just a laid-back day exploring the picturesque shorelines, with a sweet couple and two of their favorite humans. This Brookings adventure elopement is a shining example of what it looks like to embrace joy, laughter, and intentional presence throughout every minute of your elopement day.
Ashlee + Ryan’s Beach Elopement in Brookings
An adventure along the southern Oregon Coast
Cannon Beach is most famous for Haystack Rock, but did you know there are incredible sea stacks all up and down the PNW coastline, too? These gorgeous formations add so much dimension and pizzazz to your elopement day photos, but I mostly recommend places with them because they are genuinely so beautiful and cool to see. It’s an experience every time, especially if you’re used to east coast beaches!! It feels like you’ve been transported to Thailand or Vietnam or Portugal, or like you’ve been dropped into some fantasy land that’s too good to be true. Except, they’re right there! Yours for the viewing all up and down the beaches of the Pacific Northwest🥰
Ashlee and Ryan had chosen the southern Oregon Coast for their elopement pretty early on—we knew from our very first phone call that it would likely be Brookings, but knew the scenery only by photos. We discussed a few different spots—Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, the dramatic cliff sides—but on the day of, they’d simply say “Where to next?” and I’d say “just follow me.” Aka my actual dream vibe for an adventure elopement! Completely go-with-the-flow, ready for an adventure, and fully trusting that I’ll guide you through the most epic day to kick off your journey as a married couple. That trust in me as your elopement photographer means everything.
If you’re falling in love with the Oregon Coast just like Ashlee and Ryan did, be sure to read through my Full Guide to Eloping on the Oregon Coast for all my top tips + recommendations!
The perfect go-with-the-flow day
A big part of Ashlee and Ryan’s decision to elope was to get away from the formal details and intricate planning of traditional weddings; to bring the focus back to each other and make it just about them. Their vision was a day that was simple and relaxed, romantic and fun—joking around and laughing together is a huge part of their relationship, so it was crucial that that be encouraged and captured throughout the day!
To prepare for Ashlee and Ryan’s elopement, I had actually scouted out the area the day before, so I knew just where I wanted to take them when the day arrived. Thanks to that time spent scouting + careful research done beforehand, I knew exactly how the lighting and tides would be during certain times of day and at that time of year, as well as how to make sure they would b e able to make the most out of their elopement day. It was super important to them that their elopement didn’t feel rushed, so I ensured the flow + timeline of the day felt easy, smooth, and stress-free! I’d say it turned out just how they wanted it to: low-stress, adventurous, and a direct representation of the two of them and their love.
A teary-eyed first look in the forest
Carside getting ready moments are some of my favorites—when you’ve arrived at your elopement location, step out of the car, and put on your final touches amidst the beauty of the natural landscapes around you. Nothing screams “adventure elopement” more than stepping into your wedding dress in the middle of the woods! After Ashlee’s best friend helped her finalize her look and Ryan’s mom put on his boutonniere, the two of them met up in the trees for what was a super sweet and emotional first look. It always gets me when a groom cries during a first look; Ashlee was adorable, telling him she didn’t think he was going to cry, and he said that he was crying before he even turned around. The cutest!
A sunny ceremony overlooking the ocean
Ashlee and Ryan’s ceremony included just the two of them, their officiant, and two guests: his mom, and her best friend, surrounded by spectacular views of the southern Oregon Coast shoreline. These two were the true MVP’s of the day, being so incredibly supportive, joyful, helpful, and sweet the entire time! It was very clear why those two people have been invited to join in the day’s festivities; they were completely focused on being present and giving Ashlee and Ryan the best time. Such a great reminder that on your elopement day, you want people there who are going to be behind you 100%; and not only did these two love Ashlee and Ryan with all their hearts, but all five of us had so much fun laughing all day long. It was a gorgeous ceremony filled with heartfelt vows and overflowing emotions, and what a magnificent view to tie it all together!
A sunset picnic at Secret Beach
Every minute of the day up until this point had already been phenomenal, but the sunset picnic on the beach was just the cherry on top of it all. It was such a sweet moment that Ashlee and Ryan set up perfectly to look so beautiful, and because it was so natural, it was easy for them to actually get to enjoy the picnic rather than sit there, trying to be photogenic. The intentional styling of the picnic was not only super cute, it also really helped elevate the whole feel of the day and brought everything together! To be honest, it was kind of the pinnacle of the day—there were beautiful vows, fun portraits, and gorgeous views, but what’s better than cake and champagne on the beach? Plus, at this point Ashlee had changed into her second outfit of the day, bridging the gap between elegant gown and fun, carefree dress, matching the laid-back vibe of the picnic and making it all feel so cute and cohesive.
Looking for ways to get creative with your elopement dinner, like these two did? Check out my guide to What to Eat at Your Elopement: 10 Creative Food & Meal Ideas!
Getting the whole shoreline practically to ourselves was such a gift, and I was so thrilled to hear from Ashlee and Ryan afterward how happy they were with the day. We had a whole convo about how their day validated that this is the way to do it, and how they couldn’t imagine anything better. So if you need a sign to have an intimate, authentic day with everything you want and nothing you don’t—this is it!
Brookings, OR wedding vendors
Florals: Freckled Fleurs | @FreckledFleurs
Makeup: Janice Moon Artistry | @Janicemoonartistry
Dessert: The Sweet Spot | @jordan.thesweetspot
Groom’s Suit: Indochino
Bridal Gown: Vivienne Couture Yesenia VC from Vivienne Atelier Dallas
Brookings Elopement Photographer
I can’t imagine that you haven’t fallen absolutely in love with the idea of planning an adventure elopement by now—Ashlee and Ryan’s dreams all came true with their special day, and that’s exactly what I want for you. Reach out now to start planning your own unforgettable elopement, whether it be on the jaw-dropping coast of Southern Oregon or in the lush forests of Washington; I’ll be right there with ya either way!
If you had fun scrolling through this stunning elopement and want to plan a magical day of your own, here are a few resources I think you’ll love:
