Oregon Elopement in the Rain

This rainy Oregon elopement was so badass! These two and their sweet pup didn’t blink when the weather changed for the worst. Instead, they embraced the stereotypically soaking wet Pacific Northwest weather and took to the beach at Ecola State Park for their wedding portraits.

↓ Keep reading to see more images of this Oregon elopement in the rain! ↓

Elopements are such a fun time to get creative - The vendors at this rainy elopement were incredible!

How cute is Riley in her floral collar and red sweater?! And check out that crown!!

Stem & Stone made the crown, bouquet, and Riley’s gorgeous flowers for this elopement. I have to give them serious props because everything held up so well, even as the skies were dumping on us! And Charlotte’s hair and makeup stood the test of time even as my camera lenses were getting water droplets from the rain literally falling sideways - thanks go to Eliza Buchanan for her artistry!

This was one of those elopements where expectations did not overshadow reality. What I mean by that is - few things went exactly according to plan, but no one was disappointed! I was able to play around with the incredibly soaked and wet environment we were in and create some truly haunting moody photographs to send along with this gallery. The “imperfect” nature of images captured through my lens (that I simply couldn’t keep dry for more than a couple shutter presses) are honestly some of my favorites. Looking back at the photos from this Oregon coast elopement, I can feel again how it felt to be on that beach.

Photos that truly capture how an elopement felt are always my goal. Sometimes, those images aren’t “perfect,” but the emotion they evoke is real and nostalgic. Of course, with every elopement and wedding we will find a way to get gorgeous portraits and photos you’ll want to hang on your wall. But sometimes it’s nice to creatively capture images that would be more suited to grace the cover of your novel. Both types of images are beautiful, and I’m grateful for couples like Charlotte & Brad who let me play! Keep reading to learn more about this rainy elopement and my reasons why you should consider an Oregon elopement in the fall -

Oregon Elopement at Ecola State Park Beach

Autumn in Oregon can be fickle - this day was supposed to be sunny!

As most plans tend to go, this elopement had a few surprises. In fact, there were quite a few moments where we had to go with the flow, but I think it was worth it! I give so many props to couples able to be flexible on there wedding days and thankfully elopements give a LOT of room to flexible. Charlotte & Brad (& their dog Riley) were the most stoked soaked people I think I’ve ever photographed! Their energy and excitement to be married and simply hanging out together dressed to the nines was contagious. I was wearing head to tow rain gear and I think I’d have been complaining of the damp if it weren’t for their infectious positive attitudes!

When we arrived at Ecola State Park in the afternoon, the clouds were looking angry. As we got ready in the parking lot and prepared to head down to the coast, the darkness overhead was teasing us - it only “rained” in the typical sense for a few moments, but the mist was so think you could feel it! Just standing outside the general dampness would begin pooling on you and droplets of rain were running off my nose within moments. It was very strange. The weather never got so bad I couldn’t physically shoot, but it was a pervasive dampness worse than any I’ve felt outside probably the Hoh Rainforest. I’ve apologized to my gear a dozen times since this shoot, but I don’t think they’ve forgiven me yet. I actually had to send one of my camera bodies in for service after this day.

The best and worst part was the wind! You’ll notice that many of the photos have a kind of “blur” to them. That effect was actually being created by the water droplets forming on my lens and then being pushed around by these intense gusts of wind that would come out of nowhere and blow a shit ton of sand at us. I know I’m not making this elopement sound very appealing - but it’s the kind of Type 2 fun these badass lovers thrived on!

Charlotte & Brad are true Portlanders. They’ve lived in Oregon for years and they love getting out in nature, even when nature isn’t on her best behavior. They’ve used to the damp, the rain, and the wind. So, just because they got the whole buffet of difficult Oregon weather, that wasn’t a reason to postpone this elopement shoot. In fact, especially now that a bit of time has passed and their toes are warm, they’re more grateful than ever to have images depicting this adventurous day!

The Oregon Coast is the Best Place to Elope in the Pacific Northwest

Bold statement - I know! But hear me out:

The Oregon coast is a varied and interesting landscape. You can choose from grassy coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, thick mossy forests, overlooks above rock towers and spires, waterfalls, and the list goes on! Most elopements I photograph aren’t too far removed from civilization, because a brewery or coffee house sounds exactly like the sort of comfort you’ll want to turn to before or after an adventure elopement! Maybe you’re staying at a rental and you’re in a new city for your wedding weekend, or maybe you’re eloping locally. The only thing the Oregon coast is missing is massive mountain ranges and unless that’s specifically what you’re looking for, I think this special coastline has some location perfectly suited to your dream celebration.

Want to see another Oregon elopement? Check out this adventure wedding on the coast!

The number of cute and historical coastal towns in Oregon is almost as endless as the number of mindblowingly beautiful trails accessed off the 101. From Astoria to Canon Beach, Pacific City or Brookings, your choice in vibes truly embodying the natural diversity of the Pacific Northwest is not limiting, but you might have a hard time choosing which is your favorite!

Ecola State Park beach is one of my favorites because of the dramatic deep black rock, long stretch of sandy beach, and thick forests accessible above the beach. An elopement here can be extremely private, as there are many times of year and days when the beach is nearly empty. But it can also embody so many elements of what makes the Pacific Northwest such a perfect elopement destination!

Many people will travel to Oregon in the summer, flood the beaches, and wonder why their photos don’t have the foggy overcast vibe they often see in #pnw. Like the images you’re seeing here, some of the best times to elope on the Oregon coast aren’t summer! Personally, I prefer autumn. Most of the tourists have left, the weather is still sometimes warm, but the morning fogs have begun rolling back in and the overcast skies gives a photogenic even light. If you’re considering an Oregon coast elopement - reach out - we’ll discuss best times, go over location lists to find your perfect spot, and plan your dream wedding celebration!

Links & Vendors

Flowers & Crown by Stem & Stone

HMUA by Buchanan Beauty

Ready to plan your own Oregon coast elopement?