Jessica + Matt - Brookings Elopement
Anyone who hops on a call with me knowss that the Southern Coast and the town of Brookings in partiular are one of my favorite places in the whole state of Oregon to photograph elopements. The views are incredible and vibes are unmatched! This area of the state has redwoods, it has epic cliffs and tons of prime beaches- and there are lots of oceanside vacation rentals to choose from! It’s literally the perfect place for an elopement or intimate wedding, and it really shines best in the summer (but let’s be honest all seasons here are special!).
Jessica and Matt road tripped out to Oregon all the way from Ohio, visiting all the major national parks on their way, ending on the Oregon Coast! When we first spoke she told me how she and Matt had actually begun planning a wedding at home and as she began to put things together she and Matt started to realize that having a big wedding wasn’t the path they truly wanted to take.
Her family encourages her to listen to her gut and elope instead! I love a supportive family! (Jessica’s sister eloped too!). Jessica and Matt realized that having a smaller destination event with their family would be much more “them” – and they found me! She had seen my work on the Oregon coast, we had our first call, and then we started planning an incredible day that prioritized an easy going timeline, visits to both the redwoods and the coast, and a picnic and quality time with their families. Here’s how it happened:
First Look in the Redwoods
Stout Grove is just over a half hour’s drive from Brookings, Oregon and always worth the trip!
This section of the state park is very accessible to tall gorgeous redwood forests, and with many trails to choose from! Stout Grove in particular offers a gentle, easy walking loop through some of the largest redwoods in the region. The views are unbeatable, and it’s easy to get epic photos all while staying on the trail. Although vows aren’t exchanged here, it’s the perfect place for a “first look” – i.e. seeing your partner in their wedding clothes for the very first time! Since Jess and Matt roadtripped out to Oregon, Jess had to keep her dress hidden for over 2000 miles!!
Ceremony with Epic Cliff Views
This accessible and scenic ceremony spot is just a few minutes from Brookings.
The couple told me that they wanted it all- all of the best views this area of the state has to offer. To me that means redwoods, cliffs, and of course sunset on the coast! I knew this cliff spot would be one they would love. It’s fairly accessible for family members, safe for dogs (on leash!), and is centrally located within the Samuel H Boardman scenic corridor in Brookings.
After their vows, we spent some time getting some adorable portraits with the Dog of Honor before heading to the picnic!
Elopement Reception and Picnic on the Beach
Rogue Picnics set up an incredible custom picnic for Jess and Matt and their family members.
All of our jaws hit the floor when we arrived at our final location for the family picnic (and sunset photos later on). Kelly at Rogue Picnics absolutely delivered on a beautiful picnic set up- we were all fawning over their excellent work. Rogue Picnics regularly serves the Brookings area and provides a complete set up and break down of their picnics- a service which is so nice on your wedding day so that you don’t have to worry about it! The photos really speak for themselves!
Having a picnic, whether styled or DIY, is such a nice focal point of the day. Picnicking on the beach is a perfect way to celebrate after your wedding ceremony because it gives you an extraordinary (and free!!) venue (the amazing Oregon coast) for your reception, and it sets aside true quality time to spend with your guests. I highly recommend thinking about including this in your day!
Champagne Pop!
Celebrating with a champagne pop is one of my favorite photos moments for intimate weddings! It's a great way to get fun photos and involve your guests in cheering and hollering as you pop a bottle together!
Sunset Couple’s Photos at Golden Hour
The Oregon coast is at its most magical for summer sunsets.
Witnesses a summer sunset on the Oregon coast is one of the best and most magical experiences you may ever have. It’s 100% where some of my favorite golden hour couple’s portraits come from. There is just no substitute for the views and the light. It’s true that it can be hard to wait until 8 or 9 pm to include them in your day, but I have NEVER had anyone regret including golden hour in their elopement day plan. I think you can see why!
Golden hour sunsets on the coast fit in beautifully with a 6 pm dinner or reception time, or you can even wait until the light turns gold to say your private vows to each other. Either way, make sure you think seriously about getting in on this magic!!
Like other Oregon beaches and parks, you don’t need a permit just to exchange vows in and around the beaches in Brookings. If you are having events with more than 50 guests, you can a wedding permit directly from the park.
Blue Hour
This time of day- right after sunset and before it's totally dark is perfect for ending the day with moody lantern and campfire photos.
