When Tyler & Avery inquired about my availability for a Silcox Hut intimate winter wedding at Timberline Ski Resort here in Oregon, I was so stoked! They found my blog post from another ski wedding I photographed at Mt. Bachelor and said I was the perfect photographer for their wedding. The one thing they really wanted to do on their elopement day was take a run together in their wedding clothes. A photographer that was willing to ski along with them was the highest priority on their list of must haves. Skiing with photo gear isn’t easy, but it’s so much fun!!!

A snowcat is the only way to access Silcox Hut in the winter

The morning of the wedding, it was raining pretty hard at the mountain. Spring in the PNW is finicky and it does rain at our ski resorts sometimes, but the good thing about the people here is the ability to just embrace the rain. I met Tyler & Avery at Timberline Lodge (the exterior of the lodge was used in the movie The Shining) along with a few of their friends and we all had a good laugh about the rain. Our wonderful snowcat driver helped us load all the ski gear, wedding things and my camera bags into the snowcat and we all rode up to Silcox Hut together. That was an adventure in and of itself!

Once we got up to the high elevation of the venue, the rain had let up considerably. Avery got ready in the bunkhouse space and Tyler and a few of his buddies finished setting up the ceremony space. By the time Avery was all dressed the rain stopped and we met Tyler outside for their first look in the snow in front of the rustic Silcox Hut.

A first look in front of the rustic Silcox Hut Lodge on Mt. Hood

Tyler stood outside in the snow in front of the beautiful wooden lodge as Avery peeked around the corner. She walked out to meet Tyler for their first look in front of the lodge outside in the snow. The rain had stopped and we took the opportunity for a few portraits before their guests arrived for the ceremony.

Guests start arriving in the snowcat for the ceremony

Just as we were finishing up their first look, the rest of the guests were arriving. Family and friends made their way inside so we could take some formal photos before the ceremony. Just as the ceremony was about to begin, it started snowing! Avery and Tyler’s dream of fresh snow on their wedding day was coming true. Tyler stood in front of the stone fireplace with their friend who was officiating as Avery walked down the aisle. They both said their vows and sealed the deal with a kiss in the cozy space that is the Silcox Hut at Timberline Lodge.

A send off on skis for the happy couple!

Finally it was time to send Avery & Tyler off down the mountain for their celebratory first ski! They both changed into their ski boots, donned their puffy Patagonia jackets and were greeted by their guests waiting to watch them go. Before they skied off into the sunset (well, we didn’t actually get one but that’s besides the point) they did a champagne pop followed by a shotski customized with their name.

The three of us locked into their skis and Avery & Tyler skied off. As we made our descent down, the fog rolled in and we were skiing by “braille” as I call it. We reached Timberline Lodge where our snowcat driver met Avery & Tyler to take them back up to their dinner. This is where I said goodbye, but not before a couple of photos in front of the vintage snowcat that is displayed next to the lodge.

This Silcox Hut intimate winter wedding truly was a bucket list venue for me and I’m so glad Tyler & Avery were all about the adventure of skiing on their elopement day! Prioritizing fun activities together while still giving your guests an amazing experience can feel overwhelming, but I think these two nailed it perfectly!

Venue: Silcox Hut at Timberline Lodge
Dress: Brides for a Cause-Tacoma
Her shoes: Sorel
Jackets: Patagonia
His ring: Manly Bands

If you and your love are an adventurous couple that loves winter (or any other season) and wants a wedding that doesn’t feel like a production, reach out to me and let’s dream up an epic elopement day!