When Sam and Forrest reached out to me for their Chetco River elopement, they were set on having a relaxed, intimate celebration focused on connection and the beauty of their surroundings. They’d fallen in love with the Chetco River Inn on a past trip and knew it was perfect for their vision. The inn’s off-the-grid vibes made it an ideal spot for everyone to unplug and truly enjoy the weekend together. With the river setting as their ceremony backdrop and a quick trip to Harris Beach for portraits, this day felt as magical as it was laid back.

Sam & Forrest’s Chetco River Elopement Day

Sam and Forrest wanted a day that felt like them—laid-back, intimate, and centered around quality time with their closest friends. They rented out the entire Chetco River Inn for a full weekend, allowing their guests to settle in and relax. This location holds a special place in their hearts! They’d fallen in love with the area during a summer trip and knew it was the perfect spot to begin their journey together.

I worked closely with them to plan every detail, from finding vendors to scouting breathtaking locations for their beach portraits. They chose my full-day, 8-hour elopement package, which included planning support to ensure every aspect of their experience reflected their personalities and things they like to do together. With my location recommendations, we landed on Harris Beach—a beautiful, rugged stretch along the coast in Brookings, about a 35-minute drive from the Inn.

Their Cozy Celebration

Chetco River Inn is a hidden gem, off the grid, ideal for intimate getaways with loved ones. Although technically they do not allow weddings here, my couple got permission, and the Inn was accommodating. If you like this location, my advice is to reach out directly to the host to discuss your plans, and you may get permission to use it this way as well.

Sam and Forrest got ready surrounded by their friends and then had a private first look ahead of their ceremony. One of the things they said about each other is how much they laugh when they are together, and they were definitely all smiles and laughter during the first look, the portraits and the rest of the day.

I loved the way they included their friends in their day. One friend officiated, another friend played guitar during the ceremony, and one of the friends included a private chef! Chef Natalia prepared a delicious, locally sourced menu, complete with options for all dietary needs of the group (which this gluten- and dairy-free photographer totally appreciated!).

Their Stunning Harris Beach Elopement Portraits

After a cozy morning, a heartfelt riverside ceremony, and a snack while signing the marriage license, we made our way to Harris Beach in Brookings. This beach is right at the edge of town, close to the Oregon/California border and Redwood National Park. It offers those epic coastal views without a long drive.

This was the perfect fit for Sam and Harris, who wanted to go to a second location for photos but also wanted to have as much time together with their friends as possible. Harris Beach did not disappoint with its sweeping ocean views, rugged coastline, and dramatic PNW coastal vibes.

Why Choose a Full-Day Elopement in PNW?

Sam and Forrest’s Chetco River elopement day is a perfect example of why I love full-day elopements! It’s amazing to have the entire day documented, from getting ready in the morning to all the celebrations, giving you a chance to relive every special moment. And for those considering an elopement, it allows for both a relaxed pace and enough time to soak in multiple locations, as we did with both the riverside and the beach. (Check out this guide to read more about timelines & how your elopement deserves more than a few hours too).

And if you’re looking for a PNW elopement photographer who’s ready to help you plan every detail, scout amazing locations, and capture the day from start to finish, let’s chat! Be sure to check out my elopement packages and reach out via my inquiry form here!

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Vendors:

Location: The Chetco River Inn

Dress | Daalarna

Dress shop | Wild Bride 

Suit | Hall Madden

Bride’s hairpiece | Lizeron

Florals | Avigail’s Events

Catering | Chef Natalia Boyce

Hair | Volume by Victoria