Vintage-Inspired Oregon Coast Elopement | Emilie + Brandon’s Intimate Day by the Sea
Emilie + Brandon
Some elopement days are beautiful. Some are emotional. And then there are the ones that feel like a perfectly curated love story from start to finish — intentional, meaningful, and completely true to the couple. Emilie and Brandon’s Oregon Coast elopement was exactly that.
From the very beginning, they knew they wanted a day that felt slow, nostalgic, and deeply personal. No strict timeline. No traditions that didn’t resonate. Just experiences that felt authentic to who they are together. From the vintage-inspired details to the quiet moments woven throughout the day, everything about their elopement felt thoughtful and intentional.
And the Oregon Coast showed up in the most perfect way.
A Quiet Coastal Ceremony All to Themselves
Emilie and Brandon chose a lesser-known spot along the Oregon Coast for their ceremony — one of those hidden stretches of coastline that feels untouched and rarely visited. When we arrived, it was clear they’d found something special. The cliffs stretched endlessly along the horizon, the beach below was empty, and for the entire time we were there, they had the place completely to themselves.
The weather was exactly what they had hoped for. Mid-50s temperatures, soft overcast skies, and a gentle fog that drifted in and out throughout the day. No rain. No harsh sun. No heat. Just calm, moody coastal conditions that made everything feel cinematic and timeless.
Standing together near the cliffs, with the sound of waves crashing below, Emilie and Brandon exchanged the most heartfelt vows. The kind of vows that make everyone present emotional — raw, sincere, and full of meaning. It wasn’t long or elaborate, but it didn’t need to be. Every word landed. Every moment mattered.
A Vintage Picnic Celebration
After their ceremony, instead of rushing to the next location, Emilie and Brandon slowed everything down. They set up a small picnic along the coast and transitioned into celebrating in a way that felt relaxed and intimate.
Their vintage-inspired cake was the perfect touch — nostalgic, charming, and perfectly aligned with their vision for the day. They cut their cake together, shared laughs, and took in the moment without any pressure or expectations. It felt less like a “wedding event” and more like a quiet celebration of choosing each other.
These unhurried moments are often what make elopements so special. There’s space to breathe. Space to feel. Space to actually be present with one another.
Exploring the Cliffs and Beaches
Once they finished their picnic, we spent some time exploring the cliffs and nearby beach, capturing portraits that felt effortless and genuine. Emilie and Brandon wandered hand in hand, letting the fog roll around them as the ocean moved below. Nothing was forced. Nothing felt posed. It was just them, exactly as they are.
One of the best parts about eloping on the Oregon Coast is how much variety you can experience in a short amount of time. After their ceremony location, we headed to a few nearby beaches for additional portraits. Each spot offered something different — new textures, new cliffs, new perspectives — while keeping the day calm and unrushed.
Ice Cream in Brookings + Matching Tattoos
As the day moved toward evening, Emilie and Brandon headed into Brookings for one of the sweetest parts of their elopement day. They stopped at a small, local ice cream shop and shared a few quiet moments together, enjoying dessert and soaking in that post-ceremony glow.
It was simple, joyful, and completely them.
And because their elopement was all about meaningful experiences, they ended the night by getting matching tattoos. A permanent reminder of a day that already felt timeless — a symbol of their commitment and the way they chose to begin their marriage.
It was the perfect ending to a day built on intention, connection, and love.
Tips for Eloping on the Oregon Coast
Emilie and Brandon’s elopement is such a beautiful example of how meaningful a coastal elopement can be when you plan with intention. If you’re dreaming of your own Oregon Coast elopement, here are a few tips inspired by their day:
1. Choose lesser-known locations.
The Oregon Coast is full of hidden gems if you’re willing to explore beyond the popular viewpoints. Quieter spots often mean more privacy and a more relaxed experience.
2. Embrace overcast weather.
Foggy, cool days create the most romantic atmosphere and offer incredibly soft, flattering light. Cloudy skies are a gift on the coast.
3. Build your day around experiences.
Whether it’s a picnic, exploring nearby beaches, grabbing ice cream, or getting tattoos, experiences turn your elopement into a full story — not just a ceremony.
4. Plan for layers.
Even in warmer months, coastal weather can be cool and breezy. Bring layers that match your style and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
5. Slow down.
You don’t need to pack your day with locations or activities. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when you allow yourselves time to simply be together.
There’s something grounding about the Oregon Coast. The cliffs feel ancient. The fog moves in without warning. The ocean stretches endlessly, reminding you to slow down and take it all in.
For Emilie and Brandon, it was the perfect backdrop for a day rooted in nostalgia and intention. Their elopement wasn’t about doing more — it was about feeling more. Being present. Letting the day unfold naturally.
And that’s the beauty of eloping here. You don’t need perfection. You just need presence.
“1000000000/5 stars. Sally made something that we were stressed out about easy and organized. We loved having locations to choose from with everything laid out. We got our sneak peak pictures back next day and our jaws were on the floor. She was so kind and had great communication. Highly recommend.”
Vendors
Photography | Sally G Photography
Super 8 Video | Sally G Photography
Florals | Freckled Fleurs
Cake | Delish
Dress | OFFICESEVENshop
Her Shoes | Raboesy
Suit | SuitShop
Ice Cream Shop | Slugs ‘N Stones ‘N Ice Cream Cones
Tattoos | Wild Hare Barber + Tattoos
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
