Elopement | Hoyt Arboretum

Last December, I had the pleasure of photographing an Elopement that perfectly captured the essence of romance in a beautiful location in Oregon. The couple reached out to me with a vision: they wanted to exchange vows surrounded by the towering trees of Hoyt Arboretum. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like Oregon forests during the rainy season — they’re absolutely breathtaking. Prepared for the possibility of rain, we had a backup plan in place to take shelter if needed (Stevens Pavilion Picnic Shelter). 

However, luck was on our side that day, and we were blessed with clear skies and gentle breezes. Our session lasted just over two hours, allowing us to explore the stunning scenery and capture the love between the couple in every frame. 

 The location they chose, Bristlecone Trail, was a hidden gem I had never explored before. Despite the limited parking, the intimate setting was perfect for their elopement ceremony. It truly showcased the raw beauty of Oregon’s natural landscapes. But what truly stole the show was the couple’s attention to detail in their decor. Every element was thoughtfully crafted by hand, adding a personal and intimate touch to the ceremony. 

As we look back on the photos from that day with joy and gratitude, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do — being able to freeze time and immortalize the magic of love. Take a moment to scroll through the gallery below and witness the beauty of this Portland Elopement for yourself. I hope you find as much joy and inspiration in these photos as we did capturing them.