AN OREGON COAST ELOPEMENT | Savanah & Chas

From private vows beneath ancient redwoods to an intimate woodland ceremony and a breathtaking sunset along the Southern Oregon coast.

There are few places where you can spend the afternoon surrounded by ancient redwoods and end your wedding day watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It's one of my favorite things about photographing elopements in Northern California, and Savanah and Chas took full advantage of it.

Their day included three beautiful locations, each with an entirely different atmosphere. We started beneath towering redwoods, met their family for an intimate ceremony in the forest, and finished the evening at one of the most incredible beaches along the Southern Oregon coast.

It was such a beautiful combination of everything I love about photographing elopements here.

Private Vows in Jedediah Smith Redwoods

Our first stop was Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, where Savanah and Chas had planned to share their first look and private vows.

The light that afternoon was absolutely beautiful. Sunlight streamed through the towering trees, illuminating the forest floor and creating those dreamy pockets of light I am always hoping to find.

We chose a quiet spot surrounded by massive redwoods for their first look. They shared their private vows together before we spent some time exploring the forest for portraits.

I love when couples choose to have a few moments entirely to themselves before their ceremony. There's something so special about having that quiet time together, especially in a setting as remarkable as the redwoods.

And of course, with the light looking as beautiful as it did, I couldn't resist taking full advantage of it!

An Intimate Ceremony at Florence Keller Regional Park

Our next stop was Florence Keller Regional Park, where their family was waiting for the ceremony.

Although we were still in the redwoods, the setting felt completely different. This little park is filled with lush greenery, beautiful trees, and a small stream winding through the forest.

Savanah and Chas stood on one side of the stream while their family gathered on the other. Paul March officiated their ceremony, and it was such a lovely, intimate way to bring everyone together.

One of my favorite moments happened when the sunlight suddenly broke through the trees and illuminated the two of them during their ceremony. The surrounding forest remained in shadow while they stood in this beautiful pocket of golden light.

It was one of those moments I couldn't have planned any better.

After the ceremony, we took family portraits before heading off for the final destination of the evening.

A Sunset Adventure at Secret Beach

From the redwoods, we made our way north into Southern Oregon toward Secret Beach, located along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

I absolutely love this stretch of coastline. The dramatic rock formations, secluded beaches, and incredible views make it one of the most beautiful places for wedding portraits.

Getting down to Secret Beach required a hike of about 20 minutes, but it was worth every step.

The scenery was incredible.

Massive rock formations rose out of the ocean, and the last of the evening sunlight gave everything the most beautiful atmosphere. We spent the remaining daylight exploring the beach and creating portraits among the rocks and along the shoreline.

I especially love photographing couples in places like this because the landscape becomes such a beautiful part of the story. The scale of the cliffs, the movement of the ocean, and the changing evening light all add something so romantic to the images.

By the time we finished, the sun had disappeared, and we made the hike back in the dark.

There was something especially fun about ending their wedding day with a little adventure. A beautiful sunset, a secluded beach, and a hike back through the woods after dark. It felt like a fitting way to finish such a memorable day.

The Beauty of an Adventurous Redwood Elopement

One of the things I love most about photographing elopements is the freedom to make the day entirely your own.

For Savanah and Chas, that meant sharing private vows in the redwoods, celebrating with family in a quiet forest setting, and then heading to the coast for sunset.

Each location offered something completely different, and together they created such a beautiful collection of memories.

Northern California is an incredible place for couples who love the outdoors. Whether you're drawn to the towering redwoods, the rugged coastline, or a combination of both, there are so many extraordinary places to explore.

And I especially love when couples are excited to make a little adventure out of their wedding day.

Savanah and Chas, thank you for trusting me to document such a beautiful day. From the incredible forest light to that final sunset at Secret Beach, it was an absolute joy to photograph.

Dreaming of your own redwood elopement?

I'd love to hear what you're envisioning! Whether it's an intimate ceremony beneath the redwoods, a romantic evening along the coast, or an adventure that includes a little of everything, I'd love to help you bring it to life.

Explore Elopement Photography with Bethany Joy Photography

Oregon Elopement Vendors

Photography & Videography: Bethany Joy Photography

Ceremony Venue: Florence Keller Regional Park

Reception Venue: Private Airbnb in Brookings, Oregon

Officiant: Weddings in the Wild — Paul

Wedding Dress: Alena Leena — Santolina Gown

Bridal Shoes: Oasis Society — The Laney

Florals: Freckled Fleurs

Floral Rentals: Our Flower House by Avigail's Events

Portrait Locations: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

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Timeline- 4 hours

2:30 PM Arrive at Jedediah Smith Redwoods, details and setup

2:40 PM First look

2:45 PM Private vows

2:50–3:25 PM Romantic couple portraits in the redwoods

3:25 PM Depart for Florence Keller Regional Park

3:35 PM Ceremony preparations

3:45 PM Wedding ceremony with family, officiated by Paul from Weddings in the Wild

4:05 PM Family photographs

4:15 PM Depart for the Oregon coast

5:00 PM Natural Bridges overlook portraits

5:25 PM Depart Natural Bridges

5:30 PM Begin hike down to Secret Beach

5:50–6:00 PM Arrive at Secret Beach and begin sunset portraits

6:00–6:45 PM Beach portraits and final footage, with flexibility for blue hour

6:30 PM Photography coverage ends