Plan your perfect summer wedding at The Griffin House in Hood River, Oregon. With breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, this venue offers an intimate and unforgettable setting for your special day. As an experienced Oregon wedding photographer, Iβll guide you through how to make the most of this stunning location for your dream wedding.
Experience the magic of a sunrise engagement session in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. With breathtaking views, soft morning light, and serene locations like the Bridge of the Gods, it's the perfect setting for adventurous couples. Capture your love story with an experienced Oregon wedding photographer in this iconic natural wonder.
Plan your dream wedding at Loloma Lodge, a stunning venue in Central Oregon that blends nature's charm with modern trends. With its riverside setting and forested beauty, Loloma Lodge offers the perfect backdrop for a trendy, romantic celebration. Discover why this hidden gem is ideal for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding day.
Planning a proposal or elopement on the Oregon Coast? Cannon Beach offers breathtaking views, iconic landmarks like Haystack Rock, and a serene setting perfect for romantic moments. As an experienced Oregon wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing this unforgettable sunset proposal. Discover how you can explore Cannon Beach, from hikes at Ecola State Park to beachfront dining, and create your own magical experience on the Oregon Coast. If youβre searching for a Portland wedding photographer to document your love story, letβs connect!
you wonβt want to miss seeing ALL the moments from this three day wedding event β it is one of the most memorable experiences that Iβve had the honor of witnessing. Not only did each day have the most extravagant and stunning set up by the amazing Mae&Co, but the weekend was filled with intentional moments that will be memories savored for a lifetime β from the rehearsal dinner amongst the forest, to the dreamiest of wedding days, to hiking into the mountains and exploring an epic waterfall, each day was incredible in its own way.
Scroll through to see each unique day and get inspiration for your own intimate weekend experience! Iβve written a bit more at the bottom and included the vendors that made this weekend magic. Reach out about creating your own extended experience to celebrate!
ps. donβt miss each of the AMAZING uniquely designed and styled meal set ups β
DAY 1 // A rehearsal dinner with wine tasting at golden hour and playing games with the forest views. The joy and laughter was shared as loved ones from far away gathered and reconnected. A chic 70s bohemian dinner space was set for the evening of dining and dancing!
DAY 2 // The wedding day. The magic of this day is hard to describe, the warmth and the calm of the day was unmatched! The stories from this day are endless β from the first look amongst the tall forest trees, to saying their vows under a flower canopy, to an incredibly unique modern dinner setting, to speeches that brought me to tears, and of course dancing into the night!
DAY 3 // A farewell brunch, with yet again another gorgeous table design and set up! After a final goodbye to friends and family, we set out to explore a stunning Oregon waterfall. A day after adventure is a great way to have a bit of quiet time after busy celebrations, and get some time in an epic location.
Itβs hard to sum up how meaningful this weekend was, it reminded me how important setting a space and creating experiences are β to slow down in a celebration that most of the time moves so quickly, and create space to really BE with the people you love and experience the joy of the moment to its fullest. I cannot recommend a weekend wedding enough. Whether its a full venue space you use, or even just renting a big airbnb for a few days β invite your family and closest friends and take the time to truly revel in all the time together! You wonβt regret it. It was an honor to join along in these days, and leave feeling like close friends is a gift I wonβt ever take for granted.
DESIGN & PLANNING& STYLING // Mae&Co Creative
VENUE // Loloma Lodge, Oregon
FLORALS // Color Theory Design Co.
RENTALS // The Party Place, Lily & Cane, RPS Events, Nuage Designs
PHOTO // Corrie Mahr Photo
VIDEO // Films by Stanton
PAPER GOODS & SIGNAGE // Wildhouse Ink
BAR // Public Provisions & The Swig Rig
CATERING & FOOD // Tournant & White Pepper PDX & Sβmores 1927
DJ // Prestige Sounds / NW
HAIR & MAKEUP // @makemeupcyn
REHEARSAL DINNER DRESS // Christian Siriano
CEREMONY DRESS // Zuhair Murad
RECEPTION DRESS // Galia Lahav
RECEPTION JACKET // Fabrics Tattoo
GROOM OUTFIT // Bespoke & Co.
THESE TWO. Joy joy joy.
Do you ever meet people and feel like youβve been friends forever? Yep, that was Brenna and Delaney for me. 100%. They are pure joy and full of kindness, oh and also HILARIOUS. We all laughedβ¦ so. much. Iβm grateful for people who meet me and trust me to see their true selves. Itβs an honor to share in a piece of your stories.
Enjoy all the golden goodness that we got to experience on the Columbia River Gorge!
PS. Starting this blog with a little black and white series of images that, I feel like, gives the perfect glimpse into our whole evening together!
xx
I hit it off with these two right from the start β their souls were so inviting and so open to the stories theyβve carried together; so when their woodsy wedding day arrived, documenting it all as each moment unfolded was effortless and magical.
I still feel the warmth and emotion through each and every photo, a joyous summer day with so much intention and love poured out into each and every minute!
You can also scroll to the bottom to check out all the vendors.
The Florals // Color Theory
The Venue // Loloma Lodge
The Dress // Emmy Mae Bridal
The Suit // Indochino
The DJ // Higher Ground Entertainment
Baked Goods // sweet life patisserie
Catering // Taco Pedaler PDX
When I Krysta and Anthony told me that their wedding was going to be on family property, one where childhood memories were made and the land felt like home, I could feel the the love beaming from them! Truly though, there is something special about wedding days being in a meaningful place, one that holds so many stories already.
Their special day was elegant, modern, and overall just felt like floating through a DREAM. The kindness, joy, laughter, and tears that were shared on this day are unmatched. Iβve never laughed SO hard with a group of people and felt so easily invited in and loved on!
I hope this day makes you feel something, as it does for me, and sparks some excitement for something you might even be planning for yourself!
Scroll to the bottom to meet the vendors who shared in putting together this wedding day!
Venue // Family Ranch
Florals // Kimberly Gavett Fullers Flowers
Dress // Allure Bridals
Suit // Indochino
Bakery // Upper Crust Bakery
Caterer // Bacio Kitchen
If youβre dreaming and planning your elopement or tiny wedding in Joshua Tree National Park, then Iβm SO glad youβre here!! Iβve put together some of the important βneed to knowsβ on getting married in this magical desert location! Youβve probably seen a MILLION pictures on the βgram of the quirky Joshua Trees, the stacking boulder sculptures, and the golden and pink sunsets! Itβs a popular location for a reason β itβs STUNNING and truly one of a kind! So, how do you elope there? I got you. Letβs dive in!
Picking your date is important to think about when choosing Joshua Tree β we want to try and pick the best time to avoid crowds, crazy weather, and try and choose the best time of day! Letβs start with Time of Year: summer in Josiah tree can be wildly hot, so it might be best to avoid those months. The nicest times of year in the park are typically March-May and September-November, however, everyone else is also eyeing those dates. So, if you want to pick a date in there, I recommend choosing a weekend to do your best at avoiding crowds. Another tip: make sure not to pick a holiday week and check what schoolsβ spring / fall breaks are and avoid those too! Certain ceremony locations will also be unavailable during peak season. Iβve spent time in Joshua Tree National Park in February and have always had nice weather with warm days, so if youβre open to an βoff-seasonβ date, you might want to consider that as an option. Now, for Time of Day: I am always drawn to a sunrise or sunset, not only is this stunning lighting in the park, but it tends to be a bit emptier from park goers. However, your timeline can be creatively and uniquely designed to piece together all the moments you want to have!
This is the βnot so funβ part, but equally important. We donβt want your ceremony to get interrupted by a park ranger, so letβs get you a permit! To hold an elopement or wedding ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park, you must acquire a Special Use Permit β this costs $120 and allows for 25 guests or less. A larger wedding has a few more restrictions on locations and has an additional $200 fee.
Two other park related fees β
Photography / Videography Permit: Costs $120 and you can apply HERE
Park Entrance Fee: You can either pay the $30 per vehicle fee for 7 days, for $80 for an annual National Park pass. Each is valid for one car.
Since Joshua Tree is a National Park, there are a handful of selected locations that a ceremony can be held (and this will be connected with the permit you apply for). These spots are slightly different, so you may want to look up some detailed images of each one, but they are full of panoramic views, desert rock formations, and wide open Joshua Tree cacti fields:
CAP ROCK: Under a mile trail // super cool rock formations
HIDDEN VALLEY PICNIC AREA: 1 mile trail // lots of rocks, beautiful at sunset
SPLIT ROCK: 2 mile trail // a little bit higher views
PORCUPINE WASH: 8 mile trail // a bit further out, wildflowers
TURKEY FLATS: 2 mile trail // more wide open desert
LIVE OAK: 1.5 trail loop // more greenery and desert plants
INDIAN COVE AMPHITHEATER: For larger gatherings β 26-100 people
You can also check the NPS for more updated locations and info HERE.
IF you want to do a wedding ceremony elsewhere and then just go into the park for photos, here are a few other ideas (some of these are also locations you can stay) β
// Your Airbnb β make it a weekend with your people // Tumbleweed Sanctuary // Desert Sage House // Sacred Sands House // Rimrock Ranch // Joshua Tree Spanish Estate // Villa Kuro // Mid Century Modern Ranch // White Cactus House //
I highly recommend making a whole trip out of this special event β bring your family and friends or just yourselves and enjoy a weekend or more in the beauty of Joshua Tree! There are plenty of locations to camp within and around the National Park, but I recommend getting a house through Airbnb or something similar β this way youβll have a βhubβ to get ready in before your elopement, host a dinner or small reception in afterwards, and just have a place that you can celebrate for a day or two! Here are a few favorites you can check out:
// The Joshua Tree House - my personal fave // Mojave Desert Cabin // Joshua Tree Tiny House // Desert Air Casita // Nature Loverβs House // Little Jo Cabin // Desert Wild + pool & hot tub // High Desert Paradise //
These book up fast! So, I recommend reaching out to them and getting your date on the calendar sooner than later!
Starting the search for the dream team to make the magic of your day in the desert come to life? I know Joshua Tree tends to be a destination for weddings, so you may not know where to begin in looking for vendors. Well, I am MORE than happy to help you connect with creatives who can help with each aspect of your elopement. Scroll down and message me below and we can chat through ALL those details! π Whether youβre looking for a florist, caterer, planner & stylist, hair & makeup artist, or rentals - I gotchu.
Here are just a few other things to consider when prepping for your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park β
Marriage license: Be sure to either set up an appointment in CA locally or plan on having a βlegal ceremonyβ near you before traveling. This also determines IF you want an officiant or not.
Wedding attire: Wear what feels most YOU for your special day β just remember that there will be lots of walking around (and may climbing on rocks). Bring something like a jacket or shawl incase it gets a bit windy or chilly (especially at sunrise and sunset).
Visit the park before: I highly recommend spending a bit of time exploring the park the day before your elopement or wedding, this way you get to see it in a more relaxed state and also get a feeling for where you might want certain photos or backdrops to be.
Bring water and snacks: Itβs a desert, so stay hydrated and keep you energy full with water and snacks! There isnβt much once you get in the park, so be sure to bring what you need!
No cell service: Prepare to have little to NO cell signal, aka download maps and know where youβre going and who youβre meeting up with where/when beforehand.
This is an important point, something we should all care about to take care of beautiful locations like Joshua Tree National Park. Letβs make sure that our celebrations are respectful to the land and keep it around for years and years to come and to enjoy. So, a few things to remember directly from the NPS website:
Items that ARE Permitted For a Wedding:
// Arch, must be free-standing // Small table for guest book // Cooler with water (it gets hot) // Live flowers // Battery-powered candles // Runner // Rug // Cake // Champagne //
Items NOT Permitted For a Wedding:
// Drones // Dried flowers // Non-battery powered candles // Bubbles // Any live animals, including doves, butterflies, etc // Confetti // Rice // Birdseed // Balloons // Smoke Bombs //
WHY I LOVE ELOPEMENTS & TINY WEDDINGS
TIPS FOR PLANNING A MICRO WEDDING DAY
JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES β
Hi, Iβm Corrie! Iβm a traveling wedding and elopement photographer, and Iβve spent a good amount of time exploring Joshua Tree National Park! So, Iβm glad youβre here and canβt wait to hear about YOUR special day ideas and help guide you through all the info of eloping in this beautiful location!
A peak at what youβll get β
- Customizable hours based on what you need (Iβve never been a believer in one size fits all), I even have whole weekend package options
- A guide full of tips and ideas to help you through each step of the process
- Unlimited time in planning, dreaming, discussing your ideas together β Iβm here for you through the WHOLE journey!
- A gallery full of high resolution hand edited photos (with printing and sharing rights)
TIP: If you want a dreamy, memorable wedding day thatβs intimate, find an Airbnb on the coast (or wherever else makes you happy) and invite your closest people to come celebrate. Spend the weekend exploring, drinking wine with the views, and making meals together. There is something SO special about these kinds of days.
Ellie and Scotty created an experience for their small wedding day, full of precious moments β they walked down to the coastline for their vows, where there were both tears and laughter (from the sweet words AND the waves sweeping up around their feet). The celebration moved up to the wrap around deck where they all made a homemade feast together and mixed cocktails. After dinner, we sprinted (literally) beside the waves to catch the golden sunset!
These are just a FEW of the images that make of the story of their special day! I hope these two can be an inspiration for your intimate day!
FLORIST // Corvus Landing Farm
DRESS // BHLDN
SUIT // John Varvatos Suit
VENUE // Airbnb
San Luis Obispo didnβt disappoint β especially when we rolled up on the beach for this gorgeous sunset! These two rolled up with the coolest van, the sweetest dogs, and surfboards strapped in for some fun photos in the waves!
If youβre looking for a day to play in the sun, HIT ME UP β there are so many incredible places to go and explore in San Luis Obispo β so letβs go adventure in SLO together! ;)
So excited to share these fun photos with you, hope you enjoy and can feel the warmth and smell the ocean!
MAKE A DAY IN SAN LUIS OBISPO β a few of the bests:
COFFEE // Scout Coffee
DRINKS // SLO cider bar & Central Coast Brewing
FOOD // Bliss Cafe (delicious vegan food)
BEACH // Pismo State Beach - Grover Beach
CHECK OUT // Things to do around Pismo Beach
We met just before dusk to make this golden magic come true! After winding down some dirt roads, we walked out into otherworldly windmill field up against the desert mountains. I love finding the beauty in obscure places!
So, if youβre in the Palm Springs area, the windmills are a MUST see! And, here area few other gems to make the road trip complete β
I. COFFEE STOP // Ernest Coffee
II. SMOOTHIE BOWL // Fresh Juice Bar
III. BRUNCH // Farm & Cheekyβs
IV. GRAB A DRINK // The High Bar & Truss & Twine
V. COOL OFF // check out these ideas for some pool hopping!
Enjoy all these sweet moments, and then letβs plan your own adventure!! Scroll to the bottom to check out all the amazing people involved in creating this magic!
ALL THE CREATIVES INVOLVED β
DRESS // The Kindred Soul
MUA // Breezo
EARRINGS // Meesha Farzaneh
WHAT. A. DREAMY. MORNING.
I was so grateful to finally get a chance to hang out with these two lovely humans β out time together was long overdue! After having to cancel their wedding due to COVID, we still wanted to get together and do a fun, cozy shoot! When Hana texted me pics of this beautiful home she found, I think I sent her more heart eye emojis than I can count! It was such a gorgeous house on the clifftops over looking the Columbia River Gorge! The whole house was basically a dream β a mix of boho modern decor, so many fun rugs, big windows, stunning natural light, and overall just the most perfect aesthetic.
ALSOβ¦ we found out itβs a WEDDING VENUE. What?!?! Check it out if youβre on the search for a cool Oregon wedding venue with indoor & outdoor options!
We had such a great morning together! We also probably spent the first 30 mins just running around the house exploring and gushing over all the fun rooms and spaces! Then, we had a blast getting creative (and eating cinnamon roles too, duh). Grateful for these two and the way they immediately felt like close friends!
Oh man β this story will go down in the books for adventurous and SPONTANEOUS elopements! These two lovely humans slid into my DMs around 11pm on a Friday night, asking βHey what are you up to Sunday at sunrise?!β A few messages back and forth later, and they had tickets from MISSOURI to OREGON for the next day!! They sent me a selfie of them on the plane, IN THEIR WEDDING CLOTHES (can you say, hello free upgrades) and they were heading my way!
Even though they had a bigger wedding planned for the following weekend, they wanted to elope β their hearts needed this kind of space, to breathe and to recenter on what they were choosing together.
We met on a very chilly morning, just before the sun came over the mountains. It was calm and clear. It was so evident that their hearts were bursting for each other, and the joy on their faces from this decision was beaming! Elopements are so incredibly special, itβs a unique kind of space, and the sacredness is almost tangible in the air. Iβm always grateful and in awe of the people who make the brave (and sometimes spontaneous) choice to speak their promises in this kind of way.
Some love stories are best told with a little wind in your hair, stars overhead, and red canyon cliffs rising around you. This is one of those stories.
Over the summer, I took a trip to Lake Powell with a few of our closest friends. We rented a houseboat, packed our bags, and set out on a five-day adventure into the still, golden waters and quiet canyon arms of Bullfrog Bay.
No signal. No deadlines. Just slow mornings in swimsuits, cliffside kayaking, dancing on the deck, and nights under the stars.
And let me just say this β Lake Powell is magical. Itβs not just a backdrop. Itβs the kind of place where you slow down, breathe deeper, and connect more fully β with nature, with the people around you, and with your own story.
Whether youβre dreaming of a playful, off-the-grid engagement shoot or a tiny elopement surrounded by nature, Lake Powell is a location that offers something unforgettable.
Whether you're planning a destination elopement or looking for a unique setting for your engagement session, hereβs why Lake Powell should be on your radar:
Dramatic Scenery: Towering red rock canyons, crystal-clear water, and endless skies. Itβs like being on another planetβin the best way.
Total Privacy: Rent a houseboat and sail into quiet solitude. Itβs just you, your people, and the wide open water.
Multi-Day Adventure: Make it more than just a photoshoot. Turn it into a shared experience with built-in connection and intention.
Hereβs what to know if you're dreaming up a session (or wedding) like this:
1. Lake Powell Houseboat Rentals:
This is the most seamless way to fully immerse in the Lake Powell experience. You can stay out on the water for daysβanchoring in quiet coves, waking up to mirror-like reflections, and staying cool with mid-day swims. Check out: Bullfrog Marina Houseboat Rentals
2. The Best Photo Moments Happen at Sunrise & Sunset:
Golden hour here is next level. Light reflects off the canyon walls and the lake glows. Whether you're exchanging vows or popping champagne during your session, timing it with sunrise or sunset is worth it.
3. Choose Your Adventure Vibe:
Whether you want to go full-glam in the middle of the desert or barefoot boho, your Lake Powell story can be styled your way. Bring a mix of relaxed and elevated outfits if you want variety.
4. Let It Be Playful and Intentional:
Pack your favorite games, music playlists, books, or meaningful tokens. We spent late nights on the deck stargazing and belly laughingβthose little moments of play and connection are what come through in the photos.
Lots of sunscreen (youβll need it)
Wide-brim hat (iconic and practical)
Swimsuits (bonus points for fun patterns or textures)
Hydration galore β bring water jugs and electrolytes
Plenty of ice & coolers (it gets HOT)
Snacks, meals, and treats to make the trip fun
A bluetooth speaker and star map
Bug spray and light blankets
A journal or notebook to slow down and reflect
π© Reach out to start planning your Lake Powell elopement or engagement shoot β
I was over the moon excited to get a chance to hang out with these two before their wedding next year!! We each road tripped to meet on the Oregon dunes for an evening of exploring the sandy coastline!
Having not spent much time on the Southern coast of Oregon, it was so fun to experience the new scenery and landscapes. Iβm always blown away by all the different types of terrain the Oregon Coast offers β itβs truly incredible!
We spent the evening running around and soaking up the golden sun as it set over the dunes. Grateful for these two lovely humans β and goofballs ;) β and for an evening with new friends! Itβs gonna be a freakinβ party at their wedding next year!
Talk about the dreamiest backyard, intimate wedding β especially when the REDWOODS are your backyard! Alyssa and Santiago chose to have a sweet, meaningful wedding with their close friends and family. A while ago, Alyssa sent me an email describing what the evening would look like, and I just had to share her beautiful words β
βPeople will be munching on grilled cheese and tomato bisque in a mug. Dinner will be homemade quiche and a salad. There will be a couple of kegs and wine from local sources. A friend will be making a cider whiskey cocktail from the cider from the apple trees around the yard. There will be a cider press. Even the food ingredients will all be from the local dairy, herbs from the garden, things like that. Musical ambience will be sweet jazz and Motown during dinner. After first dances there will be more funky motown and salsa transitioning into Missy Elliot and Lizzo by the end of the night (the dances that Grandma will be long gone for haha). At the end of the night we will drive my mom's white mini cooper as our get away car and drive off to a airbnb tree house in the redwoods.β
Um, wow. I love that they made their day unique and fully structured to THEM and what they wanted. The true beauty of a tiny wedding. We explored the Redwood National Forest, ran across the empty fog-covered coastline, and danced the evening away surrounded by an apple orchard! My kind of night!
ps. my husband, Josiah, created a beautiful film of their day as wellβ¦
thinking you might want video too? Let me know!
