Short, Sweet & Adventurous
Just the two of you, or maybe a small gathering of your favorites, in nature. This is a classic elopement and photo adventure in a beautiful place. Designed to be short and sweet, most collections are 2-3 hours--long enough for a ceremony, toasts (or whatever you find truly meaningful), and unforgettable portraits.
Nature as your church (or courthouse)
These adventures hark back to the 18th century where couples would travel to Scotland to wed in such places as Gretna Green, free to profess their intentions in front of two witnesses, perform a handfasting, and be married. While your father may not be in hot pursuit with a sword and an angry band of Englishmen nowadays, the freedom and joy of marrying surrounded by the beauty of nature remains an enchanting alternative to the fuss of a larger affair.
As your personal guide and photographer, I will help you design an exciting elopement itinerary. With an award-winning background in both landscape and wedding photography, I will create a photographic time machine for you as we explore the wilds of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. See some ideas for adventures below, but let your imagination run wild–I’m here to enable all of it.
adventurous wedding photography
pacific northwest & beyond
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"Being from a small town on the East Coast, we assumed we'd be going to the courthouse if we wanted to avoid a giant stressful gathering for our wedding. We're so grateful to have found Ara, who enthusiastically informed us that we could just get married in nature by ourselves. What? A couple of months later, we found ourselves in giddy awe, standing on a rocky beach on the Oregon Coast like heroes in a novel or something. We can't believe the people in our photos are us (in a good way). They're more personal and gorgeous than we could have ever imagined. So if you're like us, adventurous introverts who love their families/friends but want to have a wedding day focused on each other, Ara's got you."
Taryn & Colin / Oregon Coast
Elopement Adventure Collections
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Two Hours
Starting at $2,750
Tuesday – Thursday: $2,750
Friday – Monday: $3,250Additional hours available – For 5 hours or more, check out The Grand Tour
Two hours will cover a short hike, ideally less than a mile each way.
Includes:
- Location, timeline and general planning assistance (see “Always Included” below on this page)
- High resolution, artistically-mastered photographs
- Password-protected online gallery
- Personal copyright to download, share and print
- Access to albums, print options and seasonal sales
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One Hour (limited availability)
Starting at $1,500
One Hour – Portland Metro Area
Tuesday – Thursday: $1,500
Friday – Monday: $1,750Outside Portland: above + distance
I always recommend two hours minimum–it takes a minute to feel comfortable and relaxed, and an hour flies by very quickly.
Because I don’t book multiple events in one day, I don’t always offer this collection on peak days (like summer weekends). If it’s truly what you need, please always inquire. I do my best to say yes!
Includes:
- Location, timeline and general planning assistance (see “Always Included” below on this page)
- High resolution, artistically-mastered photographs
- Password-protected online gallery
- Personal copyright to download, share and print
- Access to albums, print options and seasonal sales
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Winter Waterfall Special
I offered this years ago as a winter special, and it was so popular that I kept it. One hour (which is all you’ll likely want given the temperature and damp) at a gorgeous local waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge or similar, anytime from November-February. Let’s get cold together and make some unforgettable art!
One Hour
$1,500Want to go further out? Let’s chat.
Includes:
- Location, timeline and general planning assistance (see “Always Included” below on this page)
- High resolution, artistically-mastered photographs
- Password-protected online gallery
- Personal copyright to download, share and print
- Access to albums, print options and seasonal sales
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Signature Handcrafted Albums
Starting at $1,250
With the strong belief that photos deserve to live outside of a screen, I offer beautiful, touchable albums handcrafted in Italy. With full grain leather or natural fiber covers, vibrant printing on heirloom paper brings your photos to life. Every book design is unique, representing your favorite moments woven into a storybook. Pages are thick and comfortable, begging for years of being spanned across laps and shared at the table.
Each album comes with a lifetime warranty.
Starting at $1,250
Always Included
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Location Guidance
Full assistance on choosing a place to elope and the best times to be there. We'll discuss landscapes, National Parks, scenic corridors, local trails, and anything magical that appeals to you.
I usually recommend Tuesdays and Wednesdays as the best days to avoid crowds. -
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Timeline Guidance
I will help you create a thoughtful timeline for your day, removing as much stress as possible and focusing on excellent lighting/weather conditions. We will also discuss backup plans in case of inclement weather.
Early mornings or late-afternoons/evenings are typically best for beautiful light. -
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Details
Need help finding an officiant? Choosing a dress? Ideas for flowers, cake, backpacks, shoes, and what kind of jacket you'll need? My Info page has many resources for you, and as your guide and photographer, I'm more than happy to help you with any questions you may have along the way.
Info -
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Local Advice
Any local advice you need on places to visit, where to eat, breweries, hikes, amazing drives through the forest, and even a place to mail things you might not want to take on the plane with you.
To Make It Legal, You’ll Need:
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A marriage license from the state where you’re getting married. Always check local laws for details.
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An officiant from the area you’re eloping (see my info page for recommendations), or an ordained friend or family member
**I am ordained and can sign paperwork as your officiant, but obviously can’t officiate and photograph at the same time. Plan to exchange vows during our adventure, and we’ll take care of the paperwork & legalities as a separate part of the day (no extra charge) -
Two witnesses
**If you’re eloping alone and if I’m not already signing paperwork as your officiant, I can be a witness. Most locations are also public enough to be able to flag down hikers or visitors to witness for you
If you’re getting married abroad, please check local laws.
