Rainy Adventure Elopement on the Oregon Coast: Lucie & Bryan’s Love Story at Elk Flats Trail

The Oregon coast is a STUNNING backdrop for any event, especially an adventure elopement! If you are looking for dramatic views of the ocean with rugged rocks, turquoise water, wildlife, forests, and stunning beaches… Oregon Coast is the place for you! You can find anything from easy walks to difficult 10 mile hikes along the coast, all depending on your preference. This blog specifically, is about a easy to moderate adventure elopement between two people in love who very much march to the beat of their own drum. Read on for their story, the timeline we created for them, planning and scouting process, and to see some of their stunning images. I promise you, if you are even thinking about an elopement with some adventure in it, this blog will help you see if it’s for you, and hopefully give you some tips on how to have your own!

Eloping is all about embracing the moment, and for Lucie and Bryan, their adventure elopement on the Oregon Coast was nothing short of magical. View there wedding video below!

Why Lucie & Bryan Chose to Elope

Lucie and Bryan had been together for nine years before deciding to get engaged and tie the knot. They were high school sweethearts, and the rest is history! When we had our first phone call together, you could immediately see the beautiful and quirky connection these two had. Bryan just returned home from performing as spiderman for some kiddo’s birthday, and Lucie was telling me all about her love of cosplay. They loved going on spontaneous trips and adventures together, which is how this band (us guys, I mean us haha), got together!

With big families and big personalities, and strong roots in 2 different cultures, they knew that a traditional wedding would end up being more about everyone else than about them. They wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their love—intimate, fun, adventurous, and completely true to who they were as a couple. They craved a day where they could be 100% comfortable to be themselves, and also loved being spontaneous… So much so that when they found out I was going to be on the west coast, they decided to take the leap and elope ONE AND A HALF WEEKS LATER. Yes you read that right, we planned an entire elopement for them in less than 2 weeks- all they had to do was spend an hour on the phone with us talking about their relationship, dreams, and love, and find their wedding attire. The rest was handled by us.

A Morning in Portland: Vows, Jenga, and Food Trucks

Their day started in a cozy Airbnb in Portland, Oregon. In the quiet morning hours, they wrote their vows and prepared for their wedding day. Writing their vows was like setting an intention for that day and remembering what brought them there. They sat on the bed next to each other, each writing their separate vows. The rest of the morning followed a similar, easy vibe.

One of their favorite things to do together was play games, so what better way to kick off the morning than a game of competitive Jenga!? Lucie won, in case you were wondering. After that, each got ready for the day at their own pace: hair, makeup, coffee, swapping stories along the way – you know, all the little things that are such a big part of your day.

During our phone call I learned that they were both quite the foodies and loved a good food truck. So naturally, we knew we had to find a food truck rodeo for lunch. Before setting off for the coast, we made our lunch stop! Each was able to get what they were craving and eat a peaceful lunch together before embarking on the next leg of their adventure.

A Rainy Coastal Ceremony at Elk Flats Trail

While planning, each mentioned their love of an epic view, just maybe not an epic hike to go along with it. That’s all I needed to hear to know of the perfect spot for their elopement: Elk Flats. After a two-hour drive to the coast, Lucie changed into her dress at the Elk Flats Trailhead, excitement building as they prepared for the next chapter of their journey together. We then all walked down to the epic lookout point together. They chatted and took in the scenery, while I photographed their journey and my partner captured the grandness of the location with the drone. The coolest part about the descent was that there was a whole herd of elk hiding in the tall grass with only a couple visible to us, but the whole group clearly visible from the sky!

The hike was about 10 minutes down, 15 to 20 minutes back up. Once at the lookout point, all you could see around you was sheer nature in all its beauty.

With my partner officiating the ceremony, Lucie and Bryan exchanged heartfelt vows, words that spoke to their deep admiration and love for one another, along with a handful well placed jokes showing their playful side.

Bryan’s Vows to Lucie:

“Lucie, I love how caring and stubborn you are, and that you help everyone you can around you without giving it a second thought. I love your willingness to work for what you want, without being afraid to lean on me when you need time to unwind and relax. You are loving, supportive, and the person I always want to come home to. I look forward to building the next chapter of our lives together and making a family. To going on adventures, trips, and to lazy nights in.”

Lucie’s Vows to Bryan:

“Bryan, I love so many things about you, and I find myself admiring your quiet strength and willingness to persevere. People recognize your kindness everywhere you go, and instantly adore you. Your willingness to drop everything in a heartbeat to help when something goes wrong has made you the person I, and many others, call first. I love that you are so willing to go on adventures and try new things with me! I’m looking forward to making a family with you, to rainy days with hot coffee and tea watching dumb movies together on the couch, and to finally getting to travel the world side by side. I cannot imagine doing it with anyone else.”

As they excitedly sealed their vows with a very wet kiss, as the rain continued to fall around them, making their elopement feel even more magical and cinematic. We captured stunning photos and drone footage, immortalizing the moment against the dramatic coastal backdrop.

Chasing the Sunset and Celebrating Love

After the ceremony, we ventured to another small beach just ten minutes away. The rain never let up, but neither did their adventurous spirits. They embraced every drop, laughing and dancing in the mist as we captured the what so clearly made their love story, theirs. Whatever the weather threw at them, the took it in stride without letting it dampen their spirits.

Their elopement was everything they had dreamed of—romantic, adventurous, and deeply personal. It was a day entirely about them, filled with love, spontaneity, and the kind of moments that truly matter.

Planning Your Own Rainy Oregon Coast Elopement

Lucie and Bryan’s story is proof that a little rain can’t dampen your elopement and is a good reason to laugh and dance with your person. If you’re considering an Oregon Coast elopement, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Embrace the Weather

Oregon’s coastal weather is unpredictable and very rainy, so plan for rain but don’t fear it! As long as you are prepared for the rain, it can add magic to your day instead of taking it away. We provide the clear umbrellas; you bring the love! And if rain is just not your idea of a good time, we can find you some epic views in less rainy climates!

2. Choose the Right Time of Year

Spring and fall often bring moody skies and fewer crowds, making them ideal seasons for a peaceful, intimate elopement. Lucie and Bryan’s wedding was at the beginning of May. It was chilly in the shade, but warm when the sun made itself known. Beginning of May is also calving season for many animals, make it the best time of year to possibly spot little ones out in the wild! Just remember it’s important to let our wildlife be and keep our distance.

3. Pick a Scenic and Accessible Location

Elk Flats Trail was perfect for Lucie and Bryan, and is perfect for couples who want epic views without an intense hike. It’s easily accessible but still feels wild and secluded. Your location may be more secluded, have a longer hike, have different scenery, etc… The truth is, there are so many amazing options along the Oregon Coast. All you need to do is let me know your vibe, and I will do the location scouting for you!

4. Make It Your Own

Elopements are all about freedom—so bring elements that reflect you as a couple! Whether it’s a post-ceremony picnic, a cozy fireside celebration, or a hike to a hidden cove, make your day uniquely yours. This is where we really come in to take the stress off of you. We have a list of activities to suggest, places to do them, and a creative mind to incorporate whatever you throw at us! Some ideas of things to do near or on the Oregon Coast:

• Stop and get Tillamook ice cream right from the source… at the factory! I don’t know about you, but I will never turn down an opportunity to have ice cream with my person
• Take a ride in a helicopter to get the most epic view of the coast
• Hike a peak and get married at the summit
• Go kayaking or canoeing on any one of the breathtaking lakes
• Go ATVing for some adrenaline on your day

Let’s Plan Your Dream Elopement

If Lucie and Bryan’s Oregon Coast elopement speaks to your adventurous heart, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to start planning, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a discovery call with us and let’s dream up your perfect elopement on the breathtaking Oregon Coast!