INTIMATE MANZANITA OREGON COAST WEDDING

This intimate Oregon coast wedding in Manzanita, Oregon was a literal dream. They invited their closest friends and family to the Pacific Northwest for a weekend of fun in two Airbnb‘s. People came from as far away as Alaska, Arizona (have you seen their epic rock climbing engagement photos?!), Indiana, and more. Carolyn worked in Skagway, Alaska for a couple summers and made lifelong friends there who were able to attend. These two fell in love on this beach and decided it was the perfect place to come back to for their wedding. I couldn’t agree more. I love when couples choose their wedding/elopement locations based on relationship milestones. It makes the day that much more special.

Everyone pitched in on making their intimate + handmade wedding dreams come true. The day before, the guys scouted out a spot on the beach for the ceremony and even made a driftwood arch and aisle, complete with fresh foraged flowers. Dreamy! That night, we all gathered on the beach for hobo-style dinners, a bonfire, drinks, and laughter. It was low-key and just what the bride and groom wanted. Sound like your style too? Drop me a line about it!

The day of the wedding was gorgeous; slightly cloudy and the perfect temperature in May (Cinco de Mayo actually!). Flowers were blooming all over, kite-surfers skimmed up and down the waves of the coast, and excitement was in the air. These to met out the beach for a first look; it was precious and so special. We then went on a mini adventure to a scenic spot I scouted out for them. The views of the rugged coast were incredible as we hiked around and then popped some bubbly to celebrate. Later on, everyone met on the beach at Manzanita for the ceremony. We were all barefoot and it was incredible. The ceremony arch looked so good and everyone was giddy. Flower petals that I collected that morning were thrown over the couple after their first kiss.

After some family and group shots, we then walked around the coast at low tide for some gorgeous portraits until sunset. Love that this was all unrushed. Meanwhile, everyone was working hard at the Airbnb to prep food and decor. The backyard of this place was the perfect area to gather with friends and family for pizza, pies, drinks, catching up, and some dancing.

Emily Hary is an adventure elopement photographer based in Michigan. She serves Alaska, Oregon, our beautiful national parks, and beyond.