The gem of the Pacific Northwest – Oregon is the best place to elope because the incredible cities, quirky towns, and abundant natural spaces come together to provide eloping couples endless opportunities to elope THEIR WAY. Rocky coastlines, mossy forests, endless waterfalls, and dynamic mountain ranges make this state one of the most beautiful places on earth!
As an inclusive guide and elopement photographer in my home state of Oregon, I’m here to help you craft an intimate, meaningful elopement that feels 100% true to you and your love. Together with my camera, I’ll be a supportive advocate of your unique love story every step of the way.
EXPERIENCE photographing over 100 local elopements & weddings across the State of Oregon in all seasons, and helping couples plan their elopement from start to finish.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE as an Oregon resident of 15 years to help couples find the best trails, hidden waterfalls, Airbnbs, and local vendors to make their elopement dreams a reality!
INCLUSIVE VALUES as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I support ALL love and identities because I believe everyone deserves to love & be loved for who they are.
MORE THAN A PHOTOGRAPHER I care deeply about my couples and strive to craft an elopement experience for them that centers connection, comfort, and celebrates their unique love story.
GIVING BACK by donating 5% of every booking to a select group of nonprofits that my couples choose from when they book with me. $14,739 donated since April 2019!
I've been with my partner, Colin, for 13 years. We got married in July 2019 and experienced the ups & downs of wedding planning firsthand. We went from planning a 100 person wedding (and even put the deposit down for our big venue) to realizing that wasn’t what truly felt like “us”, and instead switched gears to an intimate Oregon elopement with just 12 guests.
We had a teary-eyed first look, a live butterfly release during our ceremony, and romantic portraits in front of a waterfall. I surprised him with a custom song by his favorite band about our love story. I ripped a hole in my dress on a tree root. We ate S’mores by the campfire.
It was perfect.
Now I’m here to help couples (like you!) follow your hearts in having a truly unique and meaningful Oregon elopement experience.
We followed our hearts, and I’m so glad we did.
LNT (Leave No Trace) is a set of 7 principles that were created to help us reduce our impact on the outdoors. People often have a much bigger impact than they realize, and a lot of damage happens when we’re unaware! Following these principles and respecting the lands ensures that you two can re-visit your elopement location for decades to come and that others can enjoy the same magical locations too!
Trails are less crowded during the week, and wedding vendors are often more available since Saturday is still the most popular wedding day! Of course, you don’t have to get married on a weekday to elope, but you’ll likely find Monday-Friday to be more private outdoors.
It really depends on where you want to elope, but some outdoors locations require special event permits! Don’t worry too much about this, because I’ll make sure that we don’t get surprised by any requirements. I have all the contacts for local ranger stations, forestry offices, and state recreation offices. We’ll make sure everything is perfectly arranged well before your elopement day!
Hiring local vendors gets you access to folks who know how to make your Oregon elopement an experience to remember. In Oregon you can find elopement vendors who have insider knowledge about the areas you’re visiting – like florists who source native plants, bakers who use local produce, and Oregon elopement photographers (like me) who have spent years finding the best hidden gems and stunning locations to elope in Oregon!
Personalized location list & permit assistance to find your dream location
Client Guide - Over 90+ pages of tips & tricks to planning your dream elopement
Vendor & Airbnb recommendations to help your vision come to life
Professional guidance on timeline planning to get you the best light and keep things relaxed
Personal printing & downloading rights
Access to an easy-to-use online shop to order prints & albums through printing labs
Custom questionnaires, so I can ensure your wedding experience truly honors your love story
10:00 - photog arrives, getting ready moment + details
11:00 - First look at Airbnb
11:30 - Virtual champagne toast w/ fam on Zoom
12-1:30 - Group hiking time, break along the way for photos
1:30-2:00 - Lunch/refuel at Airbnb
2:15 - Hike to ceremony location
3-3:45 - Ceremony + group photos
3:45-4:45 - Couples photos + hike back to Airbnb
5:00-6:30 - Dinner at seafood market
6:00 - Photo coverage ends
Yes I do! I understand firsthand just how much money you’re investing in your wedding and respect that everyone’s financial situation is different. If it works better for you and your partner’s finances, I am happy to divide the payment up into 3, 4, or 5 equal amounts and spread that out over the months leading up to your wedding. Just let me know you’d like to opt for a payment plan when you’re ready for a contract from me!
This can be a range. I have had last-minute bookings a month out from a wedding, and I’ve also had couples book me 18 months in advance to secure me for their date. I have also had to turn down couples because I was already booked for their date. My recommendation is to book any vendor you really want for your wedding as soon as you have your wedding date and approximate location established, so you don’t risk losing them to another couple. Saturdays between May - October are especially popular.
After you inquire, I will be in touch shortly to set-up a consultation and answer any questions you may have. To book your date with me, you will need to review, sign, and return my contract with an initial payment of 50% of your balance to book. Remaining payment is due at least 30 days prior to your wedding.
For elopements & intimate weddings - You'll receive a sneak peek gallery within 1 week of your day, and your full gallery within 8-12 weeks! For adventure sessions - You'll receive a few sneak peek photos within 1 week of your session, and your full gallery within 4 weeks!
No problem! Location scouting is one of my favorite parts of being an elopement photographer. Part of my services include putting together a custom location list of cool spots that fit your vision for your dream elopement day!
While I focus on elopements and tiny weddings, I’m also open to capturing larger celebrations. What matters most to me is the connection I feel with my couples — so if you resonate with my work and my mission, I’d love to chat with you to explore the possibilities!
We cannot say enough good things about Marissa. When my wife and I started looking for vendors for our elopement, we knew it was not only important, but necessary, for us to find folks who are inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community. Obviously, as a queer couple, we needed to feel comfortable when it came to who we had working with us.When we turned to Instagram for photographer suggestions, Marissa was recommended. We instantly clicked and could tell that she was not only inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community, but a clear activist for many marginalized communities. Once we booked with her, it was clear Marissa was going to be so much more than a photographer. Marissa got to work right away figuring out our needs and suggesting local, inclusive vendors.
Her help in our planning was immeasurable. Planning even a very small, outdoor elopement proved difficult through coronavirus, but Marissa was with us every step of the way. Two date changes, location closures, in-person meetings cancelled, so much anxiety, last minute decisions, etc. etc., Marissa never even flinched. She was so easy going and helpful. Not to mention, she's also FUN. My wife and I both consider ourselves camera shy, but Marissa made the process easy. Our photos turned out so beautifully. She truly captured the day as it was. Looking through them feels like reliving the day and we're filled with love all over again.
We cannot say enough good things about Marissa. When we turned to Instagram for photographer suggestions, Marissa was recommended. We instantly clicked and could tell that she was not only inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community, but a clear activist for many marginalized communities. Once we booked with her, it was clear Marissa was going to be so much more than a photographer. She got to work right away figuring out our needs and suggesting local, inclusive vendors.
Her help in our planning was immeasurable. Planning even a very small, outdoor elopement proved difficult through coronavirus, but Marissa was with us every step of the way. Two date changes, location closures, in-person meetings cancelled, so much anxiety, last minute decisions, etc. etc., Marissa never even flinched. She was so easy going and helpful. She truly captured the day as it was. Looking through them feels like reliving the day and we're filled with love all over again.
Marissa went above and beyond what we expected in a photographer. We met through Instagram and when she took our engagement photos we instantly knew we wanted to work with her again! She helped every step of the way by scouting locations that fit our special needs for our wedding party. Marissa took the time to do research and get to know a disability our MOH had been diagnosed with and found us the perfect location with accessibility and was very understanding with our needs and worked with us to overcome obstacles.
During the wedding day Marissa was a dream to work with. Every moment felt natural with her and she felt like part of the group. She even helped calm me (the bride) and fix my wedding dress during a breakdown before the ceremony, which could not have been an easy task! She captured every bit of love shared that day and all of the funny, candid moments as well. She even managed to perfectly photograph two wild pups who just wanted to be with mom and dad! Her attention to detail is unmatched. I will forever recommend Marissa if you are looking to elope and need some help along the way!
Marissa went above and beyond what we expected in a photographer. We met through Instagram and when she took our engagement photos we instantly knew we wanted to work with her again! She helped every step of the way by scouting locations that fit our special needs for our wedding party. Marissa took the time to do research and get to know a disability our MOH had been diagnosed with and found us the perfect location with accessibility and was very understanding with our needs and worked with us to overcome obstacles.
During the wedding day Marissa was a dream to work with. Every moment felt natural with her and she felt like part of the group. She even helped calm me (the bride) and fix my wedding dress during a breakdown before the ceremony, which could not have been an easy task! She captured every bit of love shared that day and all of the funny, candid moments as well. She even managed to perfectly photograph two wild pups who just wanted to be with mom and dad! Her attention to detail is unmatched. I will forever recommend Marissa if you are looking to elope and need some help along the way!
Marissa was wonderful to work with for our elopement. We decided to do a hike through a forest and a ceremony on the beach. Unfortunately, portions of the trail for our hike were closed due to downed trees. Marissa helped us adjust our plans, and was so supportive throughout the planning process.
On the day of our elopement, Marissa provided an absolutely fantastic balance of planned and impromptu photos that captured so many important moments from our special day. We decided to jump in the ocean and we expected Marissa to take photos of us from the beach. We turned around and she was there with us, capturing images that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Her care and devotion was apparent from our first meeting. We strongly suggest talking with her and you will find a giving person who listens, provides feedback, and, in turn, will create poignant photos.
Marissa was wonderful to work with for our elopement. We decided to do a hike through a forest and a ceremony on the beach. Unfortunately, portions of the trail for our hike were closed due to downed trees. Marissa helped us adjust our plans, and was so supportive throughout the planning process.
On the day of our elopement, Marissa provided an absolutely fantastic balance of planned and impromptu photos that captured so many important moments from our special day. We decided to jump in the ocean and we expected Marissa to take photos of us from the beach. We turned around and she was there with us, capturing images that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Her care and devotion was apparent from our first meeting. We strongly suggest talking with her and you will find a giving person who listens, provides feedback, and, in turn, will create poignant photos.
From the start of communications, Marissa was clearly focused on making the wedding day perfect and comfortable for us. This was first evident when she asked us our Love Languages in order to better understand and prompt us on the wedding day.
The final photographs make our wedding feel very cohesive and Marissa captured our personalities and emotions so well. She managed to find a great balance with her directions, having us just be in the moment and focus on one another. You can see the love and connectedness in the photos and we never felt pushed beyond our comfort level.
We are beyond happy with all the photos we received, and cannot imagine another photographer doing as great of a job! Hire her!
From the start of communications, Marissa was clearly focused on making the wedding day perfect and comfortable for us. This was first evident when she asked us our Love Languages in order to better understand and prompt us on the wedding day.
The final photographs make our wedding feel very cohesive and Marissa captured our personalities and emotions so well. She managed to find a great balance with her directions, having us just be in the moment and focus on one another. You can see the love and connectedness in the photos and we never felt pushed beyond our comfort level.
We are beyond happy with all the photos we received, and cannot imagine another photographer doing as great of a job!
Hire her!
Marissa’s photography is absolutely incredible. Not only is she extremely talented, but she’s wonderful to work with. I’m extremely camera shy. However, she made us so comfortable, which is so important. She also really gets to know her couples. She wanted my husband and I to have the best possible experience, and we did! Our elopement was everything we dreamt of and more. Marissa helped us plan the whole thing, and even constructed a timeline, making the whole day stress-free as it should be. Marissa is a really special person. You can tell how passionate she is about what she does, and you can feel how much she cares about her couples.
Marissa not only helped us plan our whole day, but she even went the extra mile to scout locations for us, and visit our selected locations with us prior to our elopement day. She’s also prepared for everything. She brought us our favorite snacks, blankets, and even hand warmers since the day ended up being a little bit chilly. Her goal is to make sure you’re having the best day of your life, and she really goes the extra mile. Literally the best day ever and we have the most gorgeous photos to prove it. We’re so grateful that Marissa was a part of our elopement. We wouldn’t have done it any other way. I highly recommend her.
Marissa’s photography is absolutely incredible. Not only is she extremely talented, but she’s wonderful to work with. I’m extremely camera shy. However, she made us so comfortable, which is so important. She also really gets to know her couples. She wanted my husband and I to have the best possible experience, and we did! Our elopement was everything we dreamt of and more. Marissa helped us plan the whole thing, and even constructed a timeline, making the whole day stress-free as it should be. Marissa is a really special person. You can tell how passionate she is about what she does, and you can feel how much she cares about her couples.
Marissa not only helped us plan our whole day, but she even went the extra mile to scout locations for us, and visit our selected locations with us prior to our elopement day. She’s also prepared for everything. She brought us our favorite snacks, blankets, and even hand warmers since the day ended up being a little bit chilly. Her goal is to make sure you’re having the best day of your life, and she really goes the extra mile. Literally the best day ever and we have the most gorgeous photos to prove it. We’re so grateful that Marissa was a part of our elopement. We wouldn’t have done it any other way. I highly recommend her.
Getting married this summer with Marissa as our photographer makes me want to recommend eloping to EVERYONE. When we had to cancel our wedding due to COVID, my partner and I didn’t know what to do next — we knew we still wanted to get married, but where? when? what would it look like?
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Marissa saved our day. Not only did she roll with the punches of having to rethink what photography would look like on the day— she also helped us plan and coordinate the entire day’s events. From scouting elopement locations to hiking with us to find the perfect photo spots, she really went above and beyond to help us feel special. She made what could have been a stressful, and possibly sad, day into one of the best days of the entire year.
On top of all that, the photos she took are gorgeous! Really, there’s no downside. She’s such a blast to work with, and we really couldn’t imagine having a better day with any other photographer.
Getting married this summer with Marissa as our photographer makes me want to recommend eloping to EVERYONE. When we had to cancel our wedding due to COVID, my partner and I didn’t know what to do next— we knew we still wanted to get married, but where? when? what would it look like?
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Marissa saved our day. Not only did she roll with the punches of having to rethink what photography would look like on the day— she also helped us plan and coordinate the entire day’s events. She made what could have been a stressful, and possibly sad, day into one of the best days of the entire year.
On top of all that, the photos she took are gorgeous! Really, there’s no downside. She’s such a blast to work with, and we really couldn’t imagine having a better day with any other photographer.