This Smith Rock elopement was definitely one for the books. First off, Annie and Andrew are some of the sweetest humans I have ever met. Annie is probably one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, easygoing brides I have ever met-she even told me about her dress mishap and having to find one weeks before her wedding and she pulled it off! And Andrew is so helpful and kind, so it’s no surprise that their day was full of love.
I met up with Andrew at their ceremony site, North Point at Smith Rock State Park. Since Andrew had helped Annie find her dress, we didn’t do a formal first look, but instead did some first look shots (LOVE it!) once Annie arrived. We did some beautiful portraits of them around the ceremony site and on the nearby trails. Side note: we were always on trail in all of these photos! I know how to angle my couples to make it look like they aren’t on trail, or I edit out the trail in my editing process.
After their Smith Rock elopement, we adventured down into the park to do some more bridal portraits. The sun was PERFECT and we got some golden rays dancing over the edges of Smith. They had their sweet pup with them too! To end the day, they had their reception at Bevel Craft Brewing and ate some delicious cake. It was the sweetest, most intentional day, and it was such an honor to capture it for them and their families.
The Location: Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
Smith Rock elopements have to be top of my list for favorite elopements to photograph. First off, Smith is very accessible. You get amazing views straight from the parking lot. There’s a paved sidewalk so a lot of spots are ADA accessible. There’s bathrooms, a designated and reservable ceremony site (North Point!) and beautiful views all around the park for portraits.
If you’re looking to head out on a hike after your Smith Rock elopement, or try your hand at rock-climbing, this place has loads of options! One of my favorite hikes is Misery Ridge, which is a steep hike up to the top of Smith Rock. The views up there are incredible! You can make your way back down the same trail, or loop around the backside and see the famous Monkey Face rock.
Around the base of Smith Rock are a lot of gorgeous spots for photos, and you can even check out the river. This place has so much to offer and explore.
Smith Rock Elopement Photographer
I’ve shoot here multiple times and have hiked here many more! I love showing my couples this amazing place. A few things to note: We will always stay on trail, as I’m a big proponent of LNT principles. There are a lot of rock climbing spots that go right up next to the rock, so I promise all of your photos won’t have the trail in them! Plus, I know how to work angles and edit out the trails, so your photos will look gorgeous and you don’t have to scramble off trail to get them. Another thing is timing your elopement. Spring and early Fall are gorgeous times to visit Smith, as it’s not too hot and there are less crowds due to school still being in session. Sunrise is always going to be less crowded than sunset, but this park is so vast even at prime sunset time we can find spots that aren’t crowded.
Ready to start dreaming up your Smith Rock elopement? Let’s chat!
