My View on: ELOPEMENT Weddings
All of a sudden, the weightlessness of the aircraft whimsically pulls you in as your beloved does in those subtle and sly moments of sweetness. The kind of moments where everyone else, every thought, every other present happening freezes with time. With your gaze heavily locked on one another, the perpetual rush of raw connection unmistakably hinders all abilities to pull you out of this intoxicating trans. Just as you were easily transported into this arousing daydream, you snuggly yourself tighter into your seat. Peering eagerly out of the aircrafts window, you reach for your partner seated in front of you and squeeze their shoulders, silently reminding them of the frenzy of love that effortlessly slips between your two beings. Just as your body is pulsing with the enchantment of what is to come, the pilot’s warm voice marches in through the headset and begins unraveling the details of your quest ahead. All of a sudden, the captivation of a particular, daunting peak hypnotizes you; a surreal, yet almost unbearable moment of flying close up next to Mount Denali. The funny thing is, due to her massive and looming structure, the plane is a quarter of a mile away although it feels as if she’s wrapping you tightly in her caring and rugged embrace. In moments, your pilot will land gracefully upon the crystal like snow at her official drop off basecamp, where you and your hunny will get to -mindfully- frolic in her majestic glory. As you file carefully out of the small bush plane, your partner extends their hand out for yours, as if granting you a promise to fulfill your wildest desires. Out you hop, onto her unpredictable, snow covered base, ambushed by the suns bright beams. Feeling as if the breath has been sucked straight out of your lungs, the ambivalent energy overwhelms your heart as you gawk in disbelief towards the tallest mountain peak in North America and its surrounding sisters. Turning back towards your beloved, you’re unexpectedly caught off guard as you notice they’re kneeling over; in fact, your heart begins to stumble in revelation that this is the spontaneous moment you’ve been longing for. They’re courageously kneeling in your divine presence, throwing their heart out on the line as they equally ask for your hearts partnership in return…
The innocence of oneness captivates you both in a ribbon of ecstasy, colliding hopelessly back into one another with the renewing acceptance of continuing this journey hand in hand. Locked into one another in a spinning harmony of glee, you begin to exchange a million kisses and your fellow bush plane passengers are happily celebrating your new level of togetherness.
Aside from this initial proposal being the most magical moment of you life thus far- your mind speedily races towards the invigorating thoughts of planning and creatively directing this profound day you two will agree to have and to hold, forever and always.
If choosing to make the bridging of your lives quirky and spontaneous from the very way you decide to wake up, to the backdrop as you share your intimate promise to the other, and what kind of day will proceed as the sunsets beyond the horizon- an elopement is exactly what you are looking for.
Picture this: you and your beloved decide on you’re favorite spot in the world- maybe this is Glacier National Park, saturated by the summers elude of perfectly placed wildflowers, or a dewy Oregon forest that’s mystically engulfed by the essence of the Pacific North West where you wildly run barefoot in a rampage of bliss. The days could start by waking up full of gratitude, pressed up tight against your Hunny’s side in the comfort of your tent, where you’ll backpack your wedding attire up your favorite waterfall overlooking a vast valley below. A solo expedition, consisting of you, your beloved, and your furry friend. Maybe you invite your closest friends, and you begin by river rafting down your favorite canyon, all to pull off for the night and set up a sacred ceremony to celebrate your merging together on a sandy beach. The canyon walls amplifying the love that echos this vulnerable moment fiercely, proclaiming the bonding of your tribe.
However the best day of your life played out, aka proposal day, the future is always ready to bring you that NEXT best day, hence, your wedding day! So, why not make it unique, completely your own, and designed how your heart feels most aligned? By stepping into your power of two uniting into one, you want it to be unlike your anything anyone has ever seen- because really, your love will NEVER be comparable to another, so why give anyone a reason to say so in the first place!? and that is where the beauty of eloping comes into fruition.
No ma’am, no sir, a traditional wedding will not be able to uphold the thrashing thunderbolt of a love that you and your beloved behold. Now that we understand just how distinctive your love is from your other paired up friends and family, the fun can begin.
Here are a few places that will lead you down the yellow brick road to the best day of your life:
Thor’s Well, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Yachats Oregon
https://localadventurer.com/thors-well-cape-perpetua-oregon-coast/ (so you can check out the source)
This destination is enchanted by Oregon’s enchanting coastline, and is a gem that isn’t readily marked- making it a perfect place to showcase the magnitude of your devotion. Thor’s Well is an old sea cave that was carved out of basalt shoreline in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, until the roof caved in. Now, it fliuctuates from being a roaring, incredulous hole that will make for an epic backdrop, to a subtle and smooth rolling of gentle waves. With that said, this is a destination that would suit a couple who isn’t afraid to get their feet wet! Depending on whether you want to experience the intensity or calmness of Thor’s Well, you’ll need to plan to arrive prior to/during low or high tide. To get here, you’ll have to keep an eye out for ‘Spouting Horn’. If coming from the South on 101, you can park at the Cape Cove Trailhead pullout, an easy .3 miles South of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. Signs will indicate the Trailhead for Spouting Horn, and if you look out towards the ocean as you waltz down the stairway, you’ll be able to spot Thor’s Well and walk amongst the rocky coastline to find the perfect spot to say “I do”.
Cape Cove Trailhead Coordinates: 44.2788922,-124.1124375
Thor’s Well Coordinates: 44.278415,-124.1157192
Glacier National Park
If you’re a couple who loves it all, GNP is just the right place. With over 200 named waterfalls and peaks, 25 glaciers, and over 700miles of hiking to devour- the sky is the limit! June and September are spectacular times to visit due to smaller crowds, but if you’re looking to partake some of the trek on Sun road, one of America’s most scenic highways, you’ll want to boogie and wiggle in the months of July and August. Looking for a moderate hike through a boundless meadow down to a hidden alpine lake? Hidden Lake is a 2.6 Mile long stroll with the option to stay on top of the overlook, or a steep decent down towards the lake itself! Regardless if you want to take on the decent, you’ll have an impeccable time expressing your wild child side by roaming free under the jagged peak backdrop.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
https://www.reneeroaming.com/oregon-7-day-road-trip
Located near the compelling pull of Bend, OR sits Smith Rock State park. If you rather not walk too close to the edge of danger on your special day and prefer to stay dry, this destination suits couples who enjoy vast river canyon views and astonishing rock formations that are highly sought out by rock climbers! The River trail is an easy 2.5 mile long trail that allows for effortless views, as well as an option to reach the top of Misery Ridge loop with an added mile for a top of the world experience. If you rather get where you’re going, you’ll want to check out the .5 mile Rim Rock Trail. If you were starting from Bend, you would head North on HWY 97 about 35 minutes util you reached Terrebonne, where you would take a Right onto NW Smith Rock Way and follow signs to Smith Rock State Park.
Hoh Rainforest, or any Old Growth forest, Washington
https://thefoxesphotography.com/best-places-to-elope/washington/
https://sheenashahangian.com/how-to-elope-in-washington-state/
If being surrounded by looming giants and a grounded energy speaks to you, then look no further. Washington is home of ginormous trees that feel as tall as the surrounding mountains, and wider than most loaded 4x4 vehicles. For this type of Washington adventure, research how the weather plays a role and how you’d like to spend you time- considering Hoh Rainforest is a 3-4 hour drive out of Seattle. However, there are endless options when it comes to deciding on an old growth forest that is considerably closer in and around the Seattle area. This would best suit a couple that desires a special day truly immersed by Mother Nature herself- also, who wouldn’t want to be bound by love in a Rainforest!?
Crater Lake National Park, OR
Ever dream of portraying your love admits the clouds? Take a day trip to Crater Lake National Park and cruise on up to Cloudcap Overlook. Sitting high and mighty at 7,685ft in elevation, you will feel like two royals being united as one before your kingdom! This destination is best suited for couples who have a magical and grandeur expression that weaves their love; and perhaps, even a little love for exploring the lake on a more intimate level with a boat tour. This Lake is a result of the collapsing of Mount Mazama, and is said to be the deepest Lake in America, as well as the purest body of water in the world as well! Regardless if you want to spend your day floating intimately around the clouds or to further begin your togetherness by exploring the energetic purity of Crater Lake, this destination will play a sweet melody of your heart strings. If you started from Bend, you would head South about 2 hours on HWY 97 until you reach Chiloquin, where you would look for Crater Lake Highway.
Denali National Park, AK
Remember the beginning of this blog and the scene that captivated your heart- why not make that your reality? In Alaska, there is no thinking “too outside the box”, because it’s so vast that the box doesn’t exist! For a couple who wants to go all in, there are multiple ways to make this a truly epic experience. Want to call up a bush plane service and ask to book an entire day to fly you and your loved ones to the base of Denali? Give it a go. Want to run around a glacier and float around with your pack rafts and you loyal furry friend? We got this. Whatever way your wind blows, allow an elopement in Alaska to set you apart from the ordinary wedding day that your friends and family are familiar with, and treat yourself with a visit to the Chena Hot Springs located in Fairbanks to truly top off your day.
Cannon Beach, OR
https://www.reneeroaming.com/cannon-beach-oregon/
A soft, seaside breeze off of the Pacific Ocean caresses you as the glow of the sun bounces off the rolling tide. You and your beloved are running barefoot along the sandy shoreline, or bundle up and giggling like two children as the crisp winter wind reminds you of the warmth your love emits; whatever season you fancy, basking in the sunrise or sunset will be an exuberant expression of your day. This destination is best fit for a couple looking for a quaint beachside town with quick access to a multiple beaches. Haystack Rock is a local must and protected marine and bird life sanctuary, with plenty of space to roam freely without disturbance. Located magnificently between Ecola Creek and Tolovana Park, Haystack Rock towers 235ft and creates a whimsical backdrop as the Tufted Puffins soar above head. If you’re traveling from Portland, you’ll hop onto HWY 26 and head slight North West up towards Beaverton for about 74 miles. Overall, it will take about an hour and a half to reach Canon Beach, where you’ll walk - or run- hand in hand into forever!
Snoqualmie Pass and the Snoqualmie Mt. Baker National Forest
Want to feel like you’ve stepped into another country on your dedicated day? Head out of Seattle and over Snoqualmie Pass, a popular ski area. You’ll have a chance to roam around Franklin Falls, another spectacular water-surged destination, that could make one feel as if they were cast away in New Zealand. Or, drop yourself into a replica of Germany and witness the delightful ambiance of Leavenworth. Although a bit more touristy, determining a nearby, solitary location to weave yourself together as one with your partner could never be easier. Maybe you want a more intense and jagged mountainous backdrop? Be sure to check out another happening ski area, Stevens Pass.
Abiqua Falls, OR
This destination is suited best for those couples who are eager to have a pre-“I do” mini adventure as they find their way to the rivers banks and trot playfully along until the cascading water greets them with a roaring celebration! If one were to start in Silverton, OR they would GPS Abiqua Falls and follow Rd 213, the Cascade HWY NE, until they conjunct with Abiqua Rd NE. One would then follow until McKillop Rd as it converges into Crooked Finger Rd, NE. Depending on the vehicle you’re in, the trek can be shorter or longer. A lower clearance vehicle may have to park 3 miles before the Trailhead, however, a 4x4 vehicle with clearance will be able to cut the distance down. As you journey down the road, keep your eyes peeled for a white sign on the left that states “This area is price property, but is available to recreational use only pursuant to old 105.682.”. This indicates that you’ve made it, and you’ll see the trail leading into the woods! Go down this trail until you reach a set of ropes that lead down to the river; once safely at the river bank, you’re only a 15-20 minute adventure away from beaming romantically at your one and only!
Wildhorse Lake, Oregon
https://www.theoutbound.com/oregon/hiking/hike-to-wildhorse-lake
Looking for a destination that is dramatic, panoramic, and involves a little grit? Look no further. Located in SouthEast Oregon, Wildhorse Lake is a 2.5 miles hike with 1,200ft of elevation gain that proudly bestows its pristine and bold sculpture due to the battling combination of lava and ice; and just below Steens Mountain! What’s even more demanding than the view? How you’ll be able to direct the shots on this steeper destination by declaring how far you’ll go, considering the ability to witness Steen Mountain the entire way as well as the Alvord Desert. This is a destination that best suits couples who are extreme in all areas of life, and not just in the sheets ;)
A COUPLE REMINDERS:
Before heading out on your best day yet, make sure you know before you go.
Know if…
You need a permit. Some of these places require photography permits due to being on public land. Talk with your photographer, get into some research, and eliminate any misfortunate events from happening- like not being allowed to say “I do!”.
Leave No Trace - LNT is an important part of what keeps our public lands safe, beautiful, and protected. Whatever you bring with you, make sure you bring it back out the same way! In order to keep these outdoor sanctuaries safe, we must do our part by staying on trail to protect fragile wildlife, pack out food and water bottles that could disturb the land, and be informed on all of the certain parks specific LNT guidelines.
You get to be as yourself as you’ve ever been. Have fun with it!
