A Detail-Filled Oregon Coast Micro Wedding (with Only Two Months of Planning)

Christie & Andrew

the newlyweds on top of a grassy field as the Oregon Coast expands around them during their micro wedding.

When Christie and Andrew reached out to us to start planning their Oregon Coast micro wedding, they weren’t just looking for beautiful wedding photos, they were looking for an experience.

They shared with me (Henry) that life had been busy lately with moving, job changes, and just trying to focus on life in general. When we finally connected and confirmed their elopement date, their wedding day was just two months out! That might not sound like a long time to plan a wedding, but with thoughtful planning and clear intentions, these two pulled off one of the most elegant and beautiful Oregon Coast micro weddings I’ve ever had the honor of documenting.

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Micro Wedding on the Oregon Coast

When they started planning their Oregon Coast small wedding, Christie and Andrew had already been engaged for a few years. To them, a traditional wedding had never felt quite right, and trying to plan one always seemed to be filled with some difficulty or another.

Once they decided on a micro wedding on the Oregon Coast, though, everything started to come together. Especially when it came to having their closest loved ones there to celebrate with them.

Family was really important to these two, and they had made a pact early on: either all of their immediate family members would be there, or nothing. If even just one family member couldn’t make it, they would choose not to have any guests at all.

And somehow, even with the short notice and loved ones traveling from Canada and all over the U.S., everyone came together to celebrate these two and their special moment.

From a Castle by the Sea to Sunset on the Sand, This is How to Plan a Heartfelt Oregon Coast Micro Wedding

Getting Ready Photos at a Castle on the Coast

The afternoon of Christie and Andrew’s Oregon Coast micro wedding, I met up with the couple at their Airbnb. Honestly, this Airbnb felt more like a castle out of a storybook than anything else! It had floor-to-ceiling windows and a long deck that overlooked the ocean, but it was so much more than just a beautiful place to get ready. It was also a giant space where all their loved ones could stay together under one roof, but still have their own privacy.

The couple also brought along their dog, Koga, for the celebration. He travels everywhere with them and stayed right by their sides all throughout the day.

Christie and Andrew’s Small, Intimate Wedding on the Oregon Coast

We started their day with candid detail photos at the Airbnb. Christie and Andrew each got ready separately, then met for a quiet first look in the covered gazebo on the property. From there, we took a few family portraits right outside the Airbnb before heading down to Secret Beach for their ceremony.

Everyone gathered around, and Christie’s dad walked her down the aisle with a view of the ocean opening up right in front of us and the sound of waves crashing below. After the ceremony, everyone hugged, and I took some more photos of the couple (and Koga, of course) before we all headed back to the castle for their stunning dinner reception, set up by the talented Rain and Pines.

One thing I loved about Christie and Andrew’s Oregon Coast intimate wedding was how they got married at a location that many couples dream about, but managed to make it their own. During our sunset adventure, we found a new area that, in all my times of photographing at this beach, I had never been to before. The couple embraced the moment, and the crazy wind, and together, we created art!

Thinking about planning your own Oregon Coast small wedding? Check out our guide on how to elope in Oregon for everything you need to know!

How to Elope in Oregon

Henry’s Elopement Tip

You don’t need months or years of planning to create a beautiful elopement experience. With intention, flexibility, and the right photographer, you can create a micro wedding on the Oregon Coast (or anywhere in the world) that feels truly meaningful.

And, just because a location is well-known doesn’t mean your experience has to look like everyone else’s. There’s always a new corner to explore, a different light to chase, and a completely different story to tell.

From our very first call with Henry, everything just clicked.

Finding the perfect photographer to capture our day was a top priority for us. In the very early stages, we reached out to Henry, even though we were still uncertain about the date, plans, or even the number of guests. We felt overwhelmed by all the options and decisions that come with wedding planning. But from our very first call with Henry, everything just clicked. He is so knowledgeable about the entire process—not just photography—which was incredibly reassuring. Throughout the planning, he provided recommendations on dates, locations, Airbnbs, vendors, and more.

Henry goes above and beyond with his preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly. On the day of our ceremony, he quickly noticed that our original spot was busier than expected and suggested a more private location. He scouted a new spot atop a cliff overlooking the beach, right in the backyard of our venue, which turned out to be more magical than we could have ever imagined. His expertise and professionalism shone through as he turned any unexpected situation into an opportunity. From the crowded location to the extreme wind, Henry adapted seamlessly, using his quick thinking and resourcefulness to not only find a better spot but also turn the challenging weather into stunning, dynamic photos. No matter what came up, Henry handled it with ease, making every moment feel perfect and intentional.

Seeing how Henry captured the day through his lens made it even more special. We were blown away by the photos and are so glad we chose him to document this moment we’ll cherish forever. His creative vision and talent are unmatched. His uplifting energy made us feel completely at ease in front of the camera, and by the end of the day, Henry truly felt like part of our family.

If you’re considering booking Henry, we can’t recommend him enough! It will be one of the best decisions you make.

Thank you, Henry! <3