Two brides dance on the beach at sunset during their Secret Beach, Oregon elopement

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Secret Beach, Oregon Elopement

Caitlyn and Avley and I connected over our coming out stories.

With how many struggles the couple had to face when they decided to live their truths, they came to realize that their wedding day should only consist of moments that they truly cared about, activities they truly loved, and sceneries they truly enjoyed.

During their wedding planning, the couple found my images on the Oregon Coast. They immediately fell in love and knew that they wanted to elope here. With their engagement, they had gotten to touch the Atlantic Ocean water so for their elopement day, they want to be able to feel the Pacific Ocean water. 

Just a short couple of months before their day, I learned that the primary location where they had initially wanted to elope had been closed down by the state of Oregon due to safety issues. The location closure threw a curve at us but Caitlyn and Avley never let bother their excitement for their elopement day. They allowed me time and space to do additional research so we could pivot and plan for an even better day. 

Brides kiss on the beach during their elopement at Secret Beach, Oregon
This Secret Beach, Oregon elopement is now featured on Green Wedding Shoes

From Hiking Through the Redwoods To Touching the Pacific Ocean Water, This Is How To Elope at Secret Beach, Oregon Adventurously

On this Secret Beach, Oregon elopement day, I wanted to preserve everything Caitlyn and Avley experienced and felt from getting ready together, writing vows next to each other, hiking through the redwoods, taking a mid-day break for McDonald’s, exchanging vows in the craziest wind, having a picnic while feeling the ocean breeze, touching the Pacific Ocean water for the first time, to reading letters from family while the stars slowly came out to dance across the sky.

We stayed out until after dark when the light we had to guide us home was our lanterns and the starlit sky. It was one long day but it was one long day full of carefree laughter and loving words that made all of us cry.

Two brides holding lanterns under a starlit sky during their elopement at Secret Beach, Oregon

I’m incredibly honored to share that this image of Caitlin and Avley’s elopement has won Junebug’s 2022 Best of The Best Wedding Photos.

The day Junebug Weddings notified me of this win, was also the day Respect for Marriage Act got signed into law, a law that helps same-sex marriages get recognized across state lines as well as ensuring we get the same federal benefits as any other married couples.

As a small business, we can’t always do much, but what Sergio and I try to always do is celebrate each person as they are and give them the best of ourselves to document their story and their day regardless of where they get married, how much their wedding dresses are, or how they look. We celebrate love, not the fluff around what love should be.

Caitlin and Avley, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your incredible day! Thank you for allowing me to document your love and share it for all the world to see!

– Henry

From the very beginning of planning our elopement, it felt like a partnership.

Working with Henry Tieu is an ABSOLUTE DREAM. From the very beginning of planning our elopement, it felt like a partnership. Henry was so intentional about getting to know us and making sure we were always comfortable. He was caring, kind, professional, and friendly. We knew instantly we’d made the right choice in choosing him for our photographer.

Henry’s communication is truly outstanding. We always knew what the next steps were, and he shared so many helpful resources to help us prepare for our elopement. He also provided us with phenomenal recommendations for elopement planners, florals, cake, hair and makeup, and where to stay.

On our day, Henry went above and beyond to ensure we always felt safe, beautiful, and excited!! It felt MAGICAL. Henry was more than a photographer. He was also our friend, guide, and hype man!

We got “sneak peeks” SO quickly, and we are completely in love with them! Henry captured us, the day, and how we felt so perfectly. The photos are INCREDIBLE. He is truly an artist and worked so hard to get the most amazing shots.

Henry is simply the best out there.
Caitlyn & Avley
Secret Beach Oregon elopement

Meet The Best Secret Beach, Oregon Elopement Vendors:

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography (aka Henry)

Day-of Coordinator: Rain and Pines

Elopement Dresses: Dearly Loved Bridal

Cake: Sift and Gather

Hair and Makeup Artist: Fancy as Nancy


Meet Your Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographers

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