Capella by the Sea is one of those wedding venues that stays with you, the kind you see in a magazine and never forget. Its unique architecture makes it truly one of a kind, with only a handful of venues like it in existence. When Sylvia and Andrew reached out about their elopement and mentioned that a ceremony at Capella was a must, saying I was excited would be an understatement.
I’m not usually one to gush over wedding venues. I specialize in small weddings and elopements and spend most of my time shooting in nature’s best locations, like national parks, so it takes a lot for a venue to impress me. But this one absolutely did.
The architecture, location, and views are all breathtaking. Capella overlooks the Port of Brookings-Harbor, the Chetco River, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s tucked inside Azalea Park, which is also an incredible spot for portraits, especially in spring when the air is filled with the scent of honeysuckle, azaleas, and other blooms.
And here’s the best part: it’s only $150 per hour with a two-hour minimum, plus a refundable $300 security deposit. The chapel can hold up to 49 guests, though I recommend keeping your guest list smaller as it can feel a bit cramped.
Trust me, Capella by the Sea is a wedding venue you don’t want to skip, which is why I’m so excited to share all about Andrew and Sylvia’s elopement.
They chose to celebrate over two days. The first day was all about honoring tradition. Sylvia is Korean, so it was important for them to include a Paebaek, a traditional Korean ceremony where the newlyweds bow to their parents, serve them tea, and receive blessings. Each set of parents also throws chestnuts and dates toward the couple, and however many they catch represents how many sons and daughters they’ll have. There were plenty of laughs, and maybe a few happy tears too.
Day two was all about the wedding itself. I arrived at their Airbnb on the grounds of Crook Point, another stunning wedding venue, and captured some getting ready photos. Once the butterflies and nerves had settled, we made our way to Capella by the Sea, where they exchanged vows and rings before celebrating with champagne and a charcuterie board.
After the ceremony, we explored all around Brookings for portraits. From forests (the forest was at Capella by the Sea!) to ocean cliffs, these two got to experience some of the most beautiful scenery the area has to offer.
To end the night, we met back at their Airbnb for an intimate dinner filled with toasts and dancing. The meal was a delicious mix of Korean and Polish dishes, and between the food, warm light, beauty of Capella, and plenty of love for their sweet lab–golden mix, Ted, it was a day that couldn’t have been more perfect.
It’s days like this that make me fall in love with what I do all over again.
- Photography: Me!
- Videographer: Savage Winds Film
- Venue: Capella by the Sea
- Venue #2: Crook Point
- Hair and Makeup: Whit Marie Hair and Makeup
- Officiant: Officiant Jimmie
- Florals: Freckled Fleurs
- Chef: Miere Catering
- Airbnb: Mervue Estate
- Cellist: Dolce Fuoco Strings
- Car Service: EMC Black Car Service
Capella by the Sea Elopement Packages
Planning an elopement at Capella by the Sea? I’m Brianna, a Northern California–based elopement photographer helping couples worldwide bring their elopement visions to life in places as grand as Capella. Whether it’s the coastline of Oregon or the forests of Washington, I’m here to show you what’s possible.
Ready to start planning your elopement? You can view my elopement packages page here.
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Oregon
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Oregon are already included
- Starting at $6,500
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Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
