When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, one thing is always certain: the weather is unpredictable. And honestly, it’s one of my favorite things about the area.
When Becky and Shawn first reached out to me, they were initially leaning toward eloping in Yosemite. If you know anything about me, you’ll know that Yosemite isn’t my top choice for elopements, primarily due to the crowds, which are constant year-round. When we hopped on our initial consult call, I listened as they shared their vision: a mountainous landscape with green trees and spring flowers. We talked briefly about Yosemite, but once I mentioned the overwhelming crowds, it was clear they were looking for something quieter. I suggested a few alternative locations—Olympic National Park, Mt. Shasta, and, of course, Oregon, which offered exactly what they had in mind. When I sent over the location options, they immediately fell in love with Trillium Lake.
Trillium Lake is one of the most breathtaking lakes in Oregon, nestled in the Mt. Hood area, known for its beauty year-round. Becky and Shawn knew there was a chance we’d run into other couples taking photos, as it’s a popular spot, but they were willing to take the chance. This was *the* spot.
On the day of the elopement, I arrived at the most charming Airbnb. It was late June, and the weather was absolutely perfect—overcast skies and flowers in full bloom. I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw the clouds hanging low. It was exactly the kind of weather I had hoped for.
Their day began with some getting-ready shots. Becky’s mom had knitted her a shawl in case she got cold, a sweet detail that I just had to capture. Before heading to the lake, they exchanged private vows on the deck. And, as is tradition, a game of rock-paper-scissors determined who would go first. Their vows were heartfelt, filled with inside jokes and sweet moments they had shared together throughout their relationship.
After the vows, we made our way to Trillium Lake, and I was absolutely floored when we arrived at the parking lot—there were only three other cars there. For anyone familiar with this location, that’s nearly unheard of, and I couldn’t stop beaming with excitement!
Though Becky and Shawn had chosen to keep the day intimate with no guests, a few unexpected attendees did show up—the ducks! As the couple promised forever, the ducks were there quacking away by their feet, which made for some truly memorable and funny moments. We couldn’t help but laugh at the charming little interruption. Afterward, they popped champagne to celebrate, and we spent the rest of the evening capturing portraits around the lake. While Mt. Hood herself didn’t make an appearance, the foggy weather and the lack of crowds made up for it.
Looking back on it all, I honestly couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day. Every detail—every moment—fell into place just as it was meant to, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. It was everything I could have hoped for and more, and I know Becky and Shawn definitely felt the same.
- Photography: Brianna Parks Photography
- Officiant: EC Matrimony
- Hair and Makeup: Blossom and Beauty
Trillium Lake Elopement Packages
If an elopement in Oregon sounds like a dream come true, you’re in the right place. I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest that helps plan and capture elopement days around Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. I only work with 18 couples a year to guarantee that you get the most hands-on approach possible. You can view my elopement packages page here or take a peek at what I offer below!
- 4 hours – 1.5 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 $7,000
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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. My 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.
