An Intentional Columbia River Gorge Elopement | Rachel + Emily

Rachel and Emily’s story is one of love and authenticity. They’ve been together for years, and their decision to have a Columbia River Gorge elopement perfectly reflects their journey. Their wedding day was easy, laid-back, and filled with love and happiness. They wanted a genuine, comfortable day, free from forced or awkward moments. Being in nature and surrounded by the beauty of the Gorge, their elopement was light-hearted and true to who they have always been as a couple. It’s a beautiful reminder that eloping can be a meaningful choice at any relationship stage, whether three months in or three years later.

An intimate columbia river gorge elopement

A Columbia River Gorge Elopement

The Columbia River Gorge was the perfect backdrop for Rachel and Emily’s elopement because they wanted a setting with greenery, water, or wide horizons. In this case, we hit all three. Their ceremony and photos at Government Cove and Latourell Falls offered stunning views and peaceful surroundings. Afterward, they enjoyed a relaxing dinner at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa, where they could celebrate with their loved ones. If you’re considering an elopement in this beautiful area, check out my Government Cove elopement guide here.

Gemstone colored wedding details
Gemstone colored wedding details
Gemstone colored wedding details
Getting ready before the wedding ceremony
Getting ready before the wedding ceremony
Getting ready before the wedding ceremony

Eloping at Any Time in Your Relationship

Rachel and Emily decided to elope after being together for a long time, and their choice was significant. Over the years, they faced some challenging and stressful seasons, including a lot of long distance. This time, they wanted to focus on being together and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. They waited for their own perfect timing to tie the knot, being intentional and not rushing the process. Their elopement celebrated their journey and the love that had grown stronger over the years.

Couple portraits at Latourell Falls in Oregon
Couple portraits at Latourell Falls in Oregon
Couple portraits at Latourell Falls in Oregon
Couple portraits at Latourell Falls in Oregon
Couple portraits at Latourell Falls in Oregon
Couple portraits at Latourell Falls in Oregon
An intimate columbia river gorge elopement
An intimate columbia river gorge elopement
An intimate columbia river gorge elopement

Structuring Their Columbia River Gorge Elopement Timeline for Personal Moments

This elopement day was beautifully structured to balance intimate moments and family festivities. They started the morning with a peaceful nature walk by their hotel, setting a relaxed tone for the day. Afterward, they got ready together, opting out of a traditional “first look” to keep things simple and natural. The brooches belonged to Emily’s late mother, a detail that hit home for me, having recently lost my mother. Around 2 PM, they had their ceremony and took pictures at Government Cove and Latourell Falls. By 6 PM, they transitioned to a dinner with family at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa. The day blended private moments and family joy, reflecting their desire for a laid-back, meaningful celebration.

An Intentional Columbia River Gorge Elopement ceremony
An Intentional Columbia River Gorge Elopement ceremony
An Intentional Columbia River Gorge Elopement ceremony
An Intentional Columbia River Gorge Elopement ceremony
An Intentional Columbia River Gorge Elopement ceremony
Couple photos overlooking the CRG
Couple photos overlooking the CRG
Couple photos overlooking the CRG
Couple photos overlooking the CRG
Two brides outside of the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
Two brides outside of the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
Two brides outside of the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
Two brides outside of the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
An elopement reception at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
An elopement reception at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
An elopement reception at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa

Vendors

Officiant | Maurya Gonzalez from Love Without Limitz
HMUA | Marina Haynes Artistry
Florist | Tammy’s Floral
Cake | Windflower Cakes
Food | Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa
Emily’s Suit | Suit Shop
Rachel’s Dress | Anthropologie

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“Destiny definitely stood out amongst other photographers because we absolutely loved how involved she was from the very beginning. She really wants to get to know you- which makes for really intimate photos! She asks tons of questions, which is awesome because you feel like you know her before even meeting her! And once you finally do, she is so so sweet!!! Destiny is so great at communicating and being really involved in every detail! She captured every emotion and detail perfectly, whenever I look at our wedding pictures, it brings back every feeling on our special day. TEARS!”

IT’S AS EASY AS WANTING TO

Planning your elopement doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems at first!

If you’re ready to…

-say goodbye to stiff, formal posing
-embrace the intimacy of your wedding day
-enjoy an adventure together
-have a meaningful ceremony
-remove all the extra stress

Then I’m here to help!

I specialize in photographing your intimate elopement all across the world. I love capturing the real emotions of your wedding day and I’m never “just another vendor”. I build connections with my couples and help you have the most amazing and unique elopement experience ever.

BOOK ME FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

MY CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

“Oh my gosh, where to start. First off, Destiny has the sweetest soul. She is so amazing with what she does, and how she interacts with her clients. She’s treated me and my fiancé like a friend from the beginning, and helped us feel comfortable in front of the camera.

We usually feel and get pretty awkward, but Destiny somehow turned us and our love story into art! She did so much work for us, in finding the perfect location, and helping me with my outfit decisions – the whole process from the beginning was so smooth.”

“We felt comfortable right away as Destiny encouraged us to “get weird” and I really enjoyed the way she guided us through moments together instead of putting us in cookie cutter poses. The results were completely stunning and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the images! If you are looking for a photographer that will make you feel like royalty on your big day and everytime you look back on your photos then look no further and book her now!!!”

If you’re thinking you want to elope, & you’re ready to get photos you’ll love with a passion,

THEN LET’S FREAKING DO THIS!

I will lovingly guide you through #allthethings and make sure you’re never feeling lost, have FOMO, or get surprised (in a bad way, good surprises are still on the table).

Book me for your PNW elopement