Dreaming of a dinner surrounded by towering trees or an epic ceremony view? ME TOO! The outdoors can be oh so intimate! I love the contrast of wide open spaces plus glowing candlelight. The only problem – where to start?! The logistics of creating a venue in the middle of nowhere can feel overwhelming but the payoff is BIG! It may seem like a huge undertaking, but with a little help from vendors or accessible outdoor locations, making that outdoor wedding dream come to life can be easier than you think!

Need ideas on how to create a venue without a venue for your outdoor wedding?

Pitch a tent, big or small to create the sense of place in a wide open space!

Add some warm lighting like string lights or candles to add that cozy feel and keep everything lit up once the sun goes down.⁠ Lighting is key when creating a space outdoors. Not only do you need it for obvious reasons, but the warm glow gives an inviting sense of comfort that you won’t want to leave. Plus – let’s all agree, it’s just magical!

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You don’t have to look far. Utilize the space you have – your backyard!

Does it get any cozier or more personal than hosting your intimate outdoor wedding at home? Plus it’ll be the sweetest memory looking out your windows to exact place you said I do!⁠ Bonus: you’ll have access to conveniences like restrooms, climate control and a kitchen for all your wedding day needs!

Go big with BIG views and head to a National Park or Forest!

Nothing says epic love quite like the epic views that National lands deliver, especially on Mt Hood. One of my favorite things about living in Oregon is the endless access to ridiculously gorgeous views! If you need help finding that perfect epic spot for your outdoor wedding or elopement – I’m the photographer for you! Finding THE spot, whether it’s easy access or an adventurous hike is one of my special skills! If you're up for a challenge, we can choose a more remote spot at the end of a hike for privacy and adventure. Or if you’d rather take it easy, I know all the best spots with little to no hiking involved! 

book a rad airbnb in your dream location!

Not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits of having indoor amenities close by, but you will also get to soak in the great outdoors for your reception and/or ceremony! Many of my couples have chosen to book a stay at an awesome Airbnb so they have a cozy place to relax after the festivities. They are also able to take advantage of having a place to cook, use the restroom, get ready, and stay comfortable - all while being just a few steps or a quick drive away from an outdoor reception and ceremony space, fun outdoor activities for you and your guests, or an adventurous hike! It’s the best of both worlds.

create a romantic picnic-style set up for dinner

Who doesn’t love dinner by candlelight, surrounded by nature and loved ones? Get creative with big open spaces and join farm tables together for a celebratory meal with your guests. You can decorate the tables to match your wedding style with florals, greenery, candles, custom menus or place cards, linens - so many possibilities! If you want to go full picnic vibe, set out some blankets in a grassy area for your guests to make themselves comfortable.

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With the right team behind you, making those outdoor wedding dreams can be a breeze! Still want some more advice? I’m happy to help my any of my couples land on the perfect location and point you in the right direction of vendors you may need. Let’s talk about your elopement dreams and get those ideas rolling into reality. Get in touch!