Tips for Photos at Cannon Beach in Oregon

Are you dreaming of getting engagement photos at Cannon Beach? Or even eloping at Cannon Beach?

Cannon Beach in Oregon is an iconic spot for photos, and has the most majestic sunsets. Here are some tips for engagement photos at Cannon Beach along with tips on how to elope at Cannon Beach in Oregon.

For the best photos at Cannon Beach, timing is everything. What is the best time for photos at Cannon Beach?: Sunrise or sunset are the best times for photos at Cannon Beach, to get the sun low in the sky for epic scenery and flattering lighting on the subjects. The lighting just after sunrise or before sunset gives a dreamy and ethereal glow, and is incredible for engagement photos and elopements.

Be Aware of Crowds: If you hire us for your engagement photos at Cannon Beach or your elopement at Cannon Beach, rest assured we will edit any extra people out of your photos. Like most iconic spots, crowds are sometimes unavoidable. We always try to get a secluded area, but the best areas for photos tend to have other people, and that’s ok!

Even if you have a crowded beach, we will find both secluded spots and have the skills to remove extra subjects out of your images, if needed.

What to wear for engagement photos at Cannon Beach?:

Let's talk outfits! Whether you're envisioning a laid-back beach vibe or something more formal, make sure your personalities are #1 on your priority list. You don’t want to feel like you’re looking at a stranger when you view your photos. With that in mind, I always suggest including a casual outfit and a more dressy outfit for engagement photos. The biggest tips I have are to keep colors neutral, wear colors you know look good on you, and when it comes to the dressier outfit- I always suggest something flowy for a feminine vibe. You won’t get as much variety with a skin-tight dress than you will something we can move around and play with. That being said, if you want your dressy photos to be all class and more posed, by all means, wear what you feel best in! But I definitely suggest earthy and/or neutral colors, flowy materials, and to bring layers in case of weather changes.

Be prepared for weather changes: If a sudden rain shower catches us off guard or the wind decides to tousle our hair, let’s embrace it. That’s where the art happens, baby.

Make it Personal: Engagement photos should be as unique as your love story. I have couples bring things that reflect them as a couple so we can have fun together and tell their story. We’ll get all the regular shots you’d expect, but I love adding personality in my sessions! Eating pizza together, feeding each other sushi, doing something you did on your first date. I’ve had couples bring the cutest things, and it adds so much to the photos!

Leave the rest to us!: We love being trusted photographers at Cannon Beach, and are happy to give suggestions after you book us. Wether you’re getting engagement photos, wedding photos, or eloping at Cannon Beach, we are here to create epic photos for you. We’ll laugh, have fun, get romantic, and create art at a gorgeous location. We don’t JUST want to take photos, we want to create a memorable experience.

Can you elope at Cannon Beach?: Yes, as long as your guest count is under 50 people. Keep in mind you cannot bring chairs or special decor, so keep in mind guests with mobility issues, as they will need to walk on the beach and stand for your ceremony. At Cannon Beach, the scenery is so beautiful, there is no need for extra decor.

If you do want to have a ceremony with more than 50 people, you must apply for a special use permit. For intimate ceremonies and elopements, I always suggest keeping the guest count to under 25 people if possible, at Cannon Beach.

Getting to the beach requires some walking when nearby parking is full. I suggest parking downtown and walking a few blocks, if you’re able to.

Where to park for Cannon Beach: The closest parking is on Pacific Street, however, the spots go fast! To get to Pacific Street, you go west on either West Dawes Avenue, which turns into Pacific. Or go West Gower Avenue and turn left at Wayfarer Restaurant. There is access to the beach from the West end of Gower Avenue, and a path from Pacific Street to the beach just south of the intersection with West Dawes.

The best place for public parking for Cannon Beach is on the corner of So. Hemlock Street and Gower Avenue, next to the Cannon Beach City Hall. From there, you’ll walk west on Gower Avenue and cross the foot bridge to get to the sand dune. You’ll see Haystack Rock to the South. This is where I tend to park. It’s just a short walk to Cannon Beach from this lot.

If all the parking lots are filled up, you can find paths to the beach at the West end of these streets: Harrison Street; Van Buren Street. All streets from Jackson Street north to Washington Street. They will require a bit of walking.

If you are eloping at Cannon Beach, I highly suggest including guests who do not have mobility issues. It is an adventure wedding and elopement spot, and is not easily accessible by wheelchair, etc. However, if it’s just the two of you and you don’t have limitations, it is a breathtaking area that will give you stunning views.

Ecola Park is near Cannon Beach and has some incredible foresty spots for photos. Please keep in mind, if there are busses, DO NOT STOP AND LET THEM PASS. It is easier if you pass first and then provide them with the full road. I saw a near-death disaster because of a car who insisted on stopping to let a bus go first. It is not polite. It is dangerous. Please be smart! This applies to all narrow canyon roads.

Ecola Park is a great place to get some additional wedding photos after your elopement, for a different vibe, without your guests. It feels like you’re in Jurassic Park. I’m happy to share photos with any couples who are interested in engagement photos or elopement photos!

We do elopement photo and video, as well as wedding photo and video in Oregon, and would love to get to know you and your love story! Reach out here if you have any questions <3

Hey, look. It’s me! Can’t wait to meet you :)

Tips for Eloping at Ruby Beach | Washington Elopement Photographer

How to elope at Ruby Beach in Washington | Olympic National Park

Eloping at Ruby Beach in Washington

Eloping has become popular for couples who want an intimate and romantic wedding experience. I personally LOVE the intimacy of elopements and would love to help you plan your dream elopement. While I give my couples extra tips and tricks, along with questionnaires and planning guides, you probably found this post because you’re hoping to elope at Ruby Beach, and I’m happy to share some important tips.

First, let’s dive into Ruby Beach. What is Ruby Beach?: Ruby Beach is an iconic landscape with sea stacks, tide pools, crashing waves, sitting opposite of amazing forestry (The Olympic National Park). It is a breathtaking sight to see.

The black rock formations provide a moody backdrop, and the sun coming through the rock formations during sunrise and sunset are unlike anything else. There are driftwood logs along Ruby Beach, some of which you’ll need to walk on and over to the most iconic areas of Ruby Beach.

Where is Ruby Beach? Ruby Beach is part of Olympic National Park, although unlike some parks, you don’t drive through a park entrance to access Ruby Beach. Ruby Beach is in Jefferson County about 27 miles South of Forks, Washington. If you’re driving from Seattle, Washington, it’s at 3 1/2 hour drive to the West (and North) of Washington. If you’re driving from Forks, Washington, it’s a 30 minute drive South. There is no cell service as you drive through most of Olympic National Forest as you drive through Highway 101. There is a parking lot with bathrooms once you arrive at Ruby Beach, and is the best spot to meet before your elopement. To get down to Ruby Beach from the parking lot, there is a downhill trail (more like a path) to the West that leads to the beach.

Do I need a special pass or permit to elope at Ruby Beach?: YES.

Although you won’t pass a park entrance with a kiosk when eloping at Ruby Beach, you will want to purchase the $30 private vehicle pass here. The pass will be valid for seven days and is per-vehicle. To elope on Ruby Beach, you will also need a special use permit. When applying for a permit, timing is important. Don’t wait too long to apply for your permit! I recommend getting your special use permit application submitted 3 months before your Ruby Beach elopement at the latest. If you hire me as your elopement photographer, I help you with obtaining the right permits for Ruby Beach. The process to get a special use permits is to email the parks here. The application you will want to download and fill out for your special use permit can be found here. You will then follow the instructions they send you by email and send your completed application along with a fee of $50-$100.

Your elopement photographer (me!) will also need a still photography permit. The permit is $50/day for 1-10 people and the application fee is $100. The still photography permit can be found here.

What is the best time of day to elope at Ruby Beach?: The absolute best time to elope at Ruby Beach is either at sunrise or sunset. Keep in mind, this can be a popular time for landscape photographers, other photo sessions, and tourists. However, the beach itself stretches a ways and offers plenty of space for everyone. Sunrise will always have less people at Ruby Beach.

If you’re looking for moody elopement photos at Ruby Beach, the dark rocks are a great natural backdrop for your elopement ceremony. Keep in mind, you are not permitted to bring any props or decor for your elopement at Ruby Beach. However, the gorgeous landscape is the perfect backdrop for your Ruby Beach elopement. On one side you have the gorgeous coastline on Ruby Beach, and on the other there is forestry, all among reddish sands and logs.

Golden hour at either sunrise or sunset is the perfect time to exchange vows. In my Ruby Beach adventure elopement package, the timeline consists of getting ready photos, details, first look, exchanging of vows (usually symbolic in elopements, however you can actually get married there with additional guidelines), followed by a “Champagne” pop and toasts using water to follow the Leave No Trace principles. We then have a charcuterie picnic followed by your first dance, some additional dancing, lantern photos across the Ruby Beach seascape, and then star gazing if the weather allows. (If this sounds like your dream Ruby Beach elopement package, reach out to us here!)

Things to bring for your elopement at Ruby Beach:

-wedding attire and dress/suit bags and a belt to make travel easier
-rings and ring box(es)
-additional jewelry you’d like to wear
-veil if wearing one
-vow books/handwritten vows
-a gift for your partner if you choose to do a gift exchange
-opt for comfortable shoes or barefoot instead of heels on Ruby Beach
-emergency pack with safety pins, bobby pins, makeup for touchups, and bandaids.
-portable steamer (just in case!)
-Backpack for storing vow books, jewelry, emergency kit, etc. (opt to have everything in one backpack instead of several bags.)

Tips for Wedding Attire during a Ruby Beach Elopement:

Your dress may get dirty, but it is SO worth it for the photos, and those are how you’ll remember your Ruby Beach elopement for the rest of your life. If you’re staying on Ruby Beach for your elopement, there really isn’t “hiking” you’ll be doing. Anyone in mildly decent shape can get around Ruby Beach, I would recommend keeping your dress and suit in their original bags, folding them in half, and tying a belt around the bag and your waist so it’s easier to walk down to Ruby Beach (it’s a very short walk down steps). Once there, we can pop open a portable dressing pod for you to change if we’re doing a first look. If you’re wearing a veil, keep it in the same garment bag, preferably on its own hanger.

You can keep all of your jewelry and vow books in a ziplock bag inside of a backpack. Keep all your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in their original packaging so they don’t tangle inside the ziplock bag. We’ll capture you putting on any jewelry you’re going to wear.

Bring a portable steamer just in case your dress and/or suit wrinkled up (this is more helpful if we’re doing a 7-mile hike for your elopement).

After the Elopement Ceremony at Ruby Beach:

  • After exchanging vows, you can celebrate with a private picnic or a romantic dinner at a nearby coastal town. There are beautiful beachfront cabins not too far away.

  • We do a gorgeous Ruby Beach elopement package that consists of getting ready photos, first look photos, exchanging of vows, followed by a “champagne” spray (using water to follow Leave No Trace principles), a charcuterie picnic for two, your first dance, some additional fun dancing for photos to a curated playlist we make together, and finally star-gazing if the weather allows. (Reach out here if this sounds like your dream elopement!)

Make sure you adhere to the Leave No Trace principles:

  • When eloping at Ruby Beach, ensure you’re following the Leave No Trace principles. That includes not leaving garbage anywhere, using water instead of actual champagne for champagne spray photos, not carving rocks, and leaving the beach in the same, if not better, condition than you found it.

What month is the best to elope at Ruby Beach?:

March through October are the best months to elope on Ruby Beach. But you can elope at Ruby Beach any month of the year and still get breathtaking photos.

  • Eloping during the Summer months at Ruby Beach (June to August):

    • Mild Weather: Summer is the most popular time to elope at Ruby Beach. The months of June, July, and August have milder temperatures, and stunning sunsets.

    • Longer Days: Take advantage of the longer daylight hours during summer for a sunset elopement. The extended golden hour provides a romantic setting as the sun dips below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky.

  • Eloping during the Fall at Ruby Beach (September to November):

    • Vibrant Colors: Fall brings a burst of vibrant colors to the surrounding landscapes. The changing foliage in the nearby forests creates a picturesque backdrop for your elopement, adding warmth and richness to your photos.

    • Fewer Crowds: While summer is popular, the fall months offer a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. It’s a more serene experience at Ruby Beach during the fall, and your Ruby Beach elopement photos will be gorgeous.

  • Eloping during the Winter at Ruby Beach (December to February):

    • Dramatic Storms: You may see winter storms rolling in from the Pacific Ocean. While temperatures may be cooler, the moody atmosphere and crashing waves create a unique and unforgettable elopement experience. If you can handle the cold, and love the fog, eloping at Ruby Beach in the winter might be for you.

    • Get Cozy After your elopement ceremony, you can cozy up in nearby accommodations to enjoy the winter charm. A winter elopement at Ruby Beach provides a romantic escape for couples who appreciate the beauty of the season. I would recommend bringing hot cocoa and hand and feet warmers. Depending on the weather, we’ll likely want to move the rest of your elopement timeline indoors, and there usually will not be opportunity to star-gaze during the winter months by Ruby Beach.

  • Eloping during the Spring at Ruby Beach (March to May):

    • Mild Temperatures: Spring has mild temperatures, which makes it a comfortable time to elope. The days aren’t as long as summer, but long enough that you can sleep in a little for a sunrise elopement or go to bed at a decent time (if you’re crazy enough to do that on such an exciting day) if you’re planning a sunset elopement.

I hope these tips for your Ruby Beach elopement were helpful! If a Ruby Beach elopement sounds up your alley, please reach out and I would love to learn about your love story and help plan the perfect Ruby Beach elopement with you.

XOXO

Datura Photo (Jules Wagstaff) is a wedding and elopement photographer in Utah and the PNW. Datura Photo travels worldwide to document weddings and elopements in an artistic style through photography and videography. Contact us to learn more! (We can’t wait to meet you!!)

MOODY ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS? YES, PLEASE. | UTAH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

What is moody photography, anyway?

Moody photography is emotion-based, typically less-vibrant colors but richer color palettes, not afraid of using shadow and light to evoke a more dramatic feeling, and should feel more artistic in nature. Moody photography is not bright and light and heavenly. It’s artsy, bold, and dreamy. Moody photography reminds me of Rembrandt paintings. It reminds me of films. And it is my absolute favorite style to photograph.

Does moody have to mean dark images with strong shadows in every picture? NOOOOO. (Yes, us moody photographers love playing with light and shadow and aren’t afraid of darkness), but moody doesn’t necessarily translate into “dark images”. I’ll be going over this in another post, so stay tuned for that.

Moody photographers do usually expose their images perfectly, or underexpose a bit, whereas bright and airy photographers overexpose their images a bit. How bright an image is taken will determine the final outcome and “feel”, so if you’re after something more emotional and maybe even dramatic, moody photography is for you. If you want your photos to feel light and bright and airy and exactly how things looked in real life, moody photography probably isn’t for you. If you love the dreamy things in life, find yourself watching Tim Burton movies, and consider yourself a bold or artistic person, MOODY.PHOTOGRAPHY.IS.FOR.YOU.BB.

Now that we have a better understanding as to what moody photography means, let’s enjoy this couple’s beautiful, dare I say, spooky, engagement photos.

M threw a witchy bachelorette party and knew she wanted a moody wedding, so we worked with the universe to manifest rain and fog and made some witchy magic.

What could be better?

We took these photos up the mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had their wedding in the same area in Utah, and I feel so honored I got to document both engagements and the wedding. (Since then we’ve done senior and boudoir photos and I can’t wait for whatever comes next.)

Aren’t they breathtaking?

Do you love moody photos? Cause same. I would love to work with you! You can see more of my work through my galleries www.daturaphoto.net

And if you’re looking to book a wedding photographer AND wedding videographer for your 2024 or 2025 wedding, fill out an inquiry form and write “put me in the drawing!” Submissions must be made between January 22nd and February 10th. Three people will win gift certificates toward their wedding photography when combined with video! I can’t wait to hear more about your wedding plans.

The Perfect Enchanted Forest Wedding

Tips for the Perfect Enchanted Forest Wedding

Planning an enchanted forest wedding? Here are some tips to have the enchanted forest wedding of your dreams!:

datura photo wedding ring shot

VENUE + SCENERY

The venue you choose for your enchanted forest wedding is the most important aspect. I recommend looking for outdoor locations that have plenty of pine trees, which stay beautiful all year long and can give you “enchanted forest wedding” vibes no matter when your wedding is. If you opt for a foresty venue with lots of trees that does NOT have pine trees, keep in mind trees change throughout the year. Make sure you look up examples of the area in the month you’re planning on getting married. And keep in mind mid to late October to about April NON-pine trees will look dead and bare. (If you’re going full Tim Burton and love that look, awesome.. but most people like to avoid those months.) Pine trees are a great way to get moody scenery and that enchanted forest feel.

For M + L’s intimate mountain wedding, it ended up SNOWING the day before, which was unexpected, but they still had the enchanted forest wedding of their dreams. I feel so fortunate that I got to be their wedding photographer. I helped M find the location for the ceremony and photos, and helped put together a timeline for the best lighting. I’m so happy with the moody vibes and even happier that M + L got the wedding they wanted. The location was perfect for them. They got an Airbnb 5 minutes from the ceremony location where everyone got ready, did the ceremony in the mountains, that we obtained a permit for, we took photos in one of my favorite areas nearby, and then the reception was 10-15 minutes away at London Studios in Salt Lake City, Utah.

TIME OF YEAR

Time of year is also important if you want an enchanted forest wedding. The best months for an enchanted forest wedding are between July and mid-October. (Don’t push it past October 10th or you’ll risk everything being dead.) Personally, September and early October are my absolute favorite times for ANY wedding, but especially an enchanted forest wedding. The lighting is gorgeous, the scenery is epic, and it’s the best time for the best wedding photos.

Keep in mind, where you live might have different seasons, and I can help you decide the best time for your wedding depending on where it will be. Most areas are still the best between July and early October.

COLORS

The best colors for an enchanted forest wedding are shades that give a pop of “drama”— think deep tones with metallic accents or deep tones with neutral accents or vice versa. Here are the best color palette ideas for an enchanted forest wedding:

For a moody fall enchanted forest wedding, think eucalyptus green, wine red, and complimentary colors.

You might notice a trend with colors that work well in an enchanted forest wedding: earthy greens and browns along with a pop of moody tones, such as burgundy, plum, or copper. If your wedding will be in a forest, the deep greens and browns will already be a part of nature, so choose hues that are complimentary to those shades. Once you have your earthy tones, choose a bold shade that you love, and keep the rest of your colors in a similar family. For example, if you choose plum for your main color, consider adding in accents like mauve, grey, black, silver (or gold), and a few shades lighter or darker than your main plum color, will help your enchanted forest wedding colors pop.

More photos from this gorgeous enchanted forest wedding at Big Cottonwood Canyon in Utah:

Working with M + L on their intimate enchanted forest wedding was an absolute DREAM. I would love to help you plan your enchanted forest wedding and get photos similar to these of your big day. There are so many factors that go into the perfect enchanted forest wedding and I love helping my couples put together a timeline that will be perfect for them and their photos.

Datura Photo | Wedding and elopement photographer in Utah and the PNW and worldwide. Contact me here!

Moody + Filmy Wedding Photographer in Utah | Silver Fork Lodge

Rustic Wedding in the Utah Mountains at Silver Fork Lodge

If you've ever dreamt of a picturesque mountain wedding with a touch of rustic charm, Silver Fork Lodge in Utah is the perfect canvas for your dream wedding in Utah.

Silver Fork Lodge in the fall is absolutely breathtaking. The bride and wedding party got ready at an air b n b nearby, while the ceremony was behind the lodge against aspen trees. The fall colors and greenery were beautiful.

The atmosphere was perfect for J + C, who wanted a slightly moody yet organic and genuine vibe for their rustic wedding in the mountains of Utah.

Here are some reasons we recommend Silver Fork Lodge to tie the knot:

Breathtaking Natural Beauty:

  • Nestled in the stunning Wasatch Mountains, Silver Fork Lodge offers a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty. Towering pine trees, crisp mountain air, and majestic landscapes create a picturesque canvas for your wedding day, ensuring that every moment is framed by the breathtaking scenery.


Rustic Elegance:

  • The Lodge exudes rustic charm with its log cabins, cozy interiors, and warm ambiance. The blend of natural elements and tasteful decor provides a timeless and elegant setting that perfectly complements the romance of a wedding celebration.

Seasonal Beauty:

  • One of the unique advantages of Silver Fork Lodge is its ever-changing seasonal beauty. Whether you prefer the lush greenery of summer, the vibrant hues of fall foliage, the snowy wonderland of winter, or the blossoming flowers of spring, each season brings its own magical touch to your wedding.

Culinary Excellence:

  • Indulge your taste buds with the culinary delights crafted by the Lodge's talented chefs. The catering team at Silver Fork Lodge is known for creating menus that showcase local flavors, ensuring that your wedding feast is a memorable part of the celebration.

Close Proximity to Salt Lake City:

  • Silver Fork Lodge's proximity to Salt Lake City makes it a convenient destination for both local and out-of-town guests. The accessibility allows everyone to enjoy the mountain escape without venturing too far from city comforts.

Looking for an artsy wedding photographer in Utah to capture your wedding day? I would LOVE to talk more with you about your vision and would be honored to photograph your big day.