Portland Elopement at the International Rose Test Garden

Portland elopement photographer captures couple strolling NW 23rd before Rose Test Garden wedding.

Portland Adventure Elopement | Coleen + Dan

Coleen + Dan traveled all the way from the Midwest to celebrate their elopement in Portland, and their day was everything an adventurous couple could hope for. They wanted a celebration that felt true to them—laid-back, fun, and filled with little moments of joy—and Portland delivered in every way.

Bridal dress at Bungalow Vibes Airbnb in Nob Hill before Portland elopement at the International Rose Test Garden.
Getting ready at Bungalow Vibes in Portland before International Rose Test Garden elopement ceremony.
Colorful vow books and rings for Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple kissing outside Airbnb in Portland before their International Rose Test Garden elopement.

We started at their cozy Airbnb, Bungalow Vibes in Nob Hill, where anticipation mixed with excitement as they got ready. From there, we hit the streets of NW 23rd Avenue, one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods. Between coffee stops, quirky storefronts, and lively sidewalks, it felt less like a wedding day and more like an urban adventure together. We ducked into Daedalus Books, sipped espresso at Barista, and wandered the streets laughing and soaking in the city atmosphere. These little stops created photos that perfectly captured their playful energy and sense of adventure.

Bride and groom share candid moment at Daedalus Books during Portland elopement before Rose Test Garden wedding.
Playful Portland elopement photos at Daedalus Books before International Rose Test Garden wedding.
Fun Portland elopement portraits at Daedalus Books before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Romantic Portland elopement kiss at Daedalus Books before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Fun Portland elopement portraits at Daedalus Books before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Couple kisses outside Tender Loving Empire on NW 23rd during their Portland elopement before International Rose Test Garden wedding.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment against brick wall reflections in NW Portland before Rose Test Garden elopement.
Portland elopement photos of bride and groom by colorful flower mural and NW 23rd sign before Rose Test Garden wedding.
Bride smiles in floral dress against vibrant mural during Portland elopement before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Couple stands in front of a bright floral mural on NW 23rd Avenue during Portland elopement before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Couple enjoys coffee together inside Barista on NW 23rd during their Portland elopement before International Rose Test Garden wedding.
Portland elopement couple shares coffee and holds hands at Barista on NW 23rd before Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Bride and groom kiss under string lights outside Barista coffee shop in NW Portland before International Rose Test Garden elopement.

Next, we headed up into the trees at Hoyt Arboretum. The peaceful trails and towering evergreens gave them a quiet moment to just be together before the big “I do.” It was the perfect contrast to the city streets and a reminder of how much Portland offers for couples who want variety in their elopement photos.

Couple holding hands under wooden pavilion surrounded by tall trees at Hoyt Arboretum during Portland elopement before Rose Test Garden vows.
Bride smiles holding bright pink and white bouquet during Portland elopement at Hoyt Arboretum before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Bride and groom stand together holding bouquet at Hoyt Arboretum during Portland elopement before Rose Test Garden vows.
Couple kisses surrounded by lush green trees at Hoyt Arboretum during Portland elopement before International Rose Test Garden ceremony.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand among tall evergreens during Portland elopement before International Rose Test Garden vows.
Portland elopement photographer captures couple framed by lush greenery at Hoyt Arboretum before Rose Test Garden wedding.

The highlight of their day, of course, was their ceremony at the International Rose Test Garden. If you’re thinking about a Portland elopement, this is one of the most magical spots—especially in June. With thousands of roses in full bloom, the garden is bursting with color and fragrance. It’s the kind of setting that feels timeless and romantic without any extra effort. Coleen + Dan were married by Ernie from EC Matrimony, whose heartfelt words made their ceremony at the International Rose Test Garden feel even more personal and meaningful.

Bride laughs holding bouquet while looking at groom during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden in June.
Wedding ceremony officiated by Ernie from EC Matrimony at International Rose Test Garden during Portland elopement.
Couple holds hands with officiant leading ceremony at International Rose Test Garden in Portland elopement.
Bride and groom exchange vows surrounded by blooming roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Emotional Portland elopement ceremony at International Rose Test Garden with officiant and blooming roses.
Officiant Ernie from EC Matrimony reads vows as couple weds among blooming roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Bride listens emotionally during vows at International Rose Test Garden during Portland elopement.
Bride reads vows holding vow book during Portland elopement ceremony at International Rose Test Garden in June.
Groom reads vows from book surrounded by roses at International Rose Test Garden during Portland elopement.
Groom reads heartfelt vows to bride during Portland elopement ceremony at International Rose Test Garden in June.
Bride holds vow book with tears in eyes during Portland elopement ceremony at International Rose Test Garden.
Bride smiles while reading vows surrounded by roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Groom looks emotional during Portland elopement ceremony at International Rose Test Garden.
Wide shot of couple and officiant Ernie from EC Matrimony exchanging vows in June at International Rose Test Garden during Portland elopement.
Couple shares first kiss as newlyweds surrounded by roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Groom wipes tears of joy during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple kisses holding Oregon license plate style sign reading Just Married during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.

Coleen + Dan’s Portland elopement was the best of both worlds: a city adventure and a garden wedding, wrapped up in one joyful day. For couples traveling here from out of state (or even across the country), the International Rose Test Garden in June is the kind of location that makes the trip more than worth it.

Bride and groom walk hand in hand among blooming roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple poses beneath vibrant red rose arch during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Bride and groom smile among colorful roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple kisses among rows of pink roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden in June.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand along rose garden path during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple embraces near palm tree and greenery during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Portland wedding photographer captures couple surrounded by colorful roses during elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Bride twirls in floral dress while groom spins her during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple shares joyful embrace surrounded by lush greenery during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple shares intimate forehead-to-forehead moment among roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Bride and groom smile together surrounded by pink roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden.
Couple poses among vibrant red roses during Portland elopement at International Rose Test Garden in June.

As Portland wedding photographers, we love the Rose Garden because it offers so much variety in one space. From sweeping views of Mt. Hood to tucked-away corners that feel private, it’s the perfect blend of scenic beauty and intimate atmosphere. And in June, the light is golden, the blooms are at their peak, and the whole space feels alive with energy—making it an unbeatable choice for an elopement.

We’re Eric and Amber — a husband and wife photography team based in Portland, Oregon. We document weddings with a photojournalistic approach, capturing the real, in-between moments that tell the full story of your day. We’ll also guide you through a few timeless, fine art portraits to round it out.

Our style is true-to-life, intentional, and focused on what matters most: you, your people, and the energy of the day. We believe your photos should feel like you — not a version of you that was overly posed or filtered.

We celebrate all couples, bodies, styles, and traditions, and we’re here to help tell your story exactly as it unfolds.

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Elopement at Hoyt Arboretum