Elopement at International Rose Garden
Portland Adventure Elopement | Coleen + Dan
Coleen + Dan traveled all the way from the Midwest to elope in Portland, and their day was exactly what they were hoping for—laid-back, fun, and full of those small, happy moments that make it feel so them. They wanted something adventurous but still easygoing, and Portland showed up in the best way.
We started at their cozy Airbnb—Bungalow Vibes in Nob Hill—where anticipation and excitement set the tone as they got ready. From there, we headed to NW 23rd Avenue, one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods, and the day instantly felt less like a wedding schedule and more like an urban adventure. We ducked into Daedalus Books, grabbed espresso at Barista, and wandered past quirky storefronts and lively sidewalks, laughing and taking in the city. Those small, unplanned stops made the photos—capturing their playful energy and the way they genuinely have fun together.
Next, we headed into the trees at Hoyt Arboretum, where the peaceful trails and towering evergreens gave them space to slow down and just be together before the big “I do.” It was the perfect contrast to the energy of the city—and a reminder of how Portland can give you totally different vibes in one elopement day, without going far.
The highlight of their day, of course, was their ceremony at the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park. If you’re planning a Portland elopement, it’s hard to beat this spot—especially in June—when the roses are in full bloom and the whole garden feels alive with color and that unmistakable “Portland in summer” vibe. It’s romantic in a way that doesn’t feel overdone, and it looks incredible without needing much else.
Coleen + Dan were married by Ernie from EC Matrimony, and his heartfelt words made the ceremony feel personal, grounded, and completely them—one of those moments where everything else falls away and you’re just watching two people choose each other.
Coleen + Dan’s Portland elopement was the best of both worlds—an easygoing city adventure and a garden ceremony—wrapped into one joyful day. From wandering NW 23rd Avenue and ducking into cozy Portland favorites to slowing down in the evergreens and ending with vows surrounded by roses, their timeline had that “only in Portland” variety that makes elopements here so fun to plan (and so good for photos).
For couples traveling in from out of state (or across the country), Portland is an ideal elopement destination because you can fit multiple iconic locations into one day without spending hours in the car. And if you’re dreaming of a Portland elopement in June, the International Rose Test Garden is hard to beat—lush, colorful, and peak-season beautiful. It’s the kind of location that feels special the moment you arrive, whether you’re planning something simple and intimate or layering in a few meaningful stops around the city. If you want a day that feels like a mini vacation and a wedding—this is exactly what that can look like.
As Portland wedding photographers, we love the International Rose Test Garden because it offers an incredible amount of variety in one space—without needing to bounce between locations. You’ve got wide, open paths lined with blooms, sweeping views over the city, and those classic moments where Mt. Hood shows up in the distance on a clear day. At the same time, there are tucked-away corners that feel surprisingly quiet and private, which is perfect for couples who want an intimate elopement experience while still choosing one of Portland’s most iconic locations. It’s also easy to build a timeline here: you can start with big, scenic portraits and then shift into something more candid and close-up just by turning a corner or stepping into a calmer area.
And beyond the Rose Garden, we especially love couples who want to wander around Portland and make the day an adventure. This city is made for elopements that feel relaxed and real—coffee stops, bookstores, neighborhood walks, quirky storefronts, and little “let’s check this out” detours that turn into your favorite memories. Those in-between moments (laughing on the sidewalk, sharing a pastry, getting caught in a little drizzle, stumbling into a shop that feels so Portland) are often what make the photos feel the most personal. If you’re planning a Portland elopement—especially in June—this combination is hard to beat: peak-season blooms, soft golden light, and a city that lets you build a day that feels like a mini vacation and a wedding all at once.
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.