Rosie and Chris's Multi-day Elopement in the Three Sisters Wilderness

When I received the call from Rosie and Chris, I just knew in my soul that I was the photographer for them. They were planning their Central Oregon elopement as a two-day camping trip with their closest friends in the Three Sisters Wilderness. And my heart just said, YES! I am there. Let’s do this!

A Unique Vision

Rosie and Chris wanted their wedding to be a fun, relaxed time with their closest friends at one of their favorite camp spots. They planned an epic camping trip, flew in their bestie to officiate, and invited their close friends to witness the celebration. Their wedding was set for September, a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Navigating Challenges

A week prior to their elopement, a forest fire in the area caused highway closures and evacuations nearby. We stayed in close contact, watching the situation unfold. After several days, the road to the trailhead reopened, and the area they planned to elope was no longer under threat. When we headed up to the trailhead, visibility was terrible due to smoke. But as if by magic, the wind shifted, and the mountains came into view. It felt like pure luck—a blessing for their special day.

The Adventure Begins

We all arrived at the trailhead the day before the elopement. Rosie and Chris spent the afternoon enjoying trail beers while their friends trickled in. Once the group was complete, we made our way to the campsite.

It’s worth mentioning that Chris is a firefighter, and he and his buddies came prepared to pack in everything imaginable. Chris even packed in 14 pounds of steak and a Coleman grill. As someone who constantly tries to lighten my pack, I found the amount of gear they brought both impressive and comical.

The couple prioritized a laid-back, chill vibe for their wedding. That evening, we all relaxed around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter.

The Big Day

The next morning, we hiked up to the ridge of Broken Top with the group. After lunch, Rosie and Chris began getting ready for their first look.

Their first look was so sweet. It’s one of my favorite moments to capture because of the anticipation and raw emotion leading up to it. Rosie and Chris’s first look was filled with joy, love, and tenderness, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place about half a mile from camp in a secluded spot they had chosen. Surrounded by their closest friends, Rosie and Chris exchanged heartfelt vows they had written for each other. Their friend officiated, and lets just say, I was crying too.

After the ceremony, the group celebrated with bubbles, a simple yet joyful touch that added to the magic of the moment.

Celebrating Together

We hiked back to the campsite to continue the celebration. Chris fired up the grill, and the group shared a glorified backpacking meal complete with instant potatoes and backpackers mac and cheese.. , cake, and plenty of laughter. The atmosphere was pure joy as we toasted to Rosie and Chris’s new chapter together.

Why Choose Central Oregon for Your Elopement?

Central Oregon is a paradise for couples seeking an adventurous and intimate wedding experience. With its stunning landscapes—from alpine lakes to rugged peaks—it’s the perfect place to create lifelong memories. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed lakeside ceremony or an adventurous ridge-top exchange of vows, this region offers something truly special.

Let’s Plan Your Adventure

If you’re considering an elopement in Central Oregon, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way—from scouting locations to capturing the heartfelt moments of your special day. Let’s create a celebration that reflects your love story and the beauty of the wild.