I met up with Samantha and Christian for their lakeside elopement near Mt. Hood, and it was pure magic! Oregon is known for its misty mornings and enchanting landscapes, and the couple’s elopement day at this beautiful mountain lake didn’t disappoint! If you’re planning an Oregon hiking elopement or dreaming of a lakeside vow ceremony, just wait until you take a look at Samantha and Christian’s moody Trillium Lake hiking elopement in Oregon!

All About Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake is a peaceful alpine lake at the base of Mt. Hood. There are over 1,400 lakes in Oregon, but Trillium is well known as one of Oregon’s most beautiful bodies of water. From hiking to fishing, kayaking, swimming, and picnicking, Trillium Lake is a truly unforgettable place for your adventure elopement in the Pacific Northwest!

One of my favorite things about Trillium Lake is its ease of accessibility. The Trillium Lake Trail Loop circles the black gravel shores of this 65-acre lake. It’s an easy 1.9-mile round-trip hike and only takes about half an hour to complete! If you, your partner, a friend, or a family member have limited mobility, this is the perfect, inclusive location that doesn’t compromise views or adventure. The lake also has onsite bathrooms and is pet-friendly!

Samantha and Christian’s Moody Trillium Lake Hiking Elopement

Predicting weather conditions in Oregon can be tricky. Storms can roll in at any time, and fog is common, especially in the Cascades. Initially, Samantha and Christian had planned to hike to the top of Mt. Hood for their vow ceremony, but when we awoke just before Sunrise, there was a giant cloud bank looming over the mountain’s peak. So, we decided to play it safe and relocate to the couple’s backup location, Trillium Lake! Once we arrived at the trailhead, we realized we were the only people brave enough to face the drizzly Oregon weather that day.

Having the whole lake to ourselves made Samantha and Christian’s elopement that much more special. Clouds gracefully floated through the tall branches of the surrounding pine forest, while a light rain fell along the lake’s surface. The couple was wearing hiking boots and hiking packs, along with their wedding attire. I got a couple of adventurous portraits of the couple before following them as they walked around the lake. Samantha and Christian admired the beautiful scenery and shared laughter while holding hands. 

After some time spent exploring around the lake, the couple got close to the water’s edge for their private vow ceremony. Their thoughtful and kind words, filled with love and devotion, really moved my soul and made me smile! After Samantha and Christian’s I Do’s, they celebrated with a cute picnic they’d packed in their bags. The couple indulged in some super cheesy pepperoni pizza! Then, toasted to the next chapter of their lives with some beer.

The misty Oregon air added a touch of romance to the lake’s already breathtaking scenery! The pair’s elopement celebration truly felt like a fairytale. I had a blast taking romantic portraits of Samantha and Christian! I’m so thankful to have been a part of the couple’s special day! While Samantha and Christian’s original plan to hike to Mt. Hood didn’t work out, Trillium Lake had something equally amazing in store for this adventurous couple’s celebration. 

Tips For Planning A Trillium Lake Hiking Elopement 

Tip #1: Fly Into Portland & Rent A Car

If you’re traveling to Oregon from out-of-state, the easiest way to get there is by flying into Portland International Airport and renting a car! The airport is easy to navigate, and its rental car center is onsite. While you’re on your way to the Mt. Hood area, you’ll pass by downtown Portland. Portland is well-known for its eclectic and vibrant culture. From cozy coffee shops to funky fusion restaurants, it’s a great place to get a quick bite before heading into the Cascade Range and its surrounding landscapes. 

Tip #2: Don’t Be Afraid Of A Little Rain

While severe weather is certainly a good reason to move your elopement to a backup location, a little light rain, fog, or mist on your elopement day can add a moody, romantic vibe to your photos! If there’s a chance for rain in the forecast, consider packing a clear bubble umbrella and cute rain jackets.

Tip #3: Always Have A Backup Elopement Location

Being prepared is key to a stress-free elopement! While planning for your dream ceremony, talk with your photographer about backup ceremony locations! Severe weather, closures, or other unexpected events may require moving your elopement location to an alternative spot. As your elopement photographer, I’ll help you find a backup ceremony space just as epic as your top choice!

Here are a few of my other favorite locations in Oregon besides Mt. Hood and Trillium Lake:

• Secret Beach 
• The Natural Bridge  
• Umbrella and Sahale Falls Loop

Ready To Plan A Trillium Lake Hiking Elopement?!

If you’re ready to celebrate your love with an intimate lakeside wedding or hiking elopement, like Samantha and Christian, I’m here to help bring your ceremony dreams to life! As your photographer, I’ll ensure your ceremony is stress-free by assisting with location scouting, permits, timelines, and more. You can take a peek at my Oregon elopement packages here and share your vision for your special day through my contact form. If you want to learn more about planning an epic Oregon elopement, check out my guide on the ten best Oregon Airbnbs for your PNW elopement. 

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 VENDORS

• Retreat: Styled Wild Retreats
• Host: Meg Layman Photography
• Styling/Floral/Design: Oh So Brittnee
• HAMUA: Marina Haynes Artistry + Esthetics
• Ribbon: Emma Linh Co.
• Paper Goods: Letters And Dust
• Dress: The Sentimentalist
• Pizza: Mogul Mountain Pizza
• Couple: @sawseesam + @krischeeuhn