An Oregon Coast Elopement with Redwoods, Sunset Vows, and a Celebrity Surprise

Mary and Brandon’s elopement was full of love, adventure, and beautiful views. They started the day with a sweet first look on the Oregon Coast. A fun surprise made the moment even better—a personalized video from New Girl actor Nelson Franklin. They spent the day exploring the towering Jedediah Smith Redwoods and ended it perfectly by exchanging vows on a quiet beach at sunset. Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by Sam Starns Adventure Elopement Photographer

“Mary and Brandon chose to elope in the Redwoods and Oregon Coast. Their day started with a first look on the beach, where Brandon admired how beautiful Mary looked in her unique floral gown and jeweled hair. Once the couple had a chance to take in the moment, I surprised them with a cameo video from Nelson Franklin. Mary and Brandon are serious ‘New Girl’ fans, and having the actor who plays ‘Robbie’ send them well wishes was a pretty emotional and exciting experience for them to start their elopement day.

The couple explored the Jedidiah Smith Redwoods for a while, basking in the pockets of sun trickling through the trees. As the sun crept closer to the horizon. We stopped at a local 50’s diner before heading north for a beach romp on the Oregon Coast (just outside of Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor). This is where the couple chose a spot in the sand for their intimate ceremony. They read personal vows to each other, and ended the day frolicking with lanterns in the last light of day.” [Sam, the photographer]

Learn more about eloping in the Redwoods. 

Permits and LNT

“People tend to not be educated as much about Leave No Trace in the Redwoods as they do in other environments often because of a lack of resource visibility. It’s crucial to stay on the trail and not perpetuate the many social trails that were originally used by animals.

Redwoods have a shallow root system (and no tap root), so standing on exposed roots or hugging trees often damages them. Fallen Redwoods also serve as a completely unique environment for many animals and often become nurse logs for other Redwood growth. They also help prevent erosion when left undisturbed (it’s why the Parks Department leaves fallen Redwoods instead of hauling them away). Be sure to stay off downed logs, even if it looks like there is no growth on them!

Permits for the Redwoods have become increasingly complex. Work with a photographer who is knowledgeable about the area and its permits! As of 2025, Redwood State Parks (including Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek Redwoods) require a permit/insurance for both ceremonies/vow exchanges and portraits (that means two separate permit applications if you’re having a ceremony and then taking portraits on another trail).

If paperwork isn’t your thing, your photographer will likely be able to guide you to some alternative locations that won’t be as red-tape heavy.” [Sam, the photographer]

Learn more about leaving no trace during your adventure.

Top Tips Eloping at Jedediah & Oregon Coast

“Consider Redwood trails that aren’t Stout Grove or Simpson-Reed/Walker Road, or popular spots on the Oregon Coast like Secret Beach (which is, ironically, no longer a secret). Those are well-known for their stunning views, but are also the most trafficked!

For a quieter experience, where it feels like you’re the only one for miles amongst a sea of giants or the only one for miles of coastline, lean on your photographer or planner for those more unique-to-you locations.

Being a lifelong Oregonian, I’m able to show my couples locations that you won’t find on AllTrails or in a tourism guide, which means we’ll have the place all to ourselves.” [Sam, the photographer]

About the Couple

“Mary and Brandon are so fun and carefree, which made photographing them an absolute delight! They’re not afraid to laugh and be themselves and it really shows through in the images.

I also loved that Mary and Brandon were really intentional with their details and made an effort to have things close to them that were meaningful and really represented who they were. Their day was full of unique aspects, from a stitched plaid heart on Mary’s dress to photos of Brandon’s loved ones who have passed on.” [Sam, the photographer]

Details We’re Loving

“I’m forever obsessed with Mary’s dress. The nontraditional floral print mixed with the flowy fabric was a dream to shoot and it fit Mary’s personality and aura absolutely perfectly.” [Sam, the photographer]

Memorable Moments About This Elopement

From the photographer:

“The way Mary and Brandon were stunned by the towering Redwood trees was so heartwarming – Brandon couldn’t get over the sheer height! He kept saying he couldn’t believe where he was.

I was able to get a Cameo from Nelson Franklin, an actor on one of their favorite tv shows, ‘New Girl’ (they self-admittedly have watched the whole series at least a dozen times). He went on for about 4 minutes wishing them a happy elopement day! I’ll never forget the look on Mary’s face when she recognized who it was in the video!”

Vendors

Photography | Sam Starns Adventure Elopement Photographer

Hair & Makeup Artist | Meaghan Whalen 

Dress | Savvy Bridal 

Suit | iTailor 

Food | CC Diner and Ice Cream 

Photos From This Elopement