Sam Starns - Adventure Elopement Photographer

06/11/2026

Can’t say I’m surprised — this is why I’ve limited photographing elopement couples at Secret Beach. Since it’s gone viral, the location can’t handle the traffic.

An unofficial gravel pullout along U.S. 101 north of Brookings will close to parking June 22 because of safety and environmental concerns tied to Secret Beach and Oregon Coast Trail access. ODOT and Oregon Parks officials say visitors should use nearby designated trailheads instead.

Read the full story for FREE below.

06/05/2026

Pretty fitting that the first couple of days of Pride Month was spent with two brides who came from Canada to Norway, to sail the fjords for their adventure elopement.

It hadn’t even crossed my mind how kismet it was when we first decided on dates. What a cool and symbolic coincidence that two brides, one photographer, and one HMUA (four kickass women) would unite in a country so welcoming to every type of love in the month celebrating that very thing 🏳️‍🌈. And to kick off the month hours before the western hemisphere was even fully in June? Gotta say, I love being first in line to things.

The Lofoten Islands can be challenging to travel to for a variety of reasons. I’ve seen them in snow and chased the aurora borealis, and now I’ve gotten to witness two brides be present with each other sailing the Norwegian Sea and hiking under the midnight sun. Each has its own plusses and minuses and if you’re ready for a truly rugged adventure, Lofoten could be the perfect fit.

Stay tuned for some sneak peeks! 🔖
Elope in Norway
Pride month brides
Lofoten Islands elopement
Midnight Sun elopement
Extreme elopement
Extreme wedding
Elopement inspiration

05/25/2026

Just a throwback to this engagement session at Smith Rock State Park outside of Bend, OR years ago.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: The Oregon Coast is beautiful, but god, there’s so much more to this state.
Oregon engagement photos
Bend Oregon
Smith rock engagement
Oregon adventure session
Engaged 2026
2026 bride
2027 bride
Engagement photos

05/18/2026

“I knew it was your work the second I saw it”

Something that I’m proud of is that in a world of so many people trying to make their work look like someone else’s, I feel like my images remain unique.

And believe me, early in my elopement photography career, like many others, I tried to emulate other folks’ work. It just never stuck, whether I wanted it to or not.

There’s a cinematic meets moody meets raw yet refined quality I’ve clarified over the years that somehow manages to blend the environment with the subject. To get those wide shots of tiny couples while also capturing those people-first up close moments (and so many of the latter would never do numbers on IG and that’s a damn shame).

No matter what I may experiment with, be it double exposures or keeping your heirloom album in mind while I’m composing a shot, those qualities are still so etched into each image.
Elopement photos
Elopement inspiration
Elopement editing style
Cinematic wedding photos
Cinematic elopement photos

05/15/2026

One thing I love about elopements and embracing the outdoors ⛰️:

Your elopement day will be absolutely guaranteed unique based on the day’s conditions and where we go. No other couple will have your exact experience. You’ll have your own sunshine, your own breeze, your own potential wildlife encounters, your own singular sunset. The nuance of that day cannot be recreated. And tbh, I think that’s insanely badass.

That day, its weather, its sun, its wind, its warmth, will exist and be remembered in your photos. And it will be entirely yours. And that’s something so wildly cool.
Epic elopements
Elopement in the rain
Elopement in the snow
Elope in bad weather
Wild elopements
Extreme elopements
2026 bride
2026 bride
Elopement planning in 2026

05/12/2026

Alaska elopements have my heart now and always.

The intention that folks like Zac and Lucy set from the start with their elopement is part of what keeps elopements exciting for me.

The big details or the little ones. Helicopter rides or kickass picnics on a desert playa. I cannot overstate how much I love getting to see each new facet of you and your relationship as we curate your adventure together.
Alaska elopement
How to elope in Alaska

Helicopter elopement ideas in Alaska
Ice cave elopement

05/10/2026

Swipe 👉🏼 to animate this Ireland elopement photo 🤩
Ireland elopement
Adventure elopement inspiration
Coast elopement
Elope in Ireland
Elope in Scotland
Destination elopement
Elopement inspiration
Where to elopement
Engaged
2026 bride
2027 bride

05/04/2026

“When the people with authority don’t have to answer to citizens of the galaxy, the result is tyranny.”

May the 4th Be With You.
Star Wars day
White Sands elopement
Elope in New Mexico

Elope in white sands


Lightsaber elopement
Star Wars elopement

05/03/2026

2026 OREGON ELOPEMENT PLANNING STORY 👇🏽

Sometimes it’s the little things that really matter when you’re eloping in Oregon and are hiring a local photographer. Like when my couple was being given different information about who is in charge of the wedding permits for their elopement location.

They messaged me saying, “Sam, both these agencies say the other is in charge of permits?”

One quick call later, local-to-local (we simply have extra context and helpful info to clarify any misunderstandings), and we’re set for their dockside intimate wedding in the Cascades, followed by a slice of pizza from South Shore Pizza at Diamond Lake Resort, and then a mountaintop portrait and quiet reading session (these two love their books!) overlooking turquoise lakes and countless dormant volcanoes in the distance ⛰️.

Eloping in Oregon, and Southern Oregon especially, really benefits from working with a local and an expert in what they do. It’s so nice to say, “I’m just over in Roseburg” and immediately there’s a mutual understanding of terrain, seasons, access, and so much more. There’s a reassurance that someone knows what they’re talking about.

I wish more people knew about Southern Oregon’s gems, and at the same time, am content to keep them to myself (and my Oregon elopement couples).

If you’re ever looking to explore this area, be sure to check out and for events, activities and other resources.

Oregon elopement
Crater Lake elopement
Diamond Lake elopement
Umpqua elopement
Best places to elope in Oregon
How to elope in Oregon

04/27/2026

Cheers to 2 years! It’s been 2 years since I spent nearly a month in Scotland and Ireland celebrating some of the coolest peoples’ marriages. What a ride. What radically inspiring people.

These bold, badass folks chose themselves on their day. And in doing so, they chose adventures like: exploring castle ruins, a crumbling friary, pouring their first pint of Guinness from behind the bar, and have their first dance backed by a trad session at a local pub in Di**le.

I know some people want to have a quick courthouse to-do and nothing else, but for those of you who crave something different, something *really* nontraditional:

There’s more out there for your elopement.

Just swipe for inspiration.
Destination elopement
Elopement wedding
Uk wedding
Elope in Scotland
Elope in Ireland
Celtic wedding


How to elope
What to do after elopement
Elopement activity ideas