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Sam Starns - Adventure Elopement Photographer

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Diamond Lake, OR
Sam Starns - Adventure Elopement Photographer

Elopement photographer/expert, author of “Elope Your Life” and TEDx speaker, empowering couples globally. www.samstarns.com

11/02/2026

PAID MODEL CALL

Interested in having fun modeling at one of Mt. Hood's most spacious resorts for a well known tourism organization this month?

For the second year in a row I'm covering Mt. Hood Territory's things to do, see, and try. We're currently looking for models to relax in beautiful mountain accommodations for tourism media, including taking in their chalet lodgings, hot tub, and sauna.

More info in the graphics — submit your application and availability below!
https://forms.gle/3pi7Myf1zK6BboCR6

10/26/2026

I’ve recently been able to put into words what I feel, what I see when I get to know people. I think people are like diamonds. And the most unexpected facets are often the ones that sparkle the brightest.

The deeply introspective photographer who sees people in ways others don’t, but also LOVES Disney, Fast & Furious, and recently I’ve discovered has dipped their toes into watching Love Island.

Or the theater nerd with an endless supply of dad jokes who also helps run an astronomy observatory.

It’s the different interests, passions, talents, and personality traits that all exist within the same human. ESPECIALLY if they’re unexpected.

Like the facets of a diamond, they face different directions. And trap light. Every time I discover another side of someone, it’s like more and more facets are capturing more and more light to reflect within that person. It’s SO cool to witness and discover in real time.

Sparkly people are the ones that are maybe often surprising you. Ones that make you want to always hear what they have to share. Ones that make you go, “I didn’t expect that from them.”

Ones that maybe defy your expectations a little.

When we’ve been chatting to/about someone and I turn to say, “They are so sparkly”, it’s our shorthand, and *this* is what I mean.

Do you know someone who’s sparkly?
Elopement photographer
Elopement philosophy
Nontraditional weddings
Diamonds

10/20/2026

“Maybe we’ll do that bucket list trip later…”  Dude, we die later.

I wish I could tell Sam when she was engaged that despite the pressure from family and friends, Brian and I could do what we wanted. That includes having an adventure elopement on Maui during our pre-planned vacation, like we could/should have.

What would you do for your wedding with no opinions from others?

BTW, this Oregon coast whale watching elopement is on the blog! Read all about their ceremony at God’s Thumb! Link’s in bio!
eloping ideas
micro weddings
beautiful weddings
wedding aesthetics
eloped
elopers
elopement planning

10/07/2026

One of my favorite things about being a lifelong Oregonian (and former Oregon park ranger + whale watching naturalist on a vessel out of Newport) is the fact that I get to show my couples places they wouldn’t see otherwise, because the algorithm only shows like, the same 5-10 elopement locations across the globe.

I had a consult the other day and the couple said, “We were drawn to you because we kept seeing the SAME itineraries, the SAME locations, the SAME elopement photos, and you had photos in locations that were totally new. For instance, we kept seeing this one coast photo with a couple on a big rock and we wondered if there were any other options.”

I had a hunch I knew where they were talking about, so I pulled up a photo of (not so) Secret Beach and wouldn’t you know, that’s exactly the spot they were referencing.

When your elopement photographer is a lifelong Oregonian and a former Oregon park ranger, you’re going to be inspired to elope where few others have.
Oregon elopement
Where to elope in Oregon
Places to elope in Oregon
Hidden gems
New places to elope
Unique places to elope

10/05/2026

This is more than an album. Our senses are tied to memory, and this is what holds yours. Every page brings you back, not just to what you saw but to what you felt.

We document to REMEMBER. Not printing and keeping your memories close is like filming a movie and never watching it.

Every full-day and multi-day couple receives one. Your elopement isn’t only about a single day. It’s about
experiencing those memories regularly and having an adventure you can’t help but use as the standard for all future adventures.

This isn’t a book you store away in your closet. It’s a coffee table book, a conversation starter, and its presence (seriously, it’s grimoire-level sturdy) isn’t meant to be hidden.

Swipe to the next pinned post to see what happens right after you inquire. How the experience begins the second you reach out.

10/05/2026

You clicked “Hey Sam!” at the bottom of the inquiry form; here’s what happens next. You’re taken to this video.

This is where your experience really begins. From the very first message, you’re stepping into a personalized, immersive experience that shapes your elopement into something intentional and unforgettable.

Watch this through to see how we go from inquiry to connection to crafting your day to living it fully.

This video gives you a bit of a feel for how I work and approach life: intentional, and real, with plenty of fun and play sprinkled in 😏.

09/23/2026

These two Alaska elopers were *actually* supposed to get married the next day, but with:

- Helicopter weather being the best on Day 1
- Two days of flexible coverage
- And an elopement photographer/helicopter pilot duo who have done this a time or two, and keep each other updated on conditions/plans

We did a complete 100% day swap straight across. That meant their planned water taxi was happening on Day 2, and their wedding & helicopter adventure to an iceberg lagoon was happening a full day earlier.

Some folks would be stressed, but none of us were. It’s the result of allowing flexibility with multiple coverage days in Alaska, and a “f*ck it, we ball” attitude 🤘.

We laughed, ran across mountain ridges, did some “helicopter sh*t” (so excited to fly with pilot Emma again and talk honey/bees), spotted countless mountain goats, black bears, and they spoke private vows from the heart above an iceberg lagoon. They 10000% embraced being themselves, including cracking jokes, ribbing each other, and a quick partake 🌱💨 after the ceremony at their lakeside Airbnb where they had their ceremony.

Brittany and Zane, your intention and partnership was a privilege to witness. Oh, to be back skipping shale stones, doubled over in laughter at some of our horrible throws 🤣.

Enjoy just a few of Brittany & Zane’s sneak peeks. Alaska, you always deliver in adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. See you next month, Fairbanks!

xx,
Sam

P.S The Tufted Puffin in Seward: 10/10 recommend 🔥🌱💨
Alaska elopement
Seward elopement
Elope in Alaska
Places to elope
Elopement inspiration
Alaska wedding
Elopement day coverage
Multi day elopement benefits
Why book multiple days of elopement photography

Address

Diamond Lake, OR
97731

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 5:30pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.samstarns.com/

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