How to Include Family in Your Elopement Without Losing Intimacy
September 23, 2026
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Photos by Christina Perhac Photography
Oregon Coast + Redwoods — Kaila and Kiara’s Oregon Coast and Redwoods elopement brought together two landscapes they loved: the ancient California redwoods and the wild Oregon coastline. Their families flew in from all over to celebrate with them at a stunning Airbnb perched above the ocean.
Their day was planned around a split 10-hour experience centered around sunrise and sunset. This timing offered the best light and the most privacy along the trails. It also allowed ample time between locations and gave them the freedom and spontaneity to truly soak in their favorite moments.
For Kaila and Kiara, the experience meant everything. They intentionally crafted a day centered around quality time with loved ones, quiet and meaningful moments together, and plenty of adventure. They chose the Redwood National and State Parks for their ancient grandeur and mild weather. They also loved the idea of blending the forest with the coastline.
Kaila and Kiara wanted to feel surrounded by love, excitement, and adventure. Part of what drew them to the redwoods was the feeling of being dwarfed by nature while finding peace in the seclusion of the forest. In their words, “We love the idea of celebrating the journey of our love so far and what is yet to come, symbolized by the hike to our ceremony location. We hope to feel deeply connected with one another and grateful for everything that is yet to come.”
Nine of their favorite people traveled from all over to be part of their elopement day. It was important for them to include their family throughout the experience while still preserving privacy and intimacy. They even created the cutest theme for their elopement weekend: “Cabin Crew.” Beautiful invitations designed by Kaila’s sister shared details about the celebration and included planned adventures for each day in the area.
On the morning of their elopement, Kaila and Kiara got ready with their family, exchanged letters, and shared a sweet first look on the grass overlooking the ocean just outside their Airbnb. They then adventured to the redwoods for a private ceremony and explored several locations, including a beautiful river that flows through the forest.
Afterward, they returned to their Airbnb, where their family greeted them with smiles, hugs, and celebratory bubbles. There, they reenacted their ceremony with family for photos. In reality, they had surprised their family with the ceremony the day before as a way to express their love and gratitude. This was followed by signing their marriage license and enjoying an incredible catered lunch from Black Trumpet Bistro, a local restaurant. The food was amazing and beautifully arranged while the couple was away on their morning adventure.
See more from Christina Perhac Photography:
• Split Elopement Day With Family In Big Sur
• Intimate Mammoth Lakes California Elopement
Later that day, they enjoyed a cozy charcuterie picnic on a sweeping coastal overlook, hiked down to a secret beach, watched a stunning sunset, and ended the night with their families gathered around a bonfire complete with smores, sing-alongs, and so much love.
Every detail of their day was thoughtfully curated by Kaila and Kiara, along with the talented Etsy shops that helped bring their vision to life. One of the coolest details was their flowers. They were actually silk, making them redwood-friendly and aligned with Leave No Trace principles. The flowers were rented from Something Borrowed Blooms and included pieces for their backpacks, bouquets, and even a tablescape used for both their lunch and picnic setup later in the day.
Kaila and Kiara poured so much care and intention into every moment and detail, and it is so evident when looking back through their photos. It was absolutely perfect.
See this wedding and more inside Adventure Wed Magazine!
Photography: Christina Perhac Photography, an #AdventureExpert
Officiant + Designs: Jordyn with Sun Kissed Events
Hair + Makeup: Black Fern Beauty Co.
Floral Design: Something Borrowed Blooms
Catering: Black Trumpet Bistro
Suit + Top: Suit Shop + David’s Bridal
Dress: David’s Bridal
Shoes: Naturalizer and Danner
Rings and Jewelry: Bario Neal
Vow Books: Forest Nine
Custom Box: Routed by Reynolds
Place Cards: Paperly I Do
Cake Artist: Ramone’s Bakery and Cafe
Custom National Park Sign: My Wander Map
Custom Denim Jackets: Beth Wilson Embroidery
Charcuterie Board: Boarderie
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