Erica Swantek Photography

Name: Erica Swantek Photography
Address: Bend, OR, US
Telephone: +15412418776
Price range: $$$

Home
United States
Bend, OR
Erica Swantek Photography

Soulful weddings handcrafted in the Pacific Northwest. Intimate wedding & adventure elopement photog

09/08/2026

Last Thursday Chelsea & Michael married in an intimate ceremony at Sparks Lake here in Bend. We started the day at their Airbnb in Sunriver, where their dogs, Prince & The Revolution, joined us for the first look at some photos. Then we headed up to the mountains. The forecast was calling for rain all week, but never once did this seem to phase them. The day turned out lovely, with sun breaks and beautiful views of the mountains for their ceremony and celebration with family. As we were heading to our second location for sunset portraits, the rain moved in and obscured the mountains, but the dusting of snow was still visible peeping through the clouds. It was wet and chilly, but these two were absolute troopers, rolling with the weather and the moody vibes were so worth it!!

Hair: Edge Hair & Makeup
Videographer: Oregon Wedding Photographer & Videographer | PNW + Destination Oregon Wedding Photographer & Videographer | PNW + Destination.analog
Day of Coordinator: Glamour & Grace Wedding & Special Event Planning

09/04/2026

A week ago Dillon & Ben eloped under a waterfall in one of the prettiest places in Oregon. When they first reached out to me in January, their vision was somewhere lush and green, with tall trees and hopefully a waterfall. They had been to Oregon before and fell in love and just knew this is where their adventure elopement needed to be. We chatted about the different spots that fit their vision, and ultimately they settled on one of my favorite places in the state!

Their day started slow, getting ready in their beautiful cottage they rented, enjoying the company of their close friend and their adorable chihuahua (who really stole the show in her dress made from extra fabric from het mama’s wedding gown). As they got ready on separate floors, miss A took a nap on the veil. We then headed out to the river for a first look and some tequila shots from a bottle of tequila they bought in Mexico on the trip they got engaged.

After the first look and some portraits, we drove to the waterfall and did a hike up to the base, where they exchanged vows & did a hand fasting ritual under the waterfall. After exploring the base of the falls, we hiked back out, taking photos along the way. Then we made our way back to the Inn where they were staying and caught the last light on the river while dinner was being made.

Dillon & Ben, your elopement day was exactly what you envisioned. Relaxed, go with the flow, and hike to a waterfall. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to share this part of Oregon with you and marry you two beautiful souls under the spray of this waterfall.

Creating elopement experiences like this truly fills my cup. If you’re dreaming of a waterfall elopement, reach out and let’s make it happen!

Lodging: Steamboat Inn
Suit: INDOCHINO

08/27/2026

I made it to round two, the top 20! Would love to have your vote rain. You can vote once a day. Image #1. So exciting to have my photo along with all these incredible elopement images. https://adventure-wed.com/cover-contest/

08/25/2026

Round 1 of the fall Adventure Wed cover contest is officially live! I entered this photo from Abby & Caroline’s day and it made it as a finalist. It’s now up to you to help me see it on the cover of this magazine, dedicated to adventure weddings.

Voting for round 1 is open today through Wednesday, August 26, 7:00pm MST. You may vote once a day.

My image is #11 in the contest. You can vote here: https://adventure-wed.com/cover-contest/

I am so honored to be a finalist and having your vote would mean the world to me! Please feel free to share.

08/10/2026

Last Wednesday, Jenna & Will eloped in Brookings on the southern Oregon Coast. The day started out foggy, with those moody vibes the coast is known for. Jenna & Will got ready together in their Airbnb, and then we headed out to hike to their ceremony location with Will’s parents and best friend & his partner as witnesses (and me as their officiant!).

The ceremony kicked off with a coin toss to determine who would read their vows first. Will won!

After the ceremony, we hiked the trail, taking photos along the way while their guests made their way to Twisted in Brookings for dinner. We met up with them there and enjoyed a little celebration together before heading to our next location for sunset.

We hiked the steep trail down to the beach, and while the fog prevented us from getting that golden sunset light, we still had those moody Oregon Coast vibes—and hardly anyone else on the beach. As the light faded, I broke out the lanterns, and eventually we hiked back out by the light of my headlamp and said goodnight.

Jenna & Will wanted a day that was relaxed, stress-free, and fun. I’d say their day delivered! We had such a blast together, and I’m so excited to share some sneak peeks from their amazing elopement day!!!

Hair & Makeup: Adventure Elopement Hair & Makeup Artist | Meaghan
Shoes: Converse (customized by Jenna)
Will’s ring: Staghead Designs
Jenna’s rings: MollyJewelryUS & Morgan • Storyteller • Smith
Will’s suit: Tip Top
Jenna’s dress shop: The Bridal Boutique Edmonton  Jenna’s dress design: Stella York
Denim jacket: customized by Jenna
Vow books: made by Jenna
Hair jewelry: made by Jenna
Restaurant: Twisted Steaks Seafood Pasta

08/04/2026

Natalie & Brent’s Oregon Coast elopement day was so perfectly theirs. When they reached out to me, their goal was to have a day that was relaxed, stress free and full of love and laughter. I’d say we accomplished that and more!

The day started at their Airbnb where they both got ready. Natalie changed into her dress and we did a first look and then headed to our first location where friends of theirs were waiting to witness their ceremony. After the ceremony, they set up a cute little tailgate scene to cheers (Natalie with her Dr. Pepper and Brent with his Rainier b**r) and then we took a break for the afternoon.

We met back up at Dairy Queen where they enjoyed their favorite blizzard treats. The magazines and sunnies Natalie had made were adorable! Then we headed out to one of the most iconic spots on the Northern Oregon Coast for sunset where they ran, shared a first dance and strolled along the beach as the light faded into the night.

It truly was a day about these two and their love story and I had such a great time getting to know them through this process and bringing their dream elopement day to life. Here’s a few sneak peeks from their day!

Hair: Oregon Coast Hair & Makeup
Dress: David's Bridal
Suit: Boot Barn

05/02/2026

There’s something sacred about letting go of what a wedding is supposed to look like… and choosing what actually feels right instead.

On this foggy stretch of the Oregon Coast, these two traded traditional wedding attire for something softer. Warmer. More them. No pressure to perform. No expectations to meet. Just presence, connection, and the quiet kind of joy that doesn’t need an audience.

This is what a non-traditional elopement can look like.

Especially for my LGBTQ+ couples, who deserve a space where your love isn’t just accepted, but fully seen, celebrated, and held with care.

If you’ve been wondering:

* What should we wear to our elopement?
* Do we have to follow any rules?
* Will it still feel special without tradition?

The answer is simple:
You get to decide what matters.

And I’ll be right there to help you shape a day that feels grounded, intentional, and entirely your own.

If you’re dreaming about an Oregon Coast elopement that feels like freedom instead of pressure…
I’d love to hear your story! 🤍

🏳️‍🌈

04/22/2026

The earth holds so much more than we give it credit for.

It softens us.
Slows us down.
Reminds us what actually matters.

The way the light filters through the trees at just the right moment…
The rhythm of waves that seem to breathe with you…
The stillness you only notice when you finally stop moving.

Nature doesn’t ask anything from us.
It doesn’t need us to be anything other than who we are.

And somehow, in its presence, we remember how to come back to ourselves.

To breathe deeper.
To feel more.
To notice the quiet, meaningful moments we so often rush past.

Earth Day feels like a gentle reminder,
not just to protect this place we call home,
but to stay connected to it.

To walk softer.
To listen closer.
To be grateful for the way the earth continues to hold us, again and again.🌿

Happy Earth Day!🌎

04/11/2026

It’s not too late to elope this spring! 🌸

If you’ve been thinking about doing something a little different, this is your sign.

There’s still space this spring for a laid-back, meaningful elopement on the Oregon Coast. Think quiet beaches, salty air, and that soft, moody light the coast does so well. It’s a beautiful time of year that feels calm, fresh, and a little more intimate without the summer crowds.

And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or planning from out of state, I’m here to help. From location ideas to navigating any permits, timelines, and all the in-between details, I’ll guide you through it so your day feels easy and true to you.

No pressure. No big production. Just a really good day focused on what matters most.

🌿 If a spring elopement on the coast has been on your mind, I’d love to help you make it happen.

Address

Bend, OR

Telephone

+15412418776

Website

https://ericaswantekphotography.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Erica Swantek Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Erica Swantek Photography:

Want your business to be the top-listed Photography Service in Bend?