Day-after wedding photos might be some of my favorite photos to take… ever. Why? Because they give couples a chance to take a deep breath after the big day, and really come together to be present in the newlywed excitement. I’m so glad I got to adventure around all my favorite spots with Maegan + Brianna for their day-after wedding photos on the Oregon Coast, complete with a cozy bonfire & romantic serenade on the beach. And a few elk friends to send us off at the end of the night ♥️

Maegan + Brianna’s Day-After Wedding Photos on the Oregon Coast

A private evening exploring the Oregon Coast

What more could you want from a Cannon Beach photoshoot than a gorgeous sunset, a gentle breeze that blows through the beach grass, and clear views of Haystack Rock in the distance? Maegan + Brianna lucked out with great weather for their session, because the weather on the Oregon Coast is notoriously unpredictable—even on summer days like this. They looked unreal in their wedding dress and suspenders, dancing through the grass, bare feet in the sand (and Birkenstocks left at the start of the trail!). Pretty sure this evening is what every couple who elopes on the Oregon Coast dreams of.

A romantic sunset serenade + beach bonfire

The highlight of the evening was definitely the romantic bonfire these two set up on the beach, where they shared a sweet serenade & admired the incredible sunset we got. We were so lucky to have such a dreamy golden hour, with that iconic orange glow shining down on the waves, AND a magical blue hour, the sky painted in shades of blue, pink, & purple. I actually love taking photos after dark and during blue hour… so don’t ever think we’ll wrap things up the second the sun goes down!

More on why I love taking wedding photos at dusk here—I know you’re gonna love it, too.

Tips for Your Day-After Wedding Photo Session

Wondering if you should book your own day-after wedding photos? Let’s talk about why I love these sessions so much for all couples, and how you can make yours unique + meaningful to you. 

What are “day-after wedding photos?” 

Day-after wedding photos are just what they sound like: photos that you take the day after your wedding. Sometimes this looks like an adventure session, where you and your partner explore a beautiful location outdoors and enjoy time together in nature, or it can be a little more laid-back, such as a portrait session at your home, at your wedding venue, or cozy in-home style photos in your hotel/cabin/etc.  

Why have a day-after wedding photoshoot?

A day-after wedding photoshoot is an amazing option for couples who are having larger weddings, micro weddings, or really any type of celebration with a group of guests invited. Traditionally, wedding timelines only include 30 minutes to an hour of portrait time for the two of you, and honestly that’s probably all you’ll want before you’re ready to get back to the party & hang with your people! But trust me: chances are, you’ll leave your wedding day wishing you had more time alone together, more time to be present and really bask in the newlywed bliss of it all.

→ That’s where day-after sessions come in! 

These sessions give you the opportunity to meet back up with your photographer the day after your wedding for private time with just the two of you, without any guests around or event logistics to stress over. It can sometimes be challenging to find peace and quiet on your wedding day when there is SO much going on around you, which means it can be especially hard to relax during couples portraits. A day-after session allows you space to be together in private, without feeling like you need to put on a show or cater to others: it’s for you and you alone!

→ Another benefit of taking day-after wedding photos:

Because you know you’ll have time the next day to slow down, reflect, + have private time with one another, you can be fully present on your actual wedding day. Couples often feel rushed to get through everything on their timeline, and sometimes alone time and/or portraits fall through the cracks when things are running behind. Or, you might just get to your reception and realize in the moment that you don’t actually want any more portraits—you’d rather stay on the dance floor and experience the party with your guests than head out to catch the sunset!

With a day-after session planned, you can feel totally confident making decisions like that + going with the flow of the day without feeling like you missed out on time together… because you know you have dedicated time together the NEXT day. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved!

→ It also creates a really special experience for you to look back on.

Day-after sessions don’t have to just be photoshoots—they can be special experiences that help you create amazing new memories together. Maybe this means you share a romantic first dance out in a breathtaking landscape, you ride horses through the mountains, or you simply exchange personal vows in private, without an audience. There are so many ways you can customize your day-after session with activities and fun ideas, which I’ll get into more next!

10 fun ideas for your day-after wedding photos

1. Exchange private vows, letters, or gifts
2. Serenade each other (like Maegan + Brianna did)
3. Find a fun way to experience the landscapes around you—e.g. via horseback, motorcycle, 4×4/Jeep, kayak, canoe, etc.
4. Have a romantic picnic (check out these unique elopement meal ideas for inspo!)
5. Hit up a local pub, restaurant, or cafe
6. Find a nearby trail to hike + explore
7. Set up a bonfire on the beach
8. Take dreamy photos at blue hour + go stargazing
9. Cozy up in your Airbnb + cook together
10. Have your first dance somewhere quiet + private

What should couples wear for a post-wedding photoshoot?

It’s honestly up to you! Lots of couples choose to wear their wedding attire, especially if they didn’t get enough portraits on the actual wedding day. But you can totally go more casual if you want, or swap your wedding attire for a second change of wedding-esque clothes. There’s no right or wrong here, just think about how you want to experience this time together, and how you want to remember it when you look back at your photos. Make sure to keep any activities you might be doing in mind, too, so that you can dress comfortably/practically if needed.

Ready for your own dreamy day-after wedding photos on the Oregon Coast?

Hey ya’ll, I’m Dawn; an Oregon-based elopement and micro wedding photographer with a passion for the outdoors + authentic storytelling. 

Sessions like Maegan + Brianna’s make my soul come alive—set against my favorite coastal landscapes, creating core memories with your love, every element truly reflecting their unique journey. 

If you’re dreaming of day-after wedding photos that capture your connection + allow you to relive this special adventure over and over… I’m your girl. Inquire about your day-after session here and let’s create some art together <3 

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Need more Oregon Coast inspiration to save to your Pinterst board? I’ve got plenty for you to fall in love with below.

Romantic Coastal Elopement at Elk Flats + Ecola State Park

Moody Coastal Elopement at Short Sand Beach

Intimate Hug Point, Oregon Beach Wedding