This was my first visit to Savage River Lodge. Take that back, it was my second visit, but this was the first time I actually got out of the car and explored (the first time I was just wasting time while Natalie napped and I needed to make the drive longer, ha!). And oh man, is this place awesome sauce!

While the windy, tree-lined, dirt road might make you wonder where in the world you’re going, it’s the most appropriate trail to such a wonderful place. Savage River Lodge is a getaway location in Garrett County. Tucked away off the interstate and in the middle of a forest, the grounds offer cabins and yurts for overnight stays, a lodge for dining and small events, and plenty of trails and scenery for outdoor activity and relaxation. And let me just talk about the dining again. I’ve only eaten there once, but it was delicious (and the staff and company were lovely!), and I continue to hear amazing things about all the food I haven’t tried yet. So it’s at least worth a visit for the dining experience. 🙂

Savage River Lodge is also this amazing place for elopements. And if you ask me, they pretty much specialize in them! They have two staff persons who can also serve as officiants, they provide packages with cakes for two, a bouquet and a boutonniere, and they welcome dogs…which in my experiences there as an elopement/wedding photographer, guests especially appreciate being able to include their furry friends. They also have beautiful backdrops for pictures and a variety of spaces for intimate ceremonies.

Perry and Stewart were married at SRL last June. They traveled a couple of hours from the other side of Maryland and were so pleased with the idea of getting married in an elopement setting. Yes, they planned in advance, but they didn’t share their plan with a ton of family and friends. They didn’t want to be the center of attention at a large wedding event, so they escaped to the mountains to have something special for just the two of them, and promised a gathering to celebrate with friends and family later.

I enjoyed my time with Perry and Stewart on that quiet Saturday morning, full of sunshine, bright green trees and a relaxing wedding day feel…

Stewart wore a colorful bowtie and used his monogram ring as his wedding band…

While I photographed their details, they sat on the porch of their cabin and enjoyed the warm weather and calm of the forest setting…

I’m going to be a little honest, I was proud of myself for this set-up. 🙂

I loved Perry’s dress! Traditional in color, but unique in style…and very appropriate for a small wedding in the woods. 

One of my favorite pictures from the day!

Perry and Stewart shared a first look before tying the knot…

As we walked to the lodge to meet Jennifer (one of the on-staff officiants!), I couldn’t help but snap some of the moments in between…

Another favorite for me!

For me, this picture sums up their elopement so well! The woods + a trail + her dress + the bouquet + walking together, hand-in-hand…

And their private ceremony spot in the middle of the forest! How adventurous and unique is this!?!

And when we got back to the cabin, their cake for two was waiting!

Along with a bottle of champagne and special dog treat!

Perry and Stewart…I’m so thankful for this experience with you two! You were lovely to work with and really helped inspire me as a new elopement photographer. I’m so glad we were able to explore the beautiful grounds of Savage River Lodge together and I hope you two are doing so well together! 🙂

And Savage River Lodge, you continue to be awesome! 

Day 7 of Starting Something New.