Photography Retreats for Adventurous Creatives
Wandering REtreats
Travel the world. Build your portfolio. Create alongside photographers who inspire you.
This Isn’t a Workshop. It’s an Experience.
Less classroom. More exploring and creating.
Wandering Retreats are multi-day, international elopement experiences packed with a variety of styled shoots, group adventures, beautiful stays, and local culture. They're built around real connection and hands-on learning. Instead of sitting through lectures, you’ll be out in the world, shooting in epic locations, collaborating with others, and growing through experience. It’s about stepping outside your routine and into the kind of work you actually want to create.
Imagine learning in places that inspire you instead of sitting behind a screen. These retreats are built for photographers who crave adventure, connection, and real growth while creating work that reflects the direction they actually want to go. Along the way, you'll build a portfolio filled with real experiences, meaningful storytelling, and destination-inspired galleries that show future clients exactly what it's like to be photographed by you.
You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and seeing your photography (and what’s possible with it) in a whole new way.
You don’t grow by staying comfortable.
THIS IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST PHOTOS
+ It’s about expanding your portfolio while actually living the experience... traveling together, shooting in real locations, and creating the kind of work that shows your future clients what it's like to hire you for an adventure of their own.
+ It’s about adventure, fresh places, and creating alongside people who inspire you... watching how others work, sharing ideas, building friendships, and discovering new ways to grow both your art and your business.
+ It’s about creating galleries that tell a story, showcase an experience, and give your dream clients the confidence to trust you with theirs.
+ You’re coming for a damn good adventure... but you leave with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, renewed confidence, and a portfolio that proves you're ready for whatever destination, couple, or opportunity comes next.
what you leave with matters more
your guide and friend on this next adventure!
Most days look pretty simple over here. I am always working on something new, wearing comfy clothes, drinking a cup of coffee that I reheat way too many times a day, and spending time with my family whenever I can get it. Wednesday nights are for family, wings, and games, no exceptions.
When I am not traveling or shooting, I am hanging out with my favourite tiny human, Hayden, who is still a little young for retreat life but definitely a future adventurer in the making, and my fiancé, Brendan, who you will likely meet along the way since he is my rock and joins me on most retreats. As much as I love my home life, photography and travel have always been a big part of who I am. I genuinely love adventure and new places even though I hate flying every single time. It is totally worth it though, especially when I get to bring other photographers along for the experience. I have always had a knack for hosting and bringing people together, and I care a lot about making everyone feel comfortable, welcomed, and part of the family. Fair warning though, I am a hugger. Handshakes are not really my thing.
At the end of the day, I am here to lead an adventure that feels real, one where you feel supported, connected, and excited from the very first moment. If you want a damn good adventure with a friend who is genuinely excited to travel alongside you, I would love to do this together. Your guide and friend on this next adventure is me, Melissa.
Hey, I'm Melissa!
usually with a camera in one hand and coffee in the other
our mission
Wandering Retreats are immersive, multi-day experiences designed for photographers who want more than just beautiful photos.
Built around adventure, connection, and storytelling, each retreat combines intentional elopement-inspired shoots, incredible destinations, meaningful experiences, and a community of photographers who are just as passionate about exploring as they are creating.
These retreats are about more than content. They're about experiencing a place while creating work within it. Learning to navigate new environments with confidence, building destination-inspired galleries, and creating the kind of portfolio that gives future clients confidence in you. Because couples don't just want beautiful photos. They want to know you've experienced these places, understand these adventures, and can capture the moments that make them unforgettable.
Whether you're stepping into destination weddings and elopements for the first time or looking to elevate the work you're already creating, Wandering Retreats are designed to help you grow, connect, and leave with more than just photos. You'll leave with unforgettable experiences, meaningful friendships, renewed inspiration, and a portfolio that opens new doors.
Beautiful photos are great. But confidence, experience, and proof? That's what books destination couples and elopements.
Because our Oregon retreat in July is sold out, we decided to open another one! From dramatic cliffs and endless beaches to hidden coastal gems and unforgettable sunsets, join us for an adventure packed with breathtaking scenery, epic shoots, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Oregon Coast is more than just a beautiful place...it's an experience. From dramatic cliffs and endless beaches to hidden coastal gems and unforgettable sunsets, join us for an adventure packed with breathtaking scenery, epic shoots, and memories that will last a lifetime.
July 27–29, 2026 | Oregon Coast
Morocco is unlike anywhere else in the world. From stunning riads and vibrant streets to the rocky landscapes of the Agafay Desert and endless palm groves, this retreat is packed with incredible locations, unforgettable experiences, and portfolio-building shoots that will take your work to the next level.
Sold Out!
MORE INFO
The Italian Dolomites are one of the most breathtaking elopement destinations in the world. Think epic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, rolling meadows, and views that make you stop in your tracks. Join us as we explore some of the region's most iconic locations while creating an unforgettable destination-inspired portfolio.
June 1–3, 2026 | Banff, AB
Get ready for a breathtaking, adventure-filled photography retreat in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This June we’re heading back to Banff for another multi-day retreat packed with epic mountain views, dreamy elopement shoots, cozy luxury lodging, and wild local adventures. You in?
November 5–8, 2026 | Marrakech, Morocco
You guys… I CANNOT wait for this one. We have so many unreal shoots and experiences planned for our Morocco retreat. Think desert shoots with camels, golden light that feels unreal, dreamy riads, textured streets, and moments that will absolutely push your creativity in the best way. This one is going to be next level.
WHERE WILL YOU GO NEXT?
" Melissa was AMAZING! "
I was really skeptical going into this weekend because I was just pretty anxious about it being so new and different than anything I'd ever done before (and with a bunch of strangers nonetheless!) but Melissa planned the most incredible day and a half of shoots and I am still in so much awe of how well it went and how much camaraderie and friendship came out of such a short amount of time! it was perfect and beautiful and well worth the early mornings and sleep deprivation for sure. thank you thank you thank
" Melissa & Abby, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart"
Melissa & Abby, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! You are amazing humans and amazing photographers. I learned so much from everyone this weekend and thank you all for making me feel so welcome. I left with lifelong friendships and amazing images to share and I cannot wait to do another one with you both. Your retreat was so welcoming and there was so much thought put into this weekend and I appreciate all that you have done. Thank you thank you thank you. I <3 you all!
" This was one of the best retreats that l've been on!"
My husband and I both attended the Tulum Mexico retreat, and had a blast! The models were stunning, and the locations were out of a dream! If you have a chance to attend a workshop with wandering retreats don't think, just say yes, and buy the plane ticket!
" Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting together such a wonderful retreat! "
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting together such a wonderful retreat! There was so much thought and planning that went into every little detail. I left with SD cards full of gorgeous photos and life long friendships.
My heart is so full, cannot wait to attend another one of your reteats
" Does it make me a baby if I cry in the airport ?
Does it make me a baby if I cry in the airport ? Miss you all so much already. This was an incredible experience!!
" My first ever retreat experience was with Melissa at Wandering Retreats."
From the beginning, I felt absolutely taking care of. I made a mistake in my reservations, pre-retreat. The day-of the retreat, my partner and I got stranded in Calgary, AB so we couldn't get to the retreat NOR could we get to the Edmonton airport to go back home. Melissa took care of the situation. She personally went OUT of her way to pick us up about an 1 hour away from her home, hosted us at her home, brought us to the retreat AND even drove us back to the Edmonton airport with her boyfriend over 2 hours away. I will FOREVER be grateful for Melissa. She is such a caring person. I cannot wait to attend more retreats of hers, and maybe one day we'll get to host one
These retreats are for photographers at any stage who want to learn, create, and connect. If you love photography and want to grow in a supportive space, you belong here.
You are more than welcome. You do not need to be an expert. I will meet you exactly where you are and support you the whole way through.
Groups are kept small on purpose. I want you to feel seen, supported, and never overlooked.
So many people do, and it is always the best decision. You will never feel awkward or left out. Come solo or bring a friend, either way you will be welcomed with open arms.
Very hands on. I am right there with you during shoots, answering questions, helping you feel confident, and cheering you on.
Always. If you need help with anything at all, photography related or not, I am there for you.
If the retreat you are interested in has not launched yet, join the waitlist. You will get first dibs when spots open, plus access to perks and discounts. If the retreat has launched, just hit apply and fill out the application. You will hear back from us right away. Once your contract is signed and your invoice is paid, you are officially in.
Yes. I want these retreats to be as accessible as possible, and payment plans are available for all retreats.
Because I genuinely care about every person who attends. Creating a welcoming, supportive environment matters to me more than anything. This is more than a photography retreat. It is a meaningful experience designed to help you grow as both a photographer and an individual.
Of course. Please reach out anytime. I am always happy to chat and help you decide if this is right for you.
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