elopement retreats for the adventurous photographer
Imagine learning by traveling the world, creating alongside other photographers, and growing through adventure, connection, and unforgettable experiences.
this isn't about fixing anything. . .
Traveling together, shooting in real locations, and forming friendships that make the whole thing unforgettable.
Watching how others work, hearing their stories, sharing ideas, and creating side by side.
But you leave with perspective, new friendships, confidence, and the reminder that there are no limits to what you can create.
More creativity, more opportunity, more ways to grow your art and your business than you ever thought possible.
- It’s about expanding your portfolio while actually living the experience...
- It’s about adventure, fresh places, and creating & learning alongside people who inspire you...
- You’re coming for a damn good adventure...
- You realize there’s so much more out there...
I didn’t build this to teach you...I built it because this is how I learned the most myself.
I know what it’s like to want more adventure, more growth, and more perspective, and I’ve designed these retreats around exactly that.
When I’m not traveling or shooting, I’m hanging out with my favourite tiny human, Hayden (he's still a little young for retreat life, but definitely a future adventurer in the making), and my fiancé, Brendan, Who you’ll likely meet along the way, since he’s my rock and joins me on most retreats.
If you want a damn good adventure with a friend who’s genuinely excited to travel alongside you, I’d love to do
this together.
Wednesday nights are for family, wings and games, no exceptions!
your guide and friend on this next adventure!
Hey, I'm Melissa!
As much as I love my home life, photography and travel have always been a big part of who I am.
Fair warning though… I’m a hugger. Handshakes aren’t really my thing.
At the end of the day, I’m here to lead an adventure that feels real. One where you feel supported, connected, and excited from the very first moment.
IT’S MY MISSION to create experiences that bring photographers together through travel... where creativity grows, friendships form, and everyone leaves knowing they’re capable of so much more.
Heading home after an unforgettable trip and suddenly seeing your art differently...Bigger, bolder, and without the limits you thought existed
A support system that doesn’t end when the trip does... Real friendships you can reach out to for support and guidance anytime.
Being outside, hands-on, fully in the moment. Learning more by doing than you ever could sitting in a classroom
Realizing there are no boundaries on where you can take your photography or what it can turn into
IMAGINE THIS. . .
ALL OF THAT CAN BE YOUR REALITY with. . .
WANDERING RETREATS
Wandering Retreats are multi-day, international elopement experiences packed with a variety of styled shoots, group adventures, beautiful stays, and local culture.
You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and seeing your photography (and what’s possible with it) in a whole new way.
where are we going next?. . .
BANFF, ALBERTA
June.1-3th, 2026
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?
JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
OREGON COAST
JULY.27-29TH, 2026
Get ready to explore the wild Oregon coast. From windswept beaches to dramatic cliffs at Cannon Beach and Cape Kiwanda, this retreat is built for adventure, connection, and unforgettable content moments.
JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
BANFF, ALBERTA
AUGUST.24-27TH, 2026
Get ready for round THREE of this breathtaking, adventure-filled photography retreat in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This September we’re heading back to Banff for yet another multi-day retreat! Couldn't make the other dates work? Nows your chance!
JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
MILOS, GREECE
SEPTEMBER.7-10TH, 2026
We’re headed back to Milos because one trip there simply wasn’t enough!
This multi-day photography retreat is packed with unreal beaches, dramatic coastlines, cliff jumping, dreamy elopement shoots, and exploring an island we completely fell in love with.
JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
OCTOBER.5-8TH, 2026
It’s finally happening! Cappadocia is coming to Wandering Retreats. And yes… this is the one people have been waiting for.
Think sunrise hot air balloons filling the sky, unreal landscapes, iconic elopement photos, cave hotels, and so many more adventures!
JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
NOVEMBER.5-8TH, 2026
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.
JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
Want to Be First in Line for All the Big News?
Are you the type of person who loves being first in line for something unforgettable? The one who wants early access to retreat launches, first dibs on tickets, exclusive destination reveals, and a few insider-only perks along the way?
If that’s you, you’re going to want to stick around.
