Oregon Elopement // 2024 Guide
Eloping in Oregon
Best Places to Elope in Oregon
Oregon is absolutely filled with every adventurous landscape you can think of…You’ll have so much variety to choose from for your elopement depending on the vibe you’re aiming for!
I’m always mesmerized by the roaring waterfalls, moody coastlines, enchanting forests, charming small towns, and even the unique city life of Portland, and there’s even some desert landscape if you can believe it!
When to Elope in Oregon
I personally love embracing the elements, no matter the season! In Winter, you may see some beautiful snow or moody fog, the Spring or Fall will bring glorious colors, and early Summer you might see some lovely wildflowers blooming! October through May are more rainy, moody, and sometimes snowy.
June through September are a bit warmer, and you’ll get more chances for pretty golden hour light, but it also means more tourists! The weather can also be unpredictable, so we always make sure we have backup plans and roll with the punches - that’s part of the beauty of having an adventurous wedding!
Where to Elope in Oregon
When it comes to where to elope in Oregon, there’s such a wide variety of spots to choose from - forest vibes, mountain views, moody beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, iconic lakes, and even desert scenery! Here’s my list of some of the top locations to elope in Oregon! P.S. As you’re thinking about where to elope, be sure to check out my guide on how to choose your elopement location!
How to Elope in Oregon
Elope in Oregon
Step #1: Choose your location (I can help with this!)
Step #2: Book your Oregon Elopement Photographer - heyyy!
Step #3: We’ll go in depth planning together
Step #4: Obtain permits for your location(s) - I’ll help!
Step #5: Make your travel plans (flights, lodging, rental car)
Step #6: Apply for a marriage license
Elope in Oregon!
Columbia River Gorge Elopement Locations
We got a taste of Oregon’s beautiful waterfalls and lush greenery at the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge (as the locals call it) has some gorgeous waterfalls and mountain views, and is just a half hour from Portland. It’s home to the famous Multnomah Falls, and you can even see Washington just across the Columbia River! Keep in mind that a lot of these breathtaking spots can get crowded at times, but don’t worry, I help all my couples with location scouting and know lots of hidden gems to get you the scenery you’re looking for!
Oregon Waterfall Elopement
There’s a ton of incredible waterfalls in Oregon, but here’s some of my favorites: Wahclella Falls is an incredible waterfall along Tanner Creek, surrounded by lush greenery and moss, and fun fact, these falls were named after a nearby Native American village. Latourell Falls is a majestic waterfall in Guy W. Talbot State Park with unique rock formations that remind me of the gorgeous landscapes of Iceland! Bridal Veil Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls, and was the first I visited in Oregon for an epic Engagement Session, where after a short hike you can view the impressive falls from the observation deck or take the small path to the iconic rock in front of the falls like these two did!
Timberline Lodge Elopement
Located near Government Camp, Timberline Lodge offers some gorgeous mountain scenery, and you can do everything there from getting ready to your elopement ceremony, to beautiful mountain photos, and even a reception if you’re having one! Along with the amazing outdoor scenery (be sure to get some shots by the cozy Silcox Hut), the lodge itself has some great indoor photo spots too! There’s also fireplaces and hot chocolate to warm up after some snowy elopement photos, and you can even hit the slopes nearby for some skiing!
Rowena Crest Elopement
Located in Mayer State Park, Rowena Crest can be found along the Historic Columbia River Highway, at the Tom McCall Preserve. With rolling hills and valleys and epic viewpoints - and endless wildflowers in Spring - it’s a great option for an Oregon elopement! You can also make a quick spot at the iconic horseshoe-shaped Rowena Crest Viewpoint that you’ve probably seen on Instagram tons of times. This is an easy stroll in the eastern gorge with great views of the colorful wonders of Oregon!
Oregon Coast Elopement Locations
The Pacific Northwest has a ton of incredible elopement locations, but I love the Oregon Coast! From rocky cliffs, to moody beaches, to woodsy forests, and some spots just an hour from Portland, the Oregon Coast has so much to offer! As a California native, I grew up around the beauty of the California coastline, and it’s crazy how different both of these amazing coastal views are!
Cannon Beach Elopement
Located about an hour and a half from Portland, Cannon Beach magnificent beach features the iconic Haystack Rock, Chapman Point to the north, and Silver Point to the south. There’s also some great eateries and shops nearby, which would make it really easy to access everything you’d need for your small wedding in Oregon! Near Cannon Beach is another iconic spot called Hug Point, a rocky part of the Oregon coast with textured ledges and, when the tide is low, you can walk north around the point where there’s sea caves and a small waterfall!
Ecola State Park Elopement / Indian Beach Elopement
Ecola State Park is about an hour west of Portland, and here you’ll find Indian Beach - a secluded beach with tide pools and beautiful scenery, and popular among surfers. There’s also some great hikes in this area, and you might even see some wildlife, like elk, deer, and soaring eagles!
Lincoln City Elopement
Lincoln City is a coastal town in Oregon where you’ll find beach views at Road’s End Beach, the rolling green hills of God’s Thumb, and more! This city offers so much and is really diverse, and there’s even some cozy cabins you can stay at!
Oregon Lake Elopement Locations
Crater Lake Elopement
Crater Lake National Park is actually Oregon’s only National Park, which is surprising considering how much beautiful public land there is in Oregon! Famous for its deep blue color and water clarity, the iconic Crater Lake was formed by a collapsed volcano over 7,000 years ago. Plaikni Falls is another great spot there that you should definitely stop and see. You’ll also see some lovely views of Mount Scott, epic sunset views at Cloudcap Overlook, and lots of other spots!
Sparks Lake Elopement
Near the crest of the Cascades Range, Sparks Lake is located just outside of Bend, Oregon within the Deschutes National Forest and offers some beautiful mountain views of Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor, and South Sister. This is also a guest-friendly spot that’s really accessible, offering forest vibes, green meadows, and of course the stunning deep blue lake! Side note - Broken Top is an incredible spot that reminds me of the peaks in Patagonia!
Trillium Lake Elopement
Trillium Lake in the Mount Hood National Forest offers glorious views of Mt. Hood with the mountain reflecting in the water, which is actually a swimming hole in the Summer! The lake reflects the mountain so beautifully and makes for an incredible elopement ceremony backdrop. Also, it’s just a few miles from Timberline Lodge that I mentioned earlier!
Portland Elopement Locations
Portland is the largest city in Oregon, and is full of art, culture, music, theater, breweries and delicious food (like Voodoo Doughnuts, vegan pizza, and food carts)! It’s an awesome spot to vacation and there’s so much beautiful scenery nearby - which is also why it’s perfect for eloping since you can spend your honeymoon in the city if you want!
Mount Tabor Elopement
Fun fact - Mt. Tabor is actually a dormant volcano! It offers some beautiful views within city limits, and you can say your vows, take some awesome sunset photos, and hit a great spot for dinner. Mt. Tabor Park has some beautiful hiking options and redwood trees for some gorgeous forest vibes!
Washington Park Elopement
Washington Park rests in the hills of the southwest Portland area, with adventurous hiking trails and lots to see! A great Oregon elopement spot found in the park is Hoyt Arboretum, a nature center and botanical garden near the city. It’s a non-profit available for rent for your beautiful elopement - the Redwood Deck is a popular elopement ceremony spot!
Cathedral Park Elopement
Under the cathedral-like concrete arches of St. John’s Bridge is Cathedral Park, where the base of the bridge serves as a unique elopement ceremony arbor, and is easily accessible for guests if you’re having any. Also, you can go celebrate in Portland afterwards since you’re right next to the heart of it!
Oregon Desert Elopement Locations
Did you know Oregon has some pretty awesome desert spots?! Yep, Oregon really has it all! Mostly found in Bend and Eastern Oregon, the desert actually takes up about half the state. Bend has some great restaurants and wineries, and would be a great place to relax after your elopement for a honeymoon!
Smith Rock State Park Elopement
Another guest-friendly spot, Smith Rock State Park is located in central Oregon’s High Desert, and offers beautiful desert views reminiscent of the iconic red rock formations of Arizona or Utah! The unique jagged rock formations make a perfect backdrop for your Oregon elopement ceremony, and the park also offers camping if you want to have a multi-day adventure - which I always encourage!
Painted Hills Elopement
One of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, the Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Wheeler County, Oregon. This spot offers so much history in its colored layers, with stripes of red, orange, tan, yellow, and brown, and even animal fossils! There’s also lots of short trails around this spot for some great variety and beautiful scenery!
Alvord Desert Elopement
The Alvord Desert is a dry lake bed bordered by Steens Mountain, Mickey Butte, Pueblo Valley, and Tule Springs Rim. This expansive desert scenery reminds me of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah! You can camp or reserve a bunkhouse, and there you’ll also find the Alvord Hot Springs. This desert is also a great spot for stargazing!
Regardless of what you’re picturing for your Pacific Northwest elopement, Oregon is guaranteed to bring incredible views for just about any scenery you’re looking for!
Oregon Elopement Packages
Elopement Packages Oregon
Your epic Oregon Elopement Package includes…
Unlimited guidance for planning your elopement
Customized location ideas
Local vendor recommendations
Personally designed timeline for your day
My exclusive in-depth “Elopement Planning Guide”
Coordinate elopement logistics
Permit research and assistance
Activity ideas, wedding attire guidance, and ways to personalize your elopement day
Laid-back and relaxed photo coverage for your elopement
Oregon Elopement Photographer
I’m your Oregon Elopement Photographer & Guide, experience creator, resource provider, planning consultant, location scouter, idea machine, and adventure buddy
I’m your personal GUIDE, your PLANNER, and your BEST FRIEND! As both your location expert and your elopement expert, I’m here to help craft the experience of your dreams - and capture it all for you! I’ll be there every step of the way to help make your vision come to life…
LET’S dO THIS!!
I’m your PLANNER too!
I’ll help you plan your elopement from start to finish!
*You’ll have an EXPERT by your side the whole way*
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