How to Elope in Oregon - A Complete Guide to Eloping in Oregon
Getting married in Oregon means immersing yourself in one of the most beautiful places in the world! From rugged coastlines and dense forests to deserts and beautiful mountains, the Oregon landscape has a variety of incredible places to explore. There’s so much to see and do here, so it can be tricky knowing where to start! That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive Oregon elopement guide,
Oregon is especially well-suited for an adventure elopement — no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, you’re guaranteed to find it here! I’m covering everything from essential Oregon elopement planning tips to legal necessities and logistics and the can’t-miss elopement locations that you should consider. Here’s everything you need to know about eloping in Oregon!
STEP 1: CHOOSE A LOCATION
HOW TO FIND YOUR OREGON ELOPEMENT LOCATION:
This is the brainstorming part of the process that I find to be so fun!! Start dreaming up exactly what scenery you would like to see and even what activities you might like to do on your elopement day! Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing an elopement location:
What type of scenery do you want to be surrounded by on your elopement day? (coastline, mountains, lakes, forests, high desert, wildflowers, etc.)
What type of activities do you want to do on your day? (hiking, beach walking, camping, hot springs, road tripping, swimming, canoeing, biking, stargazing, picnic, etc)
Are you looking for a more accessible location or are you looking to hike/adventure out to a spot? How far are you looking to hike?
How far are you willing to drive from your lodging to your ceremony location?
What’s most important to you on your elopement day?
The answers you come up with might give you a better ideas of which area is the best place for you. Each location has its own unique features to it, some are easier to get to, while others are more ‘out there’ so it’s important to consider all these factors before choosing your location.
Don’t worry if you can’t decide exactly where yet. Part of what I do is personal location scouting for my couples! You tell me what you’re looking for & what your dream elopement day looks like & I’ll help narrow down the locations for you. I want you to be able to have a relaxing, fun, and stress-free planning experience. Contact me to get started today!
SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING WHERE TO ELOPE IN OREGON:
Certain hikes and spots are well-known and popular, but that can also mean serious crowds. There are ways to avoid crowds when eloping outdoors, but some of the best spots are the ones off the beaten path and aren’t well known! I’m passionate about finding these peaceful, secluded locations for my couples.
You don’t have to pick just one type of scenery or location! If you love waterfalls, but also want those 360 mountain views, you can incorporate both. A few ways to include multiple locations are: a two-day elopement or finding an area where different types of scenery are closely to each other so you can explore both in one day. Couples with family will have their ceremony in a certain type of scenery/nature then explore a different area all by themselves to get some alone time on their wedding day.
Make sure to check the permit requirements before finalizing your location. Different lands/parks have different wedding permit rules depending on the location, guest count, and activities being held. I talk more about permits below, but it's something to think about when researching locations.
OREGON COAST
This 363-mile stretch of rugged beauty offers stunning backdrops, from the famous Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach to the wild, windswept arches of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in the south.
For a deeper dive into the magic of the Oregon Coast and all it has to offer for couples planning an Oregon adventure elopement, you can check out my Oregon Coast elopement guide, which should tell you everything you need to know for a perfect Oregon Coast elopement.
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places to elope in Oregon for adventurous couples who crave dramatic scale, lush greenery, and the powerful embrace of nature!
This incredible natural wonder carves its way through volcanic cliffs, offering panoramic viewpoints, waterfalls, and emerald forests that feel straight out of a fairytale. The sheer variety of landscapes here means you can find everything from easily accessible viewpoints to rugged hiking trails that lead to secluded spots perfect for an intimate elopement ceremony.
It’s a great choice for an elopement that feels epic yet deeply personal. Just be mindful that popularity means many spots are busy, so early mornings or weekdays are your best friends here for that truly private experience!
For more info on eloping in the Columbia River Gorge, you can check out my Columbia River Gorge elopement guide!
MOUNT HOOD
Mount Hood is Oregon’s highest peak and offers a stunning array of landscapes that transform with every season. You can say "I do" with Mount Hood’s snow-capped summit as your majestic backdrop, surrounded by vibrant wildflowers in a summer meadow, golden larches in the fall, or even crisp white snow in the winter!
From the iconic historic lodge at Timberline to serene lakes reflecting the peak, or vast forests filled with towering trees, Mount Hood provides an epic, picturesque setting for your vows. Eloping at Mount Hood is an ideal choice for couples who love to hike, ski, or simply soak in the mountains!
CENTRAL OREGON
This region, centered around the vibrant city of Bend, offers a completely unique vibe — often sunnier and drier than the western side of the state, making it a great choice for those who crave predictable weather.
You could be exchanging vows with the iconic Three Sisters mountains in the background, or on the banks of the tranquil Deschutes River. Central Oregon even has lava fields to explore!
Eloping in Central Oregon promises a day that feels both adventurous and deeply connected to nature, offering a raw and majestic backdrop for your love story.
BEND
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon's high desert, Bend offers an incredible "best of both worlds" scenario. You can wake up to sunny skies and stunning mountain views, exchange vows amidst the whispering ponderosa pines, along the banks of the scenic Deschutes River, or even atop a volcanic butte with panoramic vistas.
After exchanging vows, you can celebrate your elopement by hitting up one of Bend's renowned breweries, enjoying a gourmet meal at a world-class restaurant, or simply soaking in the vibrant, laid-back vibe of this outdoor-centric town.
Bend is the ideal elopement destination for couples who want to easily access incredible natural beauty without sacrificing the comforts of civilization, making your elopement both wild and refined.
SOUTHERN OREGON
This expansive region often flies under the radar compared to the state's more famous spots, but it’s absolutely worth checking out! Couples eloping in Southern Oregon should take some time to explore the beauty of Crater Lake National Park, the deepest lake in the U.S., with its intense blue waters and dramatic caldera walls.
You also shouldn’t pass up the Rogue River, the perfect spot for a waterside ceremony. Southern Oregon also boasts incredible wine country in the Rogue Valley, charming small towns, and unique geological formations. It's a fantastic option for adventurers who appreciate diverse scenery, a quieter atmosphere, and the chance to discover a corner of Oregon that’s a bit off the beaten path.
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Crater Lake is absolutely iconic, and hands-down one of the best elopement venues in Oregon! Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and the sheer scale and beauty of it provides an epic setting for your Oregon adventure elopement.
Whether you choose a snow-dusted winter scene, a sun-drenched summer vibe, or the crisp beauty of fall, a Crater Lake elopement provides the perfect setting for unforgettable photos.
SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN SCENIC CORRIDOR
This stretch of highway is a hidden gem, packed with some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring coastal scenery you'll ever lay eyes on!
Imagine exchanging your vows perched on a cliff overlooking towering sea stacks like the iconic Arch Rock or posing for photos in a secret cove carved by the Pacific waves. Every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view, offering endless opportunities for dramatic elopement photos.
STEP 2: PICK A DATE OR TIMEFRAME
The next step in planning your Oregon elopement is to pick a date/time frame. When it comes to picking a date, it’s important to consider two things: weather & crowds.
WEATHER:
Oregon is one of the few states where you can elope any time of year thanks to its mild climate and diverse landscapes. That said, the most ideal months tend to be May, June, September, and October. Every season offers something different, though—here’s what you can expect.
Here’s how I would break down the seasons:
Summer: June - August
Fall: September - October
Winter: November - March
Spring: April - May
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN OREGON?
I generally suggest eloping in Oregon during the months of May, June, September, and October for the best experience! Summer can get hot and crowded—especially on the coast. Winter brings heavy rain and snow to higher elevations like Mt Hood or Crater Lake, making them inaccessible. The late spring months and fall months bring the perfect mix of better weather but not too hot and lower crowd levels.
WINTER OREGON ELOPEMENTS:
Winter can still be a really great time to elope in Oregon—specifically on the coast! You can definitely expect some rain this time of year as it is the Pacific Northwest after all, but the trade off of having no crowds is completely worth it! Higher elevation locations like Mt Hood or Crater Lake will be inaccessible due to snow during this timeframe.
FALL OREGON ELOPEMENTS:
Overall, fall is my FAVORITE time of year for elopements in Oregon! It is one of my most recommended seasons for elopements as you’ll receive mild temps, fall colors, snow-free trails, and low crowd levels.
SPRING OREGON ELOPEMENTS:
Spring can be especially beautiful in Oregon for coastal and waterfall elopements! Waterfalls are at their peaks this time of year, wildflowers are beginning to bloom, and the greens are LUSH. You can expect lower travel costs this time of year and emptier trails.
SUMMER OREGON ELOPEMENTS:
Summer comes with warm weather and long days, but also major crowds. You’ll find sunnier weather this time of year and it can be a great time to get married in the mountains! If you’re set on this timeframe, consider a weekday ceremony at sunrise or sunset for the least amount of crowds. I’d also avoid the most popular locations like Cannon Beach and the Columbia River Gorge.
CROWDS:
In Oregon, summer is the most ideal weather, making it also the most crowded time to visit parks / mountainous areas / coastal beaches. To avoid crowds at popular parks / areas in the summer, I would consider planning your elopement on a weekday. If you can’t elope on a weekday, then I would consider eloping at sunrise or early morning (to avoid weekend tourists) or to pick a lesser known location / elope on private land. Another way to avoid crowds is to elope during the ‘off-season’, which would be mid fall (after Labor Day) until May/June. The weather won’t be as predictable, but you’re guaranteed less crowds!
There are a lot of different way to avoid crowds, but it’s something to be conscious of when picking an elopement day! Summer weekend days and holidays will be the most crowded time of the year in Oregon, so I would especially avoid eloping on Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and Fourth of July week.
STEP 3: FIND YOUR CEREMONY LOCATION & OBTAIN PROPER PERMITS
Once you have your location and date figured out, it’s time to pick a ceremony spot! I know I mentioned this earlier, but it’s important to figure out permit requirements in the area you are looking to elope at before you finalize a ceremony location. A lot of parks have a list of specific locations you ca have your ceremony, but you can take photos afterwards anywhere in the park. Each park/land management has their own specific rules, so make sure to do your research!
If the thought of doing this all by yourself is overwhelming, I can help! As an elopement photographer, I help all my couples with permits, locations, planning, timelines, and vendor recommendations. If you’re interested in hiring an elopement photographer who can help you with all of this, fill out my contact form below to get in touch!
OREGON MARRIAGE LICENSES:
Couples can either choose to legalize their marriage on their elopement day, or just have a symbolic ceremony. If you are interested in legalizing your marriage during your actual elopement, Oregon marriage laws require 2 witnesses and an officiant to sign the license.
Oregon marriage laws require a 3 day waiting period before your license is active. This can either involve picking up the license 3 days before your elopement or mailing it in notarized from your home state. You will need two witnesses to sign at the ceremony. Note that you can pay a fee when you pick up the license to bypass this waiting period if needed.
STEP 4: PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES
The next step in planning your Oregon elopement is to decide what type of activities to include on your day! One of the best parts about eloping is you can do whatever you want during the day.
Adventure elopements are all about turning your whole day into an experience. The best way to brainstorm activities is to ask yourself, ‘If you could create your dream day from the time you wake up to the time you fall asleep, what type of things would you do that would make you the happiest?’
If you’re thinking of eloping in Oregon, there are SO many different types of activities you can include. Hiking is probably the most obvious & most popular among couples, but don’t limit yourself to just hiking (and don’t feel like you have to hike if you’re not a big hiker!). here’s a few ideas to get you thinking:
Hiking
Camping
Stargazing
Canoe
Campfire & S’mores
Relax in a Hot Spring
Swim in an Alpine Lake
Cook Together
Hot Tub
Hire a Private Chef
Rent a Private Boat Sail
Skiing / Snowboarding / Snowshoeing, Ski Touring
Backyard Celebration with Family
Have a Fancy Picnic on the Beach
STEP 5: NAIL DOWN VENDORS & FIND LODGING
Now that you have your location, date, permits, activities figured out—the nest step is to lock in some vendors for your day! Even though you’re not having a traditional wedding, plenty elopements still include a handful of wedding vendors. Here are the most common types of vendors that eloping couples hire for their day:
Florist
Photographer
Officiant
Hair & Makeup Artist
Videographer
Baker / Caterer
Planner / Stylist
ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER ADVICE:
I know I listed hiring your vendors as step 5, but really you can start to research and hire them whenever you want! My recommendation would be to hire your photographer ASAP. I know it sounds biased saying this (because I am an elopement photographer) but hiring an elopement photographer first can save you A LOT of work because most elopement photographers help their couples with ALL the things I mentioned in the previous steps. So when looking at elopement photographers, make sure you pick someone who actually helps with planning and is experienced in elopements!
For my elopement couples, I help them find customized locations, get permits, choose other vendors, think of activities, find lodging, create a custom timeline, and SO much more. So if you’re looking for a photographer who will not only capture your day but also guide you through the planning process—learn more about my process below:
STEP 6: CREATE A TIMELINE
One of the last steps in planning an EPIC Oregon elopement is creating a timeline! Timelines can vary depending on what activities you plan to do, where your ceremony location is, how you want to celebrate afterwards, what time of day you want to elope at, etc. As a rule of thumb for hiking, I always plan 45 minutes per each mile spent hiking (so you don’t feel like you need to be rushing or pushing yourself up the trail) and to put in buffer times because things typically take longer than you expect.
SAMPLE TIMELINE FOR A SUNSET HIKING ELOPEMENT IN OREGON:
1:00pm: Getting Ready at Airbnb
2:30pm: First Look in Airbnb Backyard
3:00pm: Drive to Trailhead
3:45pm: Start Hiking Up
5:00pm: Vow Ceremony
5:30pm: Celebratory Picnic
6:30pm: Sunset Exploring & Photos
8:30pm: Start Hike Back Down
9:30pm Stargazing & Photos
10:30pm Finish Descent
11:00pm End Photography Coverage
STEP 7: HAVE THE MOST EPIC ELOPEMENT DAY!
YOU MADE IT!! Once you’ve finished all these steps you are well on your way to an EPIC Oregon elopement. If you have any questions or are looking for an elopement photographer who can help guide you through the planning process, get in touch with me below! I would love to be a part of your wedding day.
Are you 100% set on getting married in Oregon? HECK YEAH! One of the biggest steps is to pick a photographer to capture your day. I work with couples to help them plan and capture their day! If you are interested in working with me, here are my elopement photography packages for couples looking for someone to help them plan & photograph their adventurous wedding day!
What’s Included in each package:
Photography coverage telling the story of your elopement day
Customized Location Guide and Vendor Recommendations
Assistance with permits and marriage licenses
Access to my 90+ page Elopement Planning Guide with step by step instructions on how to plan an adventure elopement
An online gallery of fully edited, high resolution photos for you to download with personal printing rights
Option for me to be your ordained officiant and sign off on your marriage license if you want to have a ceremony with just the two of you
All of my travel to & from the location is included, so no extra fees!
Starting at $4,000
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
