Oregon Elopement Guide
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!
Who Should Elope In Oregon?
An Oregon adventure elopement is perfect for any couple with an adventurous spirit and a love of nature. Oregon’s year-round natural beauty and beautiful environments provide couples with flexibility and opportunities to plunge feet-first into the unknown!
If you’re looking for an adventure elopement that’s thrilling, romantic, and uniquely intimate, you’re the ideal couple for an Oregon adventure elopement.
What Do You Need To Elope In Oregon?
The good news is that eloping in Oregon is a very straightforward process with minimal red tape or administrative hoops to jump through.
Still, there are a few important things to keep in mind in order to make sure your Oregon adventure elopement is legal and fully permitted by the state of Oregon. Here are the essentials:
Oregon Marriage License: An Oregon marriage license can be obtained at any county clerk’s office in the state of Oregon. You will usually need to apply for a marriage license in Oregon in the specific county where you plan to elope.
Oregon marriage license requirements include a social security number, a one-time marriage license fee (this is usually $60, but it might vary based on the county you are eloping in), and a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Once you present these items, you’ll need to go through a three-day waiting period, after which you can obtain your official Oregon marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 60 days after it is issued.An Officiant: This includes anyone who is authorized to legally solemnize vows, including a judge, religious official, or state-ordained officiant.
Two Witnesses: These witnesses must be over the age of 18. Also, pro tip: your trusty Oregon elopement photographer can serve as one of your two witnesses!
What Are The Laws For Elopement In Oregon?
In addition to an Oregon marriage license, officiant, and witnesses, there is a chance that you’ll need to obtain a permit in order to elope in your chosen location. This is particularly likely if you’re choosing to elope in one of Oregon’s state parks. If you’re planning to elope in an Oregon state park, it’s always important to check the official government website to check what the permit requirements are for eloping there, and to look into how to apply for these permits.
This can seem daunting at first, but don’t worry! I’ve been through this process countless times, and I’ve navigated the permit application process for all of Oregon’s most iconic elopement locations (and more than my fair share of amazing spots off the beaten path).
As you go through this process, I encourage you to consider me a go-to resource for cutting through the red tape and getting all the documents you need.
When To Elope In Oregon
One thing that makes Oregon so unique, and such an awesome destination for an adventure elopement, is that its natural beauty is on full display all year long. Whether you’re visiting during the height of summer or the dead of winter, Oregon is always completely unforgettable.
Deciding when to elope in Oregon is like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream — each season offers something uniquely delicious! The "best" time really depends on your vision for your day and what kind of adventure you're dreaming of. So, let's dive into the pros and cons of eloping in Oregon during each magical season!
Winter Wonderland (December - February)
Pros: If you're dreaming of a cozy, intimate, and truly unique elopement, winter in Oregon is a hidden gem! Imagine snow-dusted forests, dramatic stormy coastlines, or even a serene, quiet hike with a misty, ethereal vibe. Crowds are practically nonexistent in many popular spots, meaning more privacy for your vows and stunning, undisturbed backdrops.
Plus, off-season rates for accommodations and travel can be a sweet bonus for your budget! The light, when it's not totally overcast, can be incredibly soft and even, perfect for those moody, romantic photos.
Cons: The biggest challenge? The weather, plain and simple. Oregon winters mean rain, and often snow, especially at higher elevations. This can lead to road closures, limited accessibility to certain trails and mountain areas (like parts of Crater Lake or Mount Hood), and shorter daylight hours.
If clear skies and warm sun are non-negotiable for you, winter might not be your jam. But as long as you’re prepared for the cold temperatures, wear layers, and embrace the possibility of a truly wild, wet adventure, you’ll be just fine!
Spring Bloom (March - May)
Pros: Spring is when Oregon truly comes alive, transforming into a lush, vibrant wonderland. Wildflowers begin to carpet the landscapes, adding pops of color to your photos, and the melting winter snow means that Oregon’s many waterfalls are surging at their fullest strength. The winter weather gives way to a much milder and inviting climate, so you can explore the natural surroundings in comfort.
Cons: Definitely keep in mind that spring in Oregon is notoriously wet. This is a rainy time of year in Oregon, so you’ll need to be prepared for unpredictable weather shifts. If you're hoping for consistently sunny skies, spring might test your patience, but if you love that moody, PNW misty vibe with vibrant greens, you'll be in heaven!
Summer Sunshine (June - August)
Pros: Summer is peak season in Oregon for a reason: the weather is amazing! Think long, warm days, minimal rain, and full access to almost every stunning landscape the state has to offer, from the highest mountain peaks to the farthest reaches of the coast.
If you dream of an Oregon adventure elopement filled with hiking, alpine lakes, and romantic golden sunsets, summer provides the most reliable conditions.
Cons: Summer is tourist season, so popular spots like the Columbia River Gorge, Cannon Beach, and Crater Lake can get very crowded. This means less privacy, more challenges with parking, and potentially needing to wake up extra early for sunrise elopements to beat the crowds.
Also, later in the summer, especially in August and September, there's an increased risk of wildfires, which can lead to smoky skies, road closures, and sometimes even unhealthy air quality. Vendor availability can also be tighter due to demand.
Autumn Hues (September - November)
Pros: During the autumn in Oregon, the weather is often a fantastic balance of mild temperatures and crisp air, with less rain than in winter or spring, especially in September and early October.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights of this time of year is the fall colors. Oregon's landscapes erupt in breathtaking shades of gold, orange, and red, creating an unbelievably stunning and romantic backdrop for your Oregon elopement photos!
Cons: While autumn in Oregon is drier than the winter or spring, rain is always a possibility, especially as you move closer to November. The days also start getting shorter after the equinox, meaning there’s less daylight for your adventures compared to summer. Some higher elevation trails might start seeing early snow or closures towards late fall.
You'll need to coordinate with the peak foliage times, which can vary slightly from year to year depending on weather patterns, but honestly, the trade-offs are often worth it for those iconic fall vibes!
What Are The Best Oregon Elopement Locations?
While Oregon has a truly limitless number of breathtaking elopement locations, there are a handful of iconic spots that absolutely every couple should consider. Here are the truly can’t-miss Oregon elopement 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
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 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.
Your Oregon Elopement Awaits!
If you’re planning an adventure elopement and are looking for an Oregon elopement photographer with a deep knowledge of the area and a passion for creating breathtaking images, then we should definitely have a chat!
Reach out anytime. I can’t wait to hear what you’re planning and to work with you to create a truly unforgettable experience!
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.
