The Ultimate Guide on How to Plan an Oregon Elopement
From stunning waterfalls to breathtaking beaches, Oregon is definitely one of the best places to elope in the PNW! Oregon is a quick drive from my (Henry’s) home state Washington, and I have considered it my second home for a while now. We are so excited you are considering eloping in Oregon because we know it will have at least one thing that would fit your vision for your elopement.
How To Elope In Oregon: Everything You Need To Know To Plan An Unforgettable Elopement Experience
1) Start with Your Vision: Is Eloping in Oregon Right for You?
The very first step in planning any wedding or elopement is understanding which type of wedding is right for you.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out – like how many people you want to invite or even where exactly you want your elopement to take place. The noly thing you need to know are what aspects matter the most to you and understanding whether choosing an intentional, intimate celebration feels right for your relationship.
If you’re feeling uncertain about whether eloping is the right decision for you and your partner, our article 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping walks through the important questions to ask yourselves. You can also check out our resource Elopement vs Intimate Wedding: Can You Have Both? if you are curious about how to include a private experience and loved ones in your day.
No matter which option you choose, just remember that this is the day you commit to each other for life and it should feel completely YOU.
2) Find Your Oregon Elopement Photographer First
Something most couples don’t realize is that your elopement photographer is often one of your primary planning resource from day one. In Oregon especially, where permits, weather, and access can be tricky to navigate, having an experienced guide makes all the difference.
We’re not saying this to try to convince you to hire us; we just want to share why this choice matters so much for your overall experience.
Over the years we’ve watched countless couples discover that choosing intimacy over tradition allows them to focus on what actually matters: each other. Your elopement day should feel like the most authentic version of yourselves, not a performance for anyone else.
This is why hiring the right person matters so much. Your Oregon Elopement Photographer should understand the unique challenges of this landscape, from coastal weather patterns to mountain access roads that close seasonally. They should help you navigate permits for places like Crater Lake or the Columbia River Gorge, scout locations that match your vision, and create timelines that let you actually experience your day instead of rushing through it.
Most importantly, they should make you feel comfortable enough to be completely present in your moments together.
3) Choose The Best Location To Elope In Oregon
Oregon is a dream for adventure elopements because it truly has everything—dramatic coastlines, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and yes, even high desert landscapes in the eastern part of the state. (Fun fact: Most of eastern and central Oregon is considered desert.).
The location you choose will become part of your love story forever, so we take this part seriously. Here are a few of our favorite Oregon elopement locations to get you inspired, but don’t worry, we have lots more hidden gem locations that we can’t wait to share with you during the planning process.
WHAT IS “LEAVE NO TRACE” AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT IT?
Before we dive into the best places to elope in Oregon, we want to share a little bit about Leave No Trace. LNT is where we go on adventures for photos but we also make sure to leave things the way we found them. By doing so, we ensure that we are doing our part to preserve the beauty of nature. Here are some things we do and expect our couples to do (not limited to)
- Stay on trails
- Not climbing over fences, roped-off areas, or places with visible signs of “Do Not Trespass”
- No meadow stomping
- No confetti inside national parks or any other places with fragile plants, flowers, and wildlife (doesn’t matter if they are bio-degradable or not):
- Each of these beautiful places has its own living organisms, plants, animals, etc… By leaving things behind, we can harm these living organisms. Bio-degradable confetti takes a while to degrade and might need rain or water to speed up that process. In the meantime, other animals might still be able to ingest them. If you are thinking about confetti, we can do so at your cabin/Airbnb (if allowed)
THE BEST OF THE BEST – OUR TOP PICKS FOR MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO ELOPE IN OREGON
1. Oregon Coast
2. Columbia River Gorge
3. Oregon Waterfalls
4. Bend and The High Deserts
Oregon Coast
In our opinion, the Oregon coastline has some of the most beautiful views in the Pacific Northwest. For those who haven’t been here, these beaches are nothing like the typical ones you might see. From the haystack rocks to jagged cliffs, these Oregon beaches are so moody and ones that you simply have to see for yourself.
*Important to know about Natural Bridges:
One beautiful location on the Oregon Coast that you might see posted on our website or other places on the internet is Natural Bridges. In 2022 the state of Oregon officially closed this site and put up a “Do Not Cross” sign due to several deaths that have occurred on this trail (learn more here).
While we are sad that this beautiful place is no longer available, we never ever want to endanger our couples or break the law trying to take beautiful photos. Natural Bridges might not be available anymore, but we still have tons more beautiful locations to choose from for your elopement which we will be more than happy to share with you when we start planning together.
See more beautiful elopements on the Oregon Coast
Columbia River Gorge
If you are looking for beautiful waterfalls and mountain views with easy access to the city, then it doesn’t get any better than the Columbia River Gorge. With a quick hop onto I-84, you can spend anywhere between half an hour to an hour driving along this beautiful highway – and trust us, anywhere you go will be incredible. However, if there’s one thing the Gorge is known for it is the waterfalls. You may have heard of Multnomah Falls but there are so many more you can find around this area: Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahclella Falls, Horsetail / Pony Tail Falls and so many more.
To see more of this beautiful area, check out this incredible Oregon waterfall elopement in the Columbia River Gorge!
Oregon Waterfalls
Speaking of Oregon waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge isn’t the only place to go if you want a waterfall elopement. There are so many more beautiful falls all throughout the state. When we think of eloping in Oregon, we honestly think of all the lush green forests filled with ferns and a stunning waterfall in the background. Truly, if you ever consider a waterfall for your elopement, you have to do it in Oregon 🙂
Bend, Oregon
Yes, the desert does exist in the PNW and Oregon has its own area for desert elopements. Just like Washington, most of the middle and eastern sides of Oregon are high desert. Some of these places are even surrounded by rugged mountains with beautiful lakes on top which contain some amazing viewpoints you won’t find anywhere else but the Pacific Northwest. If you are considering this area, check out Smith Rock State Park for its red rock walls and canyons that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the southwest desert.
4) Decide When You Want to Elope in Oregon
Oregon has some of the most diverse landscape in the country. This means that anything is possible and you can easily elope here year-round.
Chasing those epic waterfall photos? Spring is the best time to experience Oregon’s beautiful waterfalls, but it also brings the potential for more rainy days.
Want mountain wildflowers? You’ll need to wait until mid-summer when the snow melts.
Dreaming of moody coastal fog? Fall delivers the moodiest, dramatic vibes.
Each season in Oregon offers something magical, but planning around the landscape’s natural ebb and flow ensures you get the experience you’re dreaming of.
Because every area of Oregon is so different, there is no one best time to elope. But, in general, here is what you can expect when you elope in Oregon:
- October – May: these months will give you more of a moody, rainy vibe or maybe even a snowy kind of elopement.
- June – September: these months will be warmer and will present some of the most beautiful sunsets around. Of course, this also means that there will be more people around.
One thing to keep in mind when eloping in Oregon (or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest) is that the weather is so unpredictable. We can look up the weather app and everything is fine but then the next day, it could turn 180 degrees. But don’t worry, we have experience photographing in all types of weather AND making sure you guys look beautiful no matter the conditions.
Our philosophy when it comes to elopements is – If it rains, dance in the rain. If it’s sunny, feel the sun on your skin. If your cake fell over, play with it. If your dress got dirty, get it dirtier. Focus on what’s important, not the little things. We will take care of the rest and make sure you look epic as heck.
*Pro Tip: Whether you consider us for your Oregon elopement or any other photographer, the sooner you find and book a photographer, the better. Most photographers book out anywhere between 6 – 18 months in advance, so we always recommend couples reach out as soon as possible to secure their preferred date.
5) Book Your Transportation and Accommodations
Where you decide to elope in Oregon will help determine what type of transportation you need and the best place to stay. Since many of these nature areas are quite spread out, it’s hard to name the locations one by one here. However, two things we do want you to think about when renting an Airbnb for your elopement:
- We will be using this Airbnb for your getting-ready photos and potentially first look. If you do choose to have family and friends attending your elopement, you might also use this space to host a cute backyard reception or picnic.
- It’s not uncommon to drive 1.5-2 hours to get from your Airbnb to your ceremony location. Keep this in mind when planning your your day as it can affect your elopement timeline.
If all this feels like a lot of information, don’t worry! As your Oregon elopement photographers, we will provide recommendations and help narrow down locations that are relevant to your needs. Once you’ve narrowed down a list of Airbnbs or accommodations, we’re also happy to look through them and provide recommendations based on what spaces would photograph and accommodate your needs best.
6) Apply for Your Oregon Marriage License
When it comes to making your marriage official in Oregon, you will need to apply for a marriage license. Here are some essential things you need to know:
- Per state law, you will need to apply for a marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement date. You can only apply for a license within 60 days of your elopement date.
- Although there’s a 3-day waiting period before you can get married, the state of Oregon does offer the option of paying just a small fee to waive the waiting period. More Information on your marriage license can be found HERE
- You will also need an officiant and 2 witnesses. If you have family and/or friends who can be there for you, that’s amazing. If not, it’s ok. Oftentimes, we act as witnesses for our couples. We can also recommend a list of officiants for you.
7) Apply for Your Oregon Wedding Permit
With a traditional wedding, your venue is your private event site. With an elopement, we often use public lands like National Parks, National Forests, or State Parks. This usually means some sort of wedding permit will be required.
Most of the locations on the Oregon Coast do not require permits for elopements with less than 50 guests. However, if you are getting married in a state park, then a permit will likely be required.
Each location has its own requirements, so once you have decided on a location, you will want to research the requirements for your chosen location.
If all this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. As your Oregon elopement photographer, we help every step of the way to ensure that you can get legally married in the place that you love.
8) Hire Your Oregon Elopement Vendors
Many people think elopements are just two people, an officiant, and that’s it, but that’s actually just an elopement myth. While some couples choose that simplicity, others want their Oregon elopement to feel like a fully crafted experience with all the special touches.
Hiring additional vendors isn’t required for your Oregon elopement, but the right team can transform your day from beautiful to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you want fresh florals that complement Oregon’s natural beauty or a hair and makeup artist who understands how to work with coastal winds, thoughtful vendor choices help your vision come to life seamlessly.
Below you’ll find the vendors most couples consider for their Oregon elopements and intimate weddings, along with some trusted vendors who we have worked with in the past and absolutely love:
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup Artist
- Officiant
- Elopement or Wedding Planner
- Cake Artist
- Chef / Caterer
- Videographer
9) Finalize the Remaining Details for Your Elopement in Oregon: Guests, Pets, Activities, Timelines, and More!
Choose Your Guest List: Who Should Be There for Your Oregon Elopement?
Your Oregon elopement can look however feels right for your relationship. We’ve documented intimate ceremonies with just the couple, and we’ve also photographed celebrations with 50-100 family members and friends. The beauty of eloping is that you get to decide who shares this moment with you.
Some couples choose to elope in complete privacy – just the two of them exchanging vows on a secluded Oregon beach or mountain peak. Others want their closest people there to witness this milestone. Both approaches are 1000% ok and can allow for meaningful experiences.
For the legal requirements, Oregon needs two witnesses who are 18 or older to sign your marriage certificate. If you’re planning a private ceremony without guests, don’t worry; we often serve as one witness for our couples, and we can connect you with a second witness if needed.
Thinking about including more people? Your Oregon elopement can easily become a micro wedding with family and friends. The key is choosing people who truly support you and will be excited to celebrate your wedding vision with you!
Want to see how other couples have included their loved ones? Check out Christie and Andrew’s detail-filled Oregon Coast micro wedding and see how they brought it all together in less than two months!
Thinking about inviting guests and planning a small micro wedding instead? Check out some of our favorite Oregon micro wedding venues at the link below!
Pets: Can We Bring Our Pets Along With Us to Our Oregon Elopement?
If you are thinking about bringing your pets to Oregon, follow the BARK acronym:
- B: Bag your pet’s poop
- A: Always wear a leash
- R: Respect wildlife
- K: Know where you can go: Not all trails are dog-friendly
We understand how important it is to include your pets on your elopement day. This is why our job is more than just photographing your day. Rather, by assisting you from day one with planning, we can help make sure you can include everything that is important to you.
Activities: What Else Can We Do During our Elopement in Oregon?
Maybe you’re the type who loves slow mornings, so we start with coffee and sunrise on the Oregon Coast. Or perhaps you love adventure and want to explore the waterfall trails along the Columbia River Gorge after your ceremony. Some couples choose classic Oregon experiences like wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, while others prefer something completely unexpected.
Your activities might involve trying something brand new together, like hot air ballooning over the high desert or they could center around something you already love doing, just set against Oregon’s incredible backdrop.
No matter what elopement activities you choose, the important thing to know is that there is no “right” way to spend your elopement day. Just because other couples hike to waterfalls doesn’t mean you have to if hiking isn’t your thing. If crowds make you anxious, we’ll find those hidden spots where it’s just you and Oregon’s natural beauty.
The goal of any wedding day is to create a day that feels true to your relationship, not what looks good on social media or what you think an elopement “should” include.
Want more inspiration for making your Oregon elopement uniquely yours? Check out our guide on how to make your elopement special for tips on choosing activities that reflect your story, or browse through these 32 epic elopement ideas from couples who’ve celebrated their elopement in Oregon and all around the world!
Sample Oregon Elopement Timelines
Want to see what an Oregon elopement day can actually look like? Below are a few sample timelines to give you an idea of what’s possible for your wedding in Oregon.
Half Day Elopement
Half Day elopements are one of the most common elopement options. This timeline includes 6 hours of coverage and allows us to experience a beautiful location at either sunrise or sunset.
- 2:00 pm: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
- 3:00 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
- 3:30 pm: Intimate vow exchange ceremony
- 4:00 pm: Sunset adventure portraits / Activity
- 7:00 pm: Travel back to cabin
- 7:30 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
- 8:00 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!
Full-Day Elopement
A Full-day elopement is great for couples who want to experience multiple locations or include lots of activities into their day. It’s also a great option for elopements or intimate weddings with guests as you will need more time for everyone to get to each location.
- 10:00 am: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
- 11:30 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
- 1:30 pm: Ceremony
- 2:00 pm: Formal portraits with family and friends
- 3:00 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
- 3:30 pm: Travel/Driving/Hiking
- 5:30 pm: Private vow exchange
- 6:00 pm: Sunset adventure portraits and private first dance
- 8:00 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!
Two-Day Elopement
When you want to get the best light for both sunrise and sunset, or there are so many locations you want to try, or you have family and friends traveling to be there for your special day, then a two-day elopement is often the best fit. There are so many ways a two-day elopement can look and it all comes down to what you want!
Day 1: Intimate Wedding with guests
- 12:30 pm: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
- 2:00 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
- 3:30 pm: Intimate vow exchange ceremony
- 4:30 pm: Formal portraits with family and friends
- 5:30 pm: Travel back to cabin
- 6:30 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
- 8:00 pm: End of Day 1
Day 2: Private Adventure Elopement Portraits
- 2:30 pm: Getting ready together + cute indoor portraits
- 4:00 pm: Travel/Driving/Hiking
- 6:00 pm: Private vow exchange
- 6:30 pm: Sunset adventure portraits and private first dance
- 8:30 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!
The best thing about planning your Oregon elopement timeline is that we can customize it completely to whatever you envision for your day.
Want to have a reception meal before your ceremony? We can do that! Want to wake up early for a sunrise first look and then go hiking for adventure photos at sunset? Anything is possible!
To learn more about how to plan your elopement timeline, check out our planning guide below!
10) Elope & Celebrate Your Marriage YOUR WAY
When your elopement day finally arrives, we’ll explore the incredible Oregon landscape you’ve chosen together. Whether we’re chasing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, watching the sunrise over Crater Lake, or exchanging vows on the dramatic Oregon Coast, we will create space for you to be completely present with each other.
Of course, we’ll also be there to document every meaningful moment – from the quiet getting-ready morning moments to the heartfelt emotions during your sunset ceremony – while making sure you have room to actually experience your day instead of feeling rushed through it.
Then comes the best part: celebrating! Cut that cake, pop the champagne, dance to your favorite song with the Pacific Ocean as your soundtrack. This is your day to celebrate your love and each other in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Oregon Elopement Packages
Ready to take the next step in planning your Oregon elopement? Here is a brief overview of our Oregon elopement packages and what’s included:
Discover Oregon’s incredible diversity: From dramatic coastal cliffs to cascading waterfalls, ancient forests, mountain peaks, and high desert landscapes, we’re ready to explore anywhere with you.
Flexible coverage options: Whether you want a simple 4-hour ceremony or a full two-day adventure exploring multiple locations, we’ve got options to fit your needs.
Complete planning support: Unlimited guidance, resources, and expertise from inquiry to final gallery delivery.
Your complete photo collection: All your Oregon elopement photos in a secure, private online gallery that you’ll treasure forever.
No hidden travel costs: All fees included for elopements anywhere throughout Oregon.
Starting at $7,900
(Ranges between $7,900 – $14,200)
Oregon Elopement FAQs
Ready to elope in Oregon? Need our help in finding the most perfect location for you? We’d love to help you start planning!
Meet Your Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographers
We’re Henry, Sergio, and Nick, the faces behind these honest, meaningful, and artful photographs of couples eloping in the most beautiful places. Since 2018, we’ve photographed more than 200+ intimate weddings and elopements all over the world and on 6 different continents. Our work has been published on Junebug Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, Brides, Dancing With Her, etc…We’ve won international awards for best wedding photos but what’s most important to us is actually winning our clients’ hearts with our art.
With 15 years of combined photography experience, we’ve learned that the only way to a beautiful wedding experience & photos is through intentionality.
We’re here for you and with you from “let’s do this” to “I do”, one step at a time, each step of the way. We’re in this together
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