Best Places to Elope in Oregon

There are so many incredible places to elope in Oregon so how do you choose?! I have narrowed it down to the top Best Places to Elope in Oregon! Within each of these places are endless possibilities for adventurous activities, gorgeous landscapes, and multiple types of scenery for you to enjoy during your Oregon elopement!

The summer months in Oregon will typically be much drier than during the winter months. The summers are so gorgeous and won’t get super hot! The temperatures typically don’t rise above the ’80s. Talk about perfection! The coast will typically be overcast during the off-seasons and by the end of October and November, you’ll be into the rainy season. The winters aren’t too bad, but they are wet so expect rain during that time! You’ll also have gorgeous snow-topped mountains which will create the perfect backdrop for a winter elopement.

You really can’t go wrong choosing a season or location in Oregon. I love helping my elopement couples narrow down the location that best fits them and what they are looking for! If you’re searching for an Oregon Elopement Photographer be sure to contact me and I would love to chat with you and hear all about your vision! So, without further ado here are the Best Places to Elope in Oregon!

Best Places to Elope in Oregon

1. Cannon Beach and the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is such a gorgeous place to elope! It is known for its incredibly rugged cliffs and beautiful haystack rocks along the coast. The temperatures tend to be a bit cooler, but during the summer you can still bask in the sun and crack open a drink.

Just imagine heading to your ceremony at Hug Point, walking along the coast for some epic portraits, then hopping in a jeep and exploring Highway 101, jumping out for a few short scenic hikes along the way and ending the day by having s’mores by a bonfire on Cannon Beach! Sounds pretty epic right?!

Distance from Portland: Cannon Beach – 1.5 hours | If you want to go further south then it can be up to 2.5 hours!

Oregon Coast Elopement Locations:

• Cape Kiwanda
• Astoria
• Manzanita
• Sam H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

2. Bend, Oregon and Smith Rock State Park

Bend is a fun mountain town situated between the tall peaks of the Cascade Range and the desert plains. The Deschutes River runs through Bend which is perfect for fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Talk about all the fun activities you can do on your elopement day!

If that isn’t enough to convince you to elope in Bend then Smith Rock State Park will probably just do the trick! Smith Rock State Park is Oregon’s version of Zion National Park and it is pretty spectacular. It’s full of incredible waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and comes with desert vibes as well! The possibilities are endless here!

Distance from Portland: 3 hours

Bend Elopement Locations:

• Smith Rock State Park
• Sahalie Falls
• Proxy Falls

3. Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is one of the most epic places to elope in Oregon, and is probably my personal favorite place to elope in Oregon! All along the river, there are many hikes that lead to insanely gorgeous waterfalls like Latourell Falls and Wahclella Falls! They certainly create the perfect backdrop for your vows.

Latourell Falls for example is a 224-foot waterfall pours over the top of an undercut amphitheater of tall pillars making it easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls along the Columbia George River. The loop hike is also so beautiful and definitely worth doing to take in the gorgeous views and for some incredible portraits! You seriously can’t go wrong when choosing any of the epic waterfalls along the gorge!

Distance from Portland: 40 minutes

Columbia River Gorge Elopement Locations:

• Wahclella Falls
• Horsetail Falls
• Ponytail Falls
• Dry Creek Falls

4. Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon

Mt. Hood is a stunning mountain peak that can be seen from pretty much everywhere in Portland. It’s no wonder this made the list of the best places to elope in Oregon! There is an endless amount of gorgeous hikes and the Columbia George River runs along the edge of Mt. Hood Forest which creates even more opportunities for some incredibly rad activities!

There are stunning cliffs all along the river and with rivers come some insanely gorgeous waterfalls! This is the perfect place for couples wanting to experience multiple types of scenery during their Oregon elopement.

Distance from Portland: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Mt. Hood Elopement Locations:

• Trillium Lake Loop
• Buzzard Point
• Old Salmon River Trail
• Tamanawas Falls Trail

5. Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is an absolutely gorgeous national park in Oregon. It’s no wonder this spot made the list of the best places to elope in Oregon! There are hikes available for all skill levels and if hiking isn’t your thing you can take a drive around the park enjoying the views. You could hit up some gorgeous spots at sunset and celebrate the two of you!

This is a location that’s perfect for either winter or summer. During the winter you’ll enjoy the same beautiful views with fresh layers of snow! During summer, you’ll definitely see more crowds, but planning around sunrise, sunset or taking a hike will help you to avoid crowds during your outdoor elopement!

Crater Lake Elopement Locations:

• Watchman Peak
• Garfield Peak
• Drive the Rim
• Discovery Point Trail

6. Black Butte Ranch Elopement

Black Butte Ranch is equally gorgeous during the summer and winter. You can access the gorgeous meadow from the lodge which is open to the public, but there are other parts that you will need a code for so you will need to contact them for more information. You can hop in a canoe for a sweet and peaceful cruise around the lake. The gorgeous meadows along with the hills and river make for a relaxed elopement day with plenty of opportunities to capture some amazing images!

7. Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is an absolute gem in Oregon! There’s are loads of epic hikes that lead to gorgeous views and stunning waterfalls. If you’re after moss-covered trees, enchanting forest vibes, and a stunning waterfall then this is a fantastic option for you.

I would compare this state park to the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll get the same type of scenery in both locations! Now you just have more options and who doesn’t love options?!

Silver Falls State Park Elopement Locations:

• South Falls
• Trail of 10 Falls
• Lower North Falls
• Winter Falls

Best Places to Elope in Oregon

My goal for every couple I work with is to be more than just a photographer. I am here to help guide you through planning your dream elopement and to help in any way that I possibly can! I will help location scout for you so you can pick the absolute perfect place to say your vows. I will create the perfect timeline for you so that you can be stress-free and enjoy every moment of your day. Being stressed out on your day is definitely NOT what I want for you. So, I am here to fix that!

Most of all, I will be by your side every step of the way and I will be your friend and support. I have been a part of many elopements so I can guide you on how to plan your dream destination elopement! If you’re searching for a destination elopement photographer I would absolutely love to hear your vision for the day and I would be so flipping stoked to document your day! You can contact me >HERE< and I am so excited to hear from you!

Check out these related blog posts!

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How to Pack for Your Hiking Elopement

How to Make Your Elopement Special

Tips for Eloping in a National Park