Mt. Hood is one of Oregon’s most stunning locations, so we’re going to chat about how to elope in Mt. Hood. Being right outside of Portland it can be easily accessible to travelers flying into Oregon. Being known for its immense beauty, incredible hikes, endless scenery, and to die for skiing and snowboarding, Mt. Hood has become a top tier location for elopement. And being an elopement photographer myself, I can see why and love getting to work here.

With that being said, today I’m going to go over everything you need to know about how to elope in Mt Hood. Despite being incredibly popular, Mount Hood is a place where you can truly get some privacy on your elopement day. So let’s go over some of those incredible locations:

Where is Mt. Hood?

Mt. Hood is located in Oregon, just an hour and a half outside of Portland! This makes Mt. Hood an easy destination to travel to, since Portland has an international airport. It is also nearby the charming orchard town of Hood River. When figuring out how to elope in Mt. Hood, knowing nearby airport and towns will make the process easier

Can I have Guests for a Mt. Hood Elopement?

Yes! Mt. Hood is a National Forest, that makes having guests a lot easier than in places like a National Park. If you’re having guests at your elopement, make sure you get the correct permit, as well as decide where your guests need to be lodging in order to be closeby to your Mt. Hood elopement location. Also consider how they’re going to get around. Some couples hire a day-of shuttle service to get guests to different locations.

I help my eloping couples figure out how to incorporate guests into their adventure elopements. It’s a lot to consider, but well worth it if having some friends and family be there is important to you!

How to Elope in Mt. Hood

You plan a Mt. Hood elopement in similar ways as you’d plan any adventure elopement. There are a few major steps, and you can read about those here on my thorough guide on how to elope. For this Mt. Hood elopement guide, I’m going over the major things you’ll need to consider!

DECIDE IF YOU’RE HAVING GUESTS

This is an imperative part of the planning process for elopements. This is because some guests won’t have the hiking ability, some might not want to drive or forest roads, and others will be apt to altitude sickness. Choosing a location will be much easier once you’ve determine who you’re inviting, and how many guests total you’ll have.

HIRE YOUR MT. HOOD ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

This might feel early in the planning process, but bear with me. Elopements don’t have wedding planners. Most elopement photographers have taken it upon themselves to help couples with some of the planning. Many actually help you find your location! And they will think of things you might not have considered, such as: lighting, elevation, difficulty in hiking in a dress, permits, and so much more.

Each elopement photographer offers something different. Personally, I send my couples a customized list of locations based on their preferences, hiking ability, who they want to invite, and what they want to see. I also help them determine lodging options, get permits, get their marriage license, recommend vendors, and create a comprehensive day of timeline, and offer unlimited guidance calls for any questions along the way.

The being said, hiring your mt. hood elopement photographer early is going to take a massive amount of planning stress off of your shoulders. Wanna chat? Contact me here!

DETERMINE WHAT WEATHER YOU WANT TO BE IN

This is going to help you choose a date and location. There are rainy seasons, dry seasons, and even seasons that you THINK would be warm, but can still be snowy and cold in the mountains. So, when you’re doing that research, you’ll already want to have in mind what kind of weather you want.

PICK YOUR MT. HOOD ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Once you’ve decided on how much you’d like to hike, how many guests are coming, your ideal weather, and the landscapes you want, you’re ready to deep dive into researching mountain elopement locations. Finding the perfect spot will be a lot simpler after considering all of your needs and logistics.

This is information I collect from my couple through a questionnaire, and then use to make a customized list of mountain elopement location options for them.

HIRE VENDORS

Once you have your location, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you need vendors for. Do you want a friend or family member to officiate, or will you need an officiant? Do you want a bouquet from a florist or are you down to make your own from Trader Joe’s flowers? Will you go out to eat, or do you want something catered, like a meal at an Airbnb from a private chef?

Figure out what you want, and hire your vendors in advance

GET YOUR PERMITS

The permit process is fairly easy and straight forward for mt. hood elopements so long as you’re having under 75 guests and are abiding to the rules and regulations set for a wedding ceremony in the National Forest. You still will need to check and make sure all of your plans comply with these regulations.

Personally, I get all permit information for my eloping couples that hire me. With that, all you need to do is fill out the application when it’s sent to you and pay the fee. Fee’s vary, but are usually around $100 or less.

CHOOSE ADDITIONAL ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Activities are such a fun part of an elopement. When you choose to elope, you’re opening yourself up to having a wedding day celebration that feels unique and resonates with you. Incorporate things that will elevate your elopement day experience. Here’s just a few ideas to get you brainstorming:

• Going on a hike
• Having a bonfire
• Having a picnic on a mountain top
• Star-gazing or astrophotography
• Swimming
• Cliff jumping
• Visiting waterfalls
• Camping
• Glamping
• Hiring a private chef
• Hot air balloon ride
• Helicopter tour (landing on glaciers, mountains, etc)
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Sightseeing
• Scenic driving with time to stop for pictures
• Visiting hot springs
• Exchanging gifts
• Reading letters from friends or family

Best Elopement Locations in Mt. Hood

One of the biggest things you’re going to want to know when you’re learning how to elope in Mt. Hood is what’s the best place for you to actually say your vows? This is totally going to depend on your style, how many people you’d like to have (if any) whether you’d like to hike, or just catch some views and grab a bite. But here are some of my favorites and ones that are fairly easily accessible!

Lolo Pass

Lolo Pass is both a stunning drive and hike. This hike is close to around 7 miles long. If you’re learning how to elope in Mt. Hood because you’re in the business of a hiking elopement, this might be a great spot for you!

Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake is an iconic location in Mt. Hood. Why? Likely the gorgeous reflective views of the mountain in the still and quiet water. There’s a loop around the lake that can be hiked. Alternatively, in the winter you can get to it by cross-country skiing. This place is fairly popular. I assume most couples figuring out how to elope in Mt. Hood consider as it’s wildly beautiful. That being said, it can be popular.

Zig Zag Canyon

zigzag canyon is an absolute stunner. This hike gives absolutely incredible views and is less than 5 miles long. This hike starts near Timberline Lodge. Not only is that where ‘The Shining’ was filmed, but it’s an absolutely incredible place to get a fancy meal and drink after your gorgeous hike. This is a perfect choice for a Mt. Hood hiking elopement.

Silcox Hut

This location is perfect for couples who would prefer to have an intimate wedding where their gas could sit down and be indoors. Silcox hut is a restored warming hut that is located in a scenic area in Mount Hood. Although, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. There are many trails nearby, which is perfect for bride and groom portrait sessions or just taking a hike to get some privacy time.

Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls turning waterfalls located in Mount Hood. Organ is known for its tons of cascading waterfalls. For some couples, that’s the appeal of visiting. These Falls are located on a well-maintained hike and are moderately easy to get to. I am also completely obsessed with them in the winter.

Paradise Park

Paradise Park is known for its meadows of stunning wildflowers. With that being said, this hike is going to be ideal in the summer months. Peak wildflower season is going to be in July. This is a bit of a longer hike. Although, you don’t have to complete the entire thing to get out of this world views and have an amazing time.

Lost Lake

Lost Lake as one of the best fuse of Mount Hood in the national Forest. There’s tons to do here considering it’s near a bunch of trail systems. This is also the perfect location for kayaking, or renting a canoe and getting some romantic photos on the water. 10 out of 10 recommend.

Old Salmon River Trail

Old Salmon River Trail is going to be perfect for couples who want to hike but would like to not break a sweat for their wedding photos. This trail gives off the moody organ vibe that everyone loves. Old growth, moss growing up trees, and a winding river. What more can you ask for?

Venues in Mt. Hood

Trying to figure out how to elope in Mt. Hood becomes easier as soon as you pick a location. Decide if you need an actual venue, or if you’d rather elope somewhere within the National Forest in a natural area. If a venue feels easier to you, here are so intimate Mt. Hood elopement locations with venues.

Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge is a really amazing option for so many reasons. First of all, they actually offer an elopement packages if you’d like a lot of the planning work done for you. The views are completely unbeatable, and their food is awesome. This location is great for a super customized Mt. Hood elopement

Mt. View Orchards

Mountain View Orchards offers all of the views that you get from a hiking elopement, but can actually seat a decent I’m out of guests. Not only that but it has an actual dance floor, DJ booth, and basically gives you a mix between a bigger wedding and scenic elopement!

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

Mount Hood Skibowl is honestly a ton of fun. They have an actual wedding venue space high up on the mountain. They provide chairs and an arch facing Mount Hood. You can also have indoor space set up for you and your guests if you so please. How do you get to the top of this mountain venue you ask? You take the ski lift to the top. How do you get back down? You can ride down on alpine slides. Pretty freaking awesome

How to Get to Mt. Hood

Knowing the best way to get to your dream location is important when you learn how to plan your Mt. Hood elopement. If you’re coming in from out of town, the closest airport is going to be the Portland international airport. From there depending on where you are going, Mount Hood is around an hour+ away.

Best Time of the Year to Elope at Mt. Hood

Summer

Summer is a truly magical time of year to elope at Mount Hood. Primarily because all of the wild flowers will be out and decorates the landscape in an array of beautiful colors and unique petals. The downside is that mount hood is likely more crowded this time of year. But don’t let that slow you down, you can always get away from the crowds by choosing less popular hikes, or getting out on the water for a kayak or canoe ride. Summer is my favorite season for a Mt. Hood elopement.

Fall

As you’re figuring out how to loop in Mount Hood, you might be realizing that every season has its perks. Fall is a gorgeous time of year because generally speaking most of the hikes are still open. Although it has a tendency to be a lot less crowded this time of year. Not to mention those gorgeous fall colors.

Winter

Having your elopement in Mount Hood during winter is more of a bowl choice, but certainly not a bad one. I’ve never seen anywhere more that lives up to the term winter wonderland. So many of the Airbnb’s and hotels here have big fire pits for you to warm yourself up. And if you have any interest at all in snowshoeing, frozen waterfalls, or snowboarding and skiing down Mount Hood, the winter might just be the perfect season for your Mt. Hood elopement.

Spring

I’m going to be candid with you, dear reader. I hate spring. I’m sure there’s plenty of reasons to love it, but when it comes to the outdoors it really just reminds me of getting super muddy and being let down because a random road is still snowy, or a hike is still inaccessible because of late snowfall, and there’s always so much rain. I feel like spring is the most unpredictable season, and I’m not saying not to do it, but I am saying for those of you heeding my advice on how to elope in mt. hood, I wouldn’t recommend (unless you love the rain.)

Where to stay in Mt. Hood

Where you decide to stay for your Mt. Hood elopement is going to be able to personal preference. Maybe you find the idea of a hotel romantic, and want accessibility to restaurants and bars within an indoor walking distance. Or maybe you want the privacy of an entire home to yourself. Alternatively, you’re possibly eloping in Mount Hood to be in nature and want to find a dope A-frame cabin that gives you all of the Pacific Northwest views and feels.

Regardless of which of those options suits you for your wedding day needs, you’ll find what you’re looking for as Mt. Hood has an array of choices. Here are some of my favorites for Mt. Hood elopements!

Timberline Lodge – Gorgeous lodge with bars and food with insane mountain views and snowboarding/skiingg

Cabin on 2 Acres – Cabin located in Mt. Hood that can sleep six and is on 2 acres of gorgeous property with a river

Modern Cabin – Cabin in Sandy Oregon, close-by to all of the sights and sounds of the mountain with a fireplace and hot tub

Home on River – This cute home lives on a river and includes a fireplace and a hot tub!

A-Frame – a cabin that features a sauna and outdoor shower for couples who want to get a bit steamy

Cooper Spur Resort – A resort that features log cabins and farm to table meals.

Cabin on 5 Acres – a large cabin on a private 5 acres of property with large windows and an indoor and outdoor fireplace, a great place for a Mt. Hood elopement involving guests

Where to Eat in Mt. Hood

as you’re figuring out how to elope in Mount Hood you might be wondering what’s going to be on your dinner table. There’s tons of great options in the area, whether you want to sit down at a brewery or partake in a fine dining experience, here are some options for your Mt. Hood elopement

Timberline Lodge – On the fancier side, you can check out their restaurant menus online and get gorgeous mountain views

Huckleberry Cafe – for some cute and old school dining

Mt Hood Brewing – If you’re looking for some good brews, good views, and simple but tasty dishes

Double Mountain Brewery – Who doesn’t like pizza? Brick oven pizza is served here with an awesome beer list

Private chef – if you’re looking for a more personalized and catered experience, consider hiring a personal chef to come up from Portland and cook a meal for you wherever you’re staying for your elopement!

How to Get Your Mt. Hood Elopement Permit

As you’re planning how to elope in Mt. Hood you might be wondering how to keep everything legally legit. The first thing you’ll need to consider is how to get your mount hood elopement permit. I’m pretty sure everyone in the world knows the government websites are the absolute worst navigate. Although, as long as your Mt. Hood elopement is under 75 people, you won’t need a specail use permit at all.

Go to this webpage and read the information and fill out the form that is attached. One of my services for my eloping couples is permit assistance. Hiring me means that I will help you with all of this stuff!

Mt. Hood Elopement Packages

Check out my packages and prices for Mt. Hood Elopement Packages! Here’s everything that’s included:

• 5 hours of coverage
• Customized location guide
• Customized Location Reccomendations
• Elopement Planning Checklist
• Timeline Curation
• Permit Assistance
• Travel Included
• A full gallery of your day beautifully documented!

Mt Hood elopements start at $5800.00. Take a look at my pricing and FAQ’s here! Feel free to contact me with any initial questions and set up your complimentary phone consultation and we can chat more about how to elope in Mt. Hood (or anywhere!)