Oregon is an absolutely amazing elopement location. The vast and diverse landscape can bring you so many different things, such as the crystal clear alpine lakes, dense mossy forests, waterfalls, and mountains covered in wildflowers. This is one of my favorite places to shoot elopements, as well as my home state. This guide is going to go over everything you need to consider, such as locations, crowds, seasons, and permits. Read on to find out exactly how to elope in Oregon, and see the most beautiful Oregon elopement locations.
Why Elope in Oregon?
One of the main reasons to choose Oregon for your elopement is its breathtaking scenery. From the majestic Mt. Hood to the rugged Oregon coast, there is a location for every couple’s dream elopement. Imagine saying your vows against the backdrop of towering mountains or exchanging rings on a secluded beach.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Oregon offers a wide range of elopement activities. You can hike through ancient forests, explore charming coastal towns, or indulge in world-class wine tasting in the famous Willamette Valley. With so many options, you can tailor your elopement to suit your adventurous spirit and create an experience that reflects your unique story. Sold? Here’s how to elope in Oregon:
How to Elope in Oregon
You plan an Oregon 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 Oregon elopement guide, I’m going over the major things you’ll need to consider!
1. 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. Additionally, some elopement locations will only allow a certain amount of guests. Choosing a location will be much easier once you’ve determine who you’re inviting, and how many guests total you’ll have.
2.HIRE YOUR OREGON 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, lodging options, and activity ideas based on their preferences, hiking ability, who they want to invite, and what they want to see. I also help them 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 Oregon elopement photographer early is going to take a massive amount of planning stress off of your shoulders. Wanna chat? Contact me here!
3.DETERMINE WHAT WEATHER YOU WANT TO BE IN
This is going to help you choose a date and location. Some areas are more mild year round, while some get very hot or very cold. Determine what type of weather you want to be in, and research what each season brings, and this will greatly help you determine a time of year for your elopement, as well as a general region.
4.PICK YOUR OREGON 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 Oregon 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 couples through a questionnaire, and then use to make a customized list of stunning and secluded Oregon elopement location options for them.
5.HIRE VENDORS
Once you have your location, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you need vendors for. Do you need any event rentals? Do you want a friend or family to officiate, or do you want to hire an officiant? 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 extra services you may want, and hire your Oregon elopement vendors in advance!
6.GET YOUR PERMITS
You will need to get the correct permits for your elopement. These are usually “special use” permits that you apply for on the National Parks website, or National Forest/BLM website.
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 $150 or less.
7.CHOOSE ADDITIONAL OREGON 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:
- Float the Deschutes River and go over the rapids!
- Backpack in the Sisters Wilderness
- Visit Mt. Hood, hike, and see Timberline Lodge
- Check out the Alpine slides in the mountains
- Visit the Alvord Desert and take a dip in the hot springs
- Go climbing or hiking in Smith Rock
- Go paddleboarding or kayaking in the Cascade Lakes
- Visit the iconic Blue Pool in Willamette National Forest
- Soak in Cougar Hot Springs
- Go picnicking at the day-use areas in Deschutes National Forset
- Visit the Painted Hills
- Get all of the mountain views from Pilot Butte
- Go snowboarding or dirt biking at Mt. Bachelor
- Check out the Oregon Badlands
- Have a luxury picnic set up for you and your guests
8. MAKE A DAY-OF TIMELINE
Making a timeline is an important part of any elopement. It strings together all of your locations, activities, and lets guests know where to be and when. Creating a well thought out timeline will help you feel relaxed during the day, instead of stressed or rush. Make sure to include drive times as well as buffer times between each “event.”
Here are the things I include in the timelines I make for my couples:
- All addresses
- Sunrise time
- Sunset time
- Drive times
- A linke to Accuweather
- A list of all names for group shots
- Vendor info
- Emergency contact info
- A packing list
Best time of Year to Elope in Oregon
As you are figuring out how to elope in Oregon, I’d highly consider figuring out what type of weather you want to be in. Warm sunny weather? Moody fog and rain? Each season and location bring out different temps and weather. Here’s what the different seasons in Oregon look like.
Fall Oregon Elopement
Fall in Oregon is beautiful. The color of the leaves changing and temperate weather. At this point of the year, snow on all of the trails have been melted, there’s less tourism, and it’s still not totally cold. You can get some really warm days in early fall. There’s also a mix of some rainy ones too, depending where you are. Central Oregon such as Bend, normally receives very little rain. However, that makes it prone to smoke during the fire season.
Winter Oregon Elopement
Oregon has a lot of opportunities for those who love snow sports. There are about a billion places to go snowshoeing and cross country skiing all over the national forests and at the snow parks. There are also all types of hot spots to go snowmobiling. In winter, you can rent out a yurt by the Tam Mcarthur ridge and snowmobile up for some amazing backcountry skiing or snowboarding.
Summer Oregon Elopement
Summer is probably the best time of year in Oregon. With full access to the Willamette National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, Mt. Hood National Forest, and Sister’s Wilderness, there’s an insane amount of things to do. This is also wildflower season, so if you want a lot of vibrant flowers in your elopement photos, summer is the season for you. A lot of the rivers and lakes stay pretty cool year-round, but in summer people are constantly swimming, on boats, paddleboards, and enjoying the nip of the chilly water.
Spring Oregon Elopement
Spring is an interesting time in Central Oregon. Some years things like hikes and the alpine lakes are accessible by late May, sometimes not until late June. This definitely depends on how harsh the winter was and how long the cool weather wants to stick around for. If you’re dead set on summiting mountains or splashing in alpine lakes, Spring might be a bit risky. Although, if you’re trying to do some relaxed lower elevation heights with a hint of snow still on the ground, this would be the right time. I would say Spring feels like the most unpredictable month in Oregon. Generally speaking, everything closes in mid-October, and winter sports start in December. In spring, we just never totally know when we will have everything fully open to us again.
Oregon Wedding Permit
Time to make it legit. I added some technical stuff here into the Oregon elopement guide. You will need to apply for a marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement date and no sooner than 60 days. You have to do this step in person, so that can be tricky timing since it’s a waiting period of 3 days. Although, you can pay the fee to waive the wait. Most of the time, you need a permit to elope in these places, so don’t forget the paperwork when figuring out how to elope in Oregon.
When figuring out how to elope in Oregon, you have to get an idea of where you want to elope. There are locations for every kind of couple on this list. Easy hikes, mountain views without having to travel far, strenuous hikes for more adventurous couples, places in the snow, and more. Take a look at my favorite locations in this Oregon elopement guide!
How to Get a Oregon Marriage License
Getting a marriage license for your Oregon elopement is actually pretty easy and straightforward. Once you know where you’re eloping in Oregon, Find the closest county clerks office. Next, you’ll go to their website and apply online. The rest of the application takes place in person. You will both need to come prepared with a valid form of ID, and be at least 18 years old.
Oregon has a waiting period of 3 days, but after you fill out your online application, you can call and ask to waive the waiting period. This ensures that you can use your marriage license right away once you pick it up!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Oregon
With a special use permit and entry fees, it costs $120.00 to elope in Oregon. That being said, most couples spend an average of $5000-$20,000 on their elopement. This includes flights, lodging, permits, vendors, wedding attire, meals, and anything extra a couple might want.
Venues for intimate weddings (25+ guests) Oregon Elopement Guide
Brasada Ranch – Brasada Ranch has an awesome opportunity for intimate weddings. You are taken to the location via horseback, and the resort is able to help you design any decor that you’d like to have included for your intimate wedding. You are high up getting views of the high desert as well as the cascade range. If you’re interested in have 25+ people at your wedding, this is an awesome option for you. Brasada also has the option to lodge your guests, fine dining restaurants, and an amazing spa. If you’re trying to figure out how to elope in Oregon with a luxurious yet outdoorsy setting, this is a great location.
5 Oaks Farm – This location is absolutely included on my Central Oregon elopement guide because it is pure freaking magic. They have a barn that you can decorate, with huge fire pits and acres of land. What’s amazing about this experience is they will create a full-on glamping scenario for you and your guests. Camping under the stars after saying your “I do’s” with all of your closest friends and family sounds like a hell of a way to end the perfect intimate wedding.
Pronghorn Resort (Lava Cave) – Pronghorn Resort hosts one of the most epic intimate wedding locations. It’s a freaking lava cave. Bring your guests there to be wined and dined in this elegantly decorated lava cave. Perfect for intimate weddings that feel a bit more luxurious. There are all types of other things to do on the resort-like swim, play golf, get some grub, and enjoy the hell out of yourself.
Black Butte Ranch – Black Butte Ranch actually has an incredible and customizable elopement package. If you want the intimacy of a small wedding day somewhere gorgeous, this might be an awesome spot for you. Choose to set up a beautiful ceremony on the lake looking at the mountains, or take a scenic boat ride right there at the venue. They can make planning your elopement or intimate wedding pretty dang easy, click the link to read more about what they provide!
Elk Lake Resort – Elk lake resort offers intimate weddings. They essentially give you your private beach for the day and access to a bunch of recreational water sports. Paddleboarding, paddle boats, canoes, you get it. Lodging in cabins is also available if you’re looking to invite guests and have them be able to stay. Not to mention, this spot is freaking gorgeous. I have a couple planning a very intimate wedding here. Their plans are to naturally, have a beautiful ceremony, spend the day on the water, serve dinner, and have a dance party until they go to sleep in their cabins. So rad. Click the link above to check out their brochure!
Skyliner Lodge – A beautiful venue in Bend Oregon the boasts views of a river and mountains from the ceremony location. It also has a dance floor between some tall pines and a little guest house for the bride/groom/wedding party to get ready. This is a perfect spot if you want to have around 30 guests and serve dinner and do some dancing under the stars. It’s also only $700.00! If you’re trying to figure out how to elope in Oregon on a budget but still want a venue, this is a great spot.
Lodging in Oregon
Lodging is important when it comes to elopements. A lot of couples incorporate their lodging into aspects of their wedding day. For example, getting ready + getting ready photos, a first look, an intimate reception with friends, a dinner made by a private chef, etc. Once you’ve decided what you’ll incorporate in your day, pick a location that will allow everything you want to include.
If you want to host an intimate reception, I highly recommend a vacation rental such as a cabin or an Airbnb. You can also stay at hotels, resorts, cabins, campgrounds, etc. Here are some amazing lodging options in Oregon:
Cabin in Prineville Overlooking the reservoir
This cabin is located in Central Oregon on 20 acres of private property, which is perfect for setting up a scenic reception in the outdoors. It’s absolutely stunning and you could elope right here, although there are tons of incredible options extremely close-by such as The Painted Hills, The Ochoco National Forest, and there’s even a state park one mile from this property. This area is amazing for hiking, rock climbing, biking, boating, and fishing!
The Airbnb includes endless views that will give you some beautiful sunsets to watch with your partner but also has a boat ramp, a stone fireplace, a pool table, and a hot tub. This is an amazing location if you’re looking for seclusion and to breathe in some fresh air, although it’s also only an hour away from Bend, Oregon, and Mt. Bachelor if you’re interested in breweries, shopping, or skiing! If this Airbnb seems like a good fit for all of your elopement needs, read more here!
Luxury Cabin Near Mt. Bachelor Resort
Mt. Bachelor is a dream for anyone who skis or snowboards, surrounded by even more mountains that glow at sunset and could bring a tear to your mama’s eye. This entire area is insanely beautiful and is full of adventure, as well as some of the best and unique places to elope. In the summer, you can hike all over the Three Sisters Wilderness, there are some very easy hikes that take you to cascade lakes, glaciers, trails of wildflowers, and much more. If backpacking, day hikes, or snowboarding are on your list of things to do while eloping, this is an awesome place to check out.
This Airbnb includes a swimming dock, kayaks, paddle-boards, a fire pit, corn hole, a hot tub, and so much more. All of these amenities while being right on the lake, and four miles from Tumalo Falls. You can also inquire about the other cabins on the property if you are planning to invite some guests to your Oregon Airbnb elopement and want to house them as well, read more here!
Cabin at SteelHead Falls
This cabin with a huge patio is overlooking the crooked river that leads to Steelhead Falls. This Airbnb is about 45 minutes from Bend, 25 from smith rock, and incredibly close to the waterfall’s trailhead. This place would be amazing to soak in everything Bend has to offer, from its nightlife and hikes. You could easily spend your elopement hiking at Smith Rock, and then saying your vows in front of this beautiful waterfall and even cliff jumping after your ceremony!
There are endless options in this area, and this home is located in the perfect spot to do them all. Also, it’s incredibly romantic. Imagine enjoying a dinner made by a private chef while watching the sunset from that patio. To find out more about this incredible stay, click here!
List of Airbnb’s in Oregon
If you need more options for awesome lodging in Oregon, check out my list of the best Airbnb’s in Oregon for your elopement! These are all over the state, some including beautiful locations right in your vacation home’s back yard. These will help you making decisions when figuring out how to elope in Oregon.
Best Hotels For Oregon Elopements
There’s a lot of amazing options in Central Oregon for lodging. Now that we have mentioned Airbnb’s, let’s talk about some of the amazing hotels and resorts in Central Oregon, as some people prefer a catered stay when deciding how to elope in Oregon. There are too many to choose from and feel free to do your own research if none of these are calling your name. Although, these are some of the best in the way of being pampered and in beautiful places, which I think goes hand in hand with elopements and intimate weddings. So here are the hotels and resorts included in my Central Oregon elopement guide.
Tetherow – This resort is right on the cusp of the national forest. A good place to be winded and dined before heading up to the 14 alpine lakes or tons of hiking trails the Deschutes National Forest has to offer. Come home from an epic elopement day and get an incredible meal followed by a dip in the pool. If you want some luxury with your elopement, this is the spot.
Brasada – Brasada is a unique experience for lodging. There are 64 cabins spread out on 65 acres of land. The cabins are beautifully designed and place you in the way of beauty on this property. They also have one of the BEST spas, like in the country. They also have fine dining, golfing, the works.
FivePine Lodge – Five pine lodge both offers 8 rooms within the lodge itself, as well as 36 modern craftsman-style cabins. This lodge is known for being a romantic getaway with how beautiful the scenery is and the amenities. Hit the spa, go exploring, or relax by their gorgeous pool. This would be a perfect spot to have some privacy and intimacy after an elopement day!
Pronghorn Resort – This is obviously a perfect spot to stay if you’re planning on having an elopement or intimate wedding in their Lava Cave (previously mentioned under venues.) An extremely beautiful resort that’s also close to town and all of the national forests. This one is pretty kid-friendly if you’re planning on eloping with your kids! They will love the pool activities here while enjoying unmatched views of the mountains.
Sunriver Resort – Sunriver resort is in the heart of well, Sunriver. There is so much beauty and hiking nearby, the options for your elopement are totally endless. Take a kayak ride on their lake or stop into one of their fine dining restaurants for a fancy meal after your wedding day. This place is gorgeous with a ton to do, and their staff is SO friendly.
House on Metolius – House on the Metolius is a nature reserve right on the river. It sits on 200 gorgeous acres and is surrounded by the national forest. They have multiple cabins spread across the property so you can pick one that feels like “you” for your wedding day. They all are very private and it’s a perfect spot for a couple who want to sink into nature and relax after their elopement and wake up to gorgeous views in the morning.
Best Camping in Oregon
Figuring out how to elope in Oregon but be totally immersed in nature? No better way to do that then by camping for your elopement, or even having a backpacking elopement. Some couples even rent a group campsite and turn it into an outdoor reception area. Here are some of my favorite campsites included in the Central Oregon Elopement Guide.
South Sister – If you’re looking to do a backpacking elopement, this is an incredible way to start. South Sister is a very challenging hike and depending on all the places you want to stop and see, you could easily be out there for a few days. Make sure to hire a photographer who can keep up with you on this epic hike and your journey to saying your “I do’s” in one of the most beautiful landscapes Oregon has to offer.
Sparks Lake – Sparks lake has around 22 dispersed campsites, and they are first come first serve. This is a beautiful place to watch the sun go down over the mountains and enjoy time on the water. There are no picnic tables and the fire rings have been created by people with rocks. Always remember to pack it in and pack it out!
Devils Lake – Devils lake campground is also first come first serve, but it’s quite a bit more established with picnic tables, fire rings, and bathrooms. Its trailhead also leads to a lot of awesome hikes in the area such as Moraine Lake. Enjoy kayaking on the crystal clear water, hiking, or cooking a meal at your camp spot. Don’t forget the bug spray for this location.
Crescent Lake – Crescent Lake has a few established campsites with amenities such as tables, fire rings, and bathrooms. Each of the campsites sits on this gorgeous lake and has views for days. My favorite place to go at Crescent Lake is called Tranquil Cove. There’s a big island that you can paddle out to with a large fire pit and cliff jumping. This spot is insane
Clear Lake – Clear Lake is located in the Willamette National Forest and is known for being a popular scuba diving spot. They have campsites right on the water so if you’re into fishing, you can do it right from your spot! They also rent out paddle boats and kayaks. This dreamy location is around so many beautiful hikes and hot springs, perfect for a couple who wants to spend their elopement outdoors.
Paulina Lake – This campsite is really beautiful, giving you views of volcanic areas as well as the lake. These are established campsites with flushing toilets. There’s clean water, and a ton to do. You can start by doing the 7-mile hike around the lake, or sitting in the Paulina Hot Springs located on the hike. You can also go and check out the amazing waterfalls nearby. This in itself would be an incredible elopement location.
Oregon Elopement Locations
There are endless amounts of Oregon elopement locations to choose from. From mountains, forests, deserts, and more. As an elopement photographer, I make a customized location list for my couples based on their needs, this includes: landscape, drive times, how much they do or don’t want to hike, ideal weather, and guest count. For now, here are some of the top stunning elopement locations in Oregon:
Samuel H Boardman
Samuel H Boardman is an incredible Oregon elopement location for couple who love the rocky shoreline, as well as dense forest. This oceanside elopement locations boasts beautiful natural arches, and you hike short trails through the stunning old growth and mossy terrain to access this beautiful locations
Oregon Redwoods
The Redwoods make for a stunning Oregon elopement location. Located in the southern most corner of Oregon, you get both the ocean and the massive trees. One of my favorite places to see these huge trees are Jedidiah State Park
Smith Rock
Smith Rock is an incredible Oregon location located in Bend, Oregon. The red rock and winding river make give beautiful desert scenery, all while being near snow capped mountains. This location offers no-hike elopement locations options, as well as beautiful hikes if you prefer a bit of adventure. You can read my full Smith Rock Elopement Guide here!
Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is located on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in Bend, Oregon. This Oregon elopement location puts you in the middle of stunning snow capped mountains, wildflowers, and alpine lakes. An amazing option for couples who don’t want to hike. You can read my full Sparks Lake Elopement Guide here!
Mt. Hood
One of the crowned jewels of Oregon, Mt. Hood is a breathtaking Oregon elopement location. From wildflowers to waterfalls and lakes. This location offers something for everyone, as there are a ton of easy access no-hike locations, and beautiful moderate trails for the more adventurous couple. You can read my Mt. Hood Elopement Guide here!
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is the only National Park in the state. This Oregon elopement location comes complete with breathtaking scenery, as well as nearby waterfalls and hot springs. This is a perfect spot for a couple who wants a bit of everything on their wedding day. You can read my full Crater Lake Elopement Guide here!
Oregon Elopement Packges
Oregon elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:
- Explore anywhere within Washington, all travel fees included in the price!
- Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
- Recieve a customized location list
- Included timeline design
- Help obtaining your permits
- A planning checklist
- All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
- Day of polaroid sneak peeks
All day Oregon elopement packages at $6800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here
Best Airports for Oregon Elopement Locations
If you’re thinking about having your elopement near Portland, Mt. Hood, or The Columbia Gorge River, the Portland International Airport is going to be your best choice. This is also ideal for Cape Kiwanda, Cannon Beach, and the Tillamook National Forest.
For Central Oregon such as Bend, The Deschutes National Forest, and Willamette National forest, the Redmond Airport is closest to all of these. The airport is tiny, so it’s sometimes a bit more expensive to fly into this one. But it’s so easy to navigate and fully stress free to come in and out of, with mountain views as soon as you land.
If you’re flying into Southern Oregon for Samual H Boardman, The Oregon Redwoods, or the coast, you can fly into the Eugene airport. This is another tiny airport in a small college town, but gets you the closest to Oregon’s beautiful southern locations.
Ready to Elope in Oregon?
This Oregon elopement guide is a way to get you excited about all the possibilities of what your day could look like, and teach you how to elope in Oregon. Although, this amount of information can be overwhelming. I’m here to help. I can answer any and all questions you have on a complimentary low pressure consultation call. If you then choose you’d like to work together, I’ll do all of this planning right by your said to alleviate any stress, and bring your Oregon elopement vision to life. We can chat here!
