Painted Hills Elopement // John Day Fossil Beds

About John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a protected area in north-central Oregon that is known for its well-preserved paleontological and geological features. The monument is made up of three units: the Sheep Rock Unit, the Painted Hills Unit, and the Clarno Unit.

Let’s focus on the two most popular areas for elopements and weddings: Blue Basin and the Painted Hills.

The Sheep Rock Unit is known for its impressive green rock formations and fossil beds that contain the remains of plants and animals that lived in the area millions of years ago. The Painted Hills Unit is named for its colorful hills (red, yellow, pink and black stripes) which are made up of layers of sedimentary rock that have been exposed over time.

In addition to its geological and paleontological significance, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The monument is home to a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Painted Hills Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of the colorful hills. The monument is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds known to inhabit the area.

Overall, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a unique and beautiful place that offers something for everyone and is a beautiful place to explore or elope.

Oregon Elopement Guide

How to Get Here

If you’re flying, you’d want to fly into the Redmond Airport and rent a car for all the driving you have ahead of you. Mitchell Oregon is the closest city about 15 minutes away, but the closest major city (Bend) is about a 2 hour drive. This is a very remote location which is important to consider when planning your elopement, especially if you are bringing any guests with you! Cell service is also limited along the drive, especially the closer you get to the Painted Hills Unit.

Park Information

There are no fees or park passes needed to enter the John Day Fossil Beds Units.
Pets are allowed in picnic areas, on trails and at overlooks as long as they are kept on leash.
Wedding ceremonies are allowed! You must obtain the proper permit (will talk about this below)
The Leave No Trace principles are very important in this park due to the fragile nature of the soil! It’s important to stay on trails and durable surfaces.

Best Time of Year

The weather here can be quite variable - hot summers and cold snowy winters. To elope here with the most comfortable temperatures, I would suggest May-October. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of things to consider:

Weather: The weather in the Painted Hills can be quite variable, with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months (June-August) tend to be the hottest and driest, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s. The spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) months tend to have more moderate temperatures and can be a good time to visit if you don't mind cooler weather. The winter months (December-February) can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the low 50s.

Crowds: The Painted Hills is a popular tourist destination, so you can expect to see more visitors during the summer months. If you prefer a quieter, more peaceful experience, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.

Scenic beauty: The Painted Hills are known for their colorful hills, which are caused by layers of sedimentary rock that have been exposed over time. The colors of the hills tend to be most vibrant in the late spring and early summer, when the hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom. However, the hills can be beautiful at any time of year and offer a different experience depending on the season.

Painted Hills Elopement Checklist

Eloping in the Painted Hills of Oregon can be a beautiful and intimate way to get married. Here are some steps you can follow to plan your elopement:

Choose a Date

Consider the time of year and weather that you want to get married, as well as any specific dates that may have personal significance to you.

Choose a Location

The Painted Hills are a stunning natural setting for an elopement. You can choose a specific spot within the park that has special meaning to you, or you can work with a local wedding planner to find the perfect location. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a large area with several distinct units. You will need to choose a specific location within the monument where you would like to hold your wedding.

Obtain a Permit

If you plan to have your wedding on National Park Service land, you will need to obtain a special use permit. This can be done by contacting the park and filling out the necessary paperwork. There is a fee for the permit, and it is recommended that you apply at least three months in advance.

Invite Your Guests

If you want to have any friends or family members present at your elopement, make sure to invite them in advance. Keep in mind that the Painted Hills are a remote location, so it may be difficult for some people to attend.

Plan Logistic

Think about how you will get to the Painted Hills, where you will stay, and how you will transport any belongings or decorations that you want to bring with you.

Obtain Marriage License

In Oregon, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to get married. You will need to bring identification and pay a fee.

Choose an Officiant

You will need someone to officiate your wedding ceremony. This can be a religious leader, a justice of the peace, or a friend or family member who has been ordained online.

Relax and enjoy your special day: Once you have everything planned and arranged, it's time to relax and enjoy your elopement in the beautiful Painted Hills of Oregon.

Some Popular Trails:

Painted Hills Overlook Trail: This short, easy trail offers stunning views of the colorful hills for which the unit is named. The trail is about 0.3 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Carroll Rim Trail: This 5-mile out-and-back trail offers panoramic views of the Painted Hills and the surrounding area. The trail is moderately strenuous and takes about 3 hours to complete.
Painted Cove Trail: This 0.3-mile loop trail takes you along a boardwalk in between the gorgeous red hills and up higher to get a view of more colorful desert landscapes.