Updated For 2024

Best Places to Elope in Oregon

Why you should elope in Oregon

Oregon is a beautiful and diverse state with a wide range of scenic locations that are perfect for an elopement - with pristine coastlines, a plethora of waterfalls, high deserts, gorgeous mountains, lush forests, and endless views. Here are a few reasons why you might consider eloping in Oregon:

Oregon is home to a variety of landscapes, from the rugged coastline and sandy beaches of the Oregon Coast to the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range. This diversity makes Oregon a great place for an elopement, with many beautiful and unique locations to choose from.

Outdoor activities - If you and your partner enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is a great place to elope. The state has many state and national parks, as well as forests, mountains, and rivers, which offer a wide range of outdoor activities.

Local food and drink - Oregon is known for its local food and drink scene, with a variety of local breweries, wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants. These local businesses can add a unique and memorable touch to your elopement.

Small towns and cities - Oregon has a mix of small towns and larger cities, each with its own charm and character. Whether you want a rustic and secluded elopement or a more urban setting, Oregon has something to offer.

Moderate weather - Oregon has a mild and varied climate, with warm summers and cool winters. June through October you can expect between 70-100 degrees. November through May can be pretty unpredictable though. Winters here tend to be wet and grey, while spring could be unexpectedly warm and sunny some days, or have an occasional snowfall! This can make it a pleasant place to elope year-round, depending on your preferred weather.

Overall, Oregon is a beautiful and diverse state with many scenic and unique locations for an elopement. Whether you want a beach wedding, a mountain retreat, or a city celebration, Oregon has something to offer.

Oregon Regions

The famous beauty of PNW beaches stretch along the entire state with a wide variety of coastal features. Many popular beach destinations are within a 2 hour drive of the Portland Airport.
Home to hundreds of stunning waterfalls, luscious greenery, and epic views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains and a mere 1.5 hour drive from the airport.
An entirely different landscape than one would expect from Oregon. Central Oregon is where high desert meets classic PNW vibes. A phenomenal destination for accessing all types of terrain - desert, mountains, blue lakes, towering cliffs, expansive views, and more.
A more rugged coastline featuring dark massive rocks and arches, not too far away from the Northern California Redwoods, and home to the famous Crater Lake. The area also boasts several breath taking waterfalls and rivers.

The Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline that runs for about 363 miles along the Pacific Ocean in the state of Oregon. It is known for its rugged beauty, with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and picturesque lighthouses.

The coast is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including seabirds, seals, and whales. There are many small towns and villages along the Oregon Coast, each with its own character and charm. These towns offer a variety of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to seaside resorts. Summer is the best and busiest time of year, with warm and dry weather, while the winter months are cooler and wetter. Some popular activities on the Oregon Coast include beachcombing, hiking, fishing, whale watching, and touring lighthouses.

Best Oregon Coast Locations

Pacific City/Cape Kiwanda: This spot is an ocean lover's paradise! Whether you’re atop the headlands that surround Pacific City or on it’s sandy beaches, you can find the perfect spot for your elopement. Afterwards, you and your guests can hang around for some local surfing and fishing and enjoy the great restaurants in the city.

Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Best time to go: Summer! But it’s still good year round, just may be rainy and extra windy.
Pass required: Parking is now $10 for day use.
Crowd: Always busy, but it’s so big you can get away with not having people in the background unless its a crazy busy weekend day in summer.
Walk/hike: Depends which way you go, but I typically take 15 minutes to walk to whatever point I want to shoot at.
Tip: Grab a beer with your couple at Pelican Brewery, or get a power bite from Stimulus Coffee Shop before your shoot.

Cannon Beach: Named by National Geographic Magazine as one of the most beautiful places in the world in 2013, the Cannon Beach area has everything you could want for an elopement. The area has rock towers (Indian Beach), waterfalls (Hug Point), and of course, beautiful beaches teeming with marine life. Plus, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, and restaurants in the nearby cities of Manzanita, Seaside, Arch Cape, Gearhart, and Tolovana Park.

Distance from Portland: 1.5 hours
Best time to go: Anytime, but probably more pleasant in the summer!
Pass required: No
Crowd: It’s a huge beach, normal a bit busy by Haystack Rock, but there are so many different beaches you can go to so it should be fine! (Indian beach, Ecola state park, etc)
Walk/hike: None
Pro-tip: Don’t forget to edit out all the tourists in the background ;)

Hug Point: This state recreation site has a majestical feel to it with all of the surrounding forests that lead to the beautiful beach with an epic waterfall cascading onto the sandy shoreline. Not only does this beach have the most beautiful coastal waterfall, it also has 2 small caves and unique different rock features. Say “I do” in front of the waterfall, just be mindful of the tide!

Distance from Portland: 1.5 hours
Best time to go: Whenever there is a low tide
Pass required: No
Crowd: Every time I have gone there’s been probably 15 people there
Walk/hike: .5 mile
Pro-tip: go at low tide! I went at high tide one time and had to wade WASIT-DEEP through water and there was basically no beach to actually walk on until the tide went back out.

Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor: With 12 miles of secluded beaches and rocky bluffs to choose from, this corridor has plenty of options available to create your perfect small wedding or elopement. You may need to hike a little to get to your spot, but it will be well worth it once you’re there! Afterwards, you can stay in nearby Brookings and enjoy more beaches, coves, and even some whale watching if the season is right.

Elk Flats Trail
Natural Bridges
Arch Rock
Secret Beach

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful natural area located in the Pacific Northwest, straddling the border between Oregon and Washington. The gorge is a National Scenic Area that is known for its stunning views, waterfalls, and recreational opportunities.

The Columbia River Gorge is home to almost 100 waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls, which is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. The gorge is also home to many historic sites and cultural landmarks, including the Columbia River Highway, which was built in the early 20th century and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Columbia River Gorge

Government Cove: Don’t let the name fool you! The Government Cove is a peninsula that offers stunning panoramic views of the Columbia River. Here, you can really find a beautiful, secluded place to elope with no distractions from the outside world. In fact, there are no restrooms, water fountains, or picnic tables here; just 100% pure natural beauty. (This will not come up in your maps if you search it, you need to map this address: Wyeth Rd, Cascade Locks OR. Turn left and then cross the railroad tracks and you will arrive at the parking lot)

Distance from Portland: 1 hour
Best time to go: Anytime
Pass required: No
Crowd: Over the years this location has become increasingly popular! Be sure to go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Walk/hike: Maximum 10 minute walk slightly uphill.
Pro-tip: To give your images more variety, start your session down below (take the path to the right) and shoot with the big rocks in the background. Then head up top for sunset to get those awesome views of the little islands and mountains, then once the sun has gone down, turn around and shoot with the Oregon hills in the background.

Rowena Crest: This spot is an Instagram classic you can easily find with a quick search. Known as an easy trail for most hikers, the Rowena Crest has marvelous views of the gorge with the well-known horseshoe road below. But Rowena is not JUST a view of the horseshoe road, it has miles of beautiful trails best seen in the summer with wildflowers and beautiful views of the Columbia River. Elope here, and you’ll have wonderful photos to cherish for years to come.

Distance from Portland: 1hour 30 minutes
Best time to go: Anytime! Beautiful year round.
Pass required: No
Crowd: busy. If you are trying to get that “windy road shot” you might have to wait for other people to finish their photos first because it’s so popular on social media. If you are shooting around the cliffs and viewpoints, you likely will not run into anyone else on those trails.
Walk/hike: 10 minutes max, flat walk.
Pro-tip: Shoot around each side of the parking lot on the cliffs, get “that road shot” real quick and then head to the road where you can shoot with the massive rock cliffs behind your couple.

Rowena Plateau Loop: Hiking-wise, the loop is just a two mile hike. But it provides two miles of options for prime views overlooking the Eastern Gorge cliffs where you’ll have memories of your elopement for a lifetime. It’s also possible to have your small ceremony near Tom McCall Point or Mosier Plateau.

Distance from Portland: 1hour 30 minutes
Best time to go: Spring (AMAZING wildflowers all over the ground!) and summer
Pass required: No
Crowd: You may pass two other people on the trail. Super empty!
Walk/hike: 2.5 miles round trip, super flat and easy walk
Pro-tip: Go all the way out to the point and climb down, then back up where there’s a rock stack that looks over the river with railroad tracks below. Also, keep an eye out for deer! They love that area and are fun to get in the background!

Wahclella Falls: recently re-opened from the Eagle Creek Fire! Updated info coming soon.

Latourell Falls: Though located very close to Portland, this is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Oregon. The falls spill over 200 ft and are surrounded by beautiful, lush forests. It’s easy to find a nice secluded area for an enchanting wooded wedding. Afterward, you can head back to Portland for fine dining or a small reception.

Distance from Portland: 50 minutes
Best time to go: Summer
Pass required: No
Crowd: Busy, this is a super touristy area of the gorge since it’s so close to Multnomah falls!
Walk/hike: Super easy and casual. Just a couple minute walk down to the falls.
Pro-tip: Be prepared to get WET here. Especially in the fall and winter. There’s a lot of mist that comes off the falls! Bring your waterproof gear ;) or just a towel.

Bridal Veil Falls: The Bridal Veil Falls Park was the site of an old lumber mill and offers sensational views of the Columbia River or the falls themselves. Here you’ll find lots of wooded areas with beautiful mountains and rock formations in the background. This is another spot that’s close to Portland, so it’s easy to have a small ceremony here and then bounce back into the city for great restaurants and accommodations.

Distance from Portland: 1 hour
Best time to go: Anytime, but I would personally only go to waterfalls in the summer since I hate when my hands get wet and cold.
Pass required: No
Crowd: Busy, this is a super touristy area of the gorge since it’s so close to Multnomah falls!
Walk/hike: 1.5 miles round trip… TBH I lost my breath a bit and definitely started sweating mildly on the way back up, haha!!!
Pro-tip: Walking on the rocks in the river HURT. Like, bad. And it’s cold. I would advise your couple to bring something like Jesus sandals or Chacos to walk in the river. Also definitely make sure you climb up that big fun rock in front of the falls!

White River Falls State Park: The White River Falls State Park offers two big positives for a small elopement. First the 90 foot waterfalls are breathtaking and serve as a unique backdrop for any wedding. Second, the overlook is located very close to the parking area, so you don’t have to go on the other more difficult hikes in the park if you don’t want to. For summer elopements, after the wedding, you can swim and enjoy the beaches below!

Distance from Portland: 2 hours 30 minutes
Best time to go: Summer, spring, fall. Not sure I would want to do the drive/trail in the winter
Pass required: No
Crowd: You will likely run into people down the walk enjoying the view of the falls. People tend to bring blankets and sit down and hangout right there.
Walk/hike: .25 mile but rugged and steep. Do not wear heels haha.
Pro-tip: Explore inside the old hydroelectric power plant building, it’s pretty cool!

Central Oregon is a region located in the central part of the state of Oregon. It is known for its beautiful natural setting, with mountains, forests, rivers, and high desert and loved for its small-town feel and friendly atmosphere.

A high desert climate comes with warm summers and cool winters. It is generally dry, with low humidity and minimal rainfall throughout the year.

Central Oregon is a great place to visit year-round, with a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.

Central Oregon

Best Central Oregon Locations

Smith Rock State Park: With miles and miles of hiking in the park available, you might have some trouble deciding which spot is the best one for a small wedding because all of the views are amazing. You’ll be surrounded by deep river canyons and other scenic views along with the best nature has to offer. Afterward, head to nearby Bend for excellent hotels, resorts, and some of the best dining in the country.

Distance from Portland: 3 hours
Best time to go: Anytime!
Pass required: Yes, $10 day pass or annual state parks pass $30
Crowd: there’s always lots of people there but the park is so big, other people are never an issue!
Walk/hike: walk down by the river, maybe get a tiny bit winded on your way back up ;)
Pro-tip: Explore Smith Rock from all angles!!! The park is big so don’t just stop at the first place you park. Walk down to the river, go all the way to both sides and around the other side of the river, go back up top and walk the trails, or even do the steep hike!

The Painted Hills: Late afternoons at The Painted Hills are indescribable. The spot is millions of years in the making and offers the perfect setting for any small wedding. No one questions why they’re one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Here you can create the most memorable day of your lives with a backdrop that will stun anyone who sees the photos.

Distance from Portland: 4hrs 15mins
Best time to go: Summer
Pass required: No
Crowd: I’ve been there multiple times and the most people I’ve ever seen was 5 others!
Walk/hike: Super easy .5 mile trail overlook for the bigger hills, or you can drive down to the boardwalk area and it’s a very casual couple minute walk.
Pro-tip: Stop at the red & white striped hills on the way in! Take your time and explore all 3 main areas, if not more!! Also make sure you have enough gas and have your maps downloaded because it is in the middle of nowhere with no reception!

John Day Fossil Beds Sheep Rock Unit: Part of the Upper John Day River Valley, the Sheep Rock Unit offers views of rocky hillsides and valleys full of beautiful rocks in varying colors. You and your significant other can elope overlooking the basins and badlands or around the multi-layered cliffs. Any view here can create a magical landscape for your wedding.

Distance from Portland: 4hrs 15 mins
Best time to go: Summer
Pass required: No
Crowd: No
Walk/hike: We got lost so hear me out - you want to do the Blue Basin Trailhead which is 1.3 miles round trip.
Pro-tip: You’ll be amazed the second you walk up to these massive green rocks… just walk all the way to the end, it just keeps getting better and better!!

Lava Lands: Lava Butte or Dee Wright Observatory: Located within the Deschutes National Forest and the Willamette National Forest both locations offer stunning mountain-esqe views full of natural lava rocks, green forests, and beautiful rivers. However, you can also create a unique moment in the lava lands themselves where astronauts trained for their lunar landings back in the 60s. No matter what you create, Sisters is nearby where you can find great places to stay and eat or have a small reception.

Distance from Portland: 3hrs 20mins
Best time to go: Summer, closed in winter
Pass required: Yes
Crowd: You might see a handful of other people
Walk/hike: For photos, I normally just walk the trail for about 15 minutes and shoot along the way until you get to the first marked viewpoint.

Cove Palisades State Park: At Cove Palisades, you combine options as the park has both the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons. Here you can create a wondrous ceremony that overlooks Lake Billy Chinook in all its grandeur. This spot provides a colorful, vibrant backdrop that will create memories that last a lifetime.

Distance from Portland: 3hrs
Best time to go: Summer
Pass required: For the water area - Yes
Crowd: For photo purposes, not busy. There will likely be lots of boaters out on Lake Billy Chinook.
Walk/hike: Just diddle-daddle around. No hiking required. Stay on the upper rim for some awesome views looking down at the lake!
Pro-tip: Have your couple jump in the water! Or better yet, stay and enjoy the lake on a houseboat.

Santiam Pass: Imagine getting married at a spot overlooking snow-capped volcanoes and waterfalls. That’s Santiam Pass. Located at a highway convergence in the Middle Cascades—don’t worry, you can get away from the roads—the pass offers outstanding views with low lying ancient lava fields and clear, crystal lakes.

Hoodoo/PCT access area
Idanha State Park: super pretty when there’s snow on the ground all around the river, but I am pretty sure they close the road during winter.
Detroit Lake: super rad year round, but in the winter they drain the lake so all these cool stumps show!
Blue River/Cougar Reservoir
Suttle Lake
Sisters area
Three Fingered Jack

Badlands Wilderness: The Badlands Wilderness has five trailheads that offer exotic views of volcanic landscapes full of Juniper trees and colorful soil. It took several ice ages to create this scenery, and you’ll be able to cherish it for one lifetime. It’s easy to find a secluded spot for an elopement and afterward, you can travel back to Bend for a small reception or just to have an elegant dinner marking the occasion.

Distance from Portland: 3hrs 30mins
Best time to go: Summer/fall
Pass required: No
Crowd: you probably won’t see anyone out here!
Walk/hike: there’s 7 different trails in this area, all pretty easy! It’s super flat out there.

Sparks Lake: With over 700 acres of wetlands to choose from, it’s not hard to find astounding views at Sparks Lake. In the backdrop, you’ll see mountains towering above with some scaling over 10k feet. Around the lake, it’s easy to find the perfect grassy spot to have a small ceremony and then make your way back to Bend for the reception.

Distance from Portland: 3hrs 45mins
1. Best time to go: April-September
2. Pass required: Yes
3. Crowd: Busy when the water level is good, but not too bad
4. Walk/hike: You can do the loop around the lake which is about 20 miles, or just walk from the parking lot up to the waters edge and enjoy.
5. Pro-tip: Check the water level before you go, if there isn’t much snow in the winter there will hardly be any water there the rest of the year!!! Like, seriously. But if the water levels are good, bring kayaks and have fun!! The water is freezing though haha.

Broken Top Mountain: Though it’s a tough hike and drive, you’ll see it’s well worth it as this is one of the most special places in the world to elope. The Broken Top Mountain is a long extinct volcano with a crystal blue colored lake at the top (“No Name Lake”), but is still part of a network of over 50 active vents in the Three Sisters area. You’ll find beautiful colors and unique scenery where you can say vows and start a life together.

Distance from Portland: 4 hrs
Best time to go: summer & fall, you’ll be frozen if you try to go any other time of the year!!
Crowd: it is a pretty popular trail
Walk/hike: 5.8 mile moderate hike up (if you have a high clearance vehicle to make it to the farther trailhead) otherwise its 14 miles.

Other Epic Oregon Locations

It’s hard to fit all of Oregon into a few small categories, but here’s a few other locations that stand out.

Alvord Desert: If you’re looking for someplace unique to elope, the Alvord Desert is calling your name. The desert is an isolated playa—dry—lake that extends for over 100 miles. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll be able to create a surreal event with pictures that will blow the minds of your friends and family. Drive onto the dried up lake bed and explore this other-worldly location.

Distance from Portland: 8 hours
Best time to go: Summer & Fall (fall for camping)
Pass required: No
Crowd: No
Walk/hike: you can walk all around & drive on the desert, there’s lots of hiking options around too!
Pro-tip: check the weather, rain can make driving more sticky/difficult, and the water can rise faster (especially in spring)! Reception isn’t great out there, and make sure to fill your gas tank right before at the closest station.

Steens Mountains: Steens is sort of Oregon’s secret mountain as it doesn’t get as much attention in magazines and other media. But it’s a magical place overlooking the Alvord Desert full of carved gorges and raging rivers that can serve as a beautiful backdrop to any small wedding. Just know that this spot is very secluded and part of a protected wilderness area encompassing over 400k acres.

Distance from Portland: 8.5 hours
Best time to go: Summer & Fall
Pass required: No
Crowd: No
Walk/hike: You’ll definitely want to do some hiking! Kiger Gorge, the East Rim, Steen’s Summit, and Wildhorse Lake. None are too difficult or long. Mann Lake you can actually just drive up and park! There’s also lots of viewpoints along the main road.
Pro-tip: check the weather, it can change quickly and be dramatic. Poor reception, long distance to nearest gas station, bring plenty of water and food, some ticks and rattlesnakes present.

Crater Lake National Park: Crater Lake is awe inspiring. It’s the deepest lake in the US and another one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Here you’ll find phenomenal views in the surrounding cliffs that tower above the lake. It’s the perfect spot for a secluded winter wedding with the lake and snow creating a spectacular scene. Plus, there are tons of dining options and cabins around to book a small reception.

Distance from Portland: 4.5 hours
Best time to go: July - September
Pass required: Yes - National Parks pass
Crowd: it will be busiest in the summer but there’s plenty of areas to explore around the rim
Walk/hike: you can do the scenic rim drive and hop out/pull over at different lookouts, or there’s tons of trails around!

Mount Hood

White River West Sno Park or Timberline Lodge: Both the Sno Park and the Timberline Lodge offer iconic views of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for the postcard wedding of Oregon, Mt. Hood can offer that and much, much more. The area is full of resorts and has six ski areas with the longest ski season in the US. And at only 50 miles from Portland, it’s easy to get back into the city if you want to have a small reception.

Distance from Portland: 1hr 15minutes
Best time to go: Summer for elopements - the mountain will be bare and look so beautiful in photos! Plus if you hit it at the right time you’ll get meadows full of wildflowers.
Pass required: Yes, ODOT Snowpark Permit (you can get one from the store there)
Walk/hike: A short 10-30 minute walk from Timberline Lodge will give you the most epic views!

The Wallowas: One of Oregon’s best kept secrets - this area of Eastern Oregon is home to dozens of mountain peaks, pristine clear lakes, and rolling desert hills. Though almost 6 hours from Portland, this area is a MUST see!

Distance from Portland: 5.5 hours
Best time to go: Summer
Pass required: depends on what area you go to! There is a state park.
Walk/hike: not required, but tons of beautiful hiking trails in the area.

Oregon Elopement Packages

Golden Hour $4,000

2.5 hours of coverage
1-2 locations (if close to each other)
Consecutive coverage
Includes any necessary photography permits
Vendors referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline
Half Day $5,500

4 hours of coverage
2-3 location
Consecutive coverage or $250 extra for split
Includes any necessary photography permits
Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline
Full Day $7,000

7 hours of coverage
3-5 locations + capturing any activities you do
Split or consecutive coverage
Includes any necessary photography permits
Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline