How to Elope in Oregon
Congratulations! You’ve decided to elope, or maybe you’re throwing around the idea. You + your partner, getting married with intention in a way that resonates with you. That is one empowering step! Now what? Getting married and eloping is an exhilarating event, one that should stay true to your relationship and what you are about. Trees, hiking, mountains and stunning views? Eloping in Oregon could be a possibility for you! And lucky for you, we are an experienced Oregon elopement photographer duo!
Why Elope in Oregon
Oregon is well known for being diverse in all things nature! With its wide variety of landscapes and geographical features, Oregon is a one stop shop for any outdoor enthusiast looking to solidify their bond with a dreamy wedding day in the great Pacific Northwest. Oregon features so many natural characteristics that sets it apart from other states. Oregon has waterfalls within a 40 minute drive of its major hub city, Portland. Oregon also boasts forests full of ferns that stretch from the Cascades right up to the ocean water of the Pacific. And for those who still need convincing, Oregon makes for a great honeymoon spot where you can explore the entire duration of your elopement trip.
Best Oregon Elopement Locations to Consider
Columbia River Gorge
Are you a waterfall chaser, despite TLC’s advice? Eloping in the Columbia River Gorge is the place for you. While there are a few waterfalls that are currently still inaccessible due to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, there are still plenty of spots that we can help you navigate through. Here's a cozy Waterfall Elopement for some elopement inspiration as you begin the planning process!
Smith Rock State Park and Central Oregon
Dreaming of desert vibes, even in the Pacific Northwest? Don’t worry, Oregon still has its share with places like Smith Rock State Park near Bend, and the Alvord Desert in Eastern Oregon! Check out this Alvord Desert Elopement to see how magical a desert wedding can be.
Oregon Coast
Is the ocean calling your name? With its rugged coastline and beautiful features, the Oregon coast may be perfect for your elopement. The Oregon Coast offers dozens of picturesque elopement spots for your Oregon wedding, such as this Oregon Coast Elopement! A Cannon Beach elopement may be more your speed if you love the iconic Haystack Rock.
Oregon Forests
What about eloping in the forest?! No shortage of trees here in Oregon for a forest wedding! Forest elopements are breathtaking, and we know all of the popular and road-less-traveled spots. Take a look at this Adventurous Elopement in the forest near the Oregon Coast.
Mt. Hood National Forest
You thought I was done; but I haven’t mentioned the jagged peaks of the Cascade mountain range in the Pacific Northwest. Mount Hood is pure magic for an Oregon wedding backdrop! With such high altitudes, selecting the right time of year is very important when thinking of eloping in the mountains or Mount Hood. This Mount Hood Elopement took place in July!
Crater Lake
Another iconic location, which you may have seen in popular social media posts, is the more secluded Crater Lake National Park. This dormant volcano once erupted, creating its crater, and then became a beautiful lake atop a mountain. It makes a stunning backdrop for an elopement focused on a love for such a unique natural creation. Eloping in a national park requires some planning and permits, so check out our post on How to Elope in a National Park [and don’t worry, as your Oregon elopement photographer, we are here to help you through this process!]
Still not sure about location? That’s okay! A part of what we offer is help on location recommendations. If you have a starting point of what you envision for your elopement day, we can help make it happen.
What is the Best Time of Year to Plan an Oregon Elopement?
Oregon has the honor of being perfectly perched in the Pacific Northwest; residence to a temperate climate, yet still experiencing all four seasons! The time of year you are arranging your adventure elopement will vary greatly on what location in Oregon you select. For instance, the Columbia River Gorge is usually accessible year-round, with the greatest chance for privacy away from crowds taking place in the early spring, late summer, and winter. That's not to say it doesn't get cold in the winter out in the Gorge! When considering the best time to visit and to plan your adventure elopement, you definitely want to take the temperatures into account.
As another example, many spots near Mount Hood are only available once snow has melted: in the late spring, summer, and early fall. So if you are dreaming of a Mount Hood elopement, the right month is key. This gorgeous Mount Hood Elopement took place in July, at the highest point on the mountain accessible by trail. Impossible during winter, but never fear! Winter is still a lovely time to elope in Oregon, with many places such as the Oregon Coast and Portland area at your disposal!
Legal Requirements for Eloping in Oregon
Making an elopement legal in Oregon has a few requirements. You will need an officiant, marriage license, and two witnesses to elope in Oregon. Your witnesses must be over the age of 18 and cannot be the officiant or one of the partners. Having the two of us as photographers, we also double as witnesses!
Marriage licenses are issued by Oregon's counties, so the fees and rules are dependent upon what county you will be saying your vows. Both parties are required to be present, with most marriage license fees ranging from $50-$60. After your marriage license has been issued, Oregon has a three day "waiting period" before your ceremony can take place. Although, some counties offer waiving of that period for "good cause", which also may require a waiver fee.
Some locations, such as state and national parks, may require permits and other paperwork. And hi, hello! We are here to guide you through that, to assist in any way we can and ensure your elopement day is spent being fully enveloped in your love [not worried about paperwork!]
Hiring an Elopement Photographer or Officiant
Individuals qualified to perform a marriage or elopement in Oregon can be an Oregon judge, a religious leader authorized by a congregation, or even a friend or family member who is ordained. That can be a great option to include someone special to you and your partner in your ceremony! We’re always happy to offer our recommendation of vendors we’ve worked with in the past [and love!] to help make planning easier for you. If you just need someone to sign and handle paperwork with no spoken ceremony, we can help with that too because Josh is ordained — just in case!
When it comes to hiring an elopement photographer, you’ll want to make sure that your photographer aligns with what you have in mind. A professional elopement photographer should be no stranger to hiking, planning the logistics, and guiding you through the journey at every step. Look at the samples of their work to ensure their style matches what you want, a photographer’s style and approach is unique to them!
Final Tips for a Memorable Elopement
Okay, so Oregon sounds like it may be for you. The vast expanse of natural beauty, all of the legal steps sound good...but perhaps you live in another state or country! Trust us, planning an elopement from another location isn’t as daunting as it may sound. Stay tuned for our article about how to plan an elopement from a distance!
Decided eloping is the way to go? Hell yes! We’re excited to help you through the process of eloping, step by step, in a stress free way. Let’s chat and make your dream Oregon elopement day a reality.
