Oregon Elopement Guide- Packages, Locations, Checklist and more

Oregon has it ALL. Spanning from lush green, mossy forests, enormous waterfalls, mountaintops, desert, and beaches. Keep reading to learn more about how to elope in Oregon, amongst the magic of it all.

As an elopement photographer based in Portland Oregon, I’ve learned all of the ins and outs of eloping in the Pacific Northwest. I truly believe that it’s one of the best spots to elope in the country! So without further ado, here’s your complete guide to your Oregon elopement!

Not sure where to start? I 100% get it. Planning a wedding is tough, and planning an elopement is no easier. There’s a lot of time and thought that goes into the nitty-gritty details of eloping or having an intimate wedding. Especially if you’ve never been to Oregon!

As a photographer I've been a part of the planning process for so many epic elopements, and am equipped to help you through all of the details. Including all of the things that you may have never even thought about.

I offer elopement packages to make things easier on you.

Planning? Check. Location scouting? Check. Photography… you get it. Keep reading to see what booking an elopement package through Together Theory entails.

Still curious about how this all works? Here’s a checklist that covers the planning process, start to finish.

1. Get freaking engaged! (Or not— totally your choice!)

2. Choose a date. I always suggest weekdays when trail traffic is low— you deserve privacy!

3. Choose a location. (Psst… Oregon is my lovely home! I’ve done so much exploring and have some tried and true methods of scouting out the best hidden gems across the state. I love helping couples choose a location that’s unique and perfect for them. After you book with me, I’ll send you a questionnaire that will give me all of the information I need to create a list of locations that I think will fit your vision.

4. Book your flights and a place to stay. Airbnb is a great resource- it has so many unique options (like treehouses and tiny homes!)

5. Pick out the details! Florals, outfits, etc.! This is the time to get funky and pick out things that fit your aesthetic. There are no rules!

6. Timeline planning. Just because you’re planning an elopement does NOT mean that you have to cut your time short on your wedding day. I often help couples plan elopement days that last anywhere from 4-12 hours… and sometimes longer if they’re hoping to have a multi-day adventure! (Pro tip— you can have an elopement one day and a celebration with family the next!) A few months before your elopement day, I’ll draft a timeline that serves you in the best way possible while also making sure the lighting is ideal for your photos.

7. Plan your ceremony. Your vows are an intimate and private part of your ceremony, and they deserve to stay that way. I’m a licensed officiant, so I can sign the paperwork after you have a totally private ceremony.

8. Let’s do the thing! I’ll meet you at your elopement location and we’ll have the best day ever.

9. Relive it forever. I’ll send you a gallery of all of your elopement photos to cherish for a lifetime. I am primarily a photographer, after all. :)

Decide that Oregon’s your perfect elopement spot? Rad— I’ve got you covered. Look no further for everything you need for your elopement. But quick- I want to tell you about what Together Theory means. It’s more than just a name!

When I first entered the wedding industry, I watched as couples were rushed through their wedding days. They had an endless list of things to do, people to talk to, photos to take. By the end of their day they had barely gotten a chance to spend time TOGETHER. That doesn’t fly in my book.

Together Theory is based on the value that you deserve to spend plenty of time present together on your wedding day, free of distractions, expectations, or rush.

✓ Photography

✓ Planning and Location Scouting

✓ Timeline Creation

✓ Unlimited Advice & Referrals

Pricing

Packages are á la carte and depend on how many hours of photography coverage you need. We can chat more about it and decide what’s best for you.

All packages include both digital and film photography, as well as travel within 100 miles of Portland, Oregon.

A package with 4 hours of photography begins at $2,400.

Please inquire for full pricing

 Oregon is known for its abundance of landscapes that make it one of the most beautiful places in the US! That explains why it’s such a popular place to move to— it has some of the best places to live. (I’m located in Portland!) Between that and it’s variation in climate, Oregon is the perfect place for an elopement because there’s so many unique options.

Oregon’s climate is unique in that the summers are typically dry and hot, and the winters are rainy and lush. Depending on what location you choose and what your personal preference is, many different times of the year could work great for an elopement. For example— the winter in Mount Hood might bring you snow, or moody fog in the Columbia River Gorge. The spring or fall may be the sweet spot for locations at lower elevation, but if you want to hike to the top of a mountain you’ll want to wait until the early summer when the wildflowers are blooming and the mountaintops aren’t too cold.

Oregon Elopement Locations

Mount Hood National Forest

Only about an hour outside the city, Mount Hood is an 11,250 ft active volcano that sports beautiful views and an abundance of hikes. Here you can have mountainous views, waterfalls, lakes, ski slopes, and more! My personal favorite elopement ideas in Mount Hood National Forest:

1. Snowshoe or ski in the winter.

2. Hike to one of the many waterfalls.

3. Have an intimate ceremony near Trillium Lake.

4. Stay at Timberline Lodge on the side of the mountain.

5. Hike to a private view of Mount Hood to say your vows.

The weather in Mount Hood varies a lot. For a winter elopement, you can expect snow. The spring and fall are relatively mild, but a bit colder than what you can expect in Portland. The summer is sunny and lush.

The Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is one of the most popular spots for elopements! It sports a variety of different environments, with both rocky cliffs, beaches, and old growth forests. Some of my favorite spots on the coast are some of the more private ones… there are plenty of hikes that can take you to hidden gem spots with beautiful views. With a drive as short as an hour coming from Portland, you can’t go wrong here!

The best time of the year to elope on the Oregon Coast is the fall. The winter is pretty cold and rainy, and in the spring and summer it gets pretty crowded with tourists, especially on nicer days. Regardless of the season, I’m always happy to suggest spots with a little more privacy for your elopement— which is why I rarely suggest Cannon Beach itself for elopements!

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is probably one of my favorite places in Oregon. It only takes about a 30 minute drive from Portland to get there, and once you turn the corner and see the famous Vista House on its cliff, it feels like you’ve entered another world. You’ll drive past 600+ foot waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, with mountains on either side of your car. Plus, you can see Washington right across the Columbia River!

Some of my favorite hikes in the Columbia River Gorge are to massive waterfalls, wildflower-covered mountains, and to views of Mount Hood. There are also some islands scattered in the gorge that are some secret hidden gems!

Waterfalls

Oregon’s waterfalls are a personal favorite feature of the state. The options are endless if you’d like to elope at a waterfall… I could name at least 20 epic falls off the top of my head! The waterfalls are spread all across the state. The Columbia River Gorge has plenty that are easily accessible. There are even places like Silver Falls State Park that has 10 of them in just a small area. Some of my favorite waterfalls are hidden gems that I save only for my client’s ears!

Portland Locations

Portland is known for its artistic spirit, bridges, microbreweries, and unique culture. Who says your elopement has to be outside? There are lots of places within the city to elope— you can stop at city hall and celebrate at a brewery or over donuts at Voodoo. There are lots of Portland public parks that are great for elopements and intimate weddings as well- like Cathedral Park and the Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum.

Pro tip- elope at one of the city’s parks, and then spend your day enjoying the city! Eat some vegan pizza at a food cart pod, visit Powell’s (one of the largest book stores in the world), and get a drink or two at one of the famous microbreweries in the city. It all makes for super cute photos, and plenty of fun!

Oregon Desert Elopement Locations

Most people don’t associate Oregon with the desert, but over half of the state is just that! A lot of the state is high desert and there’s some really unique spots in those environments. Two of my favorites are Smith Rock State Park in Bend, Oregon, and the Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon! There’s also the Alvord Desert, which is known for having some of the best views of the night sky in the country due to its secluded location.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only National Park, and it definitely earned that title! It was formed by a collapsed volcano about 7,700 years ago. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the world, and sits at over 6,000 feet elevation. It’s pristine blue color is unbeatable and the it’s one-of-a-kind nature makes it the perfect place for an elopement.