Top 15 Oregon Elopement Locations
Hi, I’m Alix. When I moved to Oregon a few years ago, I went on the hunt for the most rad elopement locations out there. I searched far and wide, reading articles, following Instagram hashtags, reaching out to other photographers in the industry. After searching for a few years, I have narrowed it down to my top elopement locations in Oregon. We have everything from mountains, to lakes, to the Oregon coast, to parks. These locations are easy to access, have low or no fees, and are the perfect spot to bring your friends and family to.
Tips For Eloping in Oregon
Most importantly, leave no trace. Please respect all of these locations to ensure they are available to the public for years to come. Do not walk on areas that are blocked off by fences. Clean up any trash.
Because most of these areas are public land, you are going to have to snag your spot ahead of time if you have more than a few guests. I recommend sending a friend to hold down the location at least an hour before the ceremony. If you are bringing chairs, they can work as placeholders to signal to other visitors that you’re planning on using the area for a wedding. People are usually really kind/understanding about this, and will respect the fact that it’s a big day for your bride and groom. If you have less than 5 people, you should be fine.
Have an umbrella back-up plan. If it’s two week before your elopement, and it’s looking like rain, I highly recommend snagging some clear bubble umbrellas off of Amazon. When guests bring their own umbrellas, you never really know what you are going to get. Someone might show up with a bright pink umbrella. Black umbrellas are pretty, but it’s hard to photograph your guests faces throughout the day because they usually end up getting blocked. Clear umbrellas are super pretty, and they ensure that your photographer will be able to capture guests’ expressions.
You’re going to get dirty. I know your dress is gorgeous and was possibly expensive, but if you are eloping, plan on it getting covered in sand. My best advice is to just let go! These are your wedding photos, and you will cherish them forever. It’s super obvious when a bride is worried about moving around in her dress—you can usually see it in her face that she is worried, and I usually am not able to get as much of a variety because she doesn’t want to move much. Embrace the sand/water! Look up instructions for washing your wedding dress.. the sand/dirt will most likely come out anyway!
Lighting comes first. I typically like to shoot for 1.5-2 hours just before sunset, and for about 10 min. after sunset. The sun can be pretty bright during the summer, so a mid-day ceremony is not the best idea. Typically, the closer to sunset, the better! The only exception would be waterfall locations, which typically sit in a bowl and are therefore better shot at during morning hours. I’ll clarify best shooting time for each location below.
Weekdays are best for eloping. Because most of these locations are public land, they tend to get pretty busy on the weekends. If at all possible, I’d recommend eloping Monday through Thursday. I actually only book elopements during the week, and most photographers in Oregon have the same rule.
For marriage licenses, there is a 3 day waiting period before a marriage may take place. You may apply for a marriage license in any county in Oregon, and use this license anywhere in the state of Oregon. You must use the license within 60 days. The cost of an Oregon marriage license typically ranges between $50-$65. I would recommend calling the desired county ahead of time for tips/advice.
The List
#1. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is located about 2 hours from Portland. It features both sandy beaches and the iconic Haystack Rock, as seen in Goonies. Access to the beach is easy, but does require a bit of a walk from the parking lot. This spot is great for older guests because of the long, flat coastline. I would recommend pairing this locations with Hug Point, Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, or Arch Cape, because they are all within 10 minutes of Cannon Beach.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: | Welcome on leash or under voice control
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Check out this Cannon Beach Session.
#2: Hug Point
Hug Point is located about 2 hours from Portland. It features both sandy and rocky beaches. Access to the beach is easy, but does require a bit of a walk from the parking lot, and a an easy climb down a wooden staircase . This spot is great for older guests who are comfortable with stairs. I would recommend pairing this locations with Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, or Arch Cape, because they are all within 10 minutes of Hug Point.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Check out this Hug Point Session.
#3. Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is located about 30-45 minutes from Portland, in the Columbia River Gorge. It features beautiful rock formations, and the waterfall drops in a long, steady stream from the top of the bowl. Access to the area is easy, but does require a bit of a walk from the parking lot. This spot is good for older guests who are comfortable with a bit of a hill. I love this spot because of the contrast between the white waterfall and dark rock surrounding it.
Distance from Portland: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Early morning
Check out this Latourell Falls session
#4. Government Cove
Government Cove is located about 1 hour from Portland, in the Columbia River Gorge. It features rock formations, pine trees, moss, fields, and amazing views of the gorge. Access to the area is easy, but does require a bit of a walk from the parking lot, and a climb up a hill This spot is good for older guests who are comfortable with a bit of a hill. I love this spot because of the variety of terrains available to shoot with.
Distance from Portland: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Check out this Government Cove session.
#5. Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is located about 15 minutes from downtown Portland. The area features lush foliage and redwoods. Access to the area easy, with some walking on paths required. I would recommend only inviting older guests who are comfortable with walking up and down hills. There are three designated areas for weddings—the Redwood Deck, Stevenson Pavilion Picnic Center, and the Wedding Meadow. All three areas require a permit. The photo featured here was taken just below the Redwood Deck.
Distance from Portland: 15 min. |
Difficulty level: Easy |
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles |
Permit required: Yes |
Dogs: Welcome on leash |
Best time to shoot: Mid-Afternoon |
Check out this Hoyt Arboretum session.
#6. The Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are located about 4 hours from Portland. The area features incredible colored soils of deep red, golden yellows, and sunny oranges. Access to the area is easy, with parking lots situated near viewpoints. This spot would work for older guests who are comfortable with paved paths and light walking. I would recommend driving to different areas of the park to take photos with a variety of the soil hills.
Distance from Portland: 4 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: Unknown
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
#7. Cape Kiwanda
Cape Kiwanda is located about 2 hours from Portland. It features sandy beaches, tide pools, and incredible sandstone cliffs. Access to the area requires about a .25 mile easy walk to the base of the sandstone, and then a somewhat steep climb up to the cliffs. This spot would work for older guests who are comfortable with walking on steady sand, only if the ceremony is situated at the base of the sandstone cliff. If you want a ceremony on the upper cliffs, I would recommend only inviting guests who are comfortable with a climb.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance from parking lot: About .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash or under voice control
Best time to shoot: Sunset
#8. Oceanside Beach State Park
Oceanside Beach State Park is located about 2 hours from Portland. It features both sandy and rocky beaches, caves, and shark-fin-like rock formations. Access to the beach is easy, and only requires a small walk from the parking lot. I would recommend walking through the tunnel located at the north end of the beach, and shooting on that side of the park. This area features large cliffs, caves, moss, and layers of tidal rock formations. This area is great for older guests, but I would not recommend taking them through the tunnel.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Check out this Oceanside Beach State Park session
#9. Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is located about 1.5 hours from Portland near Mount Hood. It features a medium-sized lake with an incredible view of Mount Hood. Access to the area is easy, and is just a short, paved walk from the parking lot. This spot is good for older guests who are comfortable with walking. I love this spot because of its drama. Because this is a camping area, you may want to reserve the deck for a group larger than 5 people. I would personally choose to hold the ceremony along the shoreline, rather than on the deck, for unobstructed views of the lake.
Distance from Portland: 1.5 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: Possibly
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Note: This area may be closed due to fire. Updated 11/12/2020.
#9. Rowena Crest
Rowena Crest located about 1.5 minutes from Portland. The area features large fields, wildflowers during the spring, and incredible views of the gorge. Access to the area easy, with some walking on paths required. I would recommend this location for older guests who are comfortable with some walking. I love this area for its easy access and golden fields.
Distance from Portland: 1.5 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
#10. Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is located about 2 hours from Portland. It features both upper and lower level access, with the upper area featuring cliffs and views of the coastline, and the lower area featuring forest growth and beach access. Access to both areas is easy if you park at the parking lots, with easy walks to viewpoints. This spot would work for older guests who are comfortable easy with trails. I would recommend pairing this location with Hug Point, Arch Cape, Cannon Beach, or Oswald West State Park.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
#11. God’s Thumb
God’s Thumb is located about 2 hours from Portland. The area features an incredible spiral cliff, fields, and beautiful views of the coastline. Access to the area is difficult, with a 4 mile roundtrip hike and 1,100 foot climb. This spot is best for avid hikers who want an adventure. I would recommend taking the hike slow and steady to avoid being sweaty by the time the viewpoint is reached.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Difficult
Distance from parking lot: 2 miles (4 miles roundtrip)
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
#12. Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is located about 3 hours from Portland,. It features beautiful red rock cliffs and desert-like terrain. Access to the upper area viewpoints, and only requires an easy walk from the parking lot. I would recommend this spot for older guests who are comfortable with paved walkways. Before or after the ceremony, I would recommend taking couples photos down the in valley, which does require an easy hike.
Distance from Portland: 3 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: Only if guest count exceeds 50 people
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Check out this Smith Rock State Park session.
#13. Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls is located about 45 minutes from Portland, in the Columbia River Gorge. It features beautiful rock formations and a beautiful pool of water at the base of the falls. Access to the area does require an easy, 2 mile roundtrip hike. This spot is not good for older guests, and I would only recommend inviting people who are comfortable with hiking. I love this spot because of the variety of areas available to shoot with along the trail.
Distance from Portland: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance from parking lot: 2 hours roundtrip
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Morning or early afternoon
Check out this Wahclella Falls Session. | Note: This area may be closed due to fire. Updated 11/12/2020.
#14. Arch Cape
Arch Cape is located about 2 hours from Portland. It features beautiful rock formations and an arch that is located on the South side of the cliffs. Access to the area is easy, with a steady walk from the parking lot. This spot is great for older guests because of the flat coastline. I love this spot, but have not been able to shoot with the arch yet. If you are wanting to shoot with the arch, I would recommend watching the tide for the day and working around that. If it’s a cloudy day, you can shoot at any time, but if it’s sunny, I always recommend sunset. I love this beach because it’s a much quieter beach since most tourists will be at one of the famous nearby beaches. I would recommend pairing this beach with Hug Point, Oswald West State Park, Cannon Beach, or Ecola State Park.
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash or under voice control
Best time to shoot: Sunset
#15. White River West Sno Park
White River West Sno Park is located about 1.5 hours from Portland near Mount Hood. It features a rocky terrain with pine trees and forest and a stunning view of Mount Hood. Access is easy as you can walk straight from the parking lot, but plan on the terrain being rocky. This spot could be used with older guests, but I recommend caution.
Distance from Portland: 1.5 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from parking lot: Less than .25 miles
Permit required: No
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Note: This area may be closed due to fire. Updated 11/12/2020
Other Dream Elopement and Micro Wedding Locations
Death Valley National Park (California)
Yosemite (California)
Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Le Chacuel (California)
Diablo Lake (Washington)
The Olympic Peninsula (Washington)
Wenatchee Mountains (Washington)
North Cascades (Washington)
Arches National Park / Moab (Utah)
Zion National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon (Utah)
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
Amangiri (Utah)
The Joshua Tree House (Arizona)
Horseshoe Bend (Arizona)
Iceland
Santorini (Greece)
Isle of Skye (Scotland)
The Beaches of Normandy
About Me
Being the daughter of a photographer, I learned to operate a camera when I was 12 years old by following my dad around at weddings and taking candid photos of the bride, groom, and guests. I was always in the background, trying not to be seen, waiting for that perfect moment to snap a shot when nobody was looking. My dad taught me everything. After he retired 12 years ago, I decided to start my own photography business. That candid style he taught me shaped my photography style, and is still very prominent in my work to this day.
Natural, organic, non-posed imagery really captures my attention most. As an empath, I love feeling the vibes you bring as a couple, and playing on those emotions with my imagery. I watch for the way you lean on their shoulder, smile when they look at you, or hold pinkies instead of holding hands. I watch for these things, and I capture them, because those subtleties are the essence of your relationship. I’ll guide and direct you, while leaving room for improvisation and play. Let’s document you, as you are, at this point in your life.
Pricing
2 Hour Elopement | $3,000
4 Hour Elopement | $3,800
6 Hour Elopement | $4,600
Includes:
—Travel within 2 hours of Portland
—Access to my location and planning guides
—Schedule planning
—Vendor referrals
—A min. of 100 edited images per hour of shooting
—An online, downloadable gallery
—Full printing rights.. you can print through me, or anywhere you’d like!
—A 90 image sneak-peek gallery delivered within 3 days of elopement
—Full gallery delivered 2 weeks after elopement
*Request pricing for 3 or 4 hour elopements.
Reach Out
Epic and romantic elopement at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington near the Sunrise Visitor Center. Majestic sunset over the beautiful snow-capped mountain.