An elopement in Oregon is always a good idea. From jaw-dropping waterfalls to extraordinary beaches to mesmerizing coastlines, Oregon will provide you with a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your celebration.

I had the chance to photograph Chelsea and Adibfar who eloped in Oregon from Austin. For their elopement, I helped them plan everything, from the locations to how the day flowed. I even went as far as to hike the locations the day before to ensure everything was perfect for them.

Let’s dive into some different Oregon elopement locations for you to choose from and some additional need-to-know tips before planning your elopement.

Where to Elope in Oregon

Columbia River Gorge

This area has incredible waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The Gorge offers you several different lookouts, forests, cliffs, and more. Spots like Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls provide a magical backdrop for your vows.

It can get very windy at The Gorge, but don’t let that stop you from eloping here, as this location is absolutely breathtaking.

Cannon Beach

Even if you know nothing about Oregon, you have probably heard of (or at least seen pictures of) Cannon Beach. Famous for its iconic Haystack Rock, this coastal gem offers beautiful sandy beaches and stunning sunsets, making it ideal for a romantic beachfront ceremony.

Aside from Haystack Rock, Canon Beach has several other incredible spots where you can elope including Hug Point, Chapman Point, and Ecola State Park.

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is a beautiful desert oasis surrounded by farmland. This destination, perfect for adventurous couples, features dramatic rock formations and sweeping views of the Crooked River, perfect for a unique outdoor elopement.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood is an iconic location, and it's the highest point and mountain peak in Oregon. With its majestic peaks and serene alpine lakes, it offers you a variety of stunning landscapes. The Timberline Lodge area is incredibly picturesque, providing a beautiful setting year-round. Some other spots you can look into are Trillium Lake, Zig Zag Canyon, and Tamanawas Falls.

Silver Falls State Park

Known for its waterfalls and lush forest trails, this park offers a variety of locations, including the famous Trail of Ten Falls. Silver Falls State Park is magical all year round and is the largest state park in the state of Oregon.

Where You Can Elope in Oregon: Hidden Gems Edition

If you want to elope in Oregon but want to plan your elopement in a lesser-known spot that still provides breathtaking backdrops and a sense of seclusion, then I have a few more places just for you:

Abiqua Falls

Tucked away near Silverton, this majestic waterfall is surrounded by basalt columns and lush greenery, creating a dramatic setting for your ceremony. Before you arrive at the waterfall, you’ll definitely hear it, and once you do get the chance to see it up close, it will take your breath away.

Coyote Wall

Coyote Wall is perfect if you want something a bit more secluded but you love the area around the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll get sweeping views of the gorge and wildflower-filled meadows, without as many people!

Cape Kiwanda

While not as popular as Cannon Beach, this coastal area features stunning sandstone cliffs, crashing waves, and haystacks, allowing for a serene and romantic oceanfront experience. This spot is great if you’re looking for a laid-back coastal elopement.

The Painted Hills

The Painted Hills are named because of their colorful hills, which are made up of sedentary rocks that have been exposed over time. They are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and this location offers a blend of natural beauty and adventure.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

This location has a long stretch of beach and rugged cliffs, and you will have incredible ocean views. The picturesque lighthouse is the cherry on top creating a dreamy, romantic setting, especially at sunset.

Additional Things To Know Before Eloping in Oregon

Oregon Marriage License

To elope in Oregon, you’ll need to get your Oregon marriage license, but the good news is that it’s fairly easy to do so! To get your license, you will need to choose a county clerk's office - you don’t need to get married in the same county where your license is issued.

Once you’ve chosen the county, you’ll want to fill out your marriage license application. Next, after completing the application, you’ll need to schedule an appointment. You and your partner will need to be physically present for your appointment and bring specific documents to get your marriage license. When you receive your license, there is a three-day waiting period. After the three-day waiting period is over, you must get married within 60 days for the marriage license to be valid.

Once you have your ceremony, your officiant will fill in the information and sign the license for you. The license must be returned to the county within five days of your elopement! Be sure to always check, though, before you apply, as requirements can be updated, and you want to make sure you have everything you need before you head off for your ceremony! I am always here to help in this way!

Witnesses

If you want to elope in Oregon, you will need to have two witnesses, and both of your witnesses will need to be over 18. Also, you can’t count your officiant as your witness or your partner. This might get a bit tricky, but I’m here to help you problem-solve.

Permits

Before your elopement, you’ll always want to research whether you need a permit. Specific sites that are popular or in a protected area might require a permit. For example, if you’re eloping in an Oregon State Park and you are planning to have over 50 people attend, you will need a Special Use Permit.

Once a location is decided upon, I will help you navigate this portion! This is part of my job, being a guide!

Weather

Oregon has a diverse climate and geography, so weather conditions can affect your elopement. Oregon is known for its rainy weather, particularly in the fall and winter months. June to August is historically the best time to get married in Oregon, due to the chance of bad weather! If you like cloudy and overcast, then fall might be worth the risk!

The best thing you can do is be prepared to go with the flow on your elopement day. I can’t promise good weather, but regardless of the weather, I don’t want you to let that affect your day. Mother Nature has a mind of its own!

Also, with the weather, another thing to know about Oregon is that the temperature can vary greatly throughout the day. My advice? Make sure that you bring extra layers with you and that you’re prepared for the temperature changes.

Wind Conditions

Coastal areas like Cannon Beach or Columbia River Gorge can get quite windy. For the best elopement experience possible, and so you don’t have to worry about the wind affecting your day, you might want to consider planning your elopement during the calmer months such as October for Columbia River Gorge or August for Cannon Beach.

Seasons

Oregon experiences all the different seasons! Spring and summer offer mild and warm temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies. However, these seasons can also bring crowds to popular spots such as Canon Beach. On the other hand, fall presents stunning foliage, especially in the mountains, but it can be unpredictable with rain. Winter, while often cold, creates a magical atmosphere, especially in snow-covered areas. You’ll also have more privacy and fewer crowds. However, winter also brings lots of rain, shorter days, and limited access to parts of the national parks.

Tides

If you’re planning to elope along the Oregon coast, you’ll definitely need to consider the tides, and you’ll want to check out the tide schedule. Tides typically change every six hours, and whether the tide will be high or low varies from location to location. This is something I handle when creating your timeline!

Ready to Elope in Oregon?

I hope you found this information helpful and that you may even have discovered the perfect Oregon elopement location for you and your partner. If you do choose to elope in Oregon, I know you’ll have an unforgettable celebration full of adventure, stunning landscapes, activities, and more!

Do you want a wedding experience where you embrace genuine, true moments and have those captured? Then let’s get started dreaming and planning your true elopement or wedding day in Oregon or beyond! You can get in touch with me here or learn more about my services here.