The Pacific Northwest is known for its unbelievable scenery, and Oregon doesn’t disappoint – with its dense forests, towering mountain ranges, and beautiful ocean beaches it’s no wonder so many couples choose to elope in Oregon! Whether you call this stunning state home or just want to visit to tie the knot, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about eloping in Oregon. 

Here’s what you’ll learn in this Oregon Elopement Guide:

• The Best Places to Elope in Oregon
• Weather & Seasons – The Best Time to Elope in Oregon
• How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in Oregon
• Finding an Oregon Elopement Photographer
• Oregon Elopement Packages – Ready for a day that’s intentional, unique, and all about you?

The Best Places to Elope in Oregon

Finding the perfect spot to say “I do” is one of the most exciting things about choosing to elope, so the elopement location that you choose should represent you and your partner. Whether your dream day means feeling the sand between your toes as you say your vows or having your ceremony next to a glistening waterfall, here are a few of the best places to elope in Oregon!

Cannon Beach

Nestled on the northern coast of Oregon, Cannon Beach is the perfect place to elope! It’s known for Haystack Rock, a huge rock formation just off the coast that is home to hundreds of seabirds, and plenty of tidepools to explore. If you’re looking for some more private spots for your Cannon Beach elopement, head to Oswald West or Ecola State Parks nearby – both have lush forests, secluded beaches, and miles of hiking trails, and fewer crowds than Cannon Beach.

Crater Lake National Park

In southern Oregon, you’ll find a beautiful lake surrounded by towering peaks and old-growth forests. Crater Lake is one of America’s deepest lakes, and one of the oldest national parks in the country. From October through June, you’ll usually find snow at Crater Lake – which makes for a beautiful, unique backdrop for your elopement (but be aware some roads will be inaccessible). You can go snowshoeing, take a hike, or stop at one of the many pullouts on the famous Scenic Rim Drive to find the perfect spot to tie the knot!

Mount Hood 

Whether you want to hit the slopes, hike to a beautiful waterfall, or go whitewater rafting down the Upper Clackamas River, one of the best places to elope in Oregon is Mount Hood. You can ski almost year-round at Timberline Lodge – meaning if you want a summer elopement in the snow, Mount Hood is the place to be! 

Columbia River Gorge

If you’re dreaming of having your wedding at the base of a rushing waterfall, look no further than the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll find more than 90 waterfalls to choose from, so it won’t be hard finding a ceremony spot that is perfect for the two of you!

Weather & Seasons – the Best Time to Elope in Oregon

Being in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no surprise that Oregon experiences a lot of rain – but when the sun shines, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen! Let’s make small talk and chat about the weather, to help you decide what the best time to elope in Oregon is for you.

If you want to experience Oregon without the rain, the dry season is usually from June until August, but that’s also the most popular season to be in Oregon, so if you want to avoid the crowds, plan for a sunrise or sunset elopement, and have your ceremony on a weekday!

You can get a lot of sunny days in the spring or fall, but the weather can be unpredictable – it can be sunny when you wake up and rainy by the time lunch hits so layers are really important. Early fall is a great time to hit the coast! The sun sticks around until September on the coast, so you can have your beach elopement and avoid the summer crowds.

Winter brings in a lot of snow to the mountains for a perfect snowy ceremony! Take a snowshoe hike to your elopement location in the mountains for a unique experience that you’ll never forget.

How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in Oregon

If you want to get legally married when you elope, you’ll need to get your marriage license from the state of Oregon. Marriage licenses are distributed by county in Oregon, so when you decide on a location make sure to check with the county on specific requirements – in most counties, you can apply for your marriage license online before picking it up in person.

You’ll both need to go to pick up your license in person, and you’ll need to show your ID and pay the fee – it can range from $50 to $60 depending on the county. You’ll get your license right away, but there’s a three-day waiting period before you can have your ceremony, and you have to use it within 60 days so plan accordingly!

You need to have an officiant and two witnesses to sign your marriage license. Anybody who is ordained can be your officiant, so that means that if you want a friend or family member to be part of your special day, they can get ordained online. Your witnesses need to be over the age of 18, so you can invite 2 of your closest friends or family members to be your witnesses, ask your elopement vendors, or we can find someone nearby throughout the day!

Finding an Oregon Elopement Photographer

Finding a photographer for your elopement takes a lot of weight off your shoulders! As an Oregon elopement photographer, my job is about more than documenting all the moments that make your elopement unique – I make it my goal to be your #1 supporter and ensure that your elopement is as stress-free and authentic as possible. Your love story is unique and beautiful, so your wedding day should be the same! There’s no “recipe” on how your elopement should look, and as your Oregon elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan your perfect day while giving you the space and freedom to completely be yourselves!

Oregon Elopement Packages