Hood River, Oregon Elopement Videography and Photography at The Ruins

Photography & Videography by Montana Diaries

Alex and Rachel at The Ruins in Hood River, Oregon

This beautiful elopement at The Ruins in Hood River, Oregon honestly blew me away — Alex and Rachel were nothing short of stunningggg despite the July heat, ha! It was an honor to tell their love story while capturing the stunning work of Megan with Curated Mess and the all-star vendor team she put together. If you’re considering getting married at the Columbia River Gorge, you’re going to want to keep reading — we’re talkin’ a gorgeous historic venue in downtown Hood River, a rented train, the most stunning details, intimate love letters, and an adventure session like no other. What more could you want!?

HOOD RIVER, OREGON ELOPEMENT VIDEO:

A + R’s Hood River Elopement Timeline

Omgggg first of all: A + R have the most beautiful love between them + the most amazing quiet, dry, understated senses of humor — they are building the most beautiful life together.

Have you been considering an elopement or small intimate wedding? If so, I’d consider Hood River, Oregon as your destination — especially The Ruins. This venue is literally right downtown and it’s full of history + charm — there’s live music all the time and you can party right there after a morning ceremony and brunch, or go downtown after an evening wedding! The Columbia River Gorge is absolutely stunning, so imagine getting hitched here and then going off for an adventure session overlooking the river or finding a waterfall. So dreamy.

Andddd can we talk about how incredible Megan with Curated Mess is at designing, planning, and bringing together the most badass creative team? Planners *are notttt* just for big traditional weddings — if you love the pretty details and being able to be super laid back, then you need Megan in your corner.

This was a dream. Let’s do more ugh.

Getting ready in a Mt. Hood Train Car

Did you know you can RENT A TRAIN!? The Mt Hood Railroad provides scenic train rides along the gorgeous Hood River Valley, and the tracks are RIGHT by The Ruins, Alex and Rachel’s wedding venue. Alex and Rachel enjoyed champagne in their rented train car and wrote sweet love letters to one another. It was the best way to kick off their incredible day.

Ceremony/Love Letter Reading at The Ruins

Alex and Rachel moved to their stunningggg ceremony set-up to read their love letters, which included the most incredible floral installation by the one and only Noble Floral Co. It was an *honor* to capture their creativity and talent — they are known for versatile luxury floral design for a reason.

The love letter reading was the absolute sweetest — how could you not adore this couple!? Don’t forget to watch their elopement video above to hear a bit of what they wrote.

Reception tablescape crafted by Curated Mess Co.

Megan, the owner of Curated Mess Co, made actual magic with the tablescape, including rentals from Great Jones NW. What I love about Megan’s style is that she finds throughlines in her designs while being super eclectic/resourceful — the woman is known to make multiple trips back and forth from the same thrift store hauling cool chairs in her tiny car haha! I love micro-wedding setups like this one that look and feel incredible + luxurious, but they’re so intimate and homey with 6-10 loved ones enjoying small bites before the couple goes off on their adventure session. It’s such a great vibe.

Adventure Session at Rowena Crest

Alex + Rachel’s adventure session at Rowena Crest 15 minutes outside of Hood River toward the Dalles might have been one of the most fun and memorable experiences I’ve had taking couples’ portraits! First of all, Rowena Crest is obviously stunning, but the experience itself was unmatched thanks to a couple named Bill and Jessica.

As we parked, we saw a sweet couple drive by in a gorgeousss red 1968 Chevy Camaro — andddd of course Devin from Backcountry Bohemians, Megan from Curated Mess, and I power-walked v toughly over to them to ask if we could use their car for photos. They were SO SWEET and accommodating, and even let us ride in the back on the way over to Alex and Rachel haha!

When Devin asked the story behind the Camaro, Bill and Jessica shared a look before Jessica told him to tell the short version — they were so cute and funny. Then, Bill explained that he’s been living with a brain tumor for over a decade. The last time things got really bad with his health, Jessica promised that if he survived, she’d finally buy his dream car.

“Andddd, I’m still here!” Bill said with a huge smile.

Omg, I love them.

Luxurious European elopement vibes

While coming up with the concept for Alex + Rachel’s elopement at The Ruins, Megan had one core theme to keep in mind: “European luxury.” Uhmmm, I’d say she delivered.

It’s all in the details, bby

Could the details for this luxurious Oregon elopement be any more dreamy!? From the gorgeousss stationery/flatlay from Life in Letters to the gorgeous jewelry by Tree Myriah to the pearl veil from The Bespoke Bride to the delicate blooms, every last detail reflected Alex and Rachel beautifully.

All about eloping at the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is absolutely STUNNING. Not only are there tons of beautiful spots in nature to consider, but beautiful venues, lodging, and wineries. Here are just a few ideas to help you brain storm your Columbia River Gorge elopement:

Towns in the Columbia River Gorge Valley

Hood River, Oregon
White Salmon, Washington
Troutdale, Oregon
Cascade Locks, Oregon
The Dalles, Oregon

Best places to elope in/around the Columbia River Gorge

Best venues for a Columbia River Gorge wedding

Getting hitched in Hood River, Oregon: Permits, passes, & legalities

Oregon Special Use/Activity Permits

Oregon National Parks Elopement Permits

Oregon only has one National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and it’s stunninggggg. You will need your National Park pass and a special use permit, which you can click here to fill out. There is a $50 processing fee associated with this permit!

Oregon State Parks Elopement Permits

You will need a special use permit to elope in State parks in Oregon, which you can click here to fill out! There is a $100 processing fee.

Oregon Public Lands Elopement Permit

Other public lands, like National Forests and locations on the coast, only require a special use permit for groups over 75 people!

Oregon State marriage laws/license info

The process of getting married in Oregon is pretty simple! Just head to the courthouse website for the county that you’ll be getting married in and apply online. The day of your appointment at the courthouse, both parties need to be present with your required docs/ID, and a $60 fee. After the license becomes effective, you have 60 days to have a ceremony performed anywhere in Oregon. You will provide the marriage license to your officiant, who will return it signed back to the county. If you’re planning a Hood River, Oregon wedding or elopement, click here for Hood River County marriage license info.

Hood River, Oregon Elopement Vendors

Photography & Videography: Montana Diaries

Design: Curated Mess Co

Florals: Noble Floral Co

Rentals: Great Jones NW

Dress: Dalliance Gown Rentals

Veil: The Bespoke Bride

Jewelry: Tree Myriah

HMUA: The Wildeflower Co

Stationary: Life in Letters

Venue: The Ruins

MEET SHAY: YOUR PNW ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER + VIDEOGRAPHER FOR THE ADVENTUROUS AND LAID-BACK

Hood River elopement/wedding photographer and videographer

Heyyy, I’m Shay, your Oregon elopement wedding photographer and videographer for the adventurous and laid-back. I love traveling all over the PNW capturing vlogs-mixed-with-indie-films for the raddest couples. Learn more about how to work with me for your Oregon wedding by clicking HERE.