How to Elope in Oregon (Updated for 2023)

If moody and romantic vibes are what you are dreaming about for your elopement, then Oregon is 1000% the place for you. Oregon offers rugged coastlines, abundant waterfalls, lush forests, the cutest towns, and the best vibes. There are so many different locations to choose from when eloping in Oregon and I’m here to share EVERYTHING to help you plan it. Keep reading if you want to learn more about how to elope in Oregon from the best locations to finding the perfect cozy and romantic accommodations for your stay!

couple posing on a classic red car at their Oregon elopement

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Everything You Need to Plan Your Oregon Elopement

Hire your photo & video team. By doing this first, they can help you with the entire planning process. Click here to figure out if we’re the best fit for you!
Decide on the terrain and weather you want for your big day. (More info on this later in the blog).
Pick your date based on the location, desired weather, and your photographer/videographer's availability.
Think about what you want to do on your big day. Do you want an epic adventure or a more laid-back and romantic day at a cabin in the woods?
Apply for Special Use Permits if you are eloping in an area that requires one (more on this later).
Find all of your other dreamy vendors! Your photographer/videographer can always provide recommendations.
Figure out where you want to stay. Do you want a cozy A-frame cabin in the woods or would you prefer a beachside cottage? (tons of recs later in this guide)
Apply for your Oregon Marriage License.
Keep in touch so we can plan every detail of your special day!
Get ready for one of the greatest days of your life!

couple eloping on a rainy day in Oregon under a clear tent in the woods

Where is Oregon?

Oregon is found in the PNW on the coast and borders California, Idaho, and Washington State. Its location makes it a super easy and accessible elopement location for those living in the bordering states. But if you don't live nearby and want to elope here, flying is a great option as well.

Major Cities in Oregon

Portland
Eugene
Salem

Major Airports in Oregon

Should you rent a car when eloping in Oregon?

Yes, having a car for your elopement in Oregon is a must. There is so much to see and if you plan on visiting a ton of different places outside of the major cities, then a car is by far the best way to get around.

Why Elope in Oregon?

The real question is why shouldn’t you elope in Oregon? Every time I visit Oregon, I fall more and more in love with its natural beauty, moody weather, and charming towns. It has everything I think someone needs to have the perfect romantic and moody elopement! Oregon is the perfect elopement location for you if:

You’re not afraid of a little rain on your elopement day (makes for the most magical photos).
You’re all about exploring new and unique places.
You’re up for a hiking adventure.
You want to spend your weekend in an A-frame cabin in the woods sitting by the fire and reading one another love letters.
You want to see some of the most beautiful coastlines in the US.
You love small-town vibes.

couple walking through the woods at their Oregon elopement

What Could an Oregon Elopement Look Like?

An Oregon elopement looks exactly how you want it to look! Whether you two are super adventurous and want a hiking elopement or you prefer a more laid-back day on the beach, that’s all okay! The beautiful thing about Oregon is that it has something for everyone.

But no matter what you decide to do, I recommend that you find a place to stay that is super cozy and romantic. This way, you can come back after your special day and wind down in a comfortable space. You could open a bottle of wine and sit in the jacuzzi or bathtub or cozy up by the fireplace and read each other love letters.

The thing that I love the most about elopements is that there are NO RULES! You two can do exactly what you want to do! Want to enjoy a bonfire on the beach? HELL YEAH, let’s do it! Would you rather stay in on a rainy day and cook a meal together? I love it! Or maybe you want to explore the outdoors as much as you can on this trip! Do it! I want you to look back on your elopement experience with absolutely no regrets!!

FAQs About Eloping in Oregon

When is the best time of the year to elope in Oregon?

For the warmest weather and the least chance of rain, May-September is the best time of the year.

Do you need witnesses to elope in Oregon?

Yes, you need to have 2 witnesses at your Oregon elopement. Your photographer and videographer can be those witnesses.

Can you get married on the same day in Oregon?

No, there is a 3-day waiting period before you can get married.

Do you need an officiant to elope in Oregon?

Yes, you will need an officiant.

Do you need a special permit to elope in Oregon?

Yes, some locations do require a special use permit. There is more information on this in the permits section of this guide.

Where can we elope in Oregon?

Wow, there are so many places: the coast, forest, on a lake, under a waterfall, downtown Portland, in an A-frame cabin.

Best Time of the Year to Elope in Oregon

Although you can elope in Oregon year-round, there are times of the year that will make your experience much easier.

Spring Weather (March-May)

In the early spring months, it can still be pretty chilly but once you get to mid-April it warms up a bit. The weather during this time of the year is pretty rainy so it's a great time to see the waterfalls. Because of all of the rain, the forests get greener and the flowers begin to bloom making May the best month to elope in the springtime.

Summer Weather (June-August)

Summers in Oregon are warm but never get above 68 degrees on the coast which is perfect weather. In the summer months, it can still rain unexpectedly so make sure to be prepared by bringing an umbrella just in case. But other than some occasional rain, the summer months are a great time to elope in Oregon because of the mild weather.

Fall Weather ( September-November)

In the fall months in Oregon, the leaves begin to change colors and the fog starts to roll in which really sets the tone for some stunning elopement photos. But, the rainy days also start to become more consistent so be prepared with rain gear. So if you want to do your best to avoid the chances of rain, it’s probably best for you to avoid eloping in the fall.

Winter Weather (December-February)

The winter months by far get the most rain. But if you’re down to run around in the rain on your elopement day, I’m, down to follow to capture your photo and video. If you elope on the coast, the temperatures are cold but not unbearable with highs being in the 40s. The mountains of Oregon in the winter get pretty cold and snowy, so not the most ideal conditions for an elopement.

Oregon engagement photos couple embracing in forest

Best Locations for Your Oregon Elopement

Oregon Coast Elopement Locations

Ecola State Park

Located between Seaside and Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park which stretches 9 miles along the Oregon coast where the forest meets the ocean. There are seriously so many breathtakingly beautiful views to enjoy at this coastal park. You enter the park through a lush green forest which eventually leads you to the most gorgeous ocean views with mountain backdrops. A day eloping here could be spent hiking, enjoying a picnic on the beach, and then a sunset walk on the beach.

Cannon Beach

If you’re looking to elope in a small coastal town with the most beautiful beaches, then Cannon Beach is it. Cannon Beach is known for being one of the most romantic cities in the US which says a LOT. This location is perfect for the couple who wants both adventure and small-town vibes with lots of art and culture. For your elopement here, you could spend the first part of your day with the ceremony and photos on the beach, and then head into town for some great food and drinks to celebrate!

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Hecta Head Lighthouse is a super popular spot on the Oregon Coast for photos. Although it is popular for photos, this is by far one of the least popular coastal areas in Oregon for visitors. You get incredible views of the lighthouse with the rocky coast and white sand beaches in the background. You can spend your day hiking around and exploring this beautiful area and then maybe end with a romantic picnic overlooking the ocean.

Cape Kiwanda

If a laid-back elopement on a white sandy beach with an evening bonfire is how you want to spend your elopement day, then Cape Kiwanda Beach is the place to do it. You can even climb a massive sand dune on this beach for even better views of the ocean. But be warned that this beach can get pretty busy.

God’s Thumb

If you’re up for some hiking on your elopement day then God’s Thumb is definitely well worth it. This beautiful Oregon coast elopement location offers miles of ocean views and lush wildflower meadows making the 4.3-mile roundtrip hike well worth it!

Columbia River Gorge Elopement Locations

The Ruins

The Ruins is a STUNNING wedding venue in Hood River that can also accommodate elopements and micro-weddings. This venue is literally right in the middle of downtown and it’s full of so much history and charm. The Ruins is also right next to the Mt Hood Railroad that rides along the Hood River Valley which is another great way to enjoy some more relaxing time of your elopement day!

Check out more from this Hood River elopement at The Ruins here!

Oregon elopement at The Ruins in Hood River, Oregon

The Waterfall Corridor

The Waterfall Corridor is a pretty spectacular area in the Columbia River Gorge that is home to dozens of magical waterfalls. The most well-known waterfalls are Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahclella Falls, Panther Creek Falls, and Horsetail Falls. In the summer months, these waterfalls can get pretty busy, so a spring elopement here might be ideal if you want more privacy.

Rowena Crest Viewpoint

If you want a super easy and accessible elopement location in the Columbia River Gorge that is still so beautiful, then consider Rowena Crest Viewpoint. It is truly the most picturesque location with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge, a hidden lake, and a curved highway. I recently shot an elopement here with a vintage car and it was indescribable.

Airbnb

If having a more intimate and low-key elopement is super important to you, then eloping at a unique Airbnb surrounded by nature is a great option. There are so many stunning Airbnbs in the area that would make for the most perfect setting for your elopement photos. You could hire a catering company and someone to design a tablescape to make it even more special. You could then enjoy some drinks on the porch at sunset. Or you could read love letters to each other by the fire and end the night in a hot tub. Just because you are eloping doesn’t mean you have to do some super extravagant adventure. Do what the two of you will enjoy most!

Here are some Airbnb’s in the area that could be perfect:

Portland Elopement Locations

Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park is one of the most beautiful and popular wedding and elopement locations in Portland. The ceremony location is located right beneath the iconic St.John’s Bridge which absolutely insane. The arches of the bridge with the trees and the river and the rolling hillsides in the background create the most picturesque background for your elopement!

While larger weddings do require a permit, if you are only having a standing ceremony with 2 witnesses and an officiant, you do not need one.

Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden is a wedding and elopement venue in SE Portland that is absolutely magical. The gardens are sooo green and so calming making you feel as though the outside world doesn’t exist. This is a great elopement location for those not wanting to stray from the city but wanting to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature!

Hoyt Arboretum

This elopement venue in Portland is so dreamy! The Hoyt Arboretum has a few ceremony locations to choose from. But, my personal favorite is the Redwood Deck which is a beautiful wooden deck surrounded by tall redwood and sequoia trees. It’s hard to believe that this ceremony location is so close to a major city.

Oregon Permits, Passes, & Marriage Legalities

Oregon Special Use/Activity Permits

OREGON NATIONAL PARKS ELOPEMENT PERMITS

Oregon only has one National Park, Crater Lake National Park. 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.

Fill out the online marriage license application.
Make an appointment at an Oregon county courthouse to pick you your marriage license. Both parties must be present with your required docs/ID, and a $60 fee.
After your elopement ceremony, the officiant must drop off the signed marriage license to be processed.

Important things to Note:

Is Oregon residency required? No
Witnesses required? Yes, 2
Officiant required? Yes
How long is the license valid? It will expire after 60 days.
Waiting period? Yes, there is a 3-day waiting period.

For more information on the process of obtaining your Oregon Marriage License, click here.

wedding details at this Oregon elopement

Best Places to Stay in Oregon

Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Where to Stay in Portland

Best Activities to do During your Oregon Elopement

Oregon elopements are so exciting because there are seriously so many different things you could do on your elopement day. It has great food, epic hiking trails, tons of fun indoor activities, and the cutest small towns to explore. Here are a few ideas to help you start planning:

Hike to a waterfall
Enjoy a glass of wine in the jacuzzi or bathtub after a long day of hiking
Bar-hop in downtown Portland
Enjoy a bonfire on the beach
Hire a private catering company for an intimate and romantic dinner at your Airbnb
Ride horses on the Oregon Coast
Take a scenic drive along the coast with the windows down and music blasting
Visit an Oregon Hot Spring
Cozy up by the fireplace in your Airbnb and reminisce about your elopement day!
Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Mt. Hood in the winter

Hiring your Oregon Elopement Photographer + Videographer

Oregon Elopement Photographer + 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.

How to Elope in Oregon | Updated for 2023