How to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge
Planning your Columbia River Gorge Elopement
If you imagine your elopement day to be moody, romantic, and surrounded by lush greenery then the Columbia River Gorge might just be the perfect elopement location for you! It offers some of the most amazing views, epic waterfalls, cozy Airbnbs, and fun activities to make your elopement a day you will want to relive over and over again! If this sounds like your dream elopement location then keep reading because I give you all the info on where to elope in the Columbia River Gorge, where to stay, the best time of the year to elope, and so much more!!
FAQs About Eloping in the Columbia River Gorge
When is the best time of the year to elope in the Columbia River Gorge?
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 the Columbia River Gorge?
Yes, you will need 2 witnesses at your Columbia River Gorge elopement. Your photographer and videographer can be those witnesses.
Do you need a special permit to elope in the Columbia River Gorge?
Yes, some locations do require a special use permit. There is more information on this in the permits section of this guide.
Can you get married on the same day in the Columbia River Gorge?
No, there is a 3-day waiting period before you can get married.
Why Elope in the Columbia River Gorge?
Every area of the Columbia River Gorge is a literal dream and offers lush greenery, beautiful waterfalls, moody vibes, and the most charming little towns. You can choose to spend your elopement day out adventuring and exploring or rent a cozy Airbnb and do something more intimate and private. Or better yet do both!! Start your Columbia River Gorge elopement day with a sunrise hike for your ceremony and then end your day with a nice catered dinner back at your Airbnb! There are truly so many unique ways to celebrate your elopement in the Columbia River Gorge and I will be sharing more on this later in this guide!
Where is the Columbia River Gorge?
The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful river canyon located in Oregon that sits against nearby peaks of the PNW’s Cascade Mountain Range. The river is about 80 miles long and forms a boundary between Washington to the North and Oregon to the South. Along the Columbia River Gorge, you will find stunning grasslands, lush forests, and abundant waterfalls falling from the basalt cliffs.
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 the Columbia River Gorge
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.
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is by far the most popular waterfall because of how accessible and beautiful it is. The area surrounding the waterfall is super green and lush and there are some old bridges that make for some beautiful locations for some photos. While the walk to the bottom of the waterfall is very short, you can choose to continue to the top of the falls which is a 2.4-mile round-trip hike. If you are up for a little more adventure and want to escape the busy crowds, I highly recommend hiking to the top!
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls Scenic Viewpoint is a great option if you want easy access to a waterfall as well as beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge. A steep 0.3-mile hike will take you to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls and then the 0.5-mile Overlook Trail offers stunning views of the Columbia River along the paved loop.
Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls is an absolutely stunning elopement location in which you can spend your morning hiking and choose to enjoy a picnic on the way or once you get there. It is a short 2-mile hike that is pretty easy. The springtime here is stunning as the wildflowers are everywhere along the hike.
Panther Creek Falls
Panther Creek Falls is somewhat of a less-known waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge as there is no signage for it. It is a short 0.4-mile hike to reach the bottom of the falls and you won’t be disappointed. The water rushing down the moss-covered cliffs is mesmerizing!
Horsetail Falls
While Horsetail Falls isn’t as big and grand as the other waterfalls it is still worth checking out as you can actually walk behind the waterfall. You will definitely get wet though so keep that in mind and wear shoes with good tread. It is a 0.9-mile hike that is pretty easy and it is also close to Ponytail Falls if you want to check out both waterfalls.
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.
Government Cove
If you are wanting 360 degree views of the Columbia River Gorge then this is the location for you. This is the perfect elopement location for a sunset ceremony with tons of privacy and unobstructed views of the river, trees, cliffs, and fields. You can then take the most stunning portraits and enjoy a romantic picnic with a glass of champagne to celebrate!
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. Even if you still want to do some hiking, I highly recommend renting an Airbnb for your elopement so you have a nice private place to enjoy the evening!
Wedding Venues in the Columbia River Gorge
If you are still undecided on whether you want to elope or have a wedding in the Columbia Gorge, here are some great venue options as well:
The Ruins in Hood River, Oregon
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!
The Griffin House in Hood River, Oregon
Set on a private cliffside overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, this 120-year-old home has been transformed into the most stunning outdoor wedding venue! It has the best staff, charming getting-ready spaces for both parties, a ceremony location overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, and a gorgeous clear tent for the reception.
Columbia Gorge Hotel
The Columbia Gorge Hotel is a historic hotel that offers a dramatic cliffside setting to celebrate your big day. Its perfectly manicured lawns, gardens, ponds, and bridges found across its 7 acres of land provide you with a venue space that feels straight out of a fairytale.
Multnomah Falls Lodge is a gorgeous wedding venue that offers spaces for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. One of the main areas you can host your wedding is the Great Room which offers stunning floor-to-ceiling stone walls, a high vaulted ceiling, a massive fireplace, and views of the Columbia River on one side and the Magnificent Multnomah Falls on the other.
Oregon Permits, Passes, & Marriage Legalities
Columbia River Gorge Special Use Permits
One of the best parts about eloping in the Columbia River Gorge is that you will not need any sort of special use permit. A permit is only required if you plan on having more than 75 people in attendance and that includes vendors.
Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit
As of May 2022, a permit is required for all vehicles to access the lands in the waterfall corridor between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. PST. You will only need a permit if you are visiting from late May to early September. Months outside of this timeframe do not require a permit to enter. To determine if you will need a permit just check the Waterfall Corridor website for updates.
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.
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge
Spring Weather (March-May)
If you’re not afraid of some rain then this is a stunning time of the year to elope in the Columbia River Gorge because the waterfalls are abundant, all of the greenery is super lush, and the wildflowers begin to bloom. In the early spring months, it can still be pretty chilly but once you get to mid-April it warms up a bit.
Summer Weather (June-August)
Summers in the Columbia River Gorge are warm but never get above 80 degrees. 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 here because of the mild weather.
Fall Weather ( September-November)
In the fall months in the Columbia River Gorge, 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 and many areas of the Columba River Gorge get heavy snowfall. But if you’re down to run around in the rain or snow on your elopement day, I’m down to follow to capture your photo and video.
Where to Stay When Eloping in the Columbia River Gorge
Airbnbs
Hotels/Lodges
Fun Activities to Do on Your Elopement Day in the Columbia River Gorge
One of the best parts about eloping in the Columbia River Gorge is the abundance of fun and unique activities. If you are struggling to decide what to do on your elopement day, here are some fun ideas:
Hike to a waterfall
Enjoy a scenic and romantic train ride on Mt. Hood Railroad
Take a wine or brewery tour
Soak in a hot spring at the Society Hotel or Carson Hot Springs
Enjoy some kayaking or paddle boarding in the river
Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Mt. Hood in the winter
Enjoy a glass of wine in the jacuzzi or bathtub after a long day of hiking
Visit Crown Point Vista House for some of the best views of the Columbia River Gorge
Hire a private catering company for an intimate and romantic dinner at your Airbnb
Cozy up by the fireplace in your Airbnb and reminisce about your elopement day!
Columbia River Gorge Elopement Vendors
Hair/Makeup
Florists
Videographers
Montana Diaries: We’re a full coverage photography + videography team!
Officiants
Planning/Design
Other
Stationary: Life in Letters
Columbia River Gorge Wedding/Elopement Photographer & Videographer
Heyyy, I’m Shay, your Oregon and Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge wedding or elopement by clicking HERE.
