Can’t decide between a coastal, forest, mountain, or lakeside elopement? In Oregon, you don’t have to choose.
This step-by-step Oregon elopement guide covers everything you need to know, from top elopement spots to marriage licenses and permits. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Choose Your Elopement Location
The first step to planning your Oregon elopement is picking your perfect spot. Whether it’s exchanging vows on a rocky beach or mossy forest, these are the top three elopement locations in Oregon.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast… it’s what defines the state. Rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and overlooks that stretch as far as the eye can see. From the lighthouses to the beach towns, you seemingly have endless options to choose from. Here are some of my personal favorites…
- Specific locations I recommend: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (my personal favorite), Cannon Beach, and Cape Kiwanda.
- Best time of year to elope: June or September-October.
- Permit information: Usually not required unless you have over 75 people.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is known for its large variety of waterfalls, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Its proximity to Portland makes this area a great spot for couples looking to not venture too far out of the city.
- Specific locations I recommend: Latourell Falls, Rowena Crest, and Multnomah Falls.
- Best time of year to elope: April-May.
- Permit information: Usually not required unless you have over 75 people.
Central + Eastern Oregon
Unlike other parts of Oregon, Central and Eastern Oregon offers a blend of lakes, waterfalls, and desert landscapes. This region remains one of the most underrated areas in the state.
- Specific locations I recommend: Crater Lake National Park, Sahalie Falls, and Smith Rock Smith Park.
- Best time of year to elope: June or September-October.
- Permit information: Dependent on location. For national or state parks, a permit is required and is usually around $100.
Step 2: Choose Your Date
Oregon is a state you can elope in year-round, but the best time of year to elope in Oregon is during the spring or fall. Each season has its perks—here’s what to expect:
September-October
For great weather and fewer crowds, fall is ideal. Whether eloping on the coast or in the mountains, September and early October offer mild temperatures, low crowds, vibrant fall colors, and snow-free trails.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Mild weather – Low crowds – Open and accessible trails | – Higher chance of rain |
November-March
Some locations, like Mount Hood and Crater Lake, are inaccessible in winter, but the Oregon Coast is a fantastic option. Expect wind and rain, but you’ll avoid summer crowds and high prices. If you don’t mind a little rain (hello, even lighting!), winter is a great time to elope.
| Pros | Cons |
| – No crowds – Even lighting – Lots of wildlife – More affordable travel prices | – Rain – Certain areas are inaccessible due to snow |
April-May
Spring is a beautiful time to visit, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. With fewer crowds and lower prices, you’ll catch waterfalls at their peak and wildflowers starting to bloom. While rain is possible, the lack of crowds is worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
| – No crowds – Even lighting – Lots of wildlife – Wildflowers – More affordable travel prices | – Rain – Certain areas are inaccessible due to snow |
June-August
I usually don’t recommend summer elopements in Oregon due to peak tourism. While the weather is great, the crowds aren’t. If summer is a must, opt for a weekday ceremony and avoid popular spots like Cannon Beach and the Columbia River Gorge. Instead, explore Southern Oregon or the quieter coastal towns in between.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Nice weather – Snow-free and accessible trails – Lots to do in nearby towns | – Crowds – Higher travel costs |
Step 3: Get a Permit
In Oregon, permits usually aren’t required unless your elopement has over 75 people. Most beaches and national forests are permit-free, but always check with your photographer, as they’ll know whether or not your location requires a permit. You can also Google “[elopement location] wedding permit” for up-to-date info.
Step 4: Book Your Vendors
Book your vendors early, as many fill up a year in advance. Start with an elopement photographer, even before choosing a location. I know I’m a bit biased, but trust me when I say that a good elopement photographer can make a world of a difference. Need a location without the crowds? They know of 50+. Not sure where to start looking for vendors? They have recommendations. Lost on permits and marriage license applications? They’ll handle it all and more. They’re your biggest asset in planning. Other than an elopement photographer, you might consider hiring a hair and makeup artist, florist, officiant, and videographer.
Step 5: Get a Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in Oregon is simple, but there’s a 3-day waiting period before you can elope, and the license expires in 60 days.
*Note: This example uses Washington County (near Portland), but each county has its own process. You don’t need to get the license from the county where you’ll elope, but you must return it there via mail after the ceremony. I recommend Washington County for its easy, straightforward process.
In-Person
- Fill out the online marriage license application.
- Pick up your marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement. You can walk in or call for an appointment. Bring your ID and $60 for the license. Currently, walk-ins are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm.
- After the ceremony, return the signed marriage license to the same office.
Mail-In
The mail-in option should be done 4-8 weeks before your ceremony.
- Call the County Clerk’s office at 503-846-8752 or email RecordingCopyRequests@washingtoncountyor.gov to request an application.
- Fill out the application.
- Mail it in along with a $60 cashiers check or money order.
- After the ceremony, return the signed marriage license to the same office.
To see step-by-step instructions for Washington County, check out their official website here.
Pro tip: You will need an officiant and two witnesses to elope in Oregon!
Step 6: Book Your Travel and Activities
Plane tickets, Airbnbs, and rental cars (oh my!). At this step in the process, book all the travel for your trip. To help get you started, here are a few of my favorite activities in the area:
- Try a famous doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts
- Soak in the hot tub after a long hike
- Pick up some new books at Powell’s City of Books
- Take a private waterfall tour
- Listen to the Sea Lions at Sea Lion Caves
- Ride horses along the Oregon Coast
- Go paddleboarding on Devil’s Lake
- Take a challenging hike on South Sister
- Roast hot dogs and s’mores around a campfire
- Have your first dance under the moonlight at the sand dunes
- Go wine tasting
- Try skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Hood
- Find a hidden hot springs in the mountains
Step 7: Make a Timeline
This is the last planning step! At this point, you should have everything squared away. Now, it’s time to piece it all together by building a timeline. Here are a few examples to help get you started.
8-Hour Elopement
- 12:00pm – Brianna meets the couple at a beach in Southern Oregon for a walk and picnic along the beach with their dogs before the ceremony
- 1:30pm – Head to their beach Airbnb for getting ready images
- 3:00pm – First look between the couple
- 3:15pm – Beachside ceremony with friends and family
- 3:30pm – Family portraits
- 4:00pm – Couples portraits around the beach
- 5:00pm – Travel to location #2 for golden hour portraits
- 5:30pm – Arrive and begin photographing
- 6:30pm – Travel back to the Airbnb
- 7:00pm – Intimate dinner with friends and family
- 8:00pm – Photo time wraps up, Brianna leaves
4-Hour Elopement
- 5:00pm – Brianna meets the couple at a cliffside for their private ceremony
- 5:15pm – Begin couples portraits around the bluff
- 6:30pm – Head to location #2 for golden hour portraits and stargazing shots
- 7:00pm – Golden hour portraits
- 8:00pm – First dance under the moon, taking pictures with the stars (could even do a campfire with s’mores here)
- 9:00pm – Photo time wraps up, Brianna leaves
Step 8: Elope in Oregon!
You did it! You just planned the most incredible Oregon elopement! From choosing the perfect location to gathering your dream team of vendors, you’ve created an experience that’s truly your own. If you’re interested in seeing my Oregon elopement packages to help you make this vision come to life, keep scrolling!
Oregon Elopement Packages
I’m Brianna, a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer who specializes in planning and capturing outdoor elopements for couples seeking a hands-on, personalized experience. I offer a variety of packages and love helping couples design their dream wedding days in incredible locations. From creating custom location lists and handling permits to providing vendor recommendations and building timelines, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Take a look at what’s included below!
Oregon Elopement Package Pricing
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Oregon
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Oregon are already included
- Starting at $8,000
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
