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Oregon Elopement Location Guide

  • jerrilynnlatta1
  • Jul 5, 2024
  • 12 min read

Updated: Mar 8


lush green scenery in forest showcased the koosah falls running into the mckenzie river which is so clear that it appears blue

Oregon offers a stunning variety of landscapes perfect for elopements. From deserts to mountains and coasts, this guide provides detailed information on popular elopement locations within the state. Oregon is home to over 238 waterfalls, 1,400 named lakes, 112,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 3,488 miles of ocean coastline. The state also boasts 10 major mountain peaks, including the iconic Mount Hood, and countless landmarks such as Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, and Haystack Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon coast. Whether you're planning a desert adventure, a mountain escape, or a coastal celebration, Oregon has it all. Here is a quick link to Brochures for all the Oregon State Parks. Additionally, here is a link to the Definitions for Special Use Permits in Oregon.



Desert Elopement Locations


Painted Hills

painted hills in oregon

The Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, showcase a mesmerizing palette of colors created by layers of volcanic ash. This desert landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and gold hills against a backdrop of expansive skies. Typical weather is dry and warm in summer, cool and crisp in fall and spring. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the vibrant hues of the hills, followed by a hike to capture stunning sunset photos.

  • Benefits: Unique and colorful geological formations providing a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your elopement photos.

  • Landscape Features: Vibrant red, yellow, and gold hills; expansive views of the high desert.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 4 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Painted Hills

  • Scenic Activities: Hiking, photography, stargazing.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. John Day Fossil Beds Special Use Permits


Alvord Desert

alvord desert at sunset

The Alvord Desert is a vast expanse of white salt flats surrounded by rugged mountains, creating a surreal and remote setting. The landscape is stark and stunning, with dramatic sunrises and sunsets. The weather is typically hot in summer and chilly in winter. Enjoy a secluded ceremony on the salt flats, followed by a soak in nearby hot springs under a star-filled sky.

  • Benefits: Vast, open space with dramatic sunrises and sunsets; a truly remote and intimate setting.

  • Landscape Features: Flat, white salt flats surrounded by rugged mountains.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 7 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Alvord Desert

  • Scenic Activities: Off-roading, hot springs, camping.

  • Special Use Permit: Not required for most areas, but check BLM Special Recreation Permits for specific locations.


Smith Rock State Park

smith rock at sunset

Smith Rock State Park is renowned for its towering basalt cliffs and the winding Crooked River. This dramatic desert landscape is a haven for rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. The weather is typically sunny and dry, with hot summers and cool winters. Imagine an adventurous elopement at the base of majestic cliffs, with a post-ceremony hike along the river.

  • Benefits: Iconic rock formations; renowned rock climbing destination.

  • Landscape Features: Towering basalt cliffs, the Crooked River, and sagebrush plains.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 3.5 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Smith Rock State Park

  • Scenic Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, bird watching.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. Smith Rock Special Use Permits


Fort Rock


Fort Rock is a massive volcanic landmark rising dramatically from the sagebrush desert. The circular formation, resembling a fortress, is rich in geological and cultural history. The weather is generally dry, with warm summers and cold winters. Celebrate your elopement within the natural amphitheater of Fort Rock, followed by an exploration of its ancient caves.

  • Benefits: Unique volcanic landmark; secluded and serene environment.

  • Landscape Features: Massive rock formation resembling a fort, surrounded by sagebrush desert.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 4.5 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Fort Rock

  • Scenic Activities: Photography, hiking, exploring nearby Fort Rock Cave.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. Fort Rock Special Use Permits



Mountain Elopement Locations


Mount Hood


Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest peak, offers iconic alpine scenery with year-round accessibility. The landscape includes snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and serene alpine lakes. The weather varies greatly, with snowy winters and mild summers. Exchange vows with Mount Hood as your backdrop, followed by a cozy reception in a mountain lodge.


Crater Lake

Crater Lake is known for its stunning blue water and dramatic setting within a volcanic caldera. Surrounded by cliffs and evergreen forests, the lake is the deepest in the U.S. The weather includes snowy winters and mild, sunny summers. Imagine a lakeside ceremony followed by a boat tour to capture unique photos from the water.


Three Sisters Wilderness


The Three Sisters Wilderness encompasses over 280,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including three volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The weather is variable, with snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. Celebrate your elopement surrounded by the towering Three Sisters, followed by a hike to a secluded alpine lake.


Wallowa Mountains


The Wallowa Mountains, often called the "Alps of Oregon," offer rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. The remote location ensures a serene and intimate setting. The weather is typically snowy in winter and mild in summer. Imagine exchanging vows in a wildflower meadow with the Wallowa peaks as your backdrop, followed by a hike to an alpine lake.


Coastal Elopement Locations


Cannon Beach


Cannon Beach is famous for its iconic Haystack Rock and charming seaside town atmosphere. The landscape features sandy beaches, dramatic rock formations, and coastal cliffs. The weather is mild year-round, with cool, wet winters and dry summers. Celebrate your elopement on the sandy shores with Haystack Rock in the background, followed by a cozy dinner in town.

  • Benefits: Iconic Haystack Rock; charming seaside town atmosphere.

  • Landscape Features: Sandy beaches, dramatic rock formations, coastal cliffs.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Cannon Beach

  • Scenic Activities: Beachcombing, tide pooling, shopping in the quaint town.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if 50 or more people will attend or structures are brought. Cannon Beach Special Use Permits



Cape Kiwanda


Cape Kiwanda offers stunning ocean views and golden sandstone cliffs. The area is less crowded, providing a more intimate coastal experience. The weather is mild, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

  • Benefits: Stunning ocean views; less crowded than other coastal locations. Exchange vows atop the sandstone cliffs, followed by sandboarding down the dunes and a beachside picnic.

  • Landscape Features: Golden sandstone cliffs, massive sand dunes, coastal forests.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 2 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Cape Kiwanda

  • Scenic Activities: Surfing, sandboarding, hiking.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if 50+ people will attend and props/structures are used. Cape Kiwanda Special Use Permits


Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor


The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor boasts a rugged and dramatic coastline with sea stacks, natural bridges, and lush forests. The weather is typically mild, with wet winters and cool, foggy summers. Celebrate your elopement with breathtaking ocean views, followed by a hike through lush forests and along dramatic cliffs.

  • Benefits: Rugged and dramatic coastline; secluded spots for intimate ceremonies.

  • Landscape Features: Sea stacks, natural bridges, lush forests.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 5 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

  • Scenic Activities: Hiking, photography, whale watching.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if you have 50+ people and are using props/structures. Samuel H. Boardman Special Use Permits


Cape Perpetua


Cape Perpetua offers panoramic ocean views, lush coastal forests, and tide pools teeming with marine life. The area is known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. The weather is typically mild, with cool, wet winters and dry summers. Exchange vows with panoramic ocean views, followed by exploring tide pools and hiking through lush forests.

  • Benefits: Panoramic ocean views; diverse ecosystems.

  • Landscape Features: Coastal cliffs, lush forests, tide pools.

  • Travel Distance from Portland: Approximately 3 hours.

  • Oregon State Info: Cape Perpetua

  • Scenic Activities: Hiking, tide pooling, whale watching.

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. Cape Perpetua Special Use Permits



Rivers Elopement Locations


Deschutes River


The Deschutes River is a popular destination for its clear waters, rugged canyons, and excellent fishing spots. The area offers a mix of accessibility, from easily reachable spots to more remote areas requiring a short hike. The weather is typically warm and dry in summer, cool and wet in winter.

  • Accessibility: Varies from easily reachable spots to short hikes.

  • Busy Level: Can be busy during peak seasons, quieter in off-season.

  • Pets: Allowed on most trails; check specific areas for restrictions.

  • Oregon State Info: Deschutes River

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required but situational. Deschutes River Special Use Permits


Rogue River


The Rogue River is renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, including white-water rafting and fishing. Most locations are accessible by car, with some spots requiring a short hike. The weather is mild, with wet winters and warm summers.

  • Accessibility: Mostly accessible by car; some spots require short hikes.

  • Busy Level: Can be busy, especially during rafting season.

  • Pets: Allowed on most trails and campgrounds.

  • Oregon State Info: Rogue River

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required but situational. Rogue River Special Use Permits


McKenzie River


The McKenzie River features crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and numerous hot springs. Many areas are easily accessible by car, with some requiring a short hike. The weather is typically mild, with wet winters and dry, warm summers.

  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car; some spots require short hikes.

  • Busy Level: Popular but with many secluded spots available.

  • Pets: Allowed on most trails.

  • Oregon State Info: McKenzie River

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. McKenzie River Special Use Permits


Columbia River Gorge


The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and historic landmarks. The area offers various levels of accessibility, from easily reachable viewpoints to hiking trails. The weather is variable, with wet winters and dry, warm summers.


Willamette River


The Willamette River flows through the heart of Oregon, offering lush riverbanks, scenic views, and recreational opportunities. Most areas are easily accessible by car, with some requiring a short hike. The weather is mild, with wet winters and warm summers.


Lakes Elopement Locations


Trillium Lake


Trillium Lake offers stunning views of Mount Hood reflected in its clear waters. The lake is easily accessible by car, with a short trail around the lake. The weather is typically cool and wet in winter, warm and dry in summer.

  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with a short trail around the lake.

  • Busy Level: Popular, especially in summer.

  • Pets: Allowed on trails and in the campground.

  • Oregon State Info: Trillium Lake

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if 75+ people will attend. Trillium Lake Special Use Permits


Sparks Lake

couple at sparks lake

Sparks Lake is known for its clear waters, stunning mountain views, and wildflower meadows. The lake is accessible by car, with a short hike to reach the best viewpoints. The weather is typically mild, with warm summers and cold winters.

  • Accessibility: Accessible by car with a short hike to viewpoints.

  • Busy Level: Less crowded than other popular lakes.

  • Pets: Allowed on trails.

  • Oregon State Info: Sparks Lake

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if over 75 people. Sparks Lake Special Use Permits


Waldo Lake

boat on waldo lake

Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in the world, surrounded by old-growth forests and mountain views. The lake is accessible by car, with a network of trails around it. The weather is typically cool and wet in winter, warm and dry in summer.

  • Accessibility: Accessible by car with trails around the lake.

  • Busy Level: Moderately busy.

  • Pets: Allowed on trails.

  • Oregon State Info: Waldo Lake

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if over 75 people. Waldo Lake Special Use Permits


Crater Lake

snow at crater lake

Crater Lake is famous for its stunning blue waters and dramatic volcanic caldera. The lake is accessible by car, with numerous viewpoints and trails around it. The weather includes snowy winters and mild, sunny summers.

  • Accessibility: Accessible by car with numerous viewpoints and trails.

  • Busy Level: Very popular, especially in summer.

  • Pets: Allowed on specific trails.

  • Oregon State Info: Crater Lake

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. Crater Lake Special Use Permits


Clear Lake

boats docked at clear lake water is so clear and blue you can see to the bottom

Clear Lake is renowned for its clarity, underwater forests, and stunning views. The lake is accessible by car, with a loop trail around it. The weather is typically cool and wet in winter, warm and dry in summer.

  • Accessibility: Accessible by car with a loop trail around the lake.

  • Busy Level: Less crowded than other popular lakes.

  • Pets: Allowed on trails.

  • Oregon State Info: Clear Lake

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required. Clear Lake Special Use Permits



Waterfalls Elopement Locations


Multnomah Falls


Multnomah Falls is Oregon's tallest waterfall, cascading 620 feet in two major steps. The falls are easily accessible by car with a short walk to the viewing area. The weather is typically wet in winter and dry in summer.

  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with a short walk to the viewing area.

  • Busy Level: Very popular and often crowded.

  • Pets: Allowed on leash.

  • Oregon State Info: Multnomah Falls

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required under specific situations. Multnomah Falls Special Use Permits


Silver Falls State Park

silver falls

Silver Falls State Park is known for its Trail of Ten Falls, featuring ten stunning waterfalls. The park is easily accessible by car, with varying lengths of hikes to the falls. The weather is typically wet in winter and dry in summer.

  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with varying lengths of hikes.

  • Busy Level: Popular, especially in summer.

  • Pets: Allowed on leash in certain areas.

  • Oregon State Info: Silver Falls State Park

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if over 50 people. Silver Falls Special Use Permits


Proxy Falls

proxy falls

Proxy Falls is one of Oregon's most photogenic waterfalls, with water cascading over moss-covered cliffs. The falls are accessible by a moderate hike. The weather is typically wet in winter and dry in summer.

  • Accessibility: Accessible by a moderate hike.

  • Busy Level: Moderately busy.

  • Pets: Allowed on leash.

  • Oregon State Info: Proxy Falls

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if over 75 people. Proxy Falls Special Use Permits


Toketee Falls

toketee falls

Toketee Falls features a unique columnar basalt formation, with water cascading into a serene pool. The falls are accessible by a short hike. The weather is typically wet in winter and dry in summer. Oregon offers the perfect backdrop for your special day.

  • Accessibility: Accessible by a short hike.

  • Busy Level: Less crowded than other popular waterfalls.

  • Pets: Allowed on leash.

  • Oregon State Info: Toketee Falls

  • Special Use Permit: Yes, required if over 75 people. Toketee Falls Special Use Permits




Why Choose Latta Photography for Your Oregon Elopement?

With so many stunning locations to choose from, finding the perfect spot for your Oregon elopement can be overwhelming. As a seasoned elopement photographer, I bring extensive knowledge of Oregon's diverse landscapes and a passion for capturing the unique beauty of each couple's love story.



Why I Am the Best Choice for Your Elopement Photography:

  • Extensive Local Knowledge: I have explored and photographed many of Oregon's breathtaking elopement locations, ensuring I can guide you to the perfect spot for your ceremony.

  • Customized Experience: Your love story is unique, and I tailor my approach to reflect your personalities and preferences, creating a truly personalized experience.

  • Professional Expertise: With years of experience in elopement photography, I possess the skills and artistic vision to capture stunning, timeless images.

  • Attention to Detail: From scouting locations to advising on the best time of day for lighting, I take care of the details so you can focus on your special day.

  • High-Quality Equipment: I use top-of-the-line photography equipment to ensure your photos are of the highest quality, capturing every moment in exquisite detail.


Contact me to start planning your Oregon Adventure

Ready to start planning your dream Oregon elopement? Contact me today to discuss your vision and how I can help make your elopement unforgettable. Visit my website at Latta Photography view my portfolio and get in touch.


Let's create beautiful memories together!

 
 
 

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