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You really can’t go wrong with eloping in Oregon. Whether you want to exchange your vows at a villa in a vineyard, on a crest overlooking the high desert, or in the mountains, this state truly has it all!
Over my many years as an Oregon elopement photographer, I still can’t get over the beautiful landscapes this state offers. From high desert to lakes and beaches, I’ll cover all the best locations for your Oregon elopement wedding.
If you’re considering eloping in Oregon, here’s a list of the best places to elope in Oregon (click below to jump to that location):
- Villa Catalana Cellars
- The Oregon Coast
- Smith Rock State Park
- Crater Lake National Park
- Timberline Lodge & Mt. Hood
Villa Catalana Cellars – Oregon City Elopement
If you envision a romantic destination elopement but prefer to keep your celebration closer to home, look no further than Villa Catalana Cellars.
Villa Catalana Cellars transports you to the Spanish countryside. Tucked away in the rolling hills less than an hour from Portland, this stunning venue offers the allure and romance of the European countryside without even leaving Oregon.
The Villa is a fully functioning winery and vineyard inspired by a 12th-century Romanesque church in Catalonia, Spain. Their tasting room doubles as a sunfilled solarium filled with rare tropical plants.
Couples can enjoy a pond-side ceremony under a grape arbor, surrounded by lush Mediterranean-inspired gardens and romantic stone architecture. Villa Catalana Cellars offers the perfect setting for the vineyard elopement of your dreams.
Enjoy some of my favorite shots throughout this blog from an Oregon engagement session I captured at Villa Catalana Cellars!
An Oregon Coast Elopement
Renowned for its rugged cliffs, iconic haystack rocks, and stunning ocean vistas, the Oregon Coast provides an enchanting setting for an intimate coastal elopement.
There are endless beaches and scenic locations along the coast for your Oregon beach elopement—some even have lighthouses!
From sandy shores to sandstone formations and cascading waterfalls, the Oregon Coast offers many different settings for your ceremony. Despite cooler temperatures during certain seasons, you can still exchange vows in the cool breeze and warmth of the summer sun.
Whether you prefer a ceremony overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean or along the treeline, an Oregon coast elopement offers an unforgettable experience filled with coastal beauty.
Here are just a few of my favorite Oregon coast elopement locations:
Smith Rock State Park – Bend Elopement Venue
If you want to get married in Oregon’s version of Zion National Park, look no further than Smith Rock State Park. This Bend elopement venue is nestled in central Oregon’s high desert, about three hours from Portland and 30 minutes from downtown Bend.
The park’s iconic red and orange rock formations create the most magnificent backdrop for your elopement ceremony. The Crooked River winds throughout the park alongside serene grassy fields and waterfalls.
In the summertime, golden hour creates the most romantic setting as the sun bathes over the cliffs and golden grass fields. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the sun setting over the distant Cascade Mountains.
Smith Rock has something for everyone, whether you’re into hiking, biking, climbing, or want a more leisurely walk. Even your furry friends can participate in the festivities as long as they are leashed and stay on the trails!
The ideal elopement ceremony size for Smith Rock Park is around ten guests. You don’t need a permit to get married here so long as your celebration doesn’t exceed 20 guests. Larger groups should contact park management to reserve the amphitheater!
You and your guests can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, and climbing, to make your elopement celebration even more memorable.
Here are some of the best places to elope at Smith Rock Park:
Crater Lake National Park – Southern Oregon Elopement Venue
Crater Lake National Park is an elopement venue for nature and adventure lovers in southern Oregon. It’s a bit of a longer drive for Portlanders, but you can spread the drive over a few days to enjoy the scenery along the way.
The park’s panoramic views of the caldera, pumice desert, and Wizard Island—especially during sunset and sunrise—offer a quintessential PNW setting for your elopement ceremony. Just imagine exchanging vows with the pine tree-lined crater and crystal-clear lake glimmering behind you!
The best time of year to elope at Crater Lake is from late June to late September for mild weather and the best access to the rim.
Crater Lake’s extensive hiking trails and stargazing opportunities promise you and your guests an unforgettable experience. From camping and hiking to skiing and swimming, there’s no shortage of activities here.
Keep in mind that you need a permit to have your elopement ceremony here. It costs $100 total—a $50 application fee and an additional $50 for the approved permit. Be sure to plan ahead, as processing time can take up to eight weeks.
Here are just a few of the best Crater Lake elopement areas:
Eloping at Timberline Lodge & Mount Hood
Timberline Lodge is a charming ski lodge at the base of Mt. Hood, near Government Camp, Oregon.
The snowy slopes of Mt. Hood make it an ideal destination for a winter wonderland elopement. And if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, Timberline’s high-alpine slopes are perfect for keeping the festivities going.
The Timberline Lodge offers several intimate wedding packages. You can rent their Silcox Hut or FDR Terrace, or even elope at the base of Mt. Hood before retreating to the lodge’s cozy accommodations.
If you’d rather avoid the snow, August through September is the best time for eloping at Mt. Hood. By then, the snow has melted away, and temperatures are just right for outdoor celebrations.
Couples can also explore the surrounding area for more affordable and adventurous elopement spots. Mt. Hood National Forest boasts views of Mt. Hood, lush forests, scenic trails, and pristine lakes.
Here are some other beautiful Mt. Hood elopement locations:
How to Plan Your Oregon Elopement Wedding
Are you eloping in Oregon and need an experienced photographer to capture your special day? Look no further! Whether you’re having a coastal ceremony or celebrating deep in the high desert, I would be honored to accompany you on your elopement adventure.
My elopement photography style is timeless and authentic, helping tell your unique love story. Get in touch to learn more about my elopement photography services. While I’m a Portland, Oregon elopement photographer, I’m always up for an adventure! Send me a message to explore my travel packages.
Not convinced yet? Keep scrolling to see the rest of my captures from this stunning engagement session at Villa Catalana Cellars!
