Oregon Elopement Planning Guide (2022)
Oregon Elopement Planning Guide (2022)
So you’ve chosen an Oregon elopement: Congratulations! Taking the more intimate route for weddings has become increasingly popular, especially with the recent pandemic in 2020. We here at Promise Mountain love to help our couples plan the wedding of their dreams, whether it’s a traditional elopement or a micro wedding. We have experience capturing the memories of couples all over the world, and that is why we are sharing our expertise with you!
Why Should You Choose an Oregon Elopement?
Oregon is an amazing place to elope in because they have a wide variety of landscapes to choose from! If your wedding style is Boho in the desert, Whimsical Fairytale in the forest, or Modern Chic in the mountains, Oregon has you covered. The landscape changes depending on what part of the state you are in: it’s truly a beautiful place!
Picking the Perfect Spot to Say “I do!”
Knowing what style of wedding you want will help you choose the area for your Oregon elopement.
An Oregon Elopement on the Coast
Ecola State Park - Wrapping around Tillamook Head, between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along 9 miles of coastline and offers gorgeous views and recreation opportunities with a storied past.
God’s Thumb - Views of the thumb-like cliff covered in lush green grass, crashing waters at the edge of the cliffside, and a stunning view of Lincoln City and the beach from above.
Hug Point - Hug Point State Recreation Site offers easy access to the beach, a glimpse at some interesting local history and loads of scenic beauty.
Cape Kiwanda - This sandstone headland just north of Pacific City offers one of the best viewpoints on the coast for witnessing the ocean's power with scenes of waves pummeling rugged, twisting rocks and crevices.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor - Craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and offshore rock formations await you along the 12 ocean-hugging miles of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, which is located between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway 101.
A Mountain Oregon Elopement
Mt. Hood - Soul-restoring moments live among these mountainous forests, snowy slopes, and volcanic wonders.
The Oregon Desert
The Painted Hills - The hills get their name from the delicately colored stratifications in the soil and the yellows, golds, blacks, and reds of the Painted Hills are best seen in the late afternoon. Tones and hues may appear to change from one visit to another, but once you see them for yourself, you’ll understand why the Painted Hills are one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.
Smith Rock State Park - If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. We also offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otters, and beaver.
The Lake or Waterfalls for Your Oregon Elopement
Latourell Falls - Latourell Falls is the closest of the major Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to the city of Portland, and it's also one of the most photogenic. A tall single-plunge waterfall of 224 feet, spills over the lip of an undercut amphitheater of tall pillars of columnar basalt.
Paulina Lake - Paulina Lake is one of the twin crater lakes in the Newberry Caldera created by years of volcanic activity. It’s located within the caldera of Newberry Volcano, about 25 miles south of Bend.
Eloping in the Forest & Trees
Loloma Lodge - Loloma is the wedding venue for you if you want that "campground, middle of nowhere vibe".
Mt. Hood - Soul-restoring moments live among these mountainous forests, snowy slopes, and volcanic wonders.
The Best Time of the Year for an Adventurous Oregon Elopement
Oregon is gorgeous in every season, but if you are looking for a time of year that is less crowded, then the summertime is not a good time to come. The fall is an amazing time for an Oregon elopement because the leaves of the trees will have begun to change and the scenic areas will be less crowded. Ultimately, it will depend on what area you decide to elope to and also your vision of your wedding day!
The Legal Stuff You’ll Want to Know
Do your research on the specific county you’ve chosen for your Oregon elopement because the laws can vary slightly from county to county. Oregon has a three-day waiting period from the time you get your license and the time it actually becomes legal. So make sure you plan ahead and give yourselves plenty of time to get through the red tape and make your nuptials legal!
Hiring Your Photographer and Other Vendors
When hiring your wedding photographer, you want to pick someone who is experienced in shooting in the location you’ve chosen. You’ll also want them to have established relationships with vendors in the area so that they can work together as a team to help give you a stress-free Oregon elopement.
Here at Promise Mountain, that is one of our core values! We are your one stop shop for stress-free elopements. We are not only wedding photographers but we also help plan the wedding, curate vendors, officiate the wedding, be your tour guides and so much more.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay During Your Oregon Elopement
Now that all of the details for the wedding day are settled, you’ll need a place to stay after your Oregon elopement is official! Oregon is full of amazing Airbnbs, and beautiful hotels. Here is a list of some popular places to rest your head for the night:
Creating Memories That Last a Lifetime
I hope this guide to planning your Oregon elopement has been useful in ironing out the details of your wedding day. Ultimately it is all about the moments together, and creating memories that last a lifetime! One add-on we offer here in our elopement packages at Promise Mountain is an Adventure Day after the ceremony where we explore the area and capture more photos along the way. If you are interested in hiring us as your one-stop-shop for all things elopement, we would love to connect with you!
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