How to Elope in Oregon

Feb 22

How to Elope in Oregon

Guide to Planning Your Oregon Elopement | Top Locations, Resources, Logistics & Details

You literally cannot go wrong with eloping in Oregon. It does not matter what you are looking for, Oregon has it. It has so many different landscapes from the epic cliffside coast, the desert, mountains, waterfalls, and lakes. I will be sharing all the important things you need to know about eloping in Oregon, where the most epic places are to do so, and when the best time of the year is in each area to have the best damn day ever!

Keep reading to learn about how to plan an elopement in Oregon!

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to elope in Oregon!

Oregon Marriage Laws
Top Places to elope in Oregon
When to Elope in Oregon
Oregon Elopement Packages

Start Planning Your Oregon Elopement

Oregon Elopement Logistics

marriage license:

Before you can elope in Oregon, you’ll need a marriage license. so make sure to plan ahead. once you receive your license, there is a three-day waiting period + you have 60 days after issuing to get married!

Your Oregon marriage license is valid for 60 days.
You both will need to be in person to get your Oregon marriage license.
There is a three-day waiting period to get your license.
Multnomah County will issue licenses for any ceremonies in Oregon, it is located near portland. If you are not going to be near Portland, call the country clerk in the county you will be getting married in to check for all of their requirements. You can do this either online or submit it by mail!
An Oregon marriage license costs $60. If you want/need to have it rushed it is $65, and both are non-refundable.
You will need 2 witnesses, at least 18 and older and of course, I will be one, but you will need one more and an officiant.

Where to elope in Oregon | in the Desert:

I think when planning your elopement in oregon, the desert is perfect to even think about year round. summers can hot in most areas of eastern oregon but in the early and last summer months, you can find nice warm and long lasting days for maximum fun and leading into the fall you can find crisp mornings and warm afternoons, so if you made me pick id fall is for sure my favorite time of year to plan elopements in Oregon.

bend oregon:

Bend, Oregon is a DREAM. I love Bend with the fact that there is a spot for just about any vibe you are trying to achieve. You can choose the mountains, a lake, waterfalls, and rivers. There is just about everything and anything you could ask for. Not to mention all the local restaurants and breweries that will make for a super fun after party.

smith rock:

Smith Rock is a state park that spreads over 650 acres and is 3,000 ft in elevation which has tons of hiking and trails within the park. A day-use parking pass is required, and pets are allowed on leashes! smith rock is located right outside of Bend (see above for all the amazing things in bend as well).

sand dunes:

A rad desert in the pnw? It is unreal and magical. you can bring your furry friends, an ATV to go for a wild ride after your “I do’s”, have a picnic on the dunes, bring your friends and family, the opportunities are endless. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place to exchange vows. keep in mind- depending on how far out in the dunes you want to go it might be a little more difficult to get other guests there if you are planning on having others join you.

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Where to elope in Oregon | on the Coast:

Best Time to Elope: June - September will give you warmer weather (although nothing is ever promised in Oregon) the beautiful sunsets, golden hours, and then October - May you can have a more overcast moody and maybe some rain (but I am good at what I do and rain can call for some amazing photos- trust me!)

cape kiwanda:

Cape Kiwanda never disappoints. It has the most amazing limestone rocks and is right on the coast with a haystack in the background and sandy beaches. Do I even need to say anything else?! The super unique thing about Cape Kiwanda is that the options are endless and so many different backgrounds and locations that you can choose from and they are all very close to each other so why not pick a couple?!

gods thumb:

It does take a little bit of a hike to the top but wow you will not be disappointed. Gods Thumb to me screams Oregon. Start at the bottom and get some epic pics with “gods thumb” in the back then hike up the grassy trail to the top where you will be surrounded by the coast, tree’s, and the beach. hike back down to the beach and get some fun beach pictures, and end with a fun beach picnic and pop that champagne!

cannon beach:

Cannon Beach is no stranger to the photography world, but the cool thing is there are so many options and different access points. Views are never-ending here, there are so many cute air b&b’s and many different spots to exchange your vows. From the sandy beaches to the green trees and ferns, the views are priceless. Since Cannon Beach is more touristy- it’s usually better during the week early in the morning or later in the day.

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Where to elope in Oregon | in the Mountains:

Best Time to Elope: It depends on what you want and what vibe you are going for, you can get snow in the winter and wildflowers in the summer! Winter and summer are for sure my favorite times up in the mountains though!

sparks lake:

Sparks Lake is about 40 mins from Bend and is worth the little extra drive out there, you get amazing views of Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top. Keep in mind the weather can always be a little unpredictable in the winter and fall months- even in the summer we are talking about the pnw here, but I’ve said it before rain calls for some fun and beautiful picture’s as well.

broken top:

Calling all the hikers out there, this is your spot! About an hour drive from Bend, Oregon and then about another hour of a hike you will reach this magical location. This is the most epic location for the most intimate exchange of vows. pack some wine and beer and start hiking to your special day!

mt. hood:

Did you know that Mt. Hood is a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Oregon? Mt. Hood has a lot of hiking trails and old forest roads that will lead you to a gorgeous view for your special day that is super easy to get to. The highway leading up is gorgeous and filled with all the dope pnw trees that makes the trip unforgettable. wintertime is an epic winter wonderland, and in the summer, you will get meadows with wildflowers and amazing waterfalls.

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Where to elope in Oregon | Just Outside the City

Best Time to Elope: Mid-June to September. keep in mind the pnw has a mind of its own and let’s face it, can be very unpredictable when it comes to the weather but most of the time June - September we have better luck with some sunshine! If you are hoping for the amazing waterfalls though, late spring and early summer will be the best due to higher water flow.

COLUMBIA river gorge:

If you are looking for a dreamy waterfall- look no further. There are tons of waterfalls that you can choose from depending on how far you want to hike. We can chat about my favorites if you decide on an epic waterfall elopement!

rowena crest:

The nice thing about the Rowena Crest is that it is super easy to find and very friendly for guests, along with bathrooms nearby. You literally just drive up the windy roads and get to your location, so you will not have to worry about carrying a lot of stuff very far! The views here are so majestic, in the spring there are gorgeous fields of wildflowers and a panoramic view of the gorge year-round and of course the unique horseshoe road that you can see down below.

government cove:

Want to get amazing views but hiking up there is not your thing? Well, government cove is your spot. you can drive to the end of the road, get out of the car, and explore the perfect place for you and your significant other to exchange your vows. You will find rocky cliffs covered in moss, trees, trails and so much more. It is one of the more secluded locations making for a very intimate ceremony. Keep in mind there are no bathrooms, no parking fees, nothing but amazing views waiting for you!

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Your Oregon Elopement Photographer

hey, im Rylee

I’m going to be your guide on navigating this whole eloping in Oregon. Being based in the pnw, Oregon holds a super special place in my heart and lets just say I’m kind of a local expert so if theres something you need to know about planning and Oregon elopement or intimate wedding - I’m your lady! Contact me to plan your dream elopement or intimate wedding.

Oregon Elopement Packages

Planning and Resources:

From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery.