YOUR GUIDE TO ADVENTURE ELOPING IN OREGON
scout report:
Oregon is a Super Rad State for Elopements in the Fall
why oregon?
The Landscape
The first time I went to Oregon was about 5 years ago. My buddy and I rented an SUV and spent 6 weeks driving around to the state’s 7 Wonders- camping, hiking, and photographing our brains out! It blew my mind that just one state could offer so much diversity, jaw-dropping scenery, and epic adventure. I’ve been going back every year since! Last year, I actually hiked across the entire state on the Pacific Crest Trail! This state is one of my favorite places on Earth! If you’re looking for stunning mountain scapes, mossy green forests, majestic waterfalls, cool coastal hikes, and a secret painted desert then this is the right place for you to elope!
The Season
I’m going to be there from October 15th to Thanksgiving! This time of year, Oregon’s stereotypical moody vibes will have arrived- offering rustic colors and cooler weather. Just like Kauai, Oregon has a wet side and dry side which is split by the peaks of the Cascade Mountains located right in the middle of the state. The west side of the state is more wet and mild while the east side is drier and cooler. This means if you decide to elope somewhere on the west side, we’ll bring umbrellas and if you choose to elope somewhere on the east side, we’ll bundle up!
Fall is an awesome time in the PNW with autumn colors exploding in the hills! Mid-Late November the moody rains and fogs will get a bit heavier on the coast and we could definitely see some white powder in the mountains. This kind of weather can make for some pretty dreamy photos- and it makes the espresso and craft beer taste that much better!
The Legalities
Getting legally married in Oregon isn’t too complicated at all! However, most counties do have a 3-day waiting period that you’ll need to plan for if you’re traveling to Oregon for your elopement. If you want to elope on one of the first days that you arrive, then apply ahead of time online, or you can simply pay the additional $10 fee to have the waiting period waived! A marriage license fee in Oregon is typically about $60 (this slightly varies from county to county). You’ll also need a certified officiant and two witnesses to sign the marriage license. That’s it!
And guess what? I actually just got ordained in the state of Oregon! This means if you’d rather share your vows and exchange rings personally, instead of a third party leading you through the ceremony, you absolutely can! Legally, I can sign and file your marriage license in place of an officiant! This is a great option if you want to get married in a cool place that’s more remote and might take some extra effort to get to.
It’s important for me that I make a ‘Just Us’ option available to you because usually, the adventure of getting to an especially remote spot to have your wedding is something you would rather spend doing with just your partner! Having an officiant along might not be what you envision. A ‘Just Us’ wedding ceremony is a great choice if you’re looking for a more intimate, personable experience!
If no friends or family will be joining us to sign as witnesses, that’s okay! Oregon is full of friendly hikers and outdoor enthusiasts! We can ask a couple of people we see at the trailhead either before or after your ceremony, or whoever we pass by while were adventuring! I’m sure they’d be honored!
Remember- If you would prefer a ‘Just Us’ type of elopement be sure to write your own vows! Since you won’t be following a “repeat after me” script, this is really important! Reciting your personalized vows is always my favorite part of the ceremony to photograph! Talk about why you are making the commitment to love your partner for the rest of your life! Tell stories! You can even read letters from your friends and family who are not in attendance! And here’s a super tip for the photos: write your vows down on paper! (Reading them off from a piece of technology like an iPhone in the middle of a stunning piece of nature just looks kind of weird in the pics😉.)
where are the best locations to elope in oregon?
Oregon has a ZILLION incredible places to elope so it’s hard to narrow it down. It’s a state that’s great for adventure elopements year-round. However, specifically for the fall season, these would be the top three areas I recommend!
THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
The Gorge sits along the Columbia River about 30 minutes outside of Portland. Besides all the outstanding vista views, this area has more waterfalls than anywhere else in North America! During the Autumn season there’ll be pretty colors poking out from the deciduous trees which are nestled amongst the evergreen forests. By mid-October the traffic on trails will have died down from the normally overcrowded summer spike.
One of the raddest things about the Gorge is the versatility it offers when it comes to the level of adventure elopers want to take on. That means you don’t have to hike too far out to get somewhere in nature that’s dazzling. We can walk on a flat path in the forest for a quarter-mile to a picturesque waterfall or send it 1,500 feet straight up a mountain for crazy views of the entire valley! The adventure you choose can be any level of difficulty you want!
For this reason, The Columbia River Gorge is great for both fun celebrations with guests and for intimate ‘Just Us’ elopements between couples. Plus, Hood River is one of the sweetest towns to hang out in and explore!
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Someplaces
GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/pTBdpGxttLj9oK4L8
WHERE TO STAY: Hood River
CENTRAL OREGON
This region has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers! I’d say that Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, and the Three Sisters are the crown jewels of Oregon. If your vibes are cozy-mountain-cabin-in-the-forest after an epic adventure, this will be a great area for your elopement.
By mid-November, we could totally see some white powder, yet the temps are still not too chilly during the day (depending on the elevation). There are countless remarkable hikes and backpacking trails to take advantage of and Smith Rock is spectacular.
Besides all the fabulous scenery, Central Oregon also has the best little towns, eats, brews, and all-around character. Bend and Sisters are two of my all-time favorite places to chill in after some good adventures.
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Some places
GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/WghxjQRt9cez41438
WHERE TO STAY: Bend & Sisters
THE OREGON COAST
This is where 363 miles of Pacific Ocean collide with a dramatic, rugged, and misty coastline full of giant sea stacks and staggering cliffside vistas. Indeed- the Oregon Coast will take your breath away! You can seriously pull off on any exit from Highway 101 and find something inspiring. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with a coastal elopement in Oregon.
Do know that the weather is wildly unpredictable in this region. There won’t be any guarantees that we’ll stay dry in the fall or any time of year over there- but the surprise can be half the fun!
Besides the beaches, and scenic seascapes, the Coast offers so many amazing hiking trails into thick foggy forests that have hundreds of waterfalls, and rope bridges, and moss- SO MUCH MOSS! When the light breaks through the quiet fog, you’ll feel like characters in The Hobbit. It’s pretty dang dreamy!
Instead of the high alpine mountains for your elopement in the fall, consider the untamed, moody vibes that this majestic region provides!
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Some Places
GOOGLE MAPS: The Whole West Side of the State!
WHERE TO STAY: Cannon Beach, Astoria, Florence, Neskowin Beach, Gold Beach, & Pacific City,
I recommend these two adventure travel resources for planning your trip to oregon: Travel Oregon & The Outdoor Project.
If your ready to book an elopement (or Adventure Session) in Oregon this fall let’s talk!
