Oregon Elopement Guide
How to Elope in Oregon
your complete opregon elopement guide
You’re probably among the first of the people you know who have chosen to get married in this beautiful and unique way, a way that’s true to who you are and allows you to keep your values at the forefront. This is a brave thing you’re doing, and I’m incredibly happy that you’re prioritizing your experience.
Elope
Choosing to elope gives you the freedom to do everything the way YOU want. You have the opportunity to shut out unwanted opinions and expectations and stay centered with your partner.
All that freedom can feel daunting.
But it doesn’t have to be.
As someone who had her perfect elopement and as an experienced elopement photographer, I’ve put together this guide that will help you navigate your way through the process. Each phase is broken up into friendly, bite- sized sections. You don’t have to knock everything out in one fell swoop, so take your time!
This guide mostly focuses on outdoor elopements in Oregon and Washington, but you don’t have to be an avid hiker or hop a plane to get married in a way that’s meaningful to you and your partner. All these principles can be tailored to any elopement scenario.
BEFORE WE JUMP IN
WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT?
A tidy explanation is, it’s everything you want and nothing you don’t. But to be more specific, an elopement usually consists of you and your partner in an intimate location where you exchange vows in a setting that’s meaningful to you, placing experiences above material things or performative traditions. Some choose to invite their nearest and dearest, some choose to have an afterparty, some have post-elopement shots at a local dive bar. Your options are only limited to your imagination. You can do whatever YOU want! Most importantly, you and your partner stay at the heart of the day.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PLAN?
You can take as much or as little time as you want. Planning can span anywhere from a single day, to months, to a year or more. Giving yourself time that falls somewhere in the middle will give you better chances of finding flights to Portland (or another regional airport in Oregon) at good prices and finding accommodations that you love.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Again, it’s kind of up to you. The average traditional wedding in the US costs somewhere between 28-34K. You can reallocate the money you’d spend on favors and Save the Dates to things that hold real meaning to you—things that will enhance and help you remember the day that you will take with you— like rings, photography, your attire, flights and accommodations. Your experience.
CAN WE BRING OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
OF COURSE!! This is your experience, your story. That means whatever and whoever you’d like to include, you can! If your family and friends share your vision and want to lend their support, ask them to be there. We’ll touch more on this later, but for now, if you haven’t already gathered, there are no rules; you can do exactly what feels right for you!
My husband Brian and I jumped in the ocean after our elopement on the Oregon Coast.
(SO freezing, SO worth it!)
Photo credit to the ridiculously talented Milad Sadegi of Born Pacific who documented our elopement
ELOPEMENT JOURNEY SUMMARY
Planning isn’t always a linear process, however, I have found that this sequence flows pretty easily.
01. Brainstorming Possibilities
Think about the overall feel and vision you have for the day. Think about what part of the state you’d like to elope in and the time of year. Don’t worry about feasibility, just let yourself dream up what your ultimate setting would be. There’s so much scenic variety in the PNW, there’s no shortage of options.
02. Start Researching
Breathe life into your vision by doing some research. Find out what’s realistic, what fits within the parameters of your overall vision, and outline a budget. Conferring with an experienced elopement photographer, videographer, planner or travel agent can really help with this part of the process.
03. Make Decisions and Start Booking
Make some of your big decisions. Decide on your ideal location, book convenient accommodation, arrange for transportation there, and transportation from your lodging to your elopement site.
04. Finalize Details
Secure the rest of your vendors, purchase your attire, develop a timeline, plan activities and ways that you’d like to celebrate as a nearly and newly married couple.
05. Enjoy
You’ve done the hard work, now soak it all in and have the best day ever!
Brainstorming Possibilities
IF YOU HAD YOUR DRUTHERS, WHERE WOULD YOU ELOPE?
Start off your elopement planning by letting your imagination take over. Let your mind wander to your dream elopement location.
Think general part of the state, don’t get stuck on specifics. What kind of scenery do you connect with? Do you want to run through dunes and feel sand beneath your feet and waves rhythmically crashing while you say your I Dos? Does a desert scape call to you, the sun warming you, hot breezes and clear skies? Maybe exchanging vows in a mountain or next to a waterfall is more your style. Oregon has all of these things!
The main goal of the brainstorming step is to get an idea of general location and the time of year you’d like to elope. You don’t have to make any set-in-stone plans, just get an idea for what feels right and makes your heart all warm and tingly.
3 BRAINSTORMING TIPS
GET COMFY
Set yourself up for a good brainstorming sesh by sitting down with your partner in a comfortable space. Maybe make a little date night out of it; pour some wine or sip some tea and riff together on how the day will go from start to finish.
INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE
Utilize Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Look back on your favorite movies, pieces of art, and photography. Get on AllTrails and Google Maps. What speaks to you? Where is ? What time of day or year is it taking place? Think back on weddings you’ve attended, what about them did you not connect with?
STAY OPEN TO IDEAS
If you have a dream in mind, don’t give up on it— there’s a way to make it happen! Details and logistics don’t matter right now; it’s okay to exit this phase simply having a vague idea of how your day will look and feel.
HELPFUL BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
YOU’RE OFF TO A GREAT START!
If the vision you’ve gathered of your elopement day is cloudy right now, you’re in a great starting place. This is where lots of couples find it helpful to reach out to an experienced elopement photographer, videographer, planner, guide, and/or travel agent. If you’re planning on hiring a photographer who is not experienced in elopements, consider looking at photographers who are local and familiar with the area you’re considering eloping in.
02.
RESEARCH + LOGISTICS
(BUT THE FUN KIND)
Once you have an idea of what kind of atmosphere feels right, start researching and thinking about logistics. And when I say research, I mean do some deep digging. Look at details and start figuring out what’s realistic and start carving the way to finalize some details later.
Remember, none of this should be stress inducing. Just like in the first phase, this can be a fun project to do together with your iPad and cup of coffee or a patio beer.
If it starts to get daunting, ask for help. Chances are, you’ve never had to plan an elopement before. Phase 2 is often when couples reach out to a planner and/or elopement photographer for guidance with planning.
RESEARCHING TIPS
Investigate & Explore
Dedicate some time to doing research and learning the ins and outs of where you want to elope. It’s better to be informed and potentially pivot before the day-of rather than have to change your strategy without a backup plan (more on this later). Look into things like seasonal closures, permits, accessibility, weather issues, etc.
STAY OPEN TO IDEAS
If you have a dream in mind, there’s a way to make it happen! Details and logistics don’t matter right now; it’s okay to exit this phase simply having a vague idea of how your day will look and feel.
INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE
Utilize Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Look back on your favorite movies, pieces of art, and photography. Get on AllTrails and Google Maps. What speaks to you? Where is your day set? What time of day or year is it taking place?
Things to consider while researching
ACCESSIBILITY AND
LEARNING ABOUT
SEASONAL WEATHER
Depending on the location you choose, how the weather decides to behave will impact ease of access. Look into weather patterns in prior years for your projected date(s) to give yourself to best odds of having optimal conditions. To me, rain doesn’t qualify as bad weather (bring on all the rain!). We’re trying to avoid occurrences like flash foods, landslides, avalanches, forest fires, tsuamis, road closures, trailhead closures, tornados, etc. Given, a lots of these types of natural disasters aren’t a worry in Oregon, it’s still good to have a local backup plan, be flexible, and keep an open mind, just in case.
In some locations there are “Peak Seasons” and “Off Seasons.” Things like optimal weather, accommodation pricing, road conditions, and levels of seclusion will follow these seasons. Get in touch with a local guide or park ranger to help determine when peak season is.
That’s the spirit of eloping anyway, right? However the day unfolds, the most important part will remain at the heart of
the day—getting married. It will be perfect because it’s part of your story.
Researching will give you the best chances of your day going according to what you’ve mapped out, but be prepared to roll with the punches. Unexpected things happen, especially when getting married outdoors. You’re going to have way more fun if you go with the flow and are cool with being a bit spontaneous.
Many public lands, protected areas, National/State Parks, and private properties require that you obtain the proper permits to have even the smallest of ceremonies. These regulations may vary based on the size of the group in attendance and if you bring a photographer to document the event. Always assume you will need a permit to get married in a location unless it’s explicitly indicated otherwise. Consider the history or active purpose of your desired location. It may not be appropriate or legal to elope in certain areas.
For beauty to remain in tact in these gorgeous settings, always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when making the trek to your elopement destination. Leave delicate scenery untouched and be mindful of not having your ceremony in a habitat that could be disturbed.
CELEBRATING IN YOUR
OWN WAY
FACT:
Your elopement day can look however you want.
(this may be the most important part in the guide)
It’s worth noting, you can have your dream elopement or intimate wedding while choosing to forego the backpacks, hiking boots, and journeying up Mt Hood if that’s not your style.
The point of eloping is to curate a
day that is meaningful to YOU.
YOUR perfect day.
Ignore what everyone else does or tells you is correct and hone in on what would bring you and your partner the most joy.
Laura and Andy (pictured) eloped at home, in their backyard. It was a space that had been working to make their own, it was meaningful to them, it was completely perfect
for who they are and reflected their values.
We documented the day in parts of their home that is part of their life together, we went to a nearby park where they go running everyday. It was THEIR perfect elopement day.
oregon MARRIAGE LAWS
I have another article that will dive deeper into the nitty gritty of the laws surrounding how to get married in Oregon, but this is the gist:
– You can go to any Country Clerk’s Office in Oregon to obtain a marriage license.
– There is a 3 day waiting period from when you get your actual license to when you can official get married.
– The license is valid for 60 days from when you receive your license to ceremony date.
– It costs $55-75 dollars to apply and receive your married license in Oregon, depending on what country to apply for it in.
You can find more details in this article on Oregon Marriage Laws.
let’s regroup
I know all the research you’ve been doing is an investment of time, but it’s all going to be worth making this day exactly what you want. Narrowing down your vision and finding out what is feasible means that you now get to put the plan into action and start making things happen!
If you’ve gotten stuck even in the tiniest way so far, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Join a Facebook group for eloping couples to get some ideas and support. If you’re choosing to tell friends and family about your plans, they’ll love being involved in helping make your vision come to life. Get in touch with local vendors, and I’d love to help and answer questions, get in touch anytime.
03.
BOOKING
Bringing it all together
Now that you have a good grasp of some big elements that will make up your elopement experience, you get to start booking!
The goal of this phase isn’t to finalize each detail but rather to put the big pieces together, the foundation, and then fill in the blanks from there.
CHOOSE YOUR
DATE(S)
Is there a date you’ve been circling? Is there a date that is meaningful that you’d like to add more meaning to? Does your date line up with the optimal season for the location you’ve chosen? Does it work with your favorite photographer, officiant, and guests’ schedules (if you’re choosing to have any)? Eloping on a weekday versus a weekend can lend to having more privacy so that you can stay fully present in the area you want to exchange vows, especially if it’s outside in a scenic area during the sunny months.
Some couples link their elopement to a mini-moon or vacation. You can set aside a handful of days for a getaway, and take a longer period to soak in all the joy and love and celebrate over a span of time that’s meaningful to you. A lot of photographers will work with a fluid date or will have multi-day packages to document this incredibly unique experience.
location
The idea of choosing your location is not necessarily to pick the exact spot you will have your ceremony (though you can if you want to). You can be a bit spontaneous, go for a hike and stop when you find a spot that feels right.
As long as you have solid transportation and accommodation plans to get to the general area, you can keep this part loose.
When my husband and I eloped, all we really knew is that we wanted to be at Cape Kiwanda, OR. When our photographer arrived the day of, we told him that we still didn’t know the specific spot we wanted to have our ceremony. He took a few minutes to go out and scout the area, 30 minutes later he came back with a photo of our dream location in the woods just down the road of the Airbnb we were staying in. And that’s how we found our spot.
You also ABSOLUTELY don’t have to elope in a remote or hard-to-get-to location. You can choose an intimate venue that you connect with, indoors to outdoors. As long as you love it, that’s all that matters.
ACCOMODATIONS
What kind of lodging does the location you’ve chosen have to offer? Check AirBNB, VRBO, Google for local hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfast listings. You could also check nearby campsites, rent a yurt if you’re feeling like roughin’ it, or grab a camper van for the weekend for a VanLife elopement. A couple unique options I’ve found are various fire lookouts, and trendy, comfortable, yet
outdoorsy Postcard Cabins.
Are you going to be booking lodging for just you and your partner or will you have others staying with you? Are you wanting to get ready together or are you opting do a ‘first look’ and will need two separate rooms to get ready in?
The closer you choose to stay to your elopement location, the more laid back the day is going to feel. Check Waze/Google Maps at the time of day you plan to make your way up to you location site and record how long it will take to get there from where you’ll be staying. Always leave more wiggle room than you think you’ll need in your timeline, and if you have more time to relax and chill, awesome! It’s way better to mosey through the day than feel rushed and potentially take yourself out of the moments you should be able to savor.
TRANSPORTATION
Now that you have your location and accommodations locked down, start planning how you’ll go from where you’re staying to your general elopement area.
TELLING FOLKS
vs.
KEEPING IT A SURPRISE
If you’re planning on telling loved ones that you’re eloping, you can do so at any point during the process. Usually after making some of the bigger decisions (like you’ve just done) is a great time to let them in on it, if you choose to.
There is no right way or wrong way when it comes to curating your elopement. With this in mind, whether or not you share this or involve your family and friends is completely your decision.
You’re designing this day around what is right for you and your partner. Think about what’s going to allow you to be immersed in each moment on your wedding day, to soak it in and be able to enjoy it the way YOU want it.
If you choose to involve your family and friends, there are endless ways to do this even if they’re not physically joining you. They can help you plan, go dress shopping with you, write letters of support that you can read on your wedding day, or have pre-elopement celebrations like an engagement party or weekend away. They can plan a post elopement dinner or reception where you can share
your photos! More ideas can be found in this article I published a couple years ago on how to include your loved ones in your elopement.
04.
lining up the details
Lining up the details can feel like a lot to keep track of, so this next portion is mapped out as a checklist. Take each to-do one by one, as friendly and approachable nano bites. To help even more, give yourself deadline goals and keep track of your progress on your phone calendar.
attire
If you’re wanting a wedding dress or something wedding dress adjacent but don’t want to pay the typical wedding rates, and you don’t want to wait months and months for it to come in, there are lots of amazing alternatives. Anthropologie Weddings has a stunning and surprisingly reasonably priced wedding attire. You can go the second hand route through Still White, vintage shops, local boutiques, or think outside the box and opt for something that has YOU written all over it, even if it’s not white or a dress. Whatever it is, be in love with the way you look and feel in it. Take it to a tailor for the perfect it.
stay warm
If you’re venturing out for more than an hour or two, bring layers and rain gear with you that you’ll love being photographed in.
shoes
Bring shoes you love, that are comfortable, have good tread and support and will keep you dry. If you’re having any kind of lengthy, outside adventure, be practical with your shoe choice. If you don’t want to wear hiking boots or trainers during your
ceremony, you can pack your cute shoes along and change into them when the time is right. (Though the look of wedding gear with hiking boots is classic!)
where to change
If you’re not going too far, you can get elopement ready where you’re staying. If you have a bit of a journey ahead of you (on foot or otherwise), you can change in your car, or on either side of the car in a secluded spot to have a sweet ‘first look’ moment once you’re both all fancied up in your elopement attire.
BACKPACK & SUPPLIES
If you’re hiking or trekking out to your location, make sure to bring plenty of food and water, a first aid kit, head lamps, lighter/matches, a trail map (in addition to having it downloaded on your phone as a backup), bug spray, and hand warmers. Bring all of this in a well-fitted backpack with decent weight distribution. Take proper
measurements when picking out your backpack, try to wear it around before hiking out to be sure it’s comfy.
JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES
Are there meaningful pieces you want to have with you and incorporate? Hair pieces, flower crowns, ties/bowties, or a boutonnière? You can really dive into these details or leave it super simple. For example, I cut some lavender from our front yard when my fella and I eloped and used it for my hair piece and boutonnière,
respectively.
Vendor Checklist
PHOTOGRAPHER
If you haven’t already booked your dream photographer, don’t wait on it. Find someone whose work you connect with, and whom you connect with on a personal level. Eloping is such an intimate experience, you’ll want someone you feel comfortable being emotionally vulnerable around, someone who gets you.
FLORIST
If you’re thinking of a bouquet or some kind of arrangement, will you bring them with you or find a local florist to design something for you?
OFFICIANT
You can hire an officiant or ask someone you’re close with to officiate to add a more intimate and personal touch.
HAIR & MAKEUP
Will you be doing your own hair and makeup or having a local artist do it? Be sure to think about doing touch-ups later in the day.
CATERING/PRIVATE CHEF
You can hire a private chef of catering company to create an amazing celebratory meal experience for you and your partner. You can have it brought in an set up a your scenic elopement location, or arrange for it to be waiting for you when you get back to where you’re staying for the night, or set up at an intimate venue for a post-elopement dinner celebration with a few of your closest friends and family
MUSIC
If you’d like to incorporate music in your ceremony or throughout the day, think about bringing a portable Bluetooth speaker, or maybe hire musicians for simple, live music at your ceremony site.
ACTIVITIES
What would you like to do on your wedding day? Have a couple of activities in mind for the day. You don’t have to make definite plans; you can be spontaneous and feel it out once you’re there. If there are activities you’d like to do that would require a reservation, make those in advance.
TIMELINE + CEREMONY
Start writing down how you’d like to day to unfold and map out your timeline. The purpose of the timeline isn’t to account for every minute of the day, or even every hour, it’s to give you a general idea of how you’d like the day to play out and to make it easy for you and your vendors to be on the
same page. It can be loose and easy, with a little structure. Have an idea of the flow of the day so nothing is forgotten.
Give yourself lots of wiggle room between activities to ensure a super relaxed and free flowing day. Work with your photographer to decide what time of day will be the most
photogenic and help outline an itinerary that feels right.
Are there any important or special items/processes you’d like to incorporate in your ceremony? Are there any special items you’d like to wear or bring with you? Any rituals that you’d like to carry out between you and your partner during your
elopement adventure?
If there are any religious, cultural, or personal elements you’d like to incorporate in your ceremony, be sure to go over these things with your officiant.
FINAL elopement CHECKLIST
