The Top 8 Places To Get Married In Oregon

So you are thinking about eloping in Oregon but not quite sure which location is right for you? I got you. There are 8 places to get married at in Oregon for those of you that want something different than the traditional wedding venue. Saving money of hefty wedding venue costs and just simply eloping in a location where the decoration is all about you.

I totally get how you might feel overwhelmed when planning a Pacific Northwest Elopement or intimate wedding – it’s all crazy beautiful and perfect, like HELLO rugged mountains, babbling brooks, and fairy-tale waterfalls (Honorable mention- Wachlella Falls).

The best time to visit is May–September, thanks to warmer weather. However, the summer months can get packed, so consider late spring or autumn if you don’t want to deal with massive crowds. That being said, even in winter, it’s still a magical place. 

I have gone to Oregon a handful of times so here are 8 places to get married in Oregon that you’ll become obsessed with as did I. Ready? Let’s get into it.

1. Get Married with a bit of a hike at God’s Thumb

You can find inspiration from the Lord anywhere in the world, but one place that really delivers has to be God’s Thumb, a gorgeous peak near Lincoln City, accessible via a five-mile hike.

Is it worth the sweat? Absolutely! This amazing summit is one of my favorite elopement ideas in Oregon for adventurous couples. Head out before dawn, hike to the top, and exchange your vows as the sun rises, surrounded only by the serene sounds of the ocean and birds, and the vastness of nature. OH SO romantic!!! I am not sure if the mountains actually looks like a thumb but it sure is insane to look at. Photos here would be out of this world.

It’s also kinda secret-ish, as the land used to be privately owned and only recently opened to the public, meaning God’s Thumb elopement photos are super unique. 

2. Tie the Knot at Cannon Beach

The coastal town of Cannon Beach is perfect for destination elopements in Oregon. You’ll find lots of super-romantic Airbnbs, art galleries, cozy cafes, and killer sunsets. 

It’s best known for its seemingly endless beaches and the iconic Haystack Rock, a huge rock formation that juts out of the ocean near the beach. 

Obviously, you’ll want to toast your marriage somewhere amazing too, so check out a few of the awesome Cannon Beach restaurants like Newmans at 988 or The Wayfarer. Cannon Beach elopements are pretty popular though, so consider a weekday instead of a weekend if you can. 

3. Cape Kiwanda

The Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is ever so dreamy – picture a cliffside elopement as you take in some of the best views EVER of the Oregon coastline. You’ll find dramatic views, rugged beaches, and huge sand dunes. There are a lot of places where you can just be alone and enjoy the amazing serenity of the Cape, so I really love it! And in nearby Pacific City, you’ll find accommodation options galore. 

4. Crook Point Makes for a Dreamy Wedding

Crook Point is an oceanfront venue in Pistol River and is just perfect for small weddings or elopements. They can help with beachfront or forest weddings, but I also love that they have vacation rental homes – making it easy to get ready, host your elopement, and have an awesome honeymoon, all in one place! Yes, it might work out costing a bit more than a wedding on a public beach, but you’ll definitely get seclusion and privacy, which is pretty much priceless. I love that they offer small wedding and elopement packages, making it so easy to arrange everything with the assistance of their event planner. 

5. Latourell Falls

As an elopement photographer in Oregon, I always fangirl over waterfalls – they help us get the best wedding photos ever!

One of my faves is Latourell Falls, near the Historic Columbia River Highway and not too far from Portland. It’s so photogenic and the loop circuit down to the waterfall and back is around three miles. Or, if you don’t want to hike down, the waterfall is visible from the road, so we can still grab some pics. 

It truly sparkles in the early morning light, so let’s get there early and make the most of it! 

6. Wahclella Falls

Don’t think I’m going to leave you with only one waterfall option! Another spectacular one to check out is Wahclella Falls – especially after heavy rain when it really just gushes water.

It’s near Cascade Locks and is just a gorgeous and inspirational place to say your vows and take your wedding photos. You’ll find plenty to do in the region too – along with other waterfalls to check out, check out some of the local breweries, jump on a river cruise, or explore the Columbia River Gorge. 

7. Crafting the perfect wedding package for Hoyt Arboretum

An Oregon elopement doesn’t need to mean going off the grid and hiking to a remote destination! One of the best places to elope in Portland is the Hoyt Arboretum, just outside the downtown area. 

It’s basically a living museum for trees – how cool is that? Think tons of gorgeous gardens, forest walks, and a natural oasis. I love that they offer four dedicated outdoor spaces for weddings, making it easy as can be to plan your day.

It’s gorgeous here year-round, but I love visiting most in spring, thanks to the gorgeous colors of the magnolias and cherry blossoms. 

8. Weddings in Ecola State Park 

Elopement photography in Oregon is all about moody vibes – fog, misty beach mornings, beautiful forests, and spectacular cliffs. We can find all of this at Ecola State Park, so it’s like a one-stop-shop for amazing photos. (Don’t worry, though – I promise the sun does come out sometimes!) 

Ecola spans nine miles of coastline, so there’s so much open space to spread out. Making it easy to find a little beach or rock alcove that you love and exchange vows within the park. Ecola is actually really close to Cannon Beach as well, so we could visit both in one day to take fun elopement photos. 

However, please note that Oregon parks are occasionally subject to closure due to landslides, fires, or weather. Always have a plan B just in case your dream elopement spot becomes unavailable.

PNW Elopement Packages

Ready to jump on a plane, head to Oregon, and get married your way, on your terms? I love that for you and I can’t wait to join in as your Oregon elopement photographer/trusty sidekick. If you have any questions at all about planning your Oregon wedding, I am more than happy to help! Do you find yourself gravitating towards any of these 8 places to get married in Oregon? I want to hear it!

Each of my Elopement Packages includes:

• Full 6 hours of coverage, capturing every moment from start to finish.
• Timeline Guidance: No guesswork involved. You’ll receive a comprehensive questionnaire in advance to iron out all the details.
• A 60-page hardcopy Elopement Guide delivered to your doorstep, addressing all your questions and more.
• Preview Gallery: Get a sneak peek of your photos to share on social media and get excited about.
• High and Low Resolution Images: Perfect for both social media sharing and printing.
• All photos delivered on a stunning glass USB for extra security, ensuring your precious memories are backed up in multiple locations.

Ready to commit to me as your photographer and get this party started? Reach out to me here.