This waterfall elopement in Oregon holds a special place in my heart. There’s something so magical about hiking into the forest and seeing a gorgeous cascading waterfall. I know I’m biased when I say Oregon is one of the best states to elope in, but you can’t beat the fact that Oregon has over 200 documented waterfalls (while some sources say over 1,000!). And sure, what constitutes a “waterfall” may vary (we are not about the 1 foot drop, okay?) but so many of Oregon’s waterfalls are tall, majestic, and absolutely stunning. So yes, waterfall elopements in Oregon will always have a special place in my heart, and I was so excited to document Jaeleen and Matt’s gorgeous day. I helped them plan out which waterfall, time of day, and even their attire and accessories! It turned out to be the most beautiful morning. 

The Waterfall Elopement Location: Proxy Falls, Mckenzie River Oregon 

Proxy Falls is one of the more popular waterfalls in Oregon, but for good reason! Its main attraction is the lower Proxy Falls, which is a 226-drop that cascades over moss covered canyon rock and creates the prettiest pattern. The trailhead is located off highway 242 in the Three Sisters Wilderness. The highway is only open seasonally so be sure to check if the highway is open before venturing out! There is a day pass fee for the area and vault toilets are available at the trailhead. The 1.6 mile roundtrip trail meanders through gorgeous forests, pops you out onto a lava field (which is a cool photo op area!) and takes you back into the forest before you hit the first viewpoint of the lower falls. Then, a quick little zig-zag down the mountain gets you near the base of the waterfall. You do have to cross a log to get to one of the access points, so I always tell my couples to be ready for a little bit of a scramble! The payoff is worth it though: you get to venture all the way up close to the waterfall! 

There are a few things that make this location top-notch for elopements:

1. The flow and photogenic-ness of the waterfall. It’s not a little bitty stream in the summer, it has a high drop, and is open enough that there is enough light to create dreamy photos. 
2. You can walk right up to the waterfall. No barriers for viewpoints, which is a huge win for this big of a waterfall to not have that! 
3. The variety of looks: You can get lava field photos, waterfall photos, stream photos, and forest photos all in one area, during one short hike!

The Waterfall Ceremony 

After we had decided on Proxy Falls for their waterfall elopement, I helped Jaeleen and Matt on planning the rest of their day. We decided to do a morning elopement, as it gives off the best lighting and it won’t be incredibly busy earlier in the day. I also helped pick out Jaeleen’s gorgeous boho dress and helped them with choosing their accessories like their vow books and the bouquet ribbon! I met the couple at the trailhead the morning of their elopement and we set out on the trail, through the beautiful forest, talking about life and how they ended up together in Oregon. 

Once we got to the waterfall we played around near the stream before heading to the lower falls. The two kept giggling and laughing together, it was such a sweet morning. The lighting was absolutely gorgeous, and the waterfall was the perfect amount of the full. 

I sometimes have to pinch myself that I get to call this my job. I love helping my couples plan a day that is unique to them and that looks and feels exactly how they imagined it-without any pressure or expectations from others. It’s simply about celebrating two people promising forever together, and that is so beautiful to witness. 

Ready to start planning your waterfall elopement in Oregon? I’m so excited to chat with you and help bring your vision to life! I have tons of resources and recommendations when it comes to waterfall elopements, have a ton of experience shooting in these locations, and love helping my couples plan out an adventure! Click here to chat!