You’ve decided you want to elope in Oregon (heck yes!) but you’re not sure what the next steps are.
I get it! I’ve been helping my couples for ten years plan out their dream Oregon elopement. (Side note: I also have first-hand experience as a bride who eloped!) This guide is full of all the info you need to know on how to elope in Oregon.
Step 1: Decide On Your Backdrop And Vibe
I always start by asking my couples, what do you want your elopement to look like and, most importantly, feel like? Do you want a day full of adventure from sunrise to sunset, or just an afternoon hike? Do you want to hike at all, or want more of an accessible spot? The list goes on and on! Here are some things to think about when trying to decide on what type of backdrop and vibe for your elopement:
- Hiking vs. not hiking (I have a whole list of places that range from long hikes to no hiking at all!)
- Time of year (if you have a preference): some locations may be seasonally closed due to snow, while some locations thrive in certain weather conditions. Wildflowers are always a good example, because there is a short time frame when they are in full bloom.
- Accessibility: Some couples love to be out in the backcountry, or at a remote AirBnb with no cell service. Others like to be in or close to town for restaurants, walking to shops, etc etc. Same goes for the actual location of your elopement or ceremony, especially if you have guests who have limited mobility!
- Other activities: Want to kayak, have a campfire, or see a waterfall on your elopement day? Thinking of the possibility of these ahead of time is a good idea!
- The Vibe/Feel of it all: Some couples just have an idea of what they want it to feel like: maybe they want a cozy, slow morning in a cabin, and a little ceremony in the woods outside. Some want to wake up before sunrise and summit a mountain. Some want to see the sun dip below the ocean waves and have a campfire after. Dreaming of these beautiful moments is what makes my job so special, and I love being able to help my couples make their dreams come to life.
Types of backdrops for your Oregon elopement:
Forest/trees
Snow covered mountains/peaks
River/Lake
Coastline
Waterfall
High Desert
Step 2: Find Out If You Need Any Permits
Okay, next step! You’ve decided on a backdrop or certain area that you’d like to have your Oregon elopement. Now, if you have a certain location (let’s say, a waterfall or a State Park) the next step is seeing if you need a permit for your elopement. Now, remember, I can help with all of this!
The great thing about eloping in Oregon is that if your guest count is fewer than 50 guests (which elopements always have less than that!) you generally don’t need a permit to have your Oregon elopement in most locations. On the other hand, if you do plan on having any sort of arch set up or chairs, you may need to acquire a permit even if your guest count is small.
There are some areas that do require a permit, regardless of size. Crater Lake National Park requires a special-use permit. The typical cost is $100, and there is a waiting period for approval. I always tell my couples to try and apply at least 8 weeks before their elopement date. And yes, I can get these for you as well!
If you have more of an idea of a general area, figuring out if certain spots require permits is a good rule of thumb. Places along the Oregon coastline generally don’t need any sort of permit, but it’s always a good idea to check in with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Step 3: Pick Your Oregon Elopement Date
Alright, you’ve got your location or backdrop set, and now it’s time to nail down a date. I always suggest to my couples a weekday date, as it usually means less crowds. Of course, if you need a permit, you will need to decide on a date beforehand. But if you don’t, being a little strategic with your date choice will work in your favor.
Things to think about when picking your date for your Oregon elopement:
Time of year: as mentioned above, the time of year can greatly impact the type of experience you have for your Oregon elopement. Summer brings great weather, as well as crowds. Wildfire season is, also, sadly a thing to think about in Oregon. Fall can be beautiful, but some locations get snow early. There’s a lot to think about! But, like I said, I can help you figure out the best time of year based on your location. And, a general rule of thumb is always picking a weekday (ideally Tuesday-Thursday) to give yourself the best chance of having the place to yourselves.
Restaurants/Activity Hours: Some restaurants in small coastal towns are only open certain days, so seeing what days these places are usually open will help when picking your date. Other activities like kayak tours may only operate on certain days as well.
Travel time and down time: Another thing to take into consideration is travel time if you’re coming from out-of-state, as well as planning any down-time for you guys to explore the area before or after your elopement.
Step 4: Obtain A Marriage License If You Plan On Signing During Your Elopement
Okay, on to the next thing to think about! Some couples truly want their elopement day to be the day they legally get married. If this is the route you want to take, there are a few things to think about:
Marriage licenses in Oregon require an ordained officiant (which, yes, I am!) and two witness signatures. So let’s say you and your partner want to get married at a waterfall, just the two of you. On that day, we would have to find two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the marriage certificate. These people can be other hikers, or the restaurant crew at the restaurant you decide on for your elopement dinner. Which can be done, but it’s just another thing to think about on your elopement day. Of course, if you bring a few guests, we don’t need to worry about finding witnesses!
You can apply online for an Oregon marriage license here. There is a three-day waiting period from when you turn it in until it is valid, and then it’s valid for 60 days after that. While you can obtain a marriage license online, you will both need to appear at an office to pay your fees and sign. Fees range from $50-$75.
The other option, which a lot of couples opt for especially when traveling from out-of-state, is legally signing their marriage certificate beforehand. Your local county clerks office will help you with any necessary paperwork. Then, with the legal stuff out of the way, you can just focus on your elopement, saying your vows, and having an adventure.
Either way is equally special! The former just requires a little more planning, which is something to keep in mind.
Step 5: Hire any Other Vendors
If you have a date set with your photographer (me, yay!) now is the time to think of any other vendors you would like to hire for your Oregon elopement. Some people only hire a photographer, while others hire multiple. Other vendors you could think about hiring:
Hair and make up artist
Personal chef
Baker for custom cake or dessert
Officiant
Florist
Videographer
If you need help deciding on if you need to hire other vendors, or if you need any recommendations, I can help you!
Step 6: Plan Out Logistics
Planning out all the logistics early will help make the elopement day go smoothly, and I’m here with all the resources if you need any help. This would be things like booking your Airbnb, plane tickets, making reservations at any restaurants, and any other activities you want to do for your Oregon elopement.
One big thing I always help my couples with is timeline planning! Planning out how they want their day to go (and including buffer/down time/travel time) always brings peace of mind to everyone and helps the day go by smoothly. Plus, we always have a Plan B just in case anything changes!
Step 7: Gather Your Outfits, Decor, Etc.
Finalizing your outfits is always a must, but I also encourage my couples to think of any cute decor items they would like to feature on their day!
Some ideas would be:
Just Married or Just Eloped signs
Custom Vow Books
Custom Cuff Links
Custom Jackets
Custom bandanas for your dogs
Custom hiking socks
Jewelry
Backpacks
Ring boxes
Blankets
Letters from loved ones to read on the day
Other fun things to bring:
Long sparklers
Sparkling water for “champagne” pops
Bubbles
Lanterns
Need me to grab anything so you don’t have to worry about packing it along? Just let me know! I usually always have long sparklers and lanterns available anyways, because they are so fun to incorporate!
And there you go! All the steps on how to Elope in Oregon. Of course, there’s a lot of little steps in each stage, and that’s why I’m here. Not only to take gorgeous photos of you two during your big day, but help you in all the planning process so you get to have your best adventure yet. Ready to start planning your Oregon elopement? Let’s chat!
