Are you dreaming of an epic elopement with stunning views, cascading waterfalls, and endless adventures? Look no further than the Columbia River Gorge! This magical place is perfect for free-spirited couples who crave adventure and want to keep their wedding intimate.

If you’re wondering how to plan a Columbia River Gorge elopement, keep reading this blog!

The Best Time to Elope in Columbia River Gorge

Time of Year

The Gorge is beautiful year-round, and picking the best time of year for your elopement depends on your vision for the day! Spring through fall is a great time to elope here. Spring months bring beautiful wildflowers, and fall is, of course, famous for the foliage. 

Winters here can be icy, but it is magical for winter lovers!

Time of Day

Much like the time of year, picking the perfect time of day all depends on your priorities for your elopement ceremony. For the best time of day, consider sunrise to beat the crowds, especially during the busy summer months. There’s something so peaceful and serene about starting your day with the first light of dawn. 

Time of Week

Eloping on a weekday offers lower crowd levels, even during peak seasons. I recommend a midweek date for any elopement, no matter the time of year, but especially if you’re visiting during Summer. 

Parking lots fill up quickly and add an extra level of unnecessary stress. Traffic can also be problematic during weekends around cities and popular sightseeing areas. As a bonus, if you’re trying to book a high-demand vendor or accommodation, they’re more likely to have availability on a weekday than a weekend.

Traveling for Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement

If you and your partner are traveling from out of state, I recommend flying into Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, it’s just a short drive to the Gorge. Renting a car is highly recommended so you can explore the various locations at your own pace.

The Best Ceremony Locations in Columbia River Gorge

Government Cove

Government Cove is one of the easier-accessible locations in the area. This little peninsula offers awesome views of the river and the surrounding cliffs. The rugged landscape and water views provide a perfect backdrop for your ceremony and all the photos!

Cascade Locks

Cascade Locks is a cute town known for the Bridge of the Gods. This spot has beautiful riverside views and lots of greenery. The bridge itself makes for a dramatic ceremony setting, and there are plenty of nearby outdoor activities to enjoy.

Hood River

Hood River is a lively town with gorgeous mountain views and tons of outdoor activities. Whether you’re into kiteboarding, wine tasting, or hiking, this place really has it all. The downtown area is also very charming, with lots of shops and cafes.

And if you’ve chosen to explore Hood River for your elopement, I recommend driving through the Hood River Fruit Loop. Here, you’ll find 30 on-the-farm fruit stands, wineries, breweries, and beautiful flower fields!

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is one of the most accessible and stunning waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. The striking, single-drop waterfall plunges over 200 feet, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your ceremony. It is also the third tallest waterfall in Oregon. The area is surrounded in lush, moss-covered trees and ferns, giving a magical forest atmosphere. If you hike the 2 mile loop trail, you can also visit Upper Latourell Falls. There is also a viewpoint of the Columbia River and landscape that makes up the Gorge.

Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is named for its unique shape, resembling a horse’s tail. This waterfall is right off the Historic Columbia River Highway, so it’s super accessible. The hike is short but rather steep, so you should definitely have proper footwear.

Rowena Crest

Rowena Crest offers some of the best views in the Columbia River Gorge. The lookout gives you sweeping views of the river and hills, which look especially amazing at sunrise or sunset. This place is particularly beautiful in spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom!

The Best Places to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge Area

These are some of my favorite Airbnbs in the area!

Cottage in Mosier

For a truly magical stay, consider booking the Hobbit House on Dragonfly Knoll. This unique storybook home is nestled high on a hill overlooking a serene pond, where you can watch birds, deer, and wild turkeys from the large circular moon door. Relax on the veranda, take a dip in the wooden barrel hot tub, or explore the 27-acre woods. Inside, cozy up in the bed nook with a Tolkien book by the glass mosaic fireplace. Despite its secluded feel in an evergreen forest, this fantasy getaway is just minutes away from world-class hiking, biking, dining, wine tasting, and breweries.

You can even check it out on YouTube!

Home in Troutdale

This is a modern cabin along the Sandy River in Troutdale, OR. The large windows fill the space with natural light, letting you enjoy the stunning views of the glacier-fed river and surrounding forest even from the comfort of the couch. This updated cabin offers river access, a spacious deck with a hot tub, and all the wonders of the Gorge at your fingertips. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your pups with you!

Chalet in Cascade Locks

For a cozy and quiet escape, consider this modern mountain home nestled in the heart of the Gorge. The living room features a wall of windows overlooking the forest, perfect for bird watching or curling up next to the woodstove fire while watching the snowfall. The large windows offer beautiful forest and mountain views, filling the home with refreshing natural light. Enjoy deck dining with views of birds, deer, and sometimes even elk grazing in the deeper part of the woods.

Home in Mount Hood Parkdale

For a blend of urban design and natural surroundings, consider renting this Hood River home. Set on a beautiful 1.8-acre wooded and open property along Neal Creek, the home offers a peaceful forested view with the creek just a short walk away. Nearby, you’ll find Upper Valley Laurence Lake, Lost Lake, and the Columbia River, making it a great base for windsurfing, mountain biking, kayaking, golfing, skiing, hiking, and fishing. Downtown Hood River boasts historic buildings, a bustling shopping district with boutiques, designer shops, outdoor adventure gear, antique shops, art galleries, and over 30 restaurants.

Cabin in Hood River

This cabin is just an hour from Portland and minutes from historic downtown. Here, you’ll be perfectly situated to enjoy the Columbia River Valley’s stunning beauty, endless scenic hikes, craft breweries, and bustling shopping district. The cabin features a private backyard with outdoor furniture, a BBQ grill, a beautiful garden where guests can enjoy fresh fruit and produce, a serene pond, and plenty of benches and chairs near the creek. Plus, there’s a fire pit and onsite parking for your convenience.

Skamania 

I couldn’t write this list without including Skamania. While it’s not an Airbnb, it’s an amazing place to stay if you’re into tree houses and glamping! This is a beautiful option for your elopement, and you could stay here for longer and enjoy a mini honeymoon!

Columbia River Gorge Elopement Activity Ideas

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Gorge! Here’s a list of some of my suggestions:

• Go wine tasting –  check out The Gorge White House, Mt Hood Winery, or WY’East Vineyards.
• Visit the local breweries – Everybody’s Brewing, Walking Man Brewing, Double Mountain Brewery or Freebridge Brewing.
• I mentioned this earlier, but go on a road trip through Hood River Fruit Loop and check out loads of local farm goods, wines, brews, and flower fields (if they are blooming).
• Try kiteboarding, paddleboarding, or kayaking on the Columbia River.
• Hit the trails on a mountain bike.
• Go hiking and check out scenic trails with breathtaking views and waterfalls.
• Enjoy a romantic styled picnic!

How to Officially Elope in Columbia River Gorge

Marriage License

Depending on your exact elopement location, you may need to apply for a marriage license in Oregon or Washington. The process is very similar for both states.

You and your partner can grab your marriage license at any County Clerk’s Office in Oregon or Washington. I recommend visiting the one closest to your elopement location. Before your visit, fill out the marriage license application online. Both states have a three-day waiting period before a ceremony can occur after a license is issued! So, be sure to visit the relevant County Clerk’s Office on a weekday, at least three days before your elopement ceremony. There’s a one-time license fee ($60 in Oregon or $72 in Washington), and you and your partner will need to provide government-issued identification at the time of your visit. Two witnesses and an officiant must be present during the ceremony to make the marriage official! If you need help finding an officiant and witnesses, I can assist with that process as your elopement photographer!

Commitment Ceremony

One of the many beautiful things about eloping is that you and your partner can customize your ceremony to be whatever you want! While some couples choose to get a marriage license before their elopement day, many don’t! It’s totally fine to get married without a marriage license, say your vows, and then worry about the legalities later if you so choose!

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Columbia River Gorge?

As long as you are eloping just the two of you or with a small group of loved ones present you do not need any permits to elope here. However, if you’d like to plan a bigger wedding of more than 75 people, you’ll need to apply for a permit.

You can learn more about the legalities of eloping in Columbia River Gorge here!

If you’re considering Multnomah Falls, there is a timed-use entry permit system in place. You can learn more about that here! However, many spots and waterfalls can be accessed without a permit. As your elopement photographer, I’ll help you secure permits once we decide on a location together!

Columbia River Gorge Packing List

While planning your elopement, make sure to list all the items you’ll need to pack for your adventure! Here’s a list of elopement packing essentials to get you started:

• Important travel documents such as IDs and Passports
• Marriage License
• Permits
• Water Bottle & Water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug Spray
• Extra Socks
• Boots/Shoes With Good Tread
• Wedding Attire
• Vow Books
• Rings
• Ring Box
• Wedding Attire & Accessories
• Perfume/Cologne
• Makeup & Hair Supplies
• Garment Bags
• Celebratory Drinks 
• Portable Speaker
• Adventure Gear
• Backpack(s)
• Rain Jacket
• Jacket 
• Warm Layers 
• Hand Warmers
• Gloves/Mittens
• Headlamps
• Umbrellas
• Blanket

Sample Columbia River Gorge Elopement Timeline

4:30 AM – Photo coverage begins with getting ready photos & detail shots at your Airbnb

6:00 AM – Head to the Ceremony spot & take Sunrise portraits.

7:00 AM – Intimate vow exchange!

7:30 AM – Picnic breakfast

10:30 AM  – Take a mid-day break.

3:30 PM –  Get in the jeep and go on a road trip through Hood River Fruit Loop 

7:00 PM – Private Sunset portraits at a waterfall. 

8:30 PM – Catered dinner at Airbnb. 

9:30 PM – Get in a hot tub and enjoy an evening together with steamy photos and stargazing.

10:30 PM – Photo coverage ends.

Follow the Leave No Trace Principles

Leave No Trace is a wonderful organization that aims to protect the outdoors by spreading awareness about sustainability practices. When on your epic adventure elopement in Oregon or anywhere in the world, be sure to respect the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace so that the natural  beauty can stay wild and pristine for generations to come:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Let’s Plan Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement Together!

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon and PNW elopement photographer! If you and your partner want to plan an epic elopement, I’m here to capture a day you’ll never forget! Be sure to check out my elopement packages and contact me via my inquiry form here! I can’t wait to explore the Pacific Northwest while celebrating you and your partner’s beautiful love story!