Chris and Patricia chose to celebrate their love with a beautiful and intimate Columbia River Gorge elopement. The location was perfect, with dark green forests, cascading waterfalls, and a cozy celebration in a snow-kissed winter wonderland.

I was so excited to tag along with Chris and Patricia and capture the magic of their special day. It was a beautiful experience, and I can’t wait to share all about it below!

About Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning 80-mile canyon that forms the boundary between Oregon and Washington, carved by the Columbia River. This natural wonder is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which spans over 292,500 acres of diverse landscapes, including lush forests, towering cliffs, and numerous waterfalls. The Gorge is home to iconic spots like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Vista House, offering some of the most picturesque and epic elopement locations in the Pacific Northwest!

Chris & Patricia’s Love Story

Chris and Patricia met at work but didn’t officially connect until a training in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2015. Their first meeting was orchestrated by a mutual friend, and they kept in touch via a group chat, which Chris cleverly created just to talk to Patricia.

Their first date was more of a date week after the rest of the friend group was coincidentally out of town. They went out to dinner every day of the week and chatted about music, food, drinks, and past life experiences. After that week, they tried to see each other more and more, and the rest is history.

I loved how they incorporated things they love doing together into their elopement adventure, like a short hike and Chris’ love for birdwatching. And that’s truly what your elopement day is about—telling your love story in a way that serves your most authentic selves!

Chris & Patricia’s Columbia River Gorge Elopement Day

First Look & Portraits at the Waterfall

We kicked off Chris and Patricia’s Columbia River Gorge elopement at Latourell Falls, where they had their first look amidst the stunning cascade. The breathtaking beauty of Multnomah Falls served as the perfect backdrop for their portraits.

It was snowing and you can always expect to get a bit wet by the waterfalls, but I always carry clear umbrellas to keep my couples dry! They looked really cute!

Government Cove Ceremony

For the ceremony and on-site celebration, we headed to Government Cove, a hidden gem near Cascade Locks. This peninsula offers amazing views of the Columbia River and countless spots for beautiful photos. 

We experienced a very rare snowstorm on their elopement day. Snow typically doesn’t fall in the highway corridor this time of year! While we couldn’t really see the river or the dramatic hillsides, a winter wonderland created a magical backdrop for their day.

They wanted to include their closest loved ones for the ceremony, and Government Cove is an easily accessible location if you’d like to bring guests!

Boho Elopement Picnic

After the ceremony, Chris, Patricia, and their guests celebrated with a cozy picnic set up by a professional picnic company. It was a beautiful boho-style picnic with champagne, hot cocoa, and snacks—perfect for the chilly, snowy day. The weather-proof popup tents also came in handy!

Their Columbia River Gorge Elopement Package

When my couples book me, I always send them a questionnaire to learn about their elopement day vision so I can help them execute it. Chris and Patricia wanted a ceremony with a mountain backdrop, avoiding heavy snow and long hikes. They imagined a private, easily accessible lake for additional photo opportunities. For the rest of their day, they envisioned a simple hike, possibly bird watching, and a dinner with guests who were up for the adventure.

And that’s exactly what I helped them create!

One of the best parts of my job is providing full support to my couples, no matter which package they choose. For Chris and Patricia, this meant extensive location scouting, custom location lists, vendor referrals, meet-ups before the elopement day, and unlimited calls to help with planning, timelines, and any questions they had. This level of support ensures that each couple feels confident and excited about their elopement day.

Tips for Planning Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement

I absolutely love the Columbia River Gorge! It’s quintessential Oregon—breathtakingly beautiful but also quite popular. Here are a few tips if you’re considering a Columbia River Gorge elopement:

Plan for Permits

Access to Multnomah Falls requires a timed use entry permit during busy months. Check out the permit system for more details. There are many other waterfalls that don’t require permits and are equally stunning.

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!

Government Cove

This location offers fantastic views and is perfect for a ceremony and photos. Remember, it’s owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, so vehicular access is restricted, but you can walk around and enjoy the scenery. Note that there are no bathrooms, so plan accordingly.

If you’re planning to elope in Columbia River Gorge, here’s a complete guide to help you with everything you need to know.

Be Prepared for the Weather

Chris and Patricia had a very rare snowstorm on their elopement day, and this is something to keep in mind when you choose to elope! Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so it’s always wise to bring layers, warm, comfy shoes, and extra socks – among other things.

In case of adverse weather, it’s also good to have a backup plan. In this case, we didn’t need it, but it’s good to be prepared! That’s something I prepare for all my couples!

Ready to Plan Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement?!

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon and PNW elopement photographer! If you and your partner want to plan a beautiful Columbia River Gorge elopement like Chris and Patricia, I’m here to document an experience you and your partner will remember forever! Be sure to check out my elopement packages and reach out via my inquiry form here! 

If you want to learn more about eloping in Oregon, check out my Oregon elopement guide! I can’t wait to explore these beautiful locations with you and your partner while capturing an adventure elopement unique to your love story!

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Vendors

Dress | Poised Bridal

HMU | Marina Haynes

Catering | Picnics with Elegance