I’m a wedding & elopement photographer for laid back couples that value the idea of being married more than just having a party. They want photos that show their true selves and represent their love of nature, and prefer to be more natural than overly posed.
From fog-kissed cliffs and crashing waves to alpine lakes and high deserts, Oregon freaking delivers when it comes to stunning elopement locations! Whether you’re barefoot on the beach or lacing up your hiking boots for a mountain adventure, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you two lovebirds.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite Oregon elopement locations, so you can find THE one that really speaks to you! Also, most of these spots are super accessible, especially for couples who want epic views without a 20-mile trek. So let’s get into it!
Before we dive into the locations, I wanted to give you a couple of things to consider when choosing where you’d like to elope in Oregon. Here are the questions you should discuss with each other:
No matter what you’re envisioning, I’ve got you covered with the dreamiest Oregon elopement locations below, organized by vibe to make choosing that much easier!
Oregon’s coast is what moody and romantic elopement dreams are made of. Think rugged cliffs, sea stacks rising from the surf, misty trails, and beautiful sunsets. Whether you want to run barefoot on the beach, explore tide pools, or cozy up around a bonfire, these coastal towns are some of my absolute faves.
You’ve definitely seen the iconic Haystack Rock—but there’s so much more to Cannon Beach. Think foggy mornings, tide pools, driftwood, and epic sunsets. The beach is super accessible and perfect for couples who want laid-back vibes and romantic coastal backdrops without a big hike. Plus, Ecola State Park is just a short drive away (and where many scenes in Twilight were actually filmed). I also love Crescent Beach and Hug Point for more secluded vow exchanges, especially at low tide.
Sunrise and weekday elopements are your best bet to avoid crowds. Permits are usually not needed for small ceremonies, but I always recommend double-checking depending on your setup!
A more chill, less crowded alternative to Cannon Beach, Manzanita offers a long stretch of peaceful coastline framed by Neahkahnie Mountain. You can even hike up to the viewpoint for those expansive ocean views before heading down to the sand. Perfect for dreamy golden light and cozy coastal elopements! Some of my favorite ceremony spots near Manzanita are within Oswald West State Park and include Manzanita Beach, Elk Flats Trail, Short Sands Beach, Arch Cape, and Cove Beach.
Plus, Manzanita’s main street is full of delicious fine-dining restaurants, breweries, and wineries — an absolute dream come true for foodie couples planning an oceanside celebration.
Known for Proposal Rock and the mysterious Ghost Forest (ancient tree stumps visible at low tide!), Neskowin feels like a hidden gem. It’s a little quirky, a lot magical, and SO freaking photogenic. Great for couples who want a unique spot that’s still super accessible. When visiting the Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site at low tide, you can even explore tidepools and do some pretty great beachcombing!
Check out this fall coastal elopement in Neskowin for inspiration!
Down near the California border, Brookings brings that rugged Southern Oregon coast energy. Think dramatic cliffs, secret coves, and less tourist traffic than the northern beaches. There are even redwoods nearby! Spring and fall are dreamy down here with wildflowers or golden light.
Whether you and your partner enjoy beach combing, fishing, hiking, whale-watching, biking, or kayaking, Brookings has it all. My favorite elopement ceremony locations in and around Brookings include Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, McVay Rock State Recreation Site, and Chetco Point Park, just to name a few!
You can also take a look at this beautiful Chetco River Inn elopement in Brookings, OR, for inspiration!
Do you love the idea of sand dunes, windswept beaches, and lighthouses? Winchester Bay is for you. It has wide open coastal views and a bit of that desert-meets-ocean vibe—great for folks wanting something truly unique!
If you and your partner love adventure, you can rent ATVs, buggies, or dirt bikes to explore the tallest dunes in Oregon. For a thrilling water activity, consider booking a charter to catch some of the bay’s famous local Dungeness crabs. While Umpqua River Lighthouse is one of my favorite ceremony locations in Winchester Bay, it’s also an excellent area for a sailboat elopement at Sunset!
Check out this Oregon Coast guard elopement here for inspiration!
Otis is a hidden gem for elopement locations. The small town, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Oregon’s seaside communities, is just a short drive from some of Lincoln City’s best beaches. Surrounded by lush forests and serene lakes, Otis is an ideal elopement location for couples who love hiking, waterfalls, and lake activities but want to experience the coastal perks of eloping near the Pacific. My favorite ceremony spots in and around Otis include Drift Creek Falls and God’s Thumb.
Pronounced “YAH-hots,” this adorable town is nestled between the ocean and the forest. If you and your partner love sightseeing, hiking, and panoramic ocean views, Yachats will surely be your dream ceremony location. You’ll find rocky cliffs, tide pools, and thick coastal woods all in one place. Great for moody coastal lovers, and SO dang romantic during golden hour.
Cape Perpetua is hands down one of my favorite elopement areas along the Oregon Coast. It has some of the most incredible cliffside viewpoints overlooking the Pacific. If you and your partner plan to celebrate your elopement with a picnic, Neptune Beach at Sunset or Sunrise is a beautiful sandy shore to do so.
If you are dreaming of a coastal elopement, check out my full Oregon Coast elopement guide for more ideas, seasonal tips, and planning inspiration!
Southern Oregon offers peaceful forest trails, river valleys, stunning coastal locations, and charming towns that will make you want to slow down and enjoy your elopement day to the fullest. I’m certain you’d find THE perfect elopement spot for you down here!
Set in the heart of the Umpqua River Valley, Roseburg is a total hidden gem for waterfall lovers and forest vibes. This area is bursting with natural beauty, from the winding Umpqua River to spots like Susan Creek Falls and Toketee Falls just a short drive away.
Known for its theater scene and artistic soul, Ashland is an amazing and fun place to elope. One of my favorite places here is Lithia Park, which is especially beautiful during the fall with the colorful foliage and gentle creek paths. There are also nearby hiking trails and a quaint, walkable downtown that feels straight out of a storybook. They also run a Shakespeare Festival every year, which can be a great way to celebrate your elopement day! Lithia Springs Resort is a great place for an intimate wedding with natural mineral waters, beautiful grounds with grape vines, walking paths, and a wine garden nestled in the rolling hills.
Just a few minutes from Ashland, Talent is nestled in wine country, surrounded by peaceful vineyards and rolling hills. It’s quiet and beautiful, and I really recommend looking into the local vineyards or farm-style venues for the ultimate elopement or intimate wedding experience!
Bandon is a coastal town famous for its rugged shores and beauty. It’s got sea stacks, wind-swept cliffs, and driftwood beaches that would be so dreamy as your photo backdrops! There are also loads of adorable seaside cottages and inns for a cozy stay or serve as a plan B!
Tucked between the forest and the sea, Gold Beach is where rivers meet the Pacific, offering beautiful coastal scenery, wide open beaches, and peaceful hiking trails just inland. I recommend you check out Rogue River and forest trails if you want to get a mix of scenery during your elopement getaway!
Located just south of Gold Beach, Pistol River State Park is a total gem. Wide sandy beaches, sea stacks, rolling dunes, and that classic Southern Oregon coastal mist make it feel raw and cinematic. It’s less crowded than the northern coast and ideal for couples wanting something off-the-beaten-path.
This lesser-known coastal park near Port Orford has sweeping cliff views, dramatic rock formations, and a peaceful, rugged beauty that feels untouched. The trail is short and relatively easy, making it a great spot for amazing views without much effort.
If your happy place looks like wildflower meadows, snow-dusted peaks, and alpine lakes that sparkle in the sunlight, Oregon’s mountain landscapes are going to steal your heart. Whether you want to hike to your ceremony spot or just soak in the views with a mug of coffee and your love by your side, this part of Oregon is a dream for adventurous souls.
The Wallowas are a remote mountain range in Eastern Oregon that feels untouched and wildly scenic. You’ll find alpine lakes, open meadows, and sweeping mountain vistas—perfect for couples who want solitude and get way off the beaten path. The area is best accessed from late June through early October. It’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth the effort!
From skiing to hiking, Mt. Hood has everything you need for an adventure-filled elopement! There’s so much to do and see all year-round with all the epic views, ski resorts, wildflower meadows, and some of the most beautiful trails around. It’s just two hours from Portland, but it feels like a whole other world.
Snowy elopements are best from December to March, while late July to early October is prime for hiking and wildflowers.
If you’d like to plan your elopement here, check out my Mt. Hood elopement guide to help you!
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Cascade Mountains are packed with stunning alpine lakes, lava fields, and volcanic peaks. Sparks Lake, Broken Top, Todd Lake, and Green Lakes are jaw-dropping spots for vows. Late summer to early fall is best for accessibility, since snow can stick around until July!
And while you’re in the area, you don’t want to miss out exploring more of the Cascade Lakes Highway! It is a scenic corridor running through the mountains just west of Bend, giving easy access to many of the mountain lakes. The highway is closed in the winter, but typically opens by Memorial Day weekend and stays open until early to mid-November (depending on snow, of course).
Located on the western end of the Blue Mountains, the Ochoco Mountains offer a more rugged and remote, yet seriously awe-inspiring elopement location. These high desert mountains are full of wide open views, wildflowers in summer, and some of the best stargazing in the state. If you want something a little different than the usual PNW look, this is it!
Take a look at this beautiful Oregon Adventure Engagement in Ochoco Mountains and get inspired by the scenery!
Just 30 minutes from Bend, Mt. Bachelor is the perfect place for a snowy winter elopement or mountain-top summer adventure. While it is a great option for a skiing or snowboarding elopement, you get stunning wildflower meadows and views for days during summertime as well!
You can ride the ski lift up, elope with panoramic views of the Cascades, and celebrate in downtown Bend afterward. It’s a laid-back but epic option for couples who love snow or just want killer scenery without a long hike.
Take a look at Andrea & Greg’s Mt. Bachelor adventure elopement for more inspo!
If you dream of an elopement that feels like a cozy retreat in nature but also want the ease of a venue with lodging, privacy, and an in-built plan B in case of bad weather, these Oregon venues and cities are worth a look!
Want cozy cabin vibes right on the lake? Suttle Lake Lodge is nestled between tall pines and sitting on the edge of a sparkling alpine lake, this lodge feels peaceful, romantic, and tucked away from the world. The resort features a boathouse, dock, lodge and lake for great photo opportunities on the property, too. This spot offers full-service catering and add-ons to create the perfect wedding day for you and your guests.
Personally, I love the sunrise at the lake because the water is calm, and most day users have not arrived yet! Take a look at some Suttle Lake Lodge wedding adventures here!
Want a mountain backdrop and space to stretch out and explore? Black Butte Ranch offers wide open meadows, snow-capped views of the Cascades, peaceful forest trails, and modern lodging all in one dreamy location.
The views of the Cascade Mountains and the beautiful little lake are seriously the perfect backdrop for your ceremony! You can also include a lot of adventure into your elopement day! Think golf, horseback riding, and miles of beautiful trails for hiking or biking. It’s really a great choice if you’re looking for a location that offers most of what you want in one location. Plus it is also close yo many amazing spots in Central Oregon, being close to Sisters, where you’ll find cute boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
Check out my Black Butte Ranch wedding guide for more ideas and inspiration!
FivePine Lodge is a a boutique lodge located in Sisters has a forest elopement written all over it. With tall trees, charming cabins, and an on-site spa (yes, please), it’s perfect for couples who want nature + comfort. The property is private and beautiful year-round, especially in the fall. Plus, being in the charming town of Sisters, Oregon, you’re just a short walk from boutique shopping, art galleries, and local cafes.
You can learn more about planning your day here in my FivePine Lodge wedding guide!
Rainshadow Organics Farm is a beautiful organic farm in Central Oregon, offering a unique setting for earthy, intentional elopements. Think golden fields, wildflowers, mountain views, and a laid-back, farm-to-table vibe. It’s a beautiful place to celebrate love and sustainability in one gorgeous swoop. Late spring and summer are especially beautiful here when all the flowers are blooming!
Take a look at this Rainshadow Organics Farm wedding for inspiration of what your day could look like here!
This cute little mountain town is surrounded by the Three Sisters peaks and packed with weatern charm. Think rustic cabins, art galleries, and breathtaking views just outside of town. Sisters is super close to tons of epic spots in Central Oregon, like the Cascade Lakes and Smith Rock, and you can easily find incredible views from public and protected lands nearby . It’s perfect if you want a mix of small-town charm and outdoor beauty.
Check out this beautiful Central Oregon Winter Elopement to see more photos from this area!
Okay, I’m a little biased because Bend is my home, but I truly think this is one of the most amazing places to plan your elopement in all of Oregon. You’ve got alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, desert magic, towering forests, and a super fun downtown scene all within an hour’s drive (or less). Whether you want to wake up slow and cozy in a cabin or lace up your boots for a sunrise hike, this is the place to do it.
Bend sits right in the heart of Central Oregon, so you’re surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes River, high desert, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Whether you want lakeside vows, desert portraits, or snowy peaks, you’ll find it here.
Plus, Bend is gorgeous all year round, but if you’re looking for sunny skies, trail access, and warmer weather, July to mid-October is your time! Just keep in mind that summer is a popular season, so it might get a little busy around town. If you and your partner want a more low-key, intimate vibe, consider the off-season. February and March are awesome if you’re dreaming of a skiing elopement at Mt. Bachelor or just want to play in the snow.
Wildfire season (Summertime) can be smoky. Eloping during a shoulder season, before July or after October, will also ensure you avoid peak wildfire season.
If you’d like to elope in Bend, check out my full Bend, Oregon elopement guide!
Sunriver is a resort-style community just 20 minutes from Bend. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to mix laid-back luxury vibes with scenic beauty. With pine forests, winding bike trails, the Deschutes River, and high desert views all around, it’s easy to find a ceremony spot that’s both accessible and stunning. Here you can bike to dinner, hit the spa, or stargaze from a hot tub after your ceremony! Whether you elope riverside, on a golf course with a mountain backdrop, or in a cozy vacation home, Sunriver has something for you!
Take a look at Justine & Christopher’s Sunriver Wedding for inspiration!
This might just be one of Central Oregon’s most peaceful and underrated places to elope. Camp Sherman is a tiny, quiet village nestled along the crystal-clear Metolius River, with giant ponderosa pines, charming cabins, and soft golden light filtering through the forest. The river itself is spring-fed, insanely beautiful, and perfect for private riverside vows.
Check out Jenna & Tyler’s Lake Creek Lodge wedding to see what your day could look like in this stunning area.
Moody, misty, and super romantic, Oregon’s waterfalls surrounded by lush forests create a truly magnificent setting for your elopement day!
Just under an hour from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most iconic and accessible adventure elopement destinations in the state. It is home to more than 90 waterfalls (yep, 90!), including the iconic Multnomah Falls. You’ll also find gems like Wahclella, Latourell, and Bridal Veil Falls—all of which offer seriously stunning ceremony backdrops. This area is especially magical in spring when waterfalls are at their most powerful and everything is lush and green.
Some falls have short hikes (under a mile), others require a little more effort. You also won’t need a permit unless you’re planning a wedding of more than 75 people.
Learn how to plan your Columbia River Gorge elopement here!
Dillon Falls is a powerful, dramatic waterfall along the Deschutes River just outside Bend. The trail is super easy and flat, so it’s accessible for almost everyone—plus, you get a mix of river views, lava rock, and forest. Early mornings or weekdays are best if you want it all to yourselves. Perfect for couples who want a moody, romantic river setting!
Check out Kellie & Brad’s Dillon Falls elopement here!
This towering, showstopping waterfall just outside Bend is an absolute dream for an elopement. It’s tall, scenic, and surrounded by towering trees and mountain vibes. The main viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking lot, but you can also hike further for more privacy and angles. This spot is amazing in late spring and early summer, when the snowmelt is flowing strong. Permits aren’t usually required for small ceremonies, but parking fills up fast—especially on weekends.
Take a look at Leah & Sean’s Tumalo Falls elopement for inspiration!
The McKenzie River area is one of the most lush, vibrant, and green places in Oregon. Located east of Eugene, this region is known for cascading waterfalls, moss-draped trees, bright turquoise waters, and fern-covered trails. Spots like Tamolitch Blue Pool, Sahalie & Koosah Falls, and Clear Lake offer so many options for an unforgettable elopement adventure.
Take a look at this Sahalie Falls Intimate Waterfall Wedding to see what your day could look like here too!
Running right through Bend, Deschutes River Trail offers river views, forest groves, and easy access without leaving town. It’s perfect for couples who want a low-key elopement that still feels connected to nature. There are lots of little offshoots along the river where you can find private ceremony spots, plus it’s super accessible for guests or casual elopement strolls.
The river trail is extremely popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, and the river itself gets very busy during the warm summer months, so choosing a weekday and avoiding the most popular stretches will help create a more private experience for you.
If you’re dreaming of a forest elopement with waterfall vibes and a touch of adventure, Drift Creek Falls is a wonderful option. Just about 45 minutes from Lincoln City or Neskowin, this trail leads you through lush, mossy forest to a suspension bridge that stretches high above the roaring falls. Yep, it’s as amazing as it sound!
The hike is about 3 miles round trip and it’s one of the trails that feels quite peaceful even during the normally busy seasons. Once you reach the falls, you can say your vows with the sound of rushing water in the background or stand on the bridge with the forest all around you and take in the view together.
Take a look at this beautiful Drift Creek Falls hiking elopement for inspiration of what your day could look like here, too!
If you and your partner are dreaming of an elopement that’s anything but ordinary, these spots are offering something really unique! We’re talking colorful desert hills, ancient volcanic cliffs, reflective alpine lakes, and even wide-open salt flats that look like something out of another world.
If you’re dreaming of golden cliffs, desert sunshine, and epic canyon views, Smith Rock State Park is your spot. This high desert wonderland near Redmond is famous for its towering rock formations, deep river canyons, and dramatic light that changes by the hour. It’s a rock climber’s paradise, but it’s also perfect for couples who want an adventurous, bold backdrop for their elopement.
The Crooked River winds through the canyon floor, giving you options for riverside portraits or vow exchanges on scenic overlooks with jaw-dropping views. You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to access beautiful ceremony spots either — the trails vary from super easy to more challenging, depending on what you’re going for. Fall and spring are best here as summers can get HOT.
If you’re curious about this spot, check out my full Smith Rock State elopement guide for more planning tips and inspiration!
One of Oregon’s most surreal landscapes, the Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. With vibrant red, gold, and orange tones in the rolling hills, it seriously feels like you’re on another planet. It’s best at sunrise or sunset, and while you can’t walk on the hills themselves, there are designated trails and overlooks perfect for portraits. A great pick if you want an elopement that feels totally one-of-a-kind.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., with water so blue it’ll take your breath away. It’s also Oregon’s only National Park. Formed by a collapsed volcano, it’s surrounded by pine forests, wildflowers (in summer), and dramatic cliffs. Crater Lake National Park is absolutely stunning in summer and early fall when the rim road is open, but it’s also incredible in the winter if you’re up for a snowshoe adventure!
Permits are required for ceremonies inside the park, but don’t worry, I’ll help you navigate it! If this location is calling your name, here’s my full Crater Lake elopement guide to help you plan the perfect day!
Right in Bend, Shevlin Park is an underrated gem for forest elopements, especially in late summer or fall when the aspens turn golden. With a few different trails for hiking and biking, a picnic area, and lots of open space, this stunning park is a peaceful place to say I Do. For elopements or intimate weddings with guests, couples can book the Aspen Hall for indoor celebrations and the Aspen Meadow Picnic Shelter for an outdoor reception.
A lot of my couples have chosen Aspen Hall for their day, and it is a truly beautiful space! It’s tucked among the trees and just a short walk from the river. I love having it as an option to recommend if you’re planning for an intimate wedding vs elopement, or want to have a backup plan in case of adverse weather. The hall has a cozy, lodge-like feel and opens up to a wide lawn and aspen grove. It is perfect for outdoor ceremonies or sunset portraits in the fall when the leaves turn golden!
Looking for something truly otherworldly? The Alvord Desert is a dried-up lakebed in southeastern Oregon that offers a surreal, cracked-earth landscape with mountains in the distance. It’s remote, windy, and wide open—perfect for couples wanting a minimalist, edgy vibe. Sunsets here are insane, and stargazing is next-level, being one of the largest Dark Skies in the world!
Sparks Lake is one of my favorite lakes along the Cascade Lakes Highway. You’ve got wide-open meadows, crystal-clear water, pine forests and mountain views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor — all at once. It’s an especially dreamy spot for sunrise ceremonies!
You can check out my full Sparks Lake elopement guide here!
Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon elopement photographer! If you and your partner are looking to plan an epic elopement, I’m here to capture a day you’ll never forget! Be sure to check out my Oregon elopement packages and reach out to me via my inquiry form here!
If you’re interested in learning more about eloping in and around Oregon, check out my blog – How To Elope in Oregon! I can’t wait to explore this beautiful state while celebrating you and your partner’s beautiful love story!