If you’re dreaming of a wedding ceremony and celebration surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, a Crater Lake elopement might be for you! This iconic, yet somehow still underrated natural wonder is perfect for free-spirited couples who crave adventure and epic views. Here are forests, waterfalls, the deepest natural lake in North America, mountain views, and wildflowers in the summer.

This blog is going to help you plan the perfect Crater Lake National Park elopement – from the best places to elope, permit info, places to stay, and more! And if you want inspiration on how your day and timeline could look, scroll to the end and see Kelly & Chad’s Crater Lake elopement for ideas!

The Best Time for Your Crater Lake Elopement

Best Time of Year

Crater Lake, like many Oregon elopement locations,  is a beautiful choice all year round. The best time of year for your elopement depends on the vision you have for your day.

I’d say July to mid-October are the best months, because the park’s roads and facilities are fully open and the weather is generally good! If you want to elope in the wildflowers, late July through August is a beautiful choice. But as with most places, summer is peak tourism season, so it can get quite busy. September to mid-October could be better since it gets less crowded.

Winter elopements can be magical, with the park covered in snow, but be prepared for limited access and potentially harsh weather conditions. It’s great if you want to include winter activities into your day though! It’s also a time in the park that sees significantly less tourism, and you’ll likely have the place to yourselves.

Best Time of Day

Much like the time of year, picking the perfect time of day all depends on your priorities for your elopement ceremony. Eloping at Sunrise can be more secluded, with an increased chance for better weather and magical lighting like “alpenglow” on east-facing locations. Sunset can also be secluded, and while the weather may be more unpredictable in the evenings during certain times of the year, it’ll be warmer, and you and your partner get to sleep in. If you can’t decide on a time of day, you can always choose a full-day elopement package and do both Sunrise and Sunset!

Best Time of Week

Eloping on a weekday offers lower crowd levels, even during peak seasons. I recommend a midweek date for any elopement in Crater Lake, 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 the 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 to Crater Lake National Park

The closest major airport is Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), located about 80 miles southwest of the park. From the airport, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive to Crater Lake.

If you’re driving from out of state, Crater Lake is accessible via several major highways. 

According to the National Park Service website:

• From the west (Medford) – Take Hwy 62 to the West Entrance. Open year-round. 
• From the south (Klamath Falls) – Take Hwy 97 north to Hwy 62 to the South Entrance. Open year-round. 
• The North Entrance is on Hwy 138 and is accessed from Interstate 5 east at Roseburg or Hwy 97 south from Bend and Chemult. 
• Travelers from Bend take Route 97 south to Route 62 to the park’s south entrance. 

The North Entrance is closed for about 7 months each year beginning November 1 (or earlier, if there is significant snowfall). It opens sometime between mid-May and late June. Check the status on the current conditions page.

Best Crater Lake Elopement Ceremony Locations

Watchman Overlook

Watchman Overlook offers panoramic views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. It’s particularly stunning at sunset, however, it can get hot and smoky during wildfire season. The trail is .7 mi and it’s moderate in difficulty. 

Cloud Cap Overlook

Cloud Cap Overlook is one of the highest points accessible by car within Crater Lake National Park. Here you get stunning views of Crater Lake and the surrounding landscape of rugged cliffs and rock formations. 

Cloud Cap Overlook is accessible via the East Rim Drive, with a parking area nearby. From the parking area, it’s a short walk to the overlook, making it easily accessible for couples and their guests.

Sun Notch Viewpoint

Sun Notch Viewpoint offers a quieter, more intimate setting with a breathtaking view of Phantom Ship, a unique rock formation that resembles a ghostly ship on Crater Lake’s waters. 

The trail to Sun Notch Viewpoint is a relatively easy hike, suitable for most visitors. It’s a short walk from the parking area, making it accessible for couples and small elopement parties.

Wizard Island Overlook

Wizard Island Overlook provides one of the best views of the iconic Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone rising out of Crater Lake. The overlook is situated on a high cliff, surrounded by conifer trees and rugged volcanic terrain. You can take a boat tour to the Wizard Island, which can be a fun activity to include on your elopement day!

Garfield Peak

Garfield Peak is a moderately challenging hike that will reward you with panoramic views of Crater Lake and the Cascade Range. The hike is about 3.4 miles round trip and it passes through beautiful alpine meadows. It’s such a great choice for you if you enjoy hiking! 

Cleetwood Cove

Cleetwood Cove is the only place where visitors can hike down to the shore of Crater Lake, providing a unique and intimate setting for an elopement right at the water’s edge. The trail is steep and about 1.1 miles one way. It requires some effort but is manageable for hiking lovers. Here you can swim and fish, as well! Depending on snow conditions, the trail is usually open from mid-June to late October.

Discovery Point

Discovery Point Trail is an easy and gorgeous hike along the rim of Crater Lake. The trail begins in Rim Village making it easy to access, as well. This is one of those locations that is perfect if you want the views without tiring yourselves out on a hike!

Plaikni Falls

Plaikni Falls is a hidden gem within the park, offering a serene and picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The trail to the falls is surrounded by a forest, making it a lovely, scenic walk! You may also spot some wildflowers! It’s about a 2-mile round trip hike, so it’s nice if you want a bit of a hike for your elopement day.

Phantom Ship Overlook

Phantom Ship Overlook offers a view of Phantom Ship, a small island that looks like a ghost ship on Crater Lake.  The overlook is set among rocky and forested terrain, providing a clear view of the island and its dramatic, jagged rock formations. It’s a really unique, moody location for your Crater Lake National Park elopement.

You can check out more possible Crater Lake elopement locations here!

Best Places to Stay in Crater Lake Area

Crater Lake Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge is a historic hotel built in 1915. The lodge features 71 rooms, including six accessible options. Some rooms provide direct views of Crater Lake, while others overlook Rim Village and the surrounding landscape. They also have a nice restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you don’t need to worry about cooking and bringing too many things along. Keep in mind, the lodge typically operates from mid-May to early October!

Crater Lake Resort

Crater Lake Resort is located about 20 minutes from the park entrance, providing a variety of accommodations, including cabins, glamping and RV sites. It offers a more rustic experience while still being close to the park. 

The resort offers a range of amenities, such as fishing and boating opportunities on nearby Diamond Lake, hiking trails, and winter sports activities. Here you can also enjoy a restaurant and convenience store on-site.

Cabins at Mazama Village

The Cabins at Mazama Village are nestled within an old-growth forest of lodgepole pines, providing a serene and rustic lodging experience. They are located about 7 miles south of Rim Village, making them easily accessible for park visitors. You will find American cuisine for lunch and dinner, and plentiful selection of wine and local beer. The cabins are generally open from late May to late September, depending on weather conditions.

Mazama Campground

You’ll find Mazama Campgrounds right next door to the Mazama Cabins. The campground offers a scenic camping experience with access to hiking trails and stunning views of the lake. The campground features 214 sites, with amenities including restrooms and picnic tables. The campground is typically open from late May to late September, depending on weather conditions. 

Diamond Lake Resort

Situated about 20 miles from Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake Resort is a full-service, all-season resort offering a variety of accommodations, including motel-style rooms and cabins. The resort is popular for fishing, hiking, and winter sports, so you’ll have something to do here whenever you choose to elope!

Crater Lake Elopement Activity Ideas

There are so many things to do in Crater Lake for your elopement! Here are only a few suggestions:

• Take a cruise across Crater Lake
• Go hiking! There are so many trails depending on what kind of hike you’re looking for.
• Go fishing
• Go Backcountry Camping
• Enjoy the Scenic Rim Drive
• Visit the beautiful waterfalls
• Go on a Rim Village walking tour
• Enjoy a picnic with a view
• Stargaze in the evening
• Go mountain biking
• Look at seasonal winter activities, like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sledding!

How to Officially Elope in Crater Lake National Park

Marriage License

If you want to elope in Crater Lake National Park legally, you and your partner can grab your marriage license at any County Clerk’s Office in Oregon. The closest County Clerk’s office is Klamath County. Before your visit, fill out the marriage license application online. Oregon has a three-day waiting period before a ceremony can occur after a license is issued! So, be sure to visit an Oregon County Clerk’s Office on a weekday, at least three days before your elopement ceremony. 

There’s a $60.00 one-time license fee, 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 Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, you need a permit for a Crater Lake National Park elopement. You’ll need to complete an application form and post it to :

Crater Lake National Park
Attn: Special Park Uses
PO Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604

It’s a non-refundable $50 application fee. It’s recommended to apply at least 8 weeks in advance, but I’d say you should do it as early as possible to get the spot you’d like. You can check in about the most up-to-date permit information here!

As your Oregon elopement photographer, I make sure to secure all the necessary permits required, because the last thing I want for us is to get stopped and fined! 

Leave No Trace When You Elope In Crater Lake National Park

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, be sure to respect the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace so that the beauty of Oregon 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

You’ll find that Crater Lake National Park as in most outdoor elopement locations, does not allow the throwing of seeds, rice, or flowers, nor can balloons or butterflies be released. There are some other considerations as well, that you can learn about here!

It’s Time to Plan Your Crater Lake Elopement!

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon elopement photographer! If you and your partner want to plan an epic Crater Lake National Park 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! 

Want more PNW elopement inspiration? Check out my Oregon Elopement Guide, Washington State Elopement Guide, and North Cascades Elopement Guide!

If you want to see what your Crater Lake elopement could look like, scroll down and read all about Kelly & Chad’s day!

Kelly & Chad’s Crater Lake Oregon Elopement

When Kelly contacted me about photographing her Crater Lake elopement, I was beyond excited for the opportunity! It’s been a bucket list location of mine for years! Kelly and her fiancé, Chad, were flying in from Colorado last July to elope at one of their favorite places in Oregon. I made sure to secure all the necessary permits required, as the National Park Service does have regulations regarding weddings, and the last thing I wanted was for us to get stopped and fined! As the date approached though, a huge wildfire broke out in the park. We made a last minute decision regarding the location because it was so smoky you couldn’t see the lake. I definitely think we scored and it turned out to be such a beautiful spot for their intimate elopement.

I met Kelly and Chad at the trailhead to Plaikni Falls. It was thick with mosquitoes and we all doused ourselves in bug spray before the mile hike. Kelly made her floral crown and bouquet that she carefully brought on the plane with her from Colorado. I love the strawberries she added to go with the red in her shoes!  She totally rocked the most awesome pair of rainbow wedges that she effortlessly hiked in to the ceremony spot at the base of the waterfall.

Beautiful Plaikni Falls serves as the ceremony backdrop for an intimate Crater Lake elopement! 

We approach the falls as a family is snapping photos. They graciously congratulated Kelly and Chad and headed back down the trail. Chad helps Kelly fix her hair, and then get ready for their ceremony to begin. They exchanged personal vows they each wrote for one another, as they held hands. We didn’t see another soul for their entire wedding ceremony! It was absolutely magical and the light was really lovely thanks to the wildfire.

After the ceremony, we stayed at the falls for some romantic couple’s portraits. The location was absolutely breathtaking, with the lush green landscape and it was the perfect place for me to create a composite image. I just love doing these for my wedding couples! If you’re a photography nerd like me, this technique basically offers the compression of a long lens (in this case I used my Canon 135mm) in a wide angle image. I can’t achieve this look with my 35mm lens, and oh boy is the bokeh dreamy!

After the wedding ceremony, we headed to Cloud Cap Overlook, for a little celebration of cake and champagne and more portraits, of course!

Cloud Cap Overlook was supposed to be Kelly and Chad’s location for their wedding ceremony for their Crater Lake elopement. As the lake was totally socked in with smoke from the wildfire, we switched gears and went to the overlook after the ceremony to cut their beautiful gluten-free Foxtail Bakeshop cake, eat strawberries and sip champagne. There was a perfect little spot tucked into the stubby wind swept trees for these two to lay their beautiful orange trimmed patchwork quilt down and spread out. The details really made my sentimental heart sing, with an eclectic mix of vintage, handmade and new decor. Kelly has great taste and knows how to have fun! Her rainbow bag went perfectly with her shoes! I absolutely adore the yellow metal vintage cake carrier, the ceramic crock held delectable strawberries, and a gold serving tray held their champagne flutes engraved with a tall evergreen tree. I really love the thought and care they put into creating the perfect, happy vibe for their day!

After the celebratory toasts and cake (it was delicious btw), we set out to do some more romantic portraits. We started in the trees, where Kelly and Chad shared their first dance with a gorgeous view of Mount Scott, the highest point in the park.

We then headed out on a trail along the edge of Crater Lake. It was really ethereal the way the smoke hung in the crater. While the views were mostly obscured, I think these are some of the dreamiest portraits of the day! Kelly and Chad are also very passionate about the environment, and asked me if I had access to some kind of masks they could wear to make a statement against climate change with their portraits. While I wasn’t able to find any cool gas masks, I did have these scrub masks (I use them when I clean my chicken coop, ha) so we went with it! As someone who cares deeply for our planet myself, these images spoke to me and I wanted to be sure to include them in this blog. Our landscapes are changing, wildfires are more intense, and we need to do our part.

We head back into the trees to gather Kelly and Chad’s belongings, as the sun is beginning to set, and they are trying to make their dinner reservations at the lodge. The glow through the trees is breathtaking, and I make sure to grab a few more snuggly portraits of these two before we head back to the cars.

The sunset over Crater Lake was absolutely breathtaking with the wildfire smoke!

We said our goodbyes and thought the evening was through. Kelly and Chad were already running a bit late to make their dinner reservations, but didn’t mind as they were enjoying the sunset, and taking the experience in. We hugged and each got into our vehicles and headed on down the road. They left before me, as I packed up my gear. Well, as I was driving, the sunset just kept getting more and more phenomenal. The smoke created an amazing pink sky and I decided to pull off at the next viewpoint to take in it. That’s where I ran into Kelly and Chad again. I grabbed my camera and told them we just had to take a few more photos as the sky was absolutely brilliant!

Kelly and Chad’s Crater Lake elopement was an absolutely incredible experience as a wedding photographer. I was truly honored to be a part of such an intimate experience! I love how they chose to have the wedding they wanted, just the two of them, reciting their vows, celebrating their love, and taking it all in! Thank you both for your trust!

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Hey, I’m Erica a Bend wedding and elopement photographer for sentimental, free-spirited and natural couples. If you are considering an adventurous elopement in Oregon, or elsewhere, I would love to chat with you! Let’s make magic together.