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.
If the thought of saying your vows beneath towering trees, the scent of pine in the air, and sunlight filtering through the branches gives you butterflies, then a forest elopement in Oregon might just be your dream come true. Oregon is freaking magical when it comes to forested elopement spots—from old-growth giants dripping in moss to peaceful riverside groves and dreamy fern-filled trails. Whether you want to hike a little, not at all, or just cozy up in a cabin surrounded by trees, there’s something here for you.
Let’s dive into some of the most stunning forest elopement locations in Oregon, including National Forests, state parks, and scenic venues for intimate weddings tucked away in the trees.
Mt. Hood National Forest surrounds Oregon’s tallest peak and is packed with epic spots for forest elopements. There are alpine meadows, old-growth trails with moss-covered trees, and also lakes. Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake are dreamy for those sunrise reflections and misty mountain vibes! The Old Salmon River Trail is one of my all-time favorites: low effort, huge reward, and such a peaceful forest vibe. For those craving a touch of adventure, the Timberline Trail has some wildflower-dotted stretches that feel like out of a postcard.
If you like the idea of eloping here, check out my full Mt. Hood Elopement Guide for even more helpful planning information!
There are also some intimate wedding venues in the area, if you’d like to share the day with some of your closest loved ones!
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is nestled on the northeast side of the mountain and offers charming rustic cabins and forested ceremony spaces with mountain views. They also offer a wonderful farm-to-table catering options for your celebration!
Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the Griffin House offers grassy cliffs, sweeping views, and dreamy forest corners. It’s polished yet natural, and ideal if you want an elevated feel without losing that down-to-earth connection with nature.
Located near Hood River, Wilson Farm is a charming, family-owned farm with beautiful gardens, forested nooks, and mountain views. It’s relaxed, intimate, and full of that warm, welcoming energy that makes you feel right at home.
This venue has all the cozy orchard-meets-forest vibes, with a mix of trees, wildflower meadows, and mountain views. For your ceremony you’d be facing Mt. Hood, but if you just turn your head there is Mt. Adams right behind! It is an absolutely stunning venue all around!
Silcox Hut sits above Timberline Lodge and it is the ultimate B&B at 7000 feet! It is a cozy stone lodge that brings major alpine cabin vibes with jaw-dropping views and total seclusion. You can stay overnight, which means no rushing on your elopement morning. Accessible by snowcat in the winter, it’s a whole adventure just getting there!
Check out Avery & Tyler’s intimate winter wedding at Silcox Hut here!
Willamette National Forest brings pure PNW charm. Think towering firs, winding rivers, and hot springs tucked into the trees. The McKenzie River corridor is one of the dreamiest stretches with Sahalie and Koosah Falls offering accessible waterfall views surrounded by deep green forest, while the Tamolitch Blue Pool stuns with its vibrant turquoise waters. You’ve also got the McKenzie River Trail meandering through it all, offering endless hidden nooks for a private ceremony.
Tucked away in the Willamette National Forest, Loloma Lodge sits right on the McKenzie River. Giant trees, moss-covered everything, and a big open lawn that still feels private. This place is amazing and perfect for a weekend-long celebration with your closest people.
Also along the McKenzie River, Whitewater Ranch is a working organic farm with dreamy forested ceremony spots, open meadows, and cabins. It’s a blend of wild nature and thoughtful spaces, with that peaceful riverside energy flowing all around.
If you’re into the idea of relaxing in natural hot springs after saying your vows, I recommend checking out Belknap Hot Springs. Surrounded by forest and tucked along the McKenzie River, Belknap has gardens, soaking pools, and forested trails all around.
Deschutes National Forest stretches across much of Central Oregon. Here you’ll find ponderosa pines, lava rock formations, and alpine lakes all in one place. Tumalo Falls and Dillon Falls are both breathtaking backdrops for vows, surrounded by trees, with the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon. Bend is a fantastic base for your Deschutes forest elopement with loads of venue options, fun things to do and great places to eat.
Just outside of Bend, Skyliners Lodge is a sweet little historic lodge nestled in the pines. It’s simple, charming, and perfect for intimate weddings with a forest feel and a short drive to some seriously beautiful outdoor locations for portraits. They also have a nice kitchen for you to bring in some caterers for your dinner celebration!
FivePine Lodge is one of my favorite spots for an intimate wedding or elopement! The cute, photogenic cabins set the perfect cozy vibe, and the grounds are full of hidden gems for photos—think quiet wooded paths, open spaces with mountain views, and unique lodge architecture. Plus, being in the charming town of Sisters, Oregon, you’re just a short walk from boutique shopping, art galleries, and local cafes.
Plus, they have a special elopement package, and they offer weekday and off-season rates that are ideal for couples looking to keep their more intimate and save a bit while they’re at it. And if you’re considering this venue for your special day, check out my full FivePine Lodge wedding guide!
Right on the edge of Suttle Lake, Suttle Lake Lodge is surrounded by tall pines and peaceful water views. You can canoe, hike, or just chill by the fire. The venue has a beautiful deck and lawn area for ceremonies, and you’ll feel totally tucked into the woods.
Take a look at this beautiful day for your Suttle Lake Lodge wedding adventure inspiration!
If you’re looking for something more remote and a little different than the usual PNW spots, the Ochocos are such a gem. Located just east of the Cascades near Prineville, this forest features rugged mountains, wildflower-strewn meadows, and the kind of solitude that makes your elopement feel truly private.
One of the best venues here is Wine Down Ranch, a peaceful, family-run ranch tucked into the pines. You’ll get sweeping mountain views, starlit skies, and the full forest-ranch blend. If you love the idea of a forest meets Wild West flair for your elopement, this one’s for you.
If you’re drawn to the lush, mossy side of Oregon, Umpqua National Forest will speak to your soul. It’s full of waterfalls, hot springs, and quiet trails under towering trees. Watson Falls and Toketee Falls are two of the most iconic, and the nearby Umpqua Hot Springs add an extra dose of fun if you’re feeling adventurous.
There aren’t many traditional venues deep in the forest, but nearby Roseburg offers a few charming inns and small venues on the edge of the trees. It’s a great home base if you want forest access without totally roughing it.
Crater Lake is surrounded by parts of the Umpqua and Winema National Forests, and it’s one of Oregon’s most jaw-dropping places to elope. Formed by a volcanic collapse nearly 8,000 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., and its vivid blue color is unreal.
The surrounding forests offer quiet trails, wildflower meadows, and some seriously magical sunrise and sunset views over the caldera. Whether you’re exchanging vows at a scenic overlook, hiking to a lesser-known viewpoint, or snowshoeing in for a winter ceremony, Crater Lake brings epic adventure energy with forested peace.
If you’re considering getting married at Crater Lake National Park, I have a full elopement guide to help you plan your day here!
Silver Falls is hands-down one of the most iconic places to elope in Oregon! The Trail of Ten Falls leads you through a mossy wonderland with actual walk-behind waterfalls (yes, it’s as magical as it sounds). It’s easy to access, super photogenic, and perfect if you want a mix of forest and waterfall.
You can even reserve one of the park’s pavilions or day-use areas if you’re inviting a few guests. It’s an ideal spot for couples who want that lush forest feel without hiking too far.
Covering much of the Central Oregon Coast, Siuslaw National Forest is a moody mix of coastal views and deep green woods. Think ferns, fog, and dramatic cliffs just a short drive away. This is also home of the unique Oregon Dunes, so you will definitely have plenty of amazing sights to see and adventurous things to do!
This iconic lighthouse sits on the Oregon Coast where the forest meets the ocean. The B&B offers a cozy space for overnight stays, and the dramatic cliffs, trees, and waves create the most cinematic backdrop. You can stay overnight in the old lightkeeper’s cottage and have your ceremony on the lawn overlooking the cliffs.
Also along the Oregon Coast in Yachats, Overleaf Lodge is a spa-style hotel with incredible ocean views, forested walking trails, and cozy coastal vibes. Perfect if you want a mix of forest and sea with a relaxing, intimate feel.
Want a laid-back celebration right by the ocean? Pelican Brewery has a casual, fun vibe with forested hills behind it and the ocean right out front. Think: cozy ceremony in the trees followed by beers and fish tacos with Haystack Rock in view.
Meredith and Lauren celebrated their elopement with a beer here, and you can check out more inspiration on this blog!
Technically this is part of Siuslaw, but I thought it deserved its own place on the blog. Cape Perpetua is one of the most jaw-dropping places on the Oregon Coast. Towering spruce trees, volcanic cliffs, tidepools, and panoramic ocean views—all in one place. There’s something so wild and romantic about saying your vows with the sound of crashing waves echoing through the trees.
This area also offers small pull-offs and picnic spots that are perfect for private ceremonies.
Check out Elli & Palmer’s Cape Perpetua elopement for inspiration!
This Southern Oregon stunner is full of old-growth forests, wild rivers, and so much dang peace and quiet. The Redwood Nature Trail offers a mix of Oregon and Northern California-style trees, and places like Babyfoot Lake or the Illinois River Trail are perfect if you want to feel like you’ve truly escaped.
Crook Point is a private estate near Brookings has panoramic ocean views, forest trails, and multiple gorgeous ceremony sites. It’s luxury-meets-nature in the best way, and perfect for couples wanting an elevated yet adventurous experience.
Capella by the Sea in Brookings is a small glass chapel in the woods. It’s surrounded by trees and coastal beauty with great views of the Port of Brookings-Harbor, Chetco River, and Pacific Ocean.
Pacifica Garden is a nonprofit nature reserve with meadows, forests, and peaceful trails all around. There’s a lodge for receptions and plenty of room to spread out. It’s one of those feel-good places that’s naturally beautiful and full of heart.
Down near Brookings, the Chetco River Inn is surrounded by lush forest and sits right on the river. The property is great for multi-day stays, exploring the Southern Oregon coast and heading across to California and checking out the Redwood National Park.
Take a look at this Chetco River Inn intimate elopement day for inspiration!
If you’re looking for a private forest venue that feels like a whimsical escape but is still close to Portland, Horning’s Hideout is a great option. Nestled in the forested hills of North Plains, Oregon, this venue is surrounded by towering firs, tranquil ponds, and winding woodland paths. It offers several ceremony sites tucked under the trees or by the water, making it feel like your own enchanted forest hideaway.
As one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., Forest Park is a lush escape right in the heart of Portland. Being over 5,200 acres with loads of trails winding through mossy maples and towering Douglas firs, it’s perfect for couples wanting a peaceful, woodsy backdrop without leaving the city. From quiet vow exchanges on a trail overlook to portraits beneath the leafy canopy, Forest Park feels wild and intimate, even though you’re close to all the downtown coffee shops and breweries.
Nestled in the hills of Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum features tree species from all over the world, giving you a truly magical, fairytale forest feel. It’s easy to access, super photogenic, and has designated reservable areas for small ceremonies. Whether you’re drawn to redwoods, magnolias, or bamboo, Hoyt’s peaceful paths offer a romantic, foresty spot to say your vows.
Tucked into a private forest about an hour northwest of Portland, Vernonia Springs is a glamping-style venue that offers total seclusion. It has a dreamy mix of moss-draped trees, meadows, and a tranquil spring-fed pond, plus firepits, cozy yurts, and a rustic lodge for getting ready or celebrating with guests. It’s the perfect forest getaway for couples who want their elopement to feel like a weekend retreat in the woods.
Just over the Oregon border, the Redwoods State and National Parks feel like something straight out of a fantasy world. Towering trees that have stood for centuries, lush ferns, golden light filtering through the canopy, it’s the ultimate forest fairytale. If you’re eloping in Brookings or Southern Oregon, it’s super easy to pair a Redwood forest ceremony with a coastal Oregon sunset for the most jaw-dropping combo.
There are several locations within the park system where you can elope, including Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. One of the most iconic venues is Trees of Mystery in Klamath, which offers unique forest ceremony spots and access to their canopy trail. It’s great for couples who want something fun and offbeat while still surrounded by ancient beauty.
For more remote or intimate options, Pamplin Grove in Van Duzen County Park is a forested group campsite with towering redwoods and a peaceful setting that can be reserved for weddings.
Permits are typically required to elope in Redwood National and State Parks, especially if you’re bringing guests, decorations, or a professional photographer. You can find detailed permit info on the NPS website here.
Let me help you sort out all the location and permit details, because eloping here is absolutely worth the effort!
Whether you’re picturing a mossy trail in the mist, a hot springs hideaway, or a lodge tucked deep in the trees, Oregon’s forests are calling.
And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
I’m Erica, an elopement photographer (and planning partner) based right here in Oregon. I help couples like you create intentional, awe-filled days that actually feel like you. From permits and timelines to location scouting and golden-hour portraits, I’ve got you!
See my Oregon elopement packages! Reach out to me via my inquiry form here and let’s bring you day to life!