You’ve decided on Oregon for your Elopement! First of all, great choice. As someone who was born and has lived my whole life in Oregon, I can’t recommend it enough. We have a little bit of everything here, and I’m so excited to dive into some of my favorite spots for an elopement.

The Oregon Coast

Hobbit Beach

Just past Florence, Oregon you’ll find my favorite stretch of the coast. I grew up in Springfield, so this is the closest part of the Oregon coast to me, and I know it like the back of my hand. Hobbit beach is just on the other side of the hill from Heceta Head Lighthouse State Park. You can hike 2 miles from one to the other, or you can park at the trailhead and hike 1/2 mile down to Hobbit Beach. Its a pretty mild hike, going back it is all uphill, but its not too steep in most places.

J + T had a beautiful vision of getting married on Hobbit beach, surrounded by a few family and friends. It truly was the most beautiful day.

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Park

I know, these are engagement photos! But I wanted you to get a sense of how beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse is! I’m partial, again because this place holds a lot of beautiful memories for me, but i’m always happy to bring someone here for the first time. It really never disappoints. There is a beautiful lighthouse sitting at the end of a mild 1/2 mile hike. If you have time, you absolutely should do the hike up. But if you’re shorter on time, I recommend exploring the beach. During low tide, you’ll be able to access the caves and see some beautiful tide pools. To the lefthand side of the beach there is a picturesque bridge that a babbling creek flows under. This place is always changing with the tides, weather and erosion. Its always different but always beautiful.

Elk Flats

Located about 25 minutes south of the famous Cannon Beach. This spot is truly a hidden gem. For Elk Flats Trailhead, you pull into a small parking lot or pull out off of HWY 101. It’s a short but steep hike down to this viewpoint. I’ve been here a couple times now, and it really feels like nowhere else on the Oregon Coast. The rugged cliffs against a lush grassy hill, makes for the perfect spot. You’re high above the ocean, so please use caution and maybe stay away if heights scare you. But honestly, this place is just gorgeous. Its hard to put it into words. Imagine saying your vows to your partner here??? Mind blowing!

The hike back up is slightly a killer. But its not long, which is its saving grace. Ideally I’d go later in the day, or early morning for softer light, but its just as beautiful in the mid day sun.

Bandon, Oregon

The southern Oregon Coast is stunninggg. Bandon is famous for its rugged rocks jetting up from the sand. Its a different feel from other places along the coast. The southern Oregon Coast is absolutely breathtaking. This spot is crazy because its literally right in town. For this location at Bandon Beach, you pull up to a parking lot, and walk down a cool stair case, and boom, your among these tall rock formations. Even though its easy to access, it didn’t feel busy or overcrowded. We had plenty of space to run around the beach together.

The Columbia River Gorge

Wahclella Falls

Find Wahclella Falls in the Columbia river gorge. Its about a 1 mile hike in and 1 mile hike out. Its a bit up and down, but not too challenging. G + H chose to hike in their wedding attire, and they did great. The views along the trail are really breathtaking. Then as you approach the waterfall, you get a couple cool views of the falls in the distance. At the falls themselves, you’ll walk down a small bank and be right on the edge of a big pool surrounded by a big pile of logs. Its so refreshing with the soft spray coming off the falls. I wanted to jump in that pool so bad! It was the perfect place for G + H to say their vows.

Latourell Falls

If you’ve been to the iconic Multnomah Falls, you’ve been so close to this one! Latourell Falls is a few miles west of Multnomah. Its easily accessible by a short walk from the parking lot, which also means it is pretty popular. Its not nearly as busy as Multnomah, but I would expect it to be busy almost year round. This stunning waterfall is even more breathtaking in person. I love that we were able to get pretty close. Be prepared to get wet, the spray from the falls is no joke. But I MEAN, it was 100% worth getting drenched.

Rowena Crest

From Latourell Falls, we decided to go to Rowena Crest. Its another hour East on I-84. In the spring balsamroot, lupines, cluster lilies, manroot, fiddleneck, and bachelor buttons make it a wildflower HAVEN. I was blown away by how vibrant and plentiful the blooms are. I’d recommend the stop. It does get windy in the evening so keep that in mind. We ended up having a picnic a little ways down from the actual viewpoint in order to find a less windy spot. It was absolutely perfect.

Smith Rock

Smith Rock is one of the treasures of Central Oregon. Located about 45 min from Bend, OR is one of the coolest state parks. This park is also a busy one! There are some great (challenging!) hikes and some trails that are pretty easy with great views all around! I’d recommend scheduling time to explore and hike around, make sure to bring plenty of water!

Hoyt Aboretum

Redwoods, in Portland? Yes, please! Seriously, this is about 20 min drive from downtown PDX, and its gorg! T + C rented the Redwood Deck out for their micro wedding ceremony, the space was reserved and they were able to bring chairs in for their family and friends, but this would be just as wonderful for an elopement! These trees are massive and the way the light filters through them is just perfection. Its about a half mile hike from the main parking areas to get to this spot by the Redwood deck. But another perk of renting the deck is access to drive to a much closer parking area within Hoyt Arboretum which is not public access. All in all, highly recommend especially if you want something close to Portland.

These really just scratch the surface, there are soooo many more incredible places in Oregon. If you want more options or tips always feel free to reach out! I can’t wait to help you plan your perfect day!