Oregon Elopement Locations
This is a no-bullshit list of the BEST elopement locations located in Oregon, pictures included. Let’s go!
TIPS FOR ELOPING:
Most importantly, leave no trace. Please respect all of these locations to ensure they are available to the public for years to come. Do not walk on areas that are blocked off by fences. Clean up any trash.
Because most of these areas are public land, you are going to have to snag your spot ahead of time if you have more than a few guests. I recommend sending a friend to hold down the location at least an hour before the ceremony. If you are bringing chairs, they can work as placeholders to signal to other visitors that you’re planning on using the area for a wedding. People are usually really kind/understanding about this, and will respect the fact that it’s a big day for your bride and groom. If you have less than 5 people, you should be fine.
Have an umbrella back-up plan. If it’s two week before your elopement, and it’s looking like rain, I highly recommend snagging some clear bubble umbrellas off of Amazon. When guests bring their own umbrellas, you never really know what you are going to get. Someone might show up with a bright pink umbrella. Black umbrellas are pretty, but it’s hard to photograph your guests faces throughout the day because they usually end up getting blocked. Clear umbrellas are super pretty, and they ensure that your photographer will be able to capture guests’ expressions.
You’re going to get dirty. I know your dress is gorgeous and was possibly expensive, but if you are eloping, plan on it getting covered in sand. My best advice is to just let go! These are your wedding photos, and you will cherish them forever. It’s super obvious when a bride is worried about moving around in her dress—you can usually see it in her face that she is worried, and I usually am not able to get as much of a variety because she doesn’t want to move much. Embrace the sand/water! Look up instructions for washing your wedding dress.. the sand/dirt will most likely come out anyway!
Lighting comes first. I typically like to shoot for 1.5-2 hours just before sunset, and for about 10 min. after sunset. The sun can be pretty bright during the summer, so a mid-day ceremony is not the best idea. Typically, the closer to sunset, the better! The only exception would be waterfall locations, which typically sit in a bowl and are therefore better shot at during morning hours. I’ll clarify best shooting time for each location below.
Weekdays are best for eloping. Because most of these locations are public land, they tend to get pretty busy on the weekends. If at all possible, I’d recommend eloping Monday through Thursday. I actually only book elopements during the week, and most photographers in Oregon have the same rule.
For marriage licenses, there is a 3 day waiting period before a marriage may take place. You may apply for a marriage license in any county in Oregon, and use this license anywhere in the state of Oregon. You must use the license within 60 days. The cost of an Oregon marriage license typically ranges between $50-$65. I would recommend calling the desired county ahead of time for tips/advice.
About Me:
Hello, I’m Alix! I am a wedding and elopement photographer living in Portland, Oregon and servicing the PNW. I would describe my style as editorial meets adventure, meets documentary. I love a dramatic portrait just as much as I love an epic backdrop, and as much as I love real/authentic moments. I love to incorporate all of these vibes together, in order to create a full and dynamic story of your day.
Pricing:
$3,000
Includes:
2 HOURS OF COVERAGE
MINIMUM OF 200 EDITED IMAGES
FULL PRINTING RIGHTS
ONLINE DOWNLOADABLE GALLERY THAT NEVER EXPIRES
Additional hours of coverage / packages available. Contact me to request a quote!