How to Plan a Gorgeous Columbia River Gorge Elopement
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you were transported to another time and place? The Columbia River Gorge does that for me every time! I feel like time slows down some because the amazing moss filled cliffs captivate you in a way like no other. It is truly a quintessential Oregon location. But you will most likely feel like you are in Iceland or Ireland at times. The Gorge, as us native Oregonians affectionately call it, is a 80 mile long canyon carved by ancient glaciers located about 30 miles from Portland, Oregon. It’s home to 90 of the 238 waterfalls in Oregon. It pretty much has it all, epic views, cliffs, waterfalls, and desert landscapes all within a short(ish) drive from each other, allowing for a combination of locations to really take your photos to the next level!
So if you are looking for that epic waterfall location, a stunning cliff with the alpen glow on the mountains behind you or a stonehenge replica located in the desert, the Columbia River Gorge will make your elopement dreams come true.
Here’s everything you will need to know about eloping in the Columbia River Gorge:
Permits and Legalities
Important Information to Keep in Mind
When to Plan Your Elopement
My Favorite Locations for your Elopement
Where to Stay for your Elopement
Other Fun Things to Do in the Gorge
Permits and Legalities:
Let’s get the legal stuff out of the way first. The good news is that most locations do not require a permit for you to elope. Hello free! It is always best to check, in case rules change-but currently a permit is only needed for weddings that have 75 or more people (including vendors).
You will need a marriage license and that can be obtained at the nearest courthouse (you will need to show up in person) and the closest courthouse to the Portland airport is the Multnomah County Courthouse. There is a three day waiting period, so make sure that you allow for the timing of everything. Oregon requires two witnesses, and I am happy to be one of them!
Another popular option is to get the license out of the way beforehand at the local courthouse where you live and then we just seal the deal with photos.
Important Information to Keep in Mind for Your Columbia Gorge Elopement:
You cannot block public access to the location. This means that your ceremony should be in a spot that is somewhat off the beaten path. The good news is that I can help you with this, so you do not need to find the “spot” on your own.
Love to camp? Me too! In the Gorge, you can only camp in designated areas.
Decorations need to be done with Leave no Trace in mind. This means confetti, rice, etc., open flames, large decorations such as arches, and loud music are not allowed.
When to Plan Your Elopement:
The Gorge is a really popular place to visit, so crowds are definitely something to be aware of. I recommend going on a weekday instead of a weekend. And being flexible with the time of day can also really help make your elopement magical. The great news is that we will work together on all of this, so you are not guessing on the best light, place or time.
While the Gorge is really stunning all year long, I think that the best time of year to elope is April through November. If you are wanting to view the incredible wildflowers, then I recommend early May. If you are wanting the gorgeous fall leaves, then late October or early November is best. Do you want to ensure you won’t have rain (this is Oregon, so no guarantees) I would choose July through September.
My Favorite Locations for Your Gorge Elopement:
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is probably one of the most popular water falls in the Gorge. And for good reason! The hike to the falls is very simple, short and easy on a well maintained trail. There are usually crowds at this location, but there is also enough space to adventure around and get some amazing looks. Want to see more of this gorgeous spot? Check out this engagement session!
Government Cove
Government Cove is this quaint little peninsula that feels like an island right outside of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The Warm Springs tribe owns this land and graciously allows people to enjoy it’s beauty. It is one of my favorite locations because you can get a little of everything here-cliffs, fields, mountains and river. It also pairs beautifully with Latourell Falls, so if you can’t decide between the two; now you don’t have to!
Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls because it is actually a double waterfall, with an upper one that is only visible at certain angles. This one does require an easy hike that is 2.4 miles out-and-back. Because of this, you can often skip the crowds that you will find at Latourell Falls. But it is an easy enough hike that there will still be people. The trail follows the river and there are lots of places to stop and admire the beauty and then it opens up to the waterfall with a log jam at one end.
Rowena Crest and Tom McCall Point
Rowena Crest and Tom McCall point are stunning year round, but really show off during wildflower season in early May. The balsam root and lupine make for a spectacular addition to the view! It is usually fairly windy (most places in the open in the Gorge are), so it’s important to know that ahead of time. There are usually crowds, but there are also a lot of other really cool places to check out near by where you will have the place to yourselves.
Stonehenge Memorial
One of the most unique places to elope in the Gorge, in my opinion. This Stonehenge replica is part of the Maryhill Museum of Art and is a memorial for WW1 veterans. The views are amazing and playing around with the lines and shadows is so much fun! You can easily add on another location if you are wanting a waterfall or some wildflowers. Because of it’s neutral background, don’t be afraid to infuse some color here as well! Check out this fun elopement that is full of color!
Honorable Mentions within a drive of Columbia River Gorge
These locations are fairly close and can be combined with one of the locations listed above are:
White River Falls State Park
Lost Lake Resort
White River Sno-Park
Are you as excited as I am about the Columbia River Gorge and ready to start planning your elopement? Let’s do it! Contact me today!
Where to Stay for Your Elopement:
Hood River, Oregon is probably the most centrally located town in the Gorge. And is super cute with lots of coffee shops and cute boutiques and a really fun bar if you are looking for an after party vibe! There is not a shortage of amazing places to stay, but here are some of my favorites.
Columbia Gorge Resort
This gorgeous hotel (featured in an episode of the show Grimm) was built in the early 1900’s and has a spectacular lounge, restaurant and lots of great amenities.
The Society Hotel
The Society Hotel, Bingen, Washington is a really unique place to stay! With their Scandinavian design, it offers clean lines and a really fun refined resort feel.
Skamania Lodge
Located just across the river on the Washington side, Skamania Lodge really does have it all! An amazing lodge, treehouses and ziplines! If you are looking for a place to get pampered after your adventure elopement, look no further!
Cabin 43
This cute, modern cabin is perfect for a small group located on the White Salmon River. The space is light and bright and would be an amazing getting ready location.
Cozy PNW/Scandinavian Gorge Cabin
The lines in this cabin are so unique! And the attention to details is off the charts! It has 4 bedrooms, so it can also accommodate a larger group.
Neal Creek Retreat - Environmental in Rural Nature
What a place to get ready at? Am I right? While it would really only accommodate the both of you, it would still be a stunning place for photos!
Other Fun Things to do in The Columbia River Gorge:
The Gorge is full of all kinds of adventures! Did you know that you can book me for a two day elopement? Just think of the magic…day one you are dressed up and we go to your favorite amazing locations and then day two is spent with your favorite activities. It truly doesn’t get much better than that! Here is a list of some of the cool adventures that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer:
There are an endless amount of trails that range from very short to very long. From waterfalls to vistas, you can truly find the perfect fit for you, but if you need recommendations, do not hesitate to reach out!
If you want to enjoy a breathtaking drive and end up at a pretty epic view, make sure to check out the Vista House.
If you love wine, this is the location for you! There are so many stunning locations and wineries, paired with gorgeous mountain views. Click the link to see some of my favorites and make a day out of it!
Lost Lake is a stunning resort with hiking, fishing, boating and the most epic view of Mt. Hood. Just picture it, you are snuggled up in a row boat on a crystal clear lake with the view of Mount Hood in the background. Gah, sign me up!
Zipline and Adventure Park at Skamania Lodge
Love that adrenaline rush?! Look no further! Skamania Lodge offers ziplining, an aerial adventure park, hiking, axe throwing, and bicycle rentals. I mean…talk about an amazing day, right?
Take a Helicopter Ride for the Most Epic Views!
Why not splurge on your special day? Book a helicopter ride for the three of us and let’s check out the views from above!
Completing your visit to the Gorge wouldn’t be complete without playing on the river. Why not have a day of fun by renting a kayak or SUP.
