Columbia River Gorge Elopement Locations
How to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge
Have you always dreamed of having your perfect wedding in the Columbia River Gorge but you’re not sure where to start? The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places in Oregon to elope or have a micro wedding, and it is so easy! Unlike many outdoor elopements, there are no permits required for small weddings, and you don’t have to reserve ahead of time! Read below for all you need to know about how to elope in the Columbia River Gorge and the best Columbia River Gorge elopement locations
This does mean that there is a chance of other hikers and tourists being nearby during your wedding, but it is still possible to find some seclusion. You can visit, early in the morning at sunrise or later in the evening to avoid most crowds, and if possible elope on a weekday for your perfect Gorge wedding!
Some things to keep in mind for your Gorge Elopement:
- Permits are not required for groups under 75 people, but most sites can only handle 20 people maximum
- You cannot reserve spaces or expect to have exclusive use
- Officiants cannot be paid for their services
- No open flames outside of campfire locations
- Music cannot be played through a speaker
- Nothing can be thrown such as rice, seeds, or confetti
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Corridor Permits
Starting in 2022, the Columbia River Gorge implemented Waterfall Corridor Timed Entry Permits between May and September. This is not specific for weddings, but for anyone visiting the Gorge in the summer. It applies to any locations at Exits between Exit 28 and Exit 35 off I-84. This is not for all the spots you can elope at but does include some of the more popular ones such as Latourell Falls and Wahclella Falls.
The permit is only $2 and only applies between 9 AM and 6 PM, so if you have a sunrise or sunset elopement it likely won’t apply!
Why Elope in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is the perfect Oregon elopement location due to its varied and beautiful environment and ease of access! The Gorge has many amazing overlooks, waterfalls, and forests, making it the perfect spot to elope and get photos in multiple locations in one day!
A Columbia River Gorge elopement is for both experienced and beginner hikers. There are many locations to elope at only steps down a path, as well as spots that require a bit more hiking to get to. Read more below for inspiration on locations to get married in the Columbia River Gorge.
Waterfalls to Elope at in the Columbia River Gorge
Always dreamed of getting married with a waterfall raging behind you? Or maybe you are now that you know it is an option! The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places in the world for a waterfall elopement! There are dozens of options to choose from, each more grand than the last.
Below are just some of the waterfalls you can elope at in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Some have no hiking required, and others are an adventure to get to. Work with a local photographer to help you pick the perfect waterfall for your big day!
Latourell Falls
- Hiking Required: Minimal, 0.5 miles
- Distance from Portland: 30 miles
Latourell Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to elope at in Oregon. It is also a great spot for engagement sessions! It is only a quarter of a mile to the amazing 250-foot-tall Latourell Falls. Latourell Falls provides an amazing backdrop for your Columbia River Gorge elopement!
If you want even more of an adventure, you can hike 2 miles to visit Upper Latourell Falls from the same trailhead!
Bridal Veil Falls
- Hiking Required: Minimal, 0.5 miles
- Distance from Portland: 28 miles
Bridal Veil Falls is only a half a mile hike round trip from the parking lot. While short, the hike down can be a bit steep, so it is maybe not the best option for people with mobility issues.
If you do choose this spot for your Oregon elopement you will get married in front of a beautiful two-tiered waterfall for a backdrop!
Wahclella Falls
- Hiking Required: Easy, 1.9 miles
- Distance from Portland: 39 miles
Wahclella Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in the entire Columbia River Gorge, and it is the perfect spot for an adventurous couple to get married. The hike is 1 mile each way, so short enough to hike in your wedding clothes and get some beautiful trail photos on the way.
Several bridges cross Tanner Creek on this hike, making for fun photo spots. In the Spring and Fall, other smaller waterfalls pour over the Gorge walls.
Horsetail Falls
- Hiking Required: Minimal
- Distance from Portland: 36 miles
Horsetail Falls is the perfect spot for your Columbia River Gorge elopement if you don’t want to travel far from the parking lot. The waterfall is visible from the parking lot, and it is a short walk to view the fall from below and exchange your vows.
If you are up for more of a hike, you can add the 1-mile round trip hike to Ponytail Falls as well! This waterfall you can even walk behind, adding the perfect adventure to your elopement day.
Overlooks to Elope at in the Columbia River Gorge
If you picture sweeping mountain views at your elopement, the Columbia River Gorge is great for that too! Some of these options may require a hike, but it is so worth it! The best part about the Gorge is that it stays snow free longer than many other mountain locations, making it perfect for a Spring or Fall elopement.
Hamilton Mountain
- Hiking Required: Moderate, 4.6 miles to 8.1 miles
- Distance from Portland: 43 miles
Located across the river in Washington, Hamilton Mountain is one of the best viewpoints in the Gorge. The actual “summit” of Hamilton Mountain does not have much of a view, but you can hike up to Little Hamilton Mountain, 2.3 miles up the trail for a beautiful view. Alternatively, you can hike to the “saddle” of Hamilton Mountain, this is just past the summit, so you will have to hike 8 miles round trip, but the view is amazing and there is plenty of room to spread out if people are joining you on your mountain elopement!
Either of these spots is perfect for a sunrise elopement, and to have an unparalleled view on your wedding day. As a bonus, you will also pass over Pool of the Winds to add a waterfall to your elopement day.
Angel’s Rest
- Hiking Required: Moderate, 4.5 miles
- Distance from Portland: 28 miles
Angel’s Rest is a popular overlook in the Columbia River Gorge. There are a few good elopement spots at the top of this trail, and you will earn the view after the hike!
Rowena Crest Viewpoint
- Hiking Required: Minimal
- Distance from Portland: 75 miles
This is one of the further elopement spots from Portland on this list, but it is well worth it! There is barely any hiking required to see a fantastic view from Rowena Crest. You can also walk around the Plateau to find some solitude.
Elope in late April to May to get married among the wildflowers of Rowena Crest! Yellow balsamroot and purple lupine explode in color at this spot for a truly unique wedding day. The town of Hood River is also close by making it easy to book an Airbnb or rental nearby for accommodations.
Things to Do on Your Elopement Day in the Gorge
Are you worried your elopement day will feel too short? This does not have to be further from the truth. The best part about getting married in a scenic location like the Columbia River Gorge is that you can extend the adventure and add in a couples activity that most large weddings won’t have time for. Below are just a few ideas on how to plan the perfect elopement day in the Columbia River Gorge.
Airplane Tour Over the Gorge
Turn your elopement day into something truly unforgettable with an air tour over the Columbia River Gorge! Book for sunrise or sunset for a truly romantic experience. Envi Adventures offers a few different options out of Portland.
Wineries and Breweries
Hood River near the Gorge is well known for its abundance of wineries and breweries. Celebrate your marriage with a unique first drink at a local winery or cidery following your vows! There are too many wineries to pick from, but you can’t go wrong with one from Hood River’s “fruit loop”.
Fruit Picking
If alcohol is not your thing, you can also go fruit picking together! Just about every fruit can be found in Hood River depending on the season from cherries to apples.
FAQ- Columbia River Gorge Elopements
Can I Get Married at Multnomah Falls?
Yes, you can get married at Multnomah Falls… but I wouldn’t recommend it. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon, but it also gets a lot of visitors- over 2 million a year. This means you are unlikely to get much seclusion on your wedding day. I would highly recommend choosing a less popular waterfall to elope at in the Columbia River Gorge and visiting Multnomah early in the morning for some portrait photos.
Do I Need a Permit to Get Married in the Columbia River Gorge?
No! No permit is required for events under 75 in the Columbia River Gorge
Do I Need to Hike for My Elopement Day?
Not at all. Many of the waterfalls and overlooks on this list do not require hiking.
Can I Have My Dog at My Columbia River Gorge Elopement?
Yes! One of the great things about eloping in the Gorge versus a more popular National Park is that dogs are allowed on trails in the Columbia River Gorge.
When Should I Elope in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is open all year round. The most popular times are late Spring through early Fall for ideal weather, but a winter elopement is completely possible with the proper planning. Snow and ice are possible in Columbia River Gorge, but it is not common at lower elevations.
Keep in mind when planning a waterfall elopement that the waterfalls will be the most full in Spring or after the rain starts again in the Falls. July through September is very dry in Oregon and the waterfalls will not be as full as in the Spring, although most flow year-round.
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