Table of Contents:

• Where is the Columbia River Gorge?
• Why Elope in the Columbia River Gorge?
• 5 Best Spots to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge
• When is the Best Time to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge?
• Getting Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement Permits
• Where to Stay for Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement
• Columbia River Gorge Elopement Packages

Maybe you’ve considered eloping on the Oregon Coast, or at Mt. Hood—but have you considered eloping in the Columbia River Gorge? It’s one of the most beautiful and diverse areas in all of Oregon, y’all. Winding rivers, scenic valleys, stunning waterfalls, lush greenery… the Gorge truly has it all.

In this blog, I’m going to let you in on everything you need to know to plan a magical Columbia River Gorge elopement, including the best spots to elope, permit info, and even a few of the coziest Airbnbs nearby! Get ready to fall in love with this gorge-ous (I had to hahaha) region of the PNW… can’t wait to capture your epic love story here.

Where is the Columbia River Gorge?

I know I said the Columbia River Gorge is one of the prettiest places to elope in Oregon, but it actually spans across both Oregon and Washington! The Gorge itself is a massive, 80-mile-long canyon that winds along the Columbia River, and is part of the larger designated National Scenic Area—the largest in the entire country, in fact. 

To get to the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll want to fly into either Seattle or Portland—ideally Portland since it’s way closer to the Gorge. But if you want to do some exploring around Washington, it’s definitely doable to drive down to the Gorge for a few days! The scenic area is about a 3-hour drive from Seattle, and just 30 minutes from Portland (depending on where exactly you’re driving to). 

Why Elope in the Columbia River Gorge?

The Columbia River Gorge is the dream location for couples who just can’t decide on one type of scenery—because the gorge seriously has it all!

It’s the largest National Scenic Area in the country for a reason… from views of the Columbia River, to huge waterfalls, to basalt cliffs, to enchanting forests, to deserts and MORE. The gorge has literally every possible landscape you could imagine. 

Whether you drive along the Historic Scenic Byway and stop at random spots along the road, or you plan out an epic multi-day adventure along the gorge & hit up all your bucket list locations, you’re going to experience some of the most breathtaking views of your life.

Plus, there are a ton of cute little towns to explore along the gorge—so there’s plenty to do and explore when you’re in the area for your elopement!

5 Best Spots to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge

1. Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls along the gorge, and without a doubt one of the most stunning waterfalls. Y’all, this waterfall has it all: vibrant green trees + ferns, dark rocks, and a misty stream of water. Honestly I love how it’s just one huge, epic waterfall instead of multiple falls—it makes for such a dramatic scene every single time.

It’s the closest major waterfall on the gorge to Portland, about 34 miles away, so it’s pretty easy to drive to. And all you have to do to get to the falls is park in the parking lot right off the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway, walk a couple of minutes down a dirt path, and you’re there!

If you’re looking for a little longer of an adventure, you can take the easy 2.4-mile loop hike around the falls. There are plenty of other spots around the falls that you can explore, including a picturesque bridge and alllll of the surrounding green trees.

Latourell Falls is open year-round, but the best times to visit are May through October when temperatures are warmest & you’re less likely to get rained on. But this waterfall somehow looks even more dreamy in the rain—so don’t worry if it’s cloudy on your elopement day!

This Styled Waterfall Wedding at Latourell Falls with Brady & Noah shows just how magical Latourell Falls truly is… you’ve got to check it out for real-life inspo at this amazing spot.

2. Rowena Crest Viewpoint

If you’d rather tie the knot in a more barren, desert area, Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a dream come true.

Just 75 miles east of Portland, this viewpoint sits at the top of a high hill that you drive up, and you get the most incredible, wide-open views of the gorge. You also get an amazing view of the historic highway down below, which loops around in a horseshoe shape—and let me tell you, it looks pretty epic in photos. 

Rowena Crest is a favorite spot of mine because not only is it rarely crowded, but you also can get the most epic sunsets. I love the moodiness of the PNW, but sometimes you just want a magical, golden sunset—and this desert spot gives you amazing views of colorful sunsets on clear days. Plus, because of how high the viewpoint is, it gets plenty of wind—and you know I’m obsessed with the natural movement that wind creates in photos.

3. Wahclella Falls

Another amazing waterfall option for all my waterfall chasers! Wahclella Falls is a beautiful waterfall along Tanner Creek, about a 40-minute drive from Portland. It’s super accessible if you want to travel to/from Portland on the same day for your elopement.

Wahclella Falls has a bit of a different look than Latourell Falls, since there’s an upper falls that’s somewhat hidden behind rocks, and also a lower drop that the water pours into. You can also see a second waterfall, East Fork Falls, from further back on the lower trail depending on the season.

I love these falls because they’re also fairly easy to hike to, with an easy, 2.4-mile roundtrip trail that you’ll take. It’s open year-round, but the summer months are definitely when you’ll have the best luck with warmer temperatures.

4. Panther Creek Falls

One last waterfall for y’all—Panther Creek Falls, a unique waterfall in Skamania County about 65 miles from Portland. I say unique because it’s actually not one waterfall, but two! 

The hikes to both Upper Panther Creek Falls & Lower Panther Creek Falls are fairly steep & difficult, and recommended only for experienced hikers. So your best bet for a low-effort, relaxed adventure is to take the easy 0.3-mile walk on the trail to a viewpoint of the falls! The trail is open year-round and is such a beautiful spot to enjoy the tranquil nature of the gorge.

5. Columbia River Gorge Wedding Venues

Finally, the Columbia River Gorge has some amazing wedding venues for couples looking to plan a micro wedding, or an elopement with guests. Here are two of my personal favorites, one in the Gorge and one in the nearby Hood River/Mt. Hood area.

The Griffin House

If you’re looking for a wedding venue on the Gorge that offers unreal views + scenery, and doubles as a place for you & your loved ones to stay, the Griffin House is your place.

Just 40 minutes from Portland, the Griffin House overlooks the most breathtaking views of the gorge… it feels like this location was literally made for wedding ceremonies. The venue can host up to 175 guests and has 4 beautiful sites you can use: The Griffin House itself, the ceremony lawn overlooking the Columbia River, the welcome terrace, and the reception lawn. You’ll get access to all the rentals they have to offer, including chairs, benches, patio furniture, & string lights, and you can hire any vendors you’d like! 

Scroll through Miranda + James’ Romantic Griffin House Elopement to see this majestic venue in action.

Timberline Lodge

I absolutely adore Timberline Lodge. It’s the dreamiest, coziest place to host an intimate group of your loved ones for a beautiful mountain wedding, no matter the season. Located right on the shoulder of Mt. Hood, this high-alpine lodge is everything you picture when you think of a classic ski lodge: rustic, charming, warm, and so inviting. Whether you host your micro wedding/elopement inside one of the lodge’s iconic venues, or you head up the mountain to Silcox Hut, you and your guests will truly have an unforgettable experience here. 

Check out Sarah and Colin’s Silcox Hut Micro Wedding at Timberline Lodge for all the snowy, winter wonderland inspo!

When is the Best Time to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge?

One of the best parts about eloping in the Columbia River Gorge is that it’s truly beautiful all year round. There really isn’t a bad time to visit—it just depends on the type of experience you’re looking for!

Summer elopements in the Columbia River Gorge are ideal for couples who want…

• Warm hiking weather
• Sunshine and blue skies
• To explore higher alpine regions closer to Mt. Hood
• Longer days and more daylight
• Fully-accessible hikes, trails, and roads
• River activities like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking

Fall elopements in the Columbia River Gorge are ideal for couples who want…

• Cool hiking weather
• Crisp autumn air in the mornings + evenings
• Stunning fall foliage
• Fewer crowds than summer
• Moody, rainy days and cloudy skies

Winter elopements in the Columbia River Gorge are ideal for couples who want…

• Cozy, laid-back adventures that don’t require hiking
• The fewest crowds possible
• Stormy weather and dramatic landscapes
• Peace and quiet
• Snowy mountain views
• Frozen waterfalls
• Misty, foggy cliffs

Spring elopements in the Columbia River Gorge are ideal for couples who want…

• Intense, cascading waterfalls at their fullest flow
• Colorful blooming wildflowers
• Lush, vibrant greenery
• Moody, rainy days and cloudy skies
• Cool, comfortable hiking weather

More on how to choose the right time of year for your PNW elopement here!

Getting Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement Permits

Surprise—you don’t even need to get a permit for your Columbia River Gorge elopement! 

(Unless you’re having a group of over 75 people, for that matter… which I doubt you are, since you’re planning an elopement or small micro wedding haha. In that case, you may need a Special Use Permit, which you can find more info about here.)

A few things to keep in mind about ALL wedding ceremonies along the Columbia River Gorge gorge, no matter how many are in your group:

• You can’t block any public access/trails/roads with your ceremony
• No vendor trucks/food trucks allowed
• Throwing objects (like confetti, rice, etc.) is prohibited
• No overnight camping except at designated campsites
• No amplified music/loud noises allowed
• Large decorations are prohibited
• No candles/open flames allowed

You’ll also need to get a marriage license in order to make your ceremony legal, of course! Depending on the exact location where you’re eloping, you’ll need to get your license in either Washington or Oregon. 

Read through my marriage law + license guides for specific guidelines—click here for Washington, and here for Oregon!

Where to Stay for Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement

One super important thing you can’t forget when you plan your elopement or wedding on the gorge: you have to book a place to stay! Whether you’re traveling in from out of state or you’re local, I highly recommend staying somewhere along the gorge and giving yourselves a few extra days to adventure around the area. There’s SO much beauty to explore that you really can’t experience in just one day for your elopement!

Because the Gorge is filled with beautiful forest and landscapes, there are countless cozy cabins and Airbnb’s for you to stay at & really get the full Oregon experience. Check out a few of my personal faves below, and find what best fits your vibe!

—Windwood Rivers | Stevenson, WA: A stunning getaway nestled in the woods with a beautiful wood exterior & a warm interior with all the woodsy-cabin vibes!

—The Osprey Treehouse | Stevenson, WA: A literal treehouse built around an old Douglas Fir with a roomy interior & tons of natural light – perfect for any couples looking to stay somewhere secluded, just the two of them!

—The Zen Den Modern Retreat | Rhododendron, OR: A freaking beautiful family-style retreat just steps from the Sandy River, with a chic, modern interior + a covered hot tub for evening relaxation. Just imagine hosting all your closest friends + fam here and having the best freaking time out in the woods, cooking on the BBQ, drinking around the fire pit, and ending the night in the hot tub!

—Gorge Modern Cabin | Stevenson, WA: This cabin sits on 16 forested acres, so you literally have your own little world to explore! Everything is modern & beautiful yet you still get those woodsy cabin vibes, PLUS a large soaking tub that connects to the master bedroom.

—The Society Hotel | Bingen, WA & Portland, OR: Y’all this hotel is freaking stunningggg – an unreal place to stay, whether you want to stay closer to Portland or on the Washington side of the gorge in Bingen! It provides the perfect off-the-beaten-path experience while still being super cozy, modern, and just luxurious enough for adventurers at heart. They’ve got plenty of room styles from hostel-style bunks to cabins, as well as a boutique spa with a warm soaking pool, hot tub, massage services, and more. Talk about a freaking dreamy place to stay on the days surrounding your elopement!

—The Klickitat Treehouse | White Salmon, WA: This is another stunning larger property that offers soooo many beautiful ways to enjoy your time on the gorge. The interiors of every accommodation type are filled with warmth, natural light, and Scandinavian architecture mixed with outdoorsy mountain styles. You can book a treehouse or a tiny house, whichever best fits the experience you’re looking for! Plus it’s just a ten-minute drive from downtown White Salmon & the beauty of the gorge is easily accessible!

Columbia River Gorge Elopement Packages

As an Oregon-based elopement and micro wedding photographer, the Columbia River Gorge feels like a second home to me. I’ve photographed couples in the Gorge throughout all four seasons, from sunrise to sunset, in rain, snow, and sun… and every time I go, the views just seem to get more and more beautiful. 

Take a look at my Columbia River Gorge elopement packages here to see what it would be like to work together, and to curate your dream elopement experience with my local expertise supporting you along the way.

If you feel like we’re a match for the nostalgic, documentary, and storytelling approach you’re looking for… let’s create some art together.

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Still not sure where you want to elope yet? Here are a few other incredible locations around Oregon that I think you’ll fall in love with.

Ultimate Mt. Hood Elopement & Wedding Planning Guide

How to Elope on the Oregon Coast

Best Places to Elope in Eastern Oregon