Oregon & Washington
guide to getting married & eloping in oregon & washington
So here is my cozy little guide giving you as much information as possible, from the best places to get married in Oregon or Washington, and understanding how to get a marriage license in the PNW. I hope it helps. If you have any questions or want me to be on board for the journey, get in touch!
I lived in Oregon and Washington for almost my entire life until 2026 where we ended up moving to North Carolina. That said, my business started in Oregon and Washington and grew with me for five years! It truly is one of my favorite places in the country, and I was so blessed to be apart of the states for so long. So I am ALWAYS so thrilled when my couples want to bring me back!
Hey there, I’m Julia! I know how over the moon you must be about getting engaged, eek, congrats! But I also know that when that excitement settles, and you think, okay, so now I just have to plan an entire wedding? Ahhh!
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Married or Eloping in oregon or washington
guide to getting married & eloping in oregon & washington
1. Wedding vs Elopement
Before you start scrolling through websites looking at places to get married in Oregon and Washington or pinning a million things on Pinterest, just pause for a second. Grab your partner, maybe pour some wine, and have an honest conversation about what you both really want this day to look like.
Below is a little quiz with some questions to think about together, and be honest with yourselves, not what your family expects or what you think you "should" want. This day is about the two of you and the love you share, so consider each question: are you answering for you or what other people want? And if you want to make compromises, which ones matter most? Whatever your answer is, that's the right answer.
Okay, let's start by talking about what you actually want.
Take the Quiz
Decide What You Really Want
Wedding or Elopement?
Take the quiz
how to choose between a wedding or elopement?
6. How do you handle decision-making under pressure?
A. I’m okay juggling opinions and making compromises
B. I feel calmer when decisions are just between us
4. Which moment feels more “you”?
A. Dancing the night away surrounded by everyone we love
B. Reading vows in a beautiful, private place followed by a cozy dinner
What did you get most of?
A. I love it, bring on the spotlight and the crowd
B. I’d rather keep things low-key and personal
5. When you think about your guest list, you feel…
A. Excited to gather everyone and celebrate together
B. Relieved imagining a very small guest list, or none at all
3. What kind of timeline sounds best?
A. A full, structured day with events, speeches, and dancing
B. A relaxed, flexible day that unfolds naturally
1. When you imagine your wedding day, what excites you the most?
A. A big celebration with lots of people, hugs, laughter, and energy
B. A quiet, meaningful day focused on just us (+ a few loved ones)
2. How do you feel about being the center of attention all day?
Pick Your Season
- Spring in Oregon (March–May).
- Vibe: Fresh, vibrant green, and full of blooming flowers.
- Good for: Soft, beautiful light and wonderfully mild temperatures.
- Tip: Spring is perfect for getting that soft cloudy lighting while it's not too hot out
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
what time of year should you have your photos done in the pnw?
- Summer in Oregon (June–August).
- Long, dreamy golden evenings
- Ideal for warm beach sessions along the coast
- Hot and humid, plan sunrise or sunset sessions only for prime lighting
- Have a solid plan for keeping cool and comfortable with a back up location like a forest
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
what time of year should you get married in north carolina?
- Winter in Oregon (December–February).
- Quieter, more intimate, and wonderfully dramatic.
- Ideal for couples who want a winter wonderland.
- Think fireplaces, warm blankets, and breathtaking views.
- Keep in mind that everything is dormant, so don't be surprised when you see no leafs.
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
what time of year should you get married in north carolina?
Think that perfect blend of moody and magical. The forests of Oregon and Washington are some of the most breathtaking places to get married.
Imagine towering evergreen trees, moss-covered trails, and soft filtered light creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and cinematic. Many forest venues throughout the Pacific Northwest offer beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces surrounded by nature, often with cozy indoor spaces available if the weather shifts.
Forest weddings in the pnw
3. Pick Your Vibe
pnw location ideas
If you’re drawn to sleek modern spaces, rooftop views, and vibrant city energy, then a city wedding might be the perfect fit. Cities like Portland and Seattle offer incredible backdrops for couples who want a mix of urban architecture and lively atmosphere.
Explore wedding venues throughout Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma, from industrial-chic warehouses to elegant historic buildings. City weddings also mean easy access to amazing vendors, incredible restaurants, and plenty of options for celebrating with your guests.
City Weddings and Elopements in the pnw
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows barefoot in the sand with ocean waves and dramatic coastal cliffs around you, the Pacific Northwest coast is a stunning option. The Oregon and Washington coastlines are some of the most romantic places to get married.
Explore beach wedding venues and elopement locations along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, or the rugged Olympic Coast. Keep in mind that some areas have rules around things like chairs, arches, and permits, so it’s helpful to check local regulations ahead of time.
Beach Weddings and Elopements in the pnw
If your heart skips a beat thinking about dramatic mountain views, alpine lakes, and mist rolling through the peaks, then the Pacific Northwest mountains might be your perfect place to get married. Oregon and Washington are home to some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the country.
Start by exploring mountain wedding venues and elopement locations near Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, or the North Cascades. The lighting in the mountains is pure magic, especially at sunrise and sunset. Talk with your photographer about timing your ceremony to catch that golden glow over the peaks.
Mountain Weddings and Elopements in the pnw
EcoTrust Event Space blends historic architecture with modern design in downtown Portland. Couples who appreciate sustainability, city views, and flexible indoor spaces will love this venue’s unique mix of character and contemporary style.
EcoTrust Event Space portland wedding
The Seattle Art Museum offers a modern, artistic setting in the heart of downtown Seattle. Couples who love architecture, culture, and a sophisticated city atmosphere will appreciate the creative energy this location brings to a wedding day.
Set deep in the Oregon forest, this fall wedding at The Woods at Crooked Finger featured all-black attire, candlelit details, and a richly moody atmosphere. The perfect blend who want their day to feel bold, moody, and romantic.
The woods on crooked finger wedding
Seattle Art Museum wedding
view elopement
Mount Hood provides a bold, alpine backdrop with towering peaks, forest trails, and wide-open views. It’s perfect for couples who want an adventurous, deeply personal elopement surrounded by iconic Oregon scenery.
Mount Hood wedding
Orcas Island offers a dreamy Pacific Northwest setting filled with coastal views, forested landscapes, and glowing twilight skies. Couples who love quiet beauty, natural surroundings, and an intimate island feel will be drawn to getting married here.
Chateau de Lis is an elegant estate venue in Oregon with European-inspired architecture and lush gardens. It’s ideal for couples wanting a refined, luxury wedding that feels timeless and romantic while still rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
My Favorite oregon and washington wedding locations.
VIEW THE blog
FavoritePlaces
Orcas Island wedding
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
Chateau de Lis wedding
A lush coastal forest that opens to dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and sweeping Pacific views. Perfect for that moody coastal fog, firey sunsets, and rugged shorelines. There are many special places in the Oswald West State Park.
oswald west state park elopement
Hurricane Ridge offers sweeping mountains, alpine wildflowers, and dramatic skies high above Olympic National Park. With panoramic ridges, soft sunset light, it's ideal for couples who want that adventurous feel.
Open coastal meadows, cliffside views, and crashing waves define this bold Oregon Coast elopement location. Elk Flats is ideal for couples drawn to expansive scenery, strong coastal winds, and a sense of wild intimacy.
Romantic Elk Flats Cliffside Elopement
hurricane ridge - olympic np
One of the most beautiful moody beaches in Olympic National park, with dramatic sea stacks and crashing waves. A short walk to a perfect beach elopement emphasizing the PNW aesthetic.
ruby beach - olympic national park
A secluded forest-deck elopement surrounded by towering evergreens, soft filtered light, and quiet woodland energy. Ideal for couples seeking a private, nature-immersed ceremony in the heart of Portland without feeling like they’re in the city.
A historic stone hut perched high on Mt. Hood, Silcox Hut offers sweeping alpine views, dramatic weather and a very moody atmosphere. It's an ideal setting for couples drawn to that dark lighting while still being in nature.
My Favorite oregon and washington elopement locations.
blog coming soon
FavoritePlaces
A Private Hoyt Arboretum Elopement
blog coming soon
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
silcox hut Elopement - mt hood
Personality:
This is huge. Would you feel totally comfortable having them around you for your most intimate moments all day long?
Photos are how you’ll relive this magical day for the rest of your life. That’s why finding a North Carolina wedding photographer that you connect with, is so important.
Style:
Do you absolutely love their colors, the way they capture emotion, and the feeling of their storytelling?
Do they know the local spots, understand how the mountain light hits, and know how the weather patterns work?
Type of work:
Do they regularly shoot the kind of event you’re planning, full North Carolina weddings and/or intimate elopements?
Experience in NC
what to look for in your washington and oregon wedding photographer
5. Book your Photographer
starting at $6400
4 hour elopement
$1150 for 60 mins
$1350 for 90 mins
session
7. Plan your Timeline
venue and wedding planning
8:30 pm
lantern photos
7:30 pm
golden hour Portraits
6:30 pm
adventure to second location
5:30 pm
Picnic/Champagne Toast at the location
1 pm
flat lay details
5 pm
family photos (if any came)
4:30 pm
License Signing & a moment alone
4 pm
ceremony
3:30 pm
First Look & vows
3 pm
Head to first look/ceremony location
2 pm
getting ready photos
Elopement planning and timeline
7:30 pm
open dancing begins
7 pm
cake cutting, speeches
6 pm
dinner
5:45 pm
reception begins &
first dances
5:30 pm
sunset
11 am
photographer arrives
flat lay details
4:30 pm
golden hour couples portraits &
cocktail hour
3:30 pm
ceremony & vows &
marriage license
2:30 pm
wedding party &
family photos
2 pm
First Look (If applicable) &
reading vows
1 pm
getting ready with person 2
12 pm
getting ready with person 1
elopement timeline example
Wedding timeline example
9 pm
photographer leaves
8:45 pm
grand exit / send off
7. Plan your Timeline
venue and wedding planning
8:30 pm
Relaxed Evening/Bonfire/Stargazing
7:30 pm
Sunset Portraits (If applicable)
5 pm
Head back to accommodations for dinner
4:30 pm
Picnic/Champagne Toast at the location
10 am
Leisurely breakfast & getting ready
4 pm
Post-Ceremony Portraits (Adventure shoot)
3 pm
Ceremony Begins (Vows, License Signing)
10 am
Travel to the secluded ceremony spot
2 pm
First Look (Often at a scenic spot)
10 am
Head to first look/ceremony location
12 pm
Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Detail Shots)
Elopement planning
8:30 pm
Open Dancing Begins
7:30 pm
Formal Dances & Cake Cutting
5 pm
Cocktail Hour Begins
4:30 pm
Ceremony Begins
11 am
flat lay details
4 pm
Post-Ceremony Portraits (Adventure shoot)
3pm
Wedding Party & Family Photos
10 am
Travel to the secluded ceremony spot
2 pm
First Look (If applicable) & Couple's Portraits
10 am
Head to first look/ceremony location
12 pm
getting ready with person 1
elopement timeline example
Wedding timeline example
8:30 pm
Open Dancing Begins
8:30 pm
Relaxed Evening/Bonfire/Stargazing
7:30 pm
Sunset Portraits (If applicable)
5 pm
Head back to accommodations for dinner
4:30 pm
Picnic/Champagne Toast at the location
10 am
Leisurely breakfast & getting ready
4 pm
Post-Ceremony Portraits (Adventure shoot)
3 pm
Ceremony Begins (Vows, License Signing)
10 am
Travel to the secluded ceremony spot
2 pm
First Look (Often at a scenic spot)
10 am
Head to first look/ceremony location
12 pm
Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Detail Shots)
elopement timeline example
Wedding timeline example
8.Legal Stuff
The Ceremony and Officiant
how to get legally married in the pnw
Waiting Period and Validity
- Oregon: There is typically a 3-day waiting period after receiving your license unless it's waived by the county clerk.
- Washington: There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after applying before the license becomes valid.
- Validity: Marriage licenses are generally valid for 60 days in both Oregon and Washington. If you do not get married within this timeframe, the license expires and you must reapply.
Requirements for the Application
- Identification: Valid photo ID for both applicants (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID).
- Social Security Number: Both parties must present their Social Security cards or official documentation showing their numbers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may provide another form of identification as determined by the Register of Deeds.
- Age: Both parties must generally be 18 years of age or older. (See eligibility section for exceptions).
- Fee: Marriage license fees typically range from $60-$75 depending on county.
Obtaining Your PNW Marriage License
A marriage license is required for all couples wishing to marry in Oregon or Washington, whether the ceremony is civil or religious. You must apply through a county clerk’s office in the state where your ceremony will take place.
Understanding the legal process for your Oregon or Washington wedding or elopement is crucial, but don't worry, it's very straightforward! The state has made the process of getting a marriage license and making your union official quite simple.
- Your ceremony must be performed within the state where the license was issued.
- An officiant must perform the ceremony.
- Two witnesses are required to be physically present to sign the marriage license.
Permits
Beaches/Coastal Areas
National Parks (Olympic, Rainer, North Cascades, etc)
National Forests (Mt Hood, Gifford, Olympic, etc)
PNW State Parks
- Location Permits (if required)
- Special Mementos (such as vows, keepsakes)
- Headlamps / Flashlights (eloping in low-light)
- First Aid Kit (bare essentials for minor injuriess)
- Weather-appropriate Clothing Layers
- Hand/Body Warmers (if eloping in cooler climates)
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella or Rain Gear (if rain is expected)
- Hats or Sun Protection (if eloping in sunny locations)
- Water Bottles
- Granola Bars or Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Portable Speaker (if allowed at your location, for music)
- Makeup Touch-Up Kit
- Bouquet of Flowers
- Appropriate Footwear (consider the terrain and weather)
- Blanket (for sitting or warmth)
- Backpack (to carry essentials)
- Wedding Rings
- Vow Books
- Marriage License
- Veil or any unique headpiece
- Wedding Attire
- Dress or suit
- Garment bag to keep attire wrinkle-free
- Pen (for signing the marriage license)
Legal / Saftey
On the day Must Haves
Weather
Your Checklist
Essentials
your free elopement checklist
PNW wedding checklist
Frequently Asked
The beauty of Oregon Elopements is that they can be intentionally flexible, not rigid. I purposely build buffers into the timeline so things can flow naturally without stress. Your day won’t feel rushed at all. If we ever need to, we can always add on an extra hour day of.
What happens if we run behind schedule?
You’ll need: A marriage license from any Oregon county (no residency is required). An officiant (or a friend with a temporary permit). Two witnesses (I can absolutely be one if needed!). I’ll walk you through all these logistical matters when we start planning.
How do we legally get married in Oregon?
Your Oregon Elopement can be just the two of you or include a handful of people who matter most to you. We’ll discuss accessibility, travel, and which locations work best for a group. You might want them there for everything, but couples usually opt for the family to be there for a short time to celebrate; whatever works for you!
Can we include family or friends in our Oregon elopement?
Being in the PNW... the weather is always a question. I shoot rain or shine. I recommend bringing clear umbrellas, but I encourage couples to embrace the weather. If we need to create a back up plan, I am always there for you!
What if the weather is unpredictable?
Many Oregon locations do require permits, especially in State Parks, National Forests, and along the Oregon Coast. Every area has its own rules, which can change seasonally. I help guide you through the permit process so everything is legal, simple, and stress-free.
Do we need a permit to elope in Oregon?
Most of the time, I recommend booking 6 – 12 months in advance, especially during popular months like March - May and Sep - Nov. That said, Elopements are flexible; if I have availability, last-minute bookings are absolutely possible. However, please don’t leave it to chance!
Wondering 'What questions should I ask an Oregon Elopement photographer before hiring them?' Well, I've already got them answered for you!
How far in advance should we book our Oregon Elopement?
I recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, being prepared for the weather, and considering your activity level.
Bring layers for temperature changes, boots for rocky paths. I’ll help with specific suggestions based on your location and season.
What do we wear for an outdoor Oregon Elopement?
From experience, most Oregon Elopements fit into 4–8 hours. If you're hiking at sunrise or visiting multiple locations, 8+ hours or a two-day experience might be ideal. We’ll build a timeline around how you want your day to feel.
How many hours of coverage do we need?
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
Most of the time, yes, Oregon is very dog-friendly! Some trails have restrictions, so we’ll choose a location that keeps furry friends and everyone else safe and included.
Can we bring our dog to our PNW / Oregon Elopement?
Not at all. Hiking Elopements are amazing, but Oregon has tons of stunning, accessible locations with minimal walking. You can be as adventurous or as low-key as you want. It's your day, so you get to choose how it looks completely!
Do we have to hike for our PNW elopement?
For me, an Oregon Elopement is anything with fewer than 20 people, officiant and photographers included, however this can vary from place to place. Elopements center on intention over tradition. It’s less about the size and more about the meaning and focus on the couple rather than a big party.
What counts as an “Elopement” in Oregon?
Absolutely, you can! I've had many couples celebrate privately on Oregon Elopement day, then host a larger gathering later with family and friends. I’m always more than happy to include multiple days in your package if you need it!
