When to Elope in Oregon: The Best Timing for Your Elopement
You’ve decided to elope in Oregon, but that was the easy part! Now it’s time to figure out exactly when would be best to tie the knot (if you’re still deciding on a location, check out my guide on the Best Locations to Elope in Oregon here).
Looking for someone to help you plan and capture beautiful photos of your elopement day? Check out my Oregon elopement photography services.
The Best Seasons to Elope in Oregon
It’s important to note that Oregon experiences all four seasons, but the weather varies greatly depending on where you are in the state. Here is the weather broken down by my favorite elopement regions with some pros and cons for each season.
Oregon Coast:
The weather on the coast is kept pretty moderate because of the Pacific Ocean, but the seasons have some different trends. When you choose to elope will depend on the vibe you’re going for (moodier vs. coastal sunshine) and whether or not you mind some chilly weather. It could also depend on the level of privacy you are wanting during your elopement (keep in mind that summer is peak tourism season on the coast).
- Spring: The weather in spring tends to be cooler and rainy. Spring is also an excellent time for whale watching during the gray whale migration north. There’s nothing quite like exploring a cove and seeing a whale playing in the water nearby!
- Summer: Summer weather tends to be warmer and drier, and you may even get some sun in this famously moody region. Of course, this is also peak season on the Oregon Coast, so you’ll want to time your elopement to avoid crowds.
- Fall: It gets a little cooler in the fall but is still very mild. You can also catch some fall foliage.
- Winter: Surprisingly, even winter is still mild on the coast. Something to consider is that storms and rainy weather are more frequent in this season though. Winter also sees fewer daylight hours in general.
Plan with less stress! Check out my Oregon elopement photography services here.
Bend & the High Desert:
For a Bend elopement, I’d recommend aiming for the summer or fall. This will ensure you have the best weather possible for your elopement (unless you are seeking snow!).
- Spring: The weather can be a little unpredictable during this season. You could encounter rain or snow or sun!
- Summer: If you’re seeking sun, this is your best bet! Summers tend to be hot and dry with cooler nights. Outdoor activities and more famous spots will be a little busier in the summer though.
- Fall: The fall brings mild weather to the area and still not a lot of precipitation.
- Winter: The weather will be cold and snowy. Mountainous areas especially can get significant amounts of snow. Winter also sees fewer daylight hours.
You don’t have to do this alone! Check out my Oregon elopement photography services here.
Columbia River Gorge:
I’d recommend the Columbia River Gorge through late spring to early fall for the best scenery and weather during your elopement day.
- Spring: Spring brings more rain, but late spring starts to get drier and the foliage starts to emerge (and the wildflowers too)! That additional rain can also lead to some fun seasonal waterfalls you might not otherwise see.
- Summer: With warm temperatures and flowing waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge really is gorgeous in the summer. However, you may want to avoid peak summer and the crowds it can bring.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and fall foliage… need I say more? Just be sure to consider that it starts to rain more often the further you get into fall.
- Winter: The winters in the Columbia River Gorge are generally pretty mild and rainy, but it may snow especially at higher elevations. Winter also sees fewer daylight hours in this region.
Want help figuring all this out? Check out my Oregon elopement photography services here.
Wildfire Season:
One additional thing to be aware of that could impact your elopement in Oregon is the risk of wildfires. Unfortunately, hotter and drier weather from mid-summer to mid-fall do bring increased risk. It’s important to have back up plans and to consider air quality for your health as you are planning.
Best Days & Times to Elope in Oregon
Weekdays vs. Weekends:
As your elopement photographer, one of my top priorities is that you get to enjoy the spaces you’re in with as few crowds as possible. That’s why you’ll probably only ever hear me suggest weekdays to you. Truly, even in peak tourism season, weekdays tend to bring drastically fewer crowds in otherwise popular locations. Unless you are accommodating guests’ schedules, I’d highly recommend considering a week day for your elopement.
Best Times of Day:
There are similar considerations for the time of day that you are doing your elopement ceremony. If you opt for sunrise, there will be very few people around. This can make for a quiet and intimate ceremony even in the most popular locations. Sunset is also beautiful, but can bring larger crowds, especially in popular sunset locations.
If you are eloping on the Oregon Coast, one more thing to be aware of as you are planning your day is the tides. Beaches will look very different during high and low tide, and conditions can even get dangerous at some locations during high tide. Check out this resource from the Oregon Coast Visitors Association for more information about beach safety.
Avoiding Crowds:
If you are determined to avoid crowds on your elopement day, I highly recommend opting for a weekday and/or sunrise ceremony.
Opt for stress-free elopement planning by checking out my Oregon elopement photography services here.
No Matter When You Elope in Oregon, It Will Be Perfect – Don’t Stress!
Every season and time of the week/day in Oregon offers something unique for your elopement. Whether you want a sunlit summer ceremony or a golden fall adventure, I’m here to help you find the best time and place for your Oregon elopement day!
Need help planning your Oregon elopement? Let’s chat about finding the perfect season, location, and details for your unique celebration!
