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Just an hour outside of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most scenic and accessible locations for elopements – especially if you’re looking for a fairytale-esque waterfall elopement. And seriously, as you travel down the Historic Columbia River highway, it starts to feel like there is a beautiful waterfall around every corner. Read on to learn more about where to elope in the Columbia River Gorge.

Need a photographer to help you plan and capture beautiful images of your elopement? Look no further. You can learn more about my Oregon elopement services here.

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Things to Know Before You Elope in the Columbia River Gorge

Permits

Some locations may require a photography or ceremony permit depending on what your plans are. Typically though, if your ceremony is under 75 people, you’re good to go. However, it’s always good to inquire with the U.S. Forest Service or Oregon State Parks (depending on your chosen location) to make sure nothing has changed. 

Note that some locations may require timed-use permits or parking permits. Be sure to research each location and its specifics.

Worried about permits? As your Oregon elopement photographer, I’ve got your back. I lead the way in inquiring and making sure you know what to do to apply for any necessary permits.

Leave No Trace

We always want to be respectful of our outdoor spaces to help preserve them for generations to come. As part of this, I seek to follow the Leave No Trace Principles for all outdoor elopements and hope you will try to do the same. 

Some quick ways you can help leave no trace during your elopement in Oregon:

• Stay on established trails 
• Pack any items or waste out (that also means avoiding things like rice and confetti)
• Do not carve anything in trees or on rocks
• Do not take any souvenirs such as a bottle of sand or a rock
• Be respectful of wildlife and admire only from an appropriate distance
• Be considerate of other visitors

Best Time to Elope in the Columbia River Gorge

I’d recommend the Columbia River Gorge for elopements between late spring to early fall for the best weather and scenery. Spring and fall will have the best waterfall flow and fewer crowds.

Learn more in my guide on When to Elope in Oregon.

Accessibility

There’s something for everyone here. From quick walk-up views to more strenuous hikes, you can choose your own adventure. There are also a few waterfalls in the area that have wheelchair accessible viewpoints (Multnomah and Horsetail Falls).

Want to skip the stress and get more guidance on eloping in the Columbia River Gorge? Check out my Oregon elopement photography services here.

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Best Waterfall Elopement Locations in the Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls

This is THE waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. It features two cascades with a scenic bridge between them and is probably the waterfall you’ve seen in all the photos of the Gorge. 

What to Expect:

You have a few options for exploring either at the bottom viewing platform, on the bridge, or by continuing on the hike to the top. The hike is around 2.4 miles if you opt for it. 

This is the most popular waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, so I’d recommend visiting in off season or super early morning to avoid crowds. You may also wish to consider this location just for portraits rather than your ceremony.

Other things to know:

• Multnomah Falls is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
• Timed-use permits are required from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. late May through early September.
• There are public restrooms and a restaurant at the trailhead.
• There are two parking options to choose from. Keep in mind that the lot immediately in front of the Multnomah Falls Lodge is a paid lot and prices can get a little steep.

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Latourell Falls

This one is one of my favorites because of how accessible and choose your own adventure-ish it is. It’s also simply stunning and gives a bit of an Iceland vibe with its basalt columns.

What to Expect:

There are two trails to choose from. The first is a 2-mile loop trail starting on your left. With this trail, you can also view Upper Latourell Falls, adding another waterfall to your day. 

The second trail is a quick 10-minute walk to a lower viewpoint in front of the falls. Expect to get a little damp from the mist of the falls once you reach the end of the viewpoint.

Other things to know:

• Latourell Falls is located in Guy W. Talbot State Park.
• There are public restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead.
• The parking lot is mid-sized so could fill up at peak times.

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Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a super accessible waterfall right off the roadside. It makes a beautiful cascade down the cliffside and would be a stunning backdrop for your elopement.

What to Expect:

There is a wheel-chair accessible viewpoint, or you can walk down to the pool itself. Horsetail Falls is right off the roadside, but there is also another waterfall down the trail called Ponytail Falls. If you’re up for a hike, this is a great one, as you can walk behind the waterfall.

Other things to know:

• Horsetail Falls is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 
• There are no restrooms at the trailhead.
• The parking lot is mid-sized.

Bridal Veil Falls

This one is the longest hike out of the ones I’ve suggested so far, but I promise the effort is worth it! Also, how fun to get married in front of a waterfall called Bridal Veil!

What to Expect:

It’s a steep .3 mile hike down to the waterfall. Once you reach it, there is a viewing platform, or you can take a short scramble down an unofficial path to its base. 

Other things to know:

• Bridal Veil Falls is managed by Oregon State Parks.
• There are nearby viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River on the upper trail.
• There are public restrooms at the trailhead.
• The parking lot is a little larger than some of the others but is still mid-sized.

Eager to find even more stunning locations in the Columbia River Gorge? As an Oregon Elopement photographer, I’ve got so many more recommendations for beautiful ceremony spots for your day. Learn more about my Oregon elopement services here.

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Planning Tips for Your Columbia River Gorge Elopement

What to Pack

This of course differs for every season and your elopement vibe, but here are a few quick packing tips to get you started:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Your wedding attire
• Rain jackets or clear umbrellas – just in case!
• Hiking backpacks
• Hiking poles (if you are planning to hike, some of the trails get a bit rugged and/or steep.
• Hand warmers depending on the weather
• Marriage license
• Wedding rings
• Vow books
• Florals

I help the couples I work with put together a packing list for their elopement day! One less thing to stress about! Learn more about my elopement planning and photography services here.

Vendors to Consider

• Officiant (you just need someone who is ordained and two witnesses to perform your legal marriage ceremony in Oregon)
• Elopement photographer (check out my services here)
• Florist (florals bring a truly special touch to any elopement day)
• Hair and makeup artist (just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t look your best! Consider hiring a hair and makeup artist to help you get ready)

Timeline Ideas

The beautiful thing about a Columbia River Gorge is that there is a lot you can combine it with to make a super fun, full- or multi-day elopement. Here are some activity ideas:

• Rent an awesome cabin with a view nearby. 
• Visit multiple waterfalls.
• Check out Rowena Crest or the Vista House for a change of scenery and more awesome views.
• Head to the Mount Hood area and visit an alpine lake.
• Go to Portland and have fun in the city.
• Go kayaking or have fun with other watersports. 
• Visit a vineyard or go fruit picking.

Helping couples plan their elopements is one of my favorite parts of being an Oregon elopement photographer. Learn more about my services here.

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Is a Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Elopement Right for You?

If you want to include multiple beautiful waterfalls in your elopement day, there truly is no better place in Oregon. This well-located and easily-accessible region is going to be perfect for your elopement.

Ready to say your vows in front of a scenic waterfall? I’d love to help you plan and capture your Columbia River Gorge elopement. Contact me here to get your adventure started!