Oregon Wedding Guide
June 6, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Oregon
Are you dreaming of beachside vows overlooking the Pacific coast? Planning a scenic and adventurous elopement in the mountains? How about a sophisticated ceremony with local winery vibes? As an Oregon wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen a wedding or two and this beautiful state has tons to offer! The landscapes and venues across Oregon are as diverse as the couples looking to wed here.
This Oregon wedding guide is designed to help you navigate every step of planning the Pacific Northwest wedding of your dreams. From perfect venues and trusted vendors to fun things to do and things to consider (looking at you, weather), this guide has it all!
FAQs for Getting Married in Oregon
Do you need a witness to get married in Oregon?
Yep! You need two witnesses who are 18-years or older in order to make the ceremony legit in Oregon.
What is required in Oregon to get married?
Oregon mandates that you must be 18 years or older, or 17 with permission from a guardian.
Who can legally marry a couple in Oregon?
Oregon law allows authorized individuals by religious or secular organizations, judicial officers, and county clerks.
Do I need a permit to get married in one of Oregon’s parks?
In a word: maybe. It depends on the number of guests who will be in attendance and the park you’re considering. If a special use permit is required, it will need to be approved in advance, so this will need to be one of the first items you check off your wedding planning to do list. You can take a look at the application here.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Oregon?
Oregon has a 3-day waiting period between applying for your marriage license and your wedding day. Some counties do have a waiver for this 3-day period, but there is usually an additional fee involved.
Where do I apply for a marriage license if I’m having a destination wedding in Oregon?
You can apply online or in person at any county clerk’s office in the state of Oregon. Your marriage license can be used at any location in the state! Just be mindful of the 3 day waiting period mentioned above.
Looking for an Oregon Wedding Photographer?
Check out my work below!
What’s the best time of year for an Oregon wedding?
Oregon is notorious for its unpredictable weather, and it wouldn’t be the PNW without a lengthy rainy season. Don’t get me wrong, the rain can create beautiful billowing skies that can act as a moody, cinematic backdrop for photos. If that’s not your vibe, you need to be prepared with a back-up plan, especially if you’re hoping for an outdoor ceremony. Either way, it’s essential to consider the weather in the region you’d like to wed.
Perks of a Summer Wedding in Oregon
In terms of consistency, summer will be your safest bet for nice weather. Early summer puts you past the rainy season, but everything is still vibrant green, blooming & gorgeous! Summer on the coast is especially lovely with milder temps, cool breezes, and late sunsets! This would be ideal for anyone planning an outdoor wedding or if you have out of town guests who need favorable travel conditions. That said, if you are considering having your wedding in a public space such as a state or national park, this is also peak time for tourists. At the same time, the later in the summer season you wait, you will be getting closer to the fire season. Pay close attention to cancellation policies with your venue and have a back-up plan just in case!
Winter Oregon Wedding
While you do run the risk of not being able to get through mountain passes, a winter wedding with views of Mount Hood would be an absolute showstopper! There is so much potential for a winter wonderland backdrop of snow capped mountains or a cozy indoor cabin ceremony. Wardrobe to accommodate the frigid temps and travel for guests would entail a bit more planning, but the end result would be swoonworthy.
Fire Season in Oregon
Wildfires are a very real threat in Oregon and should absolutely be taken into consideration when you’re selecting a date. High winds and drought are the biggest factors in fire season, and those don’t typically come into play until late summer and early fall. July, August, & September are the big contenders you need to pay special attention to when selecting your venue & planning your Oregon wedding.
Dreamy Oregon Wedding Venues
Not only is Oregon a beautiful place to visit with versatile landscapes ranging from lush, green forests to coastal beaches, it’s also full of charming venues for hosting the nuptials of your dreams. Whether you want a lavish & luxurious traditional ceremony, or you’re taking the road less traveled for an adventure elopement, one of Oregon’s many stunning venues is sure to be a perfect match. While this isn’t even close to being a comprehensive list, these are some of my favorites and a few from my bucket list of places I’d love to photograph!
Concord Estate
Located in Roseburg, Concord Estate is a beautiful European style venue overlooks the Umpqua Valley and boasts several amenities on site. The ballroom is perfect for a sophisticated reception and they offer overnight packages for up to 20 guests. Convenience & sophistication in one!
The Ruins at the Astor
Built in 1921, this historic wedding venue began its life as a hotel in the heart of downtown Astoria. The venue showcases much of its original 1920s art deco touches and is perfect for anyone wanting a similar aesthetic for their wedding! The Ruins’ proximity to all of the downtown eateries, bars, and hotels make it perfect for out of town wedding guests.
Cathedral Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor venue with lots of history without missing out on the architecture of a more traditional venue, look to Cathedral Park in Portland! The gothic style arches of St. John’s Bridge create a beautiful backdrop for a ceremony while also offering protection from the elements. This location is ideal for an elopement, but be sure to check with city officials as the bridge is undergoing repairs and certain areas are off limits for larger ceremonies. For a guest list of up to 100, a permit is required and you can learn more about the rules & regulations here.
Chateau de Lis
Set on 133 acres in Oregon City, Chateau de Lis is a castle that will make all of your fairy tale wedding dreams come true. This venue is a sight to behold if you’re seeking elegance and romance for your wedding day. Stone details throughout this European style castle and the luxurious grounds create an ambiance you can’t find elsewhere.
Victorian Belle
The Victorian Belle mansion is a historic estate located in Portland built in the 1800s. This venue features a charming gazebo, beautiful gardens, and a fountain ideal for romantic photos of your wedding day. This location is both aesthetically pleasing and all-inclusive, offering packages of varying sizes to accommodate weddings of virtually every size.
The Griffin House
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this luxurious yet remote wedding venue nestled in the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. The Griffin House is a 120-year-old home turned wedding venue complete with on-site rentals and breathtaking views of the Columbia River. Their staff collaborates with couples and event planners months in advance to ensure you have a stress-free wedding day. At Griffin House, their motto is “endless views for endless vows,” and it’s incredibly fitting! Take a look at the gallery on their site and prepare to be wowed.
Blockhouse
This incredibly cool indoor/outdoor space near the Pearl District in Portland comes with all the lush greenhouse vibes. Blockhouse is ideal for accommodating intimate weddings and receptions, and they have their own list of trusted vendors who are familiar with the space.
Mt Hood Organic Farms
This century-old estate truly has it all! The 200 acre property consists of stunning views of Mt. Hood, orchards, meadows, and English gardens, making it it a sought after venue for couples who are seeking a wedding day to remember. With plenty of space for bridals parties to get ready for the event and many alcoves of the estate perfect for photos, Mt. Hood Organic Farms is sure to be a crowd pleaser. As the cherry on top of this spectacular wedding venue sundae, they offer catering and day-of event management and coordination as well!
Crook Point
This secluded coastal venue is a picture of serenity and scenic views. Crook Point comes equipped with onsite rentals, lodging for everyone, and event packages for every size wedding from intimate gatherings, to celebrations up to 300 guests. Lighten your wedding planning load with their experienced staff and enjoy a beautiful wedding day away from the hustle & bustle of the city.
Black Butte Ranch
If you’re after mountain views and a wedding venue that can cater to your specific tastes, check out Oregon’s award winning Black Butte Ranch! This venue has on-site lodging and tons of amenities to entertain your guests long after the reception has wrapped up for the evening. They offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony sites as well as catering options so that you can enjoy your day to the fullest.
Hornings Hideout
Located in North Plains, OR, Hornings Hideout boasts three venue choices for couples looking to utilize the location for their wedding! In this beautifully wooded area, couples have a choice between a creekside, lakeside, or main stage venue and can accommodate from 250-700 guests for their ceremony. On-site camping is available for guests along with plenty to do to enjoy their stay, including disc golf and onsite boating as well as fishing. From lush green forest views to scenic waterfalls, Hornings Hideout is ideal for the couple with an appreciation for the natural beauty of Oregon.
Ecotrust in Portland
Established in 1895, this Portland venue occupies an entire block and they offer three separate spaces for every style. Industrious, artsy, and full of timeless charm, these spaces are ideal for couples with a modern taste. A rooftop terrace is available for a starry sky-lit ceremony, or take a look at the exposed brick of the Irving Street Studio for an indoor ceremony.
Frank Manor at Lewis & Clark
Sprawling gardens cover this beautiful estate and make it the ideal venue choice for couples seeking the perfect marriage of awe inspiring views and modern amenities. Frank Manor is minutes away from downtown Portland, making it convenient for out of town guests. This venue is exclusive, as they host a limited number of weddings each year, but staff are available to assist you with planning and scheduling the wedding of your dreams!
Sweet Cheeks Winery
Enjoy your nuptials with handcrafted wines and an entrancing backdrop of Willamette Valley at Sweet Cheeks Winery located in Eugene, OR. Their on-site venue coordinator will assist you every step of the way, and the venue comes fully prepared to support you during your big day with everything from kitchen staff to support your caterers and wedding arbor, to getting ready areas and bistro lit dance area!
Seawinds Estate
This beautiful cliffside property is a great choice for an intimate coastal wedding. SeaWinds Estate is located in Bandon and this gorgeous home sleeps up to 18 guests. With stunning architecture and views of the sea, this location is ideal for an elopement or microwedding.
Capella by the Sea
This small & cozy natural venue in beautiful Brookings, OR is available for rental year-round. Naturally beautiful, this rustic structure is filled with natural light and offers views of the local bodies of water such as the Port of Brookings-Harbor, Chetco River, and Pacific Ocean. The interior is able to accommodate up to 49 guests, ideal for the couple seeking a quiet, intimate ceremony. Capella has a romantic back story of its own. What better way to begin your marriage than in a structure built by love?
The Orchard Estate
This beautiful, large orchard property comes with mountain and valley views in tow! Conveniently located minutes from Hood River, this secluded venue is a working farm that offers its guests a true farm-to-table dining experience amongst lush gardens nestled between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. The Orchard Estate includes locally sourced tables, string lighting for cozy ambiance, a built in bar, a getting ready area, and so much more!
The Ruins Hood River
Oregon Bride Magazine called The Ruins Hood River, “[The] best urban space outside Portland,” and for good reason. They offer both indoor and outdoor spaces for rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies, and receptions, and they do it with style. The unique architecture in this space makes it one of a kind and the proximity to local hotels makes it convenient for guests. You and up to 200 guests can enjoy a romantic evening at the remains of a century old fruit cannery while enjoying locally sourced drinks served by their staff.
Villa Catalana Cellars
If you are seeking a venue with both beautiful architecture and sprawling floral gardens, Villa Catalana Cellars is a fantastic choice. So long as there aren’t scheduling conflicts with winery events, the property offers additional parts of the property for getting ready and receptions.
Crater Lake National Park
For the couple looking for something unique and adventurous, don’t forget about Crater Lake National Park. Cerulean skies, lush green spruces, snow capped mountains, and crystal clear Crater Lake are even more beautiful in person and the park has several areas that have become popular for weddings. There is some additional paperwork to be completed and planning involved, but it would be an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance!
Planning a National Park Wedding in Oregon
If you’ve been eyeballing Crater Lake National Park as a potential wedding location, there are a few things to keep in mind. This particular park is breathtaking and I can think of a million different locations that would be perfect for photos. However, since it isn’t a traditional wedding venue, you can’t approach planning a wedding here in a traditional since either. As you’re finalizing plans and setting a date, keep these things in mind:
1. Special Use Permits
You will need to submit an application for approval and they are first come, first serve. Because of this, you’ll need to have some flexibility with the dates you have in mind and will need to include your first & second choice for potential wedding dates. Be sure to remember that the processing takes time and can’t be done last minute. They recommend submitting your application a minimum of 8 weeks in advance. Because NPS weddings are gaining popularity, there is usually a cap placed on the number of weddings allowed in the park each year, so it’s best to take care of it even earlier. Applications are $50 and nonrefundable, not including the cost of the permits themselves.
2. Weather Considerations
Much like the rest of Oregon, the weather within the park can change drastically so a back up plan is crucial. Because of large amounts of snow that remain well into May, it would be best to schedule a Crater Lake wedding midway through July.
3. Prohibited Items & Rules
Since the park is open to all guests, several limitations are placed on wedding parties as to not disturb other guests’ experiences. This includes amplified music through speakers or a boombox, but acoustic is allowed so long as it’s kept at a respectful level. Traditional materials for a wedding exit such as rice, sparklers, balloons, seeds, flowers & confetti are prohibited and no wildlife including butterflies may be released.
4. Keeping Guests Comfortable
While there are many locations within the park that would make for a beautiful backdrop for photos of your big day, you may want to keep proximity to restrooms in mind for your guests (and yourselves!) Electricity is unavailable and water is hard to come by at most sites, so plan accordingly for your best experience.
Where to Stay for Your Oregon Wedding
Oregon Coast
Southern: Chetco River Inn Cottage
Middle: Ocean Front Views Close to the Beach
Northern: Tiny House near Downtown Astoria
Trusted Wedding Vendors in Oregon
Some venues have a list of vendors they prefer to work with on wedding events, and others are flexible and will allow outside vendors. As someone who has photographed many Oregon weddings, the vendors included below are some of my favorites to work with & I know they won’t disappoint on your special day!
Wrong Number Floral
Hope with Wrong Number Floral is dedicated to beautiful, vibrant florals for weddings and elopements in the Oregon and Washington areas. If you’re looking for an artistic approach to your florals and you’re a lover of bold, bright colors, look no further!
Tiny Bakery
Located in Eugene, OR, Sarah is known for her beautiful and delicious custom dessert spreads. From tiny pies, cupcakes, macrons, and everything in between, Tiny Bakery is always a solid choice.
Kayla with Ascend Events Planning
Kayla with Ascend Events Planning offers different packages for every couple and they all include her expertise and realistic approach to wedding planning. She focuses on the heavy lifting of planning and executing your day so that you can sit back and enjoy it!
Olivia with Round Pearl Events
Whether you’re looking for advice, a coordinator, or a full-fledged planner, Olivia with Round Pearl Events is here to help you build a wedding that feels like you. She even offers custom packages to meet the needs of all of her couples!
Birdie June Events Rentals
Whether your style is eclectic and artsy or timeless and sophisticated, Birdie June Events Rentals has you covered! From lighting and linens, to farm tables and custom signage, their experienced wedding pros have nearly anything you could think of to complete your big day.
Olivia with Numa Films
Olivia is a born storyteller with a great eye for cinematic and emotional wedding videography. With Numa Films, you’re guaranteed a wedding story you’ll enjoy looking back on for decades to come!
Oregon Wedding Packages
As an Oregon wedding photographer, I offer custom quotes for all my clients based on their needs. I generally offer 5, 7, or 9 hour packages with options to add on more time, film, polaroids, camcorder footage, second shooters, engagement sessions, rehearsal coverage, morning after session or rush delivery of the photos.
Oregon Wedding Timeline
I provide custom timelines for all my couples based around their ceremony time, how long they’ve booked, and their main focus when it comes to capturing the day. The three of us will be spending lots of time together on your wedding day. Think we’ll get along like lifelong besties? We should talk. I’d love to learn more about the two of you and what your wedding day looks like in your wildest dreams so we can make it a reality.
Sample Timeline for a 7-Hour Oregon Wedding
1:30-2:15- Photographer arrives, getting ready photos, details photos
2:15-3:15 – First Look and couples photos
3:15-4:00 – Bridal party photos
4:00-4:45 – Family Photos
4:45-5:00 – Line up for ceremony
5:00-5:30 – Ceremony
5:30-6:30 – Cocktail hour, candids of guest
6:30-7:30 – Dinner and toasts
7:30-7:45 – Cake cutting/Sunset photos
7:45-8:00 – First dances
8:00-9:30 – Party Tiiiime
Looking to have your wedding in Oregon?
I’m happy to help with location scouting, styling for engagement sessions, finding the best area for lighting during your ceremony, and I’ve also been known to tie a bowtie or attach a boutonniere or two in my day.
Tips from an Oregon Wedding Photographer
1. List your priorities
As you begin your search for the perfect place to host your wedding, it’s important to really consider what you value most in a venue. Here are a few you may consider and rank in order of importance:
- Architecture
- Scenic views
- Ease of access and close proximity to hotels for guests
- Price point/budget
- An all-inclusive venue
- A photographable experience
- The ability to spend the most time with loved ones on your wedding day
- How you are treated by owners as you tour venues
Once you narrow down what is most important to you, you may have to remove the proverbial rose colored glasses and view the venue through the lens of priorities to help you choose.
2. Consider logistics
It can be really easy to fall head over heels for a venue with a stunning view or a gorgeous dining area, but it’s important to remember that a lot more goes into a wedding than just those two things. Is there a getting ready area or will you need to allow for travel time from your getting ready space to the venue? Does the venue include catering, drinks, linens and the like, or do you need to allot a percentage of your budget and planning time to arrange for those things?
3. Try Not to Get Overwhelmed
Oregon is home to so many stunning locations, but try not to get overwhelmed by the options. At the end of the day, any one of them that you choose will be perfect. Find people that you like to work with and let that be the thing that guides you most.
Oregon Wedding Photographer
Hey, I’m Madi, a wedding and elopement photographer serving Portland, OR and beyond.
I specialize in documentary photography with an editorial flourish and I’m always down for an adventure. While I’m based in Portland, I’ll happily travel the globe to capture the smallest moments of your big day.
I believe in documenting more than just photos. I focus on emotion, desires, and making the best experience possible for you. That means having my full support in addition to moments you can relive through film long after your reception has ended.
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