Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure: A Full Day Oregon Elopement Itinerary - Discovering the Beauty of the Pacific Northwest
Oregon is an unbelievable place, with diverse scenery, unique adventures, and plenty to do! For couples who want to get rid of the “fluff” and get married in a way that actually feels right, and to focus on what really matters, an Oregon elopement is the perfect way to tie the knot.
This guide will give you some ideas for your own adventurous Oregon elopement, and some tips to get the most out of your day!
Why Should You Have a Full Day Oregon Elopement?
An elopement isn’t just a ceremony and a few photos - the day you get married deserves all day! But, a lot of couples have trouble imagining what a full day elopement can look like, and what they can do for all that time.
But the truth is, it’ll go by so much faster than you think! Oregon has plenty of adventures - and the day you get married deserves to be celebrated. If you were having a big wedding, you wouldn’t limit it to just an hour or two, right? Downsizing and choosing to get married in a way that means something to you is no reason to change that!
A full day Oregon elopement allows you to really enjoy every minute without rushing, and it gives you plenty of time for fun activities and adventures that you’ll remember forever.
What to Do During Your Full Day Oregon Elopement
A full day elopement can last up to 10 or 12 hours - so here’s a breakdown of how your day might look!
Get Ready at a Cute Airbnb
Your elopement day will start with getting ready. The place you stay in is a part of your Oregon elopement experience, so choose a cozy home away from home! There are cute Airbnbs all over Oregon.
Here are a few great Airbnbs to consider for your elopement:
Ceremony
The ceremony is the main event of your Oregon elopement - the moment where you tie the knot and officially marry your best friend! I’ll help you find the perfect spot to exchange vows - in Oregon you can choose between views of the redwoods, cascading waterfalls, and rocky beaches (or you can even see all three in one day), so there’s no shortage of amazing locations.
The Southen Oregon Coast is a little more rugged and less developed, with plenty of amazing cermeony locations perfect for an adventurous elopement. It tends to be less popular, so you’ll have a much easier time finding some privacy as you exchange vows!
Another way to get the place all to yourself is to plan your ceremony for sunrise! This is when most people won’t be out and about yet, so even the most popular places are likely to be empty. The lighting will also be absolutely amazing! Sunset is another great time for a ceremony - though it likely won’t be as empty, it’ll be less busy than the middle of the day, and you’ll have that gorgeous golden glow.
Oregon Adventures
The most exciting thing about eloping is that you get to plan an adventure that’s unique to you, and one that reflects who you are as a couple! It can be something you love doing together, or something new you want to try - no matter what you have in mind, there are plenty of uniquely Oregon adventures to consider for the day you get married.
Here are just a few ideas:
Take a hike through the redwoods that ends in a gorgeous view of the ocean
Say your vows in front of a waterfall and go for a dip afterwards
Paddle board on a sparkling blue lake
Rock climb in the desert
Kayak down a river
Have a picnic on the beach
Ride an ATV on sand dunes on the coast
Hop in the water and go surfing
Ski down Mount Hood in the winter
Sample Full Day Oregon Elopement Timeline
To give you an idea of what your full day Oregon elopement can look like, here is a sample timeline!
Sunrise Elopement at Secret Beach
3:30 You wake up early, full of excitement for the day that’s coming
4:00 After a cup of coffee and breakfast, hair and makeup begins
5:30 After you’re both done getting ready, you hop in the car and drive to the trailhead
6:00 You arrive as the darkness is just starting to lift, and change into your elopement attire
6:15 You do a first look at the trailhead, then start hiking through old growth forest
7:30 You get to the secluded beach, where you see the waterfall cascading down onto the sand and the rocky sea stacks poking through the ocean
8:00 After some photos, you exchange vows in the glow of the morning sun
8:30 You explore the beach and set up your picnic, taking a break for lunch (or second breakfast)
10:00 You take some more photos before beginging the hike back to the trailhead, passing hikers who congratulate you along the way
11:00 You’re back at the car, and you head back to the Airbnb for a quick nap
3:00 Your family starts arriving at the cabin, ready to celebrate with you!
4:00 You all start cooking together, getting ready for a celebratory dinner
5:00 Dinner is served, you pop some champagne, and your family makes toasts to celebrate the two of you getting married!
Tips for Your Full Day Oregon Elopement
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your full day Oregon elopement!
Embrace the Weather
Oregon, especially close to the coast, is known for moody weather - and the best way to deal with it is to just embrace it! The clouds add gorgeous drama and create nice even lighting, and they look great in photos. Even the rain can be stunning, as droplets catch the light and can look like lieelt fairy lights. It’s all part of the adventure, so bring some rain gear and some layers, and enjoy whatever weather Oregon brings!
Choose a Location You Love
One of the most exciting things about your Oregon elopement is that you have so many options for beautiful locations. Be sure to choose a spot that you absolutely love for when you exchange vows! Brookings, and the Southern Oregon Coast, is my personal favorite, as you’ll have amazing views of the ocean, and the area is more remote and less developed than more popular spots in the north.
Book an Oregon Elopement Photographer
As your elopement photographer, my job is to help you have the ultimate adventure! Your full day Oregon elopement should be custom tailored just for you, so that you can get married exactly the way you want to. I’ll give you personalized location recommendations, create a timeline for your day, and everything else you need for your adventure.
Ready to plan your own Oregon elopement? Contact me, and let’s get started!
