How to Plan An Elopement On Mt. Hood
So you’re thinking of eloping instead? I am cheering you on!
Many of my couples have decided to swap their traditional wedding plans for a more intimate, laid back wedding day centered around them and their closest friends and family. Less about the noise, more about the love.
If you are on board with eloping on a misty mountaintop with your partner and running off into the sunset care-free, but you’re confused on where to start with planning such a thing - I’ve got some tips for you!
How to Plan An Elopement On Mt. Hood
First things first, choose your dream location.
I recommend picking the perfect spot for your elopement on Mt Hood before deciding on a wedding date, because some locations are much more ideal during certain seasons!
Accessibility
It’s important to choose a spot for your ceremony based around how accessible it is. Are you down for an adventurous hike? Or maybe you’re inviting your grandparents who require quick and easy access? For example, Old Salmon River Trail is a gorgeous and lush trail that’s fairly flat and easily accessible, while Trillium Lake Trail is a two mile trek and will require snow shoes in the winter (totally worth it!).
Privacy
If you are hoping for a private, completely secluded experience for your elopement, make sure to do some research on how popular the location is! Trillium Lake is a gorgeous Oregon icon with incredible waterfront views, and many people enjoy swimming here in the summer. A perfect time to elope at this spot would be sunrise to avoid the crowds.
Research State Marriage Laws
Every state is different! Rocky Mountain National Park has recently severely limited the number of weddings that can be held each year. You will also want to be prepared with any permits that may be required.
Another tidbit to keep in mind is your state’s marriage laws, the state of Oregon requires 2 witnesses to be present at your ceremony! If you are unsure of who to ask to be your witness, this can be anyone, and I really mean anyone! Park rangers, friends, a family member, even complete strangers could be your witness - and how cool of a story would that be for them?
You will also need an officiant that is ordained in the state you will be eloping in. Not to toot my own horn, but I am proudly ordained in California, Oregon, and Washington - pretty awesome fact if you ask me. What could be better than to have someone present at your ceremony who doubles as your photographer AND officiant? It’s a win win!
If you decide to choose a friend or family member to be your officiant, they can easily get ordained by heading to www.ulc.org and completing the process online. Fun fact: If Star Wars is your thing, did you know you can also get ordained as a Jedi? Talk about throwing some creativity into the mix! This is a totally real thing by the way, one of my couples did this for their elopement and it was truly the best. This is YOUR day, and it’s all about you!
2. Plan Your Timeline
Decide on whether you’d like to wake up early for a sunrise hike or morning activity, or would you rather take the day slow, drink mimosas while getting ready then elope at sunset? Your timeline will depend on what feels right, and the best part? You get to choose where, how, and when to get married. Ultimate freedom!
I help every single one of my couples develop a timeline that’s catered to exactly how they want to spend their day. My job is to help you plan your dream elopement on Mt Hood from beginning to end!
3. Choose a Place To Stay
My thoughts? Go with an Airbnb or cabin, all the way. Not only is the lighting the best for getting ready photos (much better than in a hotel), but it will feel much more comfortable and homey! The goal is to enjoy your day with as much ease and accessibility as possible. It’s a huge bonus if your lodging is close to where you plan to elope. Less traveling between locations equals more photos and time for activities!
4. Decide on After-Ceremony Plans
This is a big one! With elopements, you have the gift of time. Many of my couples don’t know what to do after their ceremony, but the options are endless! Does a picnic sound like fun? Or maybe you’d like to enjoy an adventurous hike for some stunning photos on a majestic mountaintop or deep in the mossy forest of Mt Hood National Park, maybe you’d like to take a canoe ride across the lake, pop champagne or sit by a campfire?
If you plan to have guests at your small ceremony, I highly suggest hosting an intimate dinner reception at your Airbnb and enjoying each other’s company late into the evening. The beauty of eloping is that you can take the day as slow as you’d like!
5. Allow time for connecting and celebrating.
The highlight of the day is the marriage between you and your partner, so that should be the focus! You never want to feel rushed or pressured on a day so special. Time will fly by and you’ll want to make sure you’ve soaked in every minute.
Thinking of planning an elopement on Mt Hood? Head to my contact page to reach out, and check out my post on 10 Best Places To Elope On Mt Hood!
