Eloping in Oregon is easy...


With this guide, I'll show you just how true this statement can be. I've done the leg work, so it's your turn to take the knowledge and create your dream Oregon Elopement experience!


I'm Rachel Ferguson, an Oregon Wedding & Elopement photographer of over 10 years. Through the years I've gained all the insights into planning your perfect Elopement right here in this beautiful state I call home.


I'll give you all the pieces you need; nearest airports, lodging, when permits are needed and more!

-Selecting your location-

Deciding on which location you want to surround your memories can be a daunting task. Enter your elopement photographer, the person who has the most knowledge on this subject. As an elopement photographer, I help my clients find the location that fits their personalities perfectly. Looking through unique guides (like this one!) is a great place to start. Start by looking through the various scenery Oregon has to offer. Mountains, Coast, Desert, Lakes, Rivers, Waterfalls, what calls to you? From here, we can begin to pick specific locations that fit within you vision.


Bride in a flowing white gown holds hands with groom while walking across volcanic rocks beside a mountain lake at sunset.

Rachel's favorites:

Golden sunlit rock cliffs reflect in a calm river lined with green grass and evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.

Desert - Smith ROck state park

Nearest major town: Redmond, OR

Airport: Redmond Municipal Airport

Lodging: Eagle Crest Resort

Calm mountain lake bordered by tall evergreen trees with a snow-capped volcanic peak rising in the misty background.

Lakes & Mountains - sparks lake

Nearest major town: Bend, OR

Airport: Redmond Municipal Airport

Lodging: Brasada Ranch

Large sea stack rising from the shoreline on a wide, empty sandy beach under a blue sky with soft clouds.

Coast - Cannon Beach

Nearest major town: Cannon Beach, OR

Airport: PDX

Lodging: The Ocean Lodge

Woman in a white skirt stands on a rocky shore gazing up at a tall waterfall cascading down a mossy basalt cliff.

Waterfall - Latourell Falls

Nearest major town: Gresham, OR

Airport: PDX

Lodging: Skamania Lodge

Bride in a flowing white gown and veil holding a bouquet shares a kiss with her groom on a grassy oceanside cliff overlooking rocky shores.

-To permit, or not to permit-


This is the biggest question I always get when planning an elopement with a couple. In Oregon, permits are only required when more than 50 people are in attendance and/or you are setting up installations (such as an arch, altar, chairs, etc). If none of this applies to you, you're good to go! WOOHOO! Free venue!


-How to pick your elopement package-


Picking a photography package is extremely personal, almost as much as picking your photographer. When helping my clients pick the package that keeps their ideal day in mind, there's a few things we look at:

  • Quality time: Will you be writing your vows together by a stream with a warm cup of coffee in the morning? How about a sunrise walk along the ocean before "I Do's" are exchanged? These moments are worth capturing and cherishing for a lifetime.
  • Activities: Do you want to hike to an epic lake before the ceremony? Rock climbing between vows and dinner? We'll need to build time in for these to make sure every moment is documented just as authentically as it played out.
  • Breaks: Creating breaks within the timeline can be extremely helpful for couples that want to do a lot in their day. It's okay to ask for a break between your morning activities and sunset ceremony. Good communication with your photographer can help provide the space you need to relax and rejuvenate when necessary.

Your photographer's elopement package guide should answer many of your questions about what can be covered in each package's allotted time. Open communication between yourself and your photographer greatly helps to find exactly what is needed, no more and no less.

-Pick your perfect photographer-


Your elopement photographer should be your greatest asset in planning your dream day. I help my couples through custom elopement planning guides, custom packages, help in finding the right lodging, travel, catering, and more. The relationship I create with my couples is one of trust and understanding. Knowing when to step in for help, and when to give space.


My adventure forward approach keeps the surrounding nature at the forefront of your memories. Your connection is always captured authentically and candidly.


Finding a photographer you can connect with is of the utmost importance, and I wish that for everyone.


Xx, Rachel

Woman in a pleated skirt stands on a wooden footbridge, gazing up at a tall waterfall cascading over mossy basalt cliffs.