Sheila and Adrian wanted a low stress wedding day to explore some of their favorite parts of Portland on a very Oregon spring day. Eloping in Portland means you can do what you want without the stress of a busy wedding day and hundreds of guests waiting on you. For these two, this adventurous elopement was exactly what was right for them.
A Perfect Portland Elopement Day
Sheila and Adrian’s elopement through Portland and the Columbia Gorge shows how amazing a multi-location wedding day can be! Their day flowed from city to forest to waterfall to vista point – creating a rich set of memories and stunning photos.
Their adventure began at the stylish Hotel Grand Stark, a boutique hotel in Portland’s East Side. The hotel’s mix of vintage charm and modern comforts made a cozy spot for them to prep together before their adventures.
Hoyt Arboretum in the Springtime
From there, they headed to Hoyt Arboretum, where we found a few spring flowers blooming among the towering trees. The mix of rain and sunshine created that classic Pacific Northwest mood – and some amazing light for photos!
The Ceremony at Latourell Falls
After exploring the arboretum, Sheila and Adrian drove to the stunning Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Despite the pouring rain, they met their two friends who came to witness their vows.
The tall, plunging waterfall made a jaw-dropping backdrop for their small ceremony. The rain added to the moment rather than taking away from it, there’s something deeply romantic about saying “I do” while surrounded by the rushing sounds of water and rain in a lush green gorge!
Sheila and Adrian didn’t mind getting a little wet, they are troopers! They knew this was the perfect spot to mark their commitment to each other.
Sunset at Vista House
For the grand finale, the group drove to Vista House at Crown Point. This historic stone building sits on a bluff 733 feet above the Columbia River, offering panoramic views of the gorge.
Here, Sheila and Adrian:
- Had their first dance as the clouds parted
- Toasted with champagne to their new chapter
- Watched the sunset paint the gorge in gold and pink
The light at Vista House was pure magic as the day came to a close. We even got treated with a rainbow! The photos capture that warm glow that only happens during the golden hour as the sun sets over the Columbia River Gorge.
Here’s what Sheila and Adrian had to say about their expereince:
Sheila
“Finding a photographer can be overwhelming, there’s so many to choose from. We first hired Angela for our engagement photos and they came out absolutely stunning. More recently Angela was part of our epic wedding elopement and let me tell you, Angela’s work not only speaks for itself but she was so attentive, kind and thoughtful throughout the entire process. She even had a jacket and rain boots available for me to use since it was rainy and muddy on the trail. Angela not only captured all the beautiful moments on our magical day, she went above and beyond what we envisioned! Working with Angela has always been fun and easy. My husband and I can’t recommend Angela enough, her work is phenomenal & she’s definitely a 10/10.”
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Portland Elopement Adventure
Want to create your own multi-location elopement like Sheila and Adrian? Here are my top tips:
1. Pick Locations That Tell Your Story
Choose spots that matter to you as a couple. Sheila and Adrian picked places they loved in Portland. Your elopement can include beaches, mountains, or forests because Oregon has it all! Check out epic locations for wedding photos on the Oregon coast for coastal inspiration.
2. Plan For Weather Changes
Oregon weather can shift quickly. Bring umbrellas, boots, and maybe a change of clothes. The rain on Sheila and Adrian’s day added to the mood rather than ruined it but it helped that they were prepared!
3. Schedule Buffer Time
Allow extra time between locations. Traffic, weather, and simply wanting to stay longer at a beautiful spot can all impact your timeline.
4. Bring Only Your Closest People
Keeping your group small makes moving between locations much easier. Sheila and Adrian had just two friends join them for parts of the day.
5. Embrace The Unexpected
Some of the best moments happen when things don’t go as planned. Rain, wind, or surprise sunshine can create amazing photo chances and memories.
Ready to Plan Your Portland Elopement Adventure?
If you’re dreaming of your own Portland Elopement, I’d love to help! I know these locations as well as many others and can help you craft a day that flows perfectly while capturing all the special moments.
The Portland area offers so many stunning backdrops for elopements – from city vibes to forests to waterfalls. Let’s create a day that tells your unique love story through these amazing settings!
Contact me today to start planning your perfect Portland elopement adventure!
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