Oregon has no shortage of beautiful places to elope. One of my favorite locations, especially for rock climbing elopements is Smith Rock State Park! Keep reading to learn more about what makes this park so special and learn how to start planning your own Smith Rock elopement.
Why Smith Rock is the Perfect Place for an Adventure or Rock Climbing Elopement
As an Oregon elopement photographer, I have the incredible privilege of traveling all over the state to photograph my client’s elopements and intimate weddings. This has allowed me to explore so many places I would have never dreamed of going to otherwise. Oregon is full of so many beautiful landscapes from rocky beaches to moody PNW forests but it doesn’t stop there. Did you know that Oregon even has its own red rock desert? It’s true! Oregon has so many diverse landscapes making it one of the best places to elope in the U.S.
Speaking of red rock deserts, one of my favorite Oregon elopement locations is Smith Rock State Park. Located near Bend, Oregon, Smith Rock is such an amazing location for adventure elopements. The rocky formations and beautiful river make it the perfect backdrop. Plus, there are so many fun hiking spots to explore. The park scenery also changes depending on the time of year you visit. In fall, the autumn leaves change to beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red, and in winter, the rock formations are dusted with a layer of snow, that contrasts the red rocks beautifully. The park is open to visitors year-round and you can even camp inside from March – November making it the ultimate adventure elopement location in Oregon!
Smith Rock is not only a great place for hiking and adventure elopements, but it is also one of the top rock climbing locations in the country. In fact, Smith Rock is considered the birthplace of sport climbing in the U.S. As a rock climber myself, this is one of my absolute favorite outdoor spots to climb. The park has close to 2000 routes to climb, so if you’re considering a rock climbing elopement, you should definitely consider Smith Rock! A rock climbing elopement at Smith Rock means you’ll be able to have an epic adventure on your wedding day while doing it with the person you love most. Plus, as your elopement photographer, I’ll be able to be right there capturing your journey every step of the way!
Dana and Jake’s Boho Smith Rock Elopement
This boho elopement at Smith Rock State Park was such a dream! Dana and Jake started their day with an intimate first look in the field. After soaking in their first few moments together, we explored the valley together taking lots of couple portraits along the way.
We found the perfect spot for their ceremony with panoramic views of the red rocks and the river in the background. After the couple exchanged their vows, the sun started to set. We pulled out some lanterns and took some moody blue-hour photos to end the day.
I absolutely love Smith Rock State Park! Whether you’re planning an adventure elopement or a rock climbing elopement, this park is the perfect place to experience it all!
For more rock climbing elopement or engagement inspiration, check out this engagement session with Shannon and Ryan.
Smith Rock Elopement Vendors
Photographer: Taylor Denton Photography
Planner/Designer: Wild Elopements Wanders
Florist: Wildflower Hill Floral
Hair & Makeup: West Coast Makeup & Hair
