Are you looking to elope in Smith Rock? As someone who calls the great state of Oregon home, you can believe me when I say that Smith Rock State Park is seriously one of the most incredible places in the PNW! Keep reading to learn more about this dramatic landscape and everything you need to know to elope here!
Why You Should Elope in Smith Rock
Located in Central Oregon’s High Desert, Smith Rock State Park is one of my favorite places in the entire state! It’s a wonderland of dramatic cliffs, towering spires, and river-carved valleys that will make your jaw drop. There seriously is not a bad view in the entire park! There are also a variety of activities for all skill levels, including hiking, mountain biking, and especially rock climbing (more on that later). And feel free to bring your pup along, as dogs are allowed in the park!
Your Guide to Planning a Smith Rock Elopement
Choose When to Elope in Smith Rock
Best Season
Each season at Smith Rock comes with its own unique vibe! Summer is hot and is the park’s busiest season, but it also is when you’ll have the most daylight. If you’re hoping for an elopement jam-packed with adventure and don’t mind the crowds, then this is the perfect time for you to visit!
Spring and fall tend to have more mild temperatures and are when crowds start to thin out. These seasons are great if you want most of the perks of summer but don’t want to deal with the heat.
Finally, if you want the park mostly to yourselves and don’t mind the cold, then visit in the winter! Plus, there might be snow, which makes for a seriously magical experience.
Best Time of Day
Sunset is the absolute best time for you to elope in Smith Rock! The golden hour light paints everything in a warm hue and makes for some of the dreamiest photos! Unfortunately, the light at sunrise is a lot harsher and not as flattering. However, this means you don’t have to wake up super early on your elopement day!
Book Your Transportation and Accommodations
There are several communities close to Smith Rock, including one of my favorite Oregon towns, Bend! It’s only 25 miles from the park and has plenty of accommodations, including cute Airbnbs and boutique hotels to choose from. Plus, it has lots of dining and shopping options, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene!
When booking your accommodations for your Smith Rock elopement, It’s good to think about how much time you’ll spend in your space. If you think it’ll be an important part of your elopement, then you’ll want to make sure it matches the aesthetics you want, especially if you’re hoping to have some professional photos taken there.
Hire Your Oregon Elopement Photographer and Other Elopement Vendors
Just because you’re choosing to elope doesn’t mean that you can’t have vendors! I actually encourage couples to hire vendors, as they can help really capture the vision you have for your elopement and keep the day running smoothly. A few elopement vendors to consider hiring include:
- Elopement Photographer
- Elopement Videographer
- Florist
- Hair/Makeup Artist
- Catering/Baker
- Decor Rentals
- Elopement Planner/Coordinator
Apply for Your Oregon Marriage License and Permits
When you elope in Smith Rock, you’ll want to make sure everything is official with a marriage license and the proper permits.
Obtaining a marriage license in Oregon is a fairly simple process. If you want, you can apply up to 60 days in advance. However, if you plan to elope in Smith Rock, you must visit the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office at least 3 days before the ceremony. So, If you’re traveling from out of town, plan to arrive a few days before your elopement. There is a $55 fee and both individuals must be present to sign the license. For complete information, visit the Deschutes County Marriage Licenses Page.
Oregon also requires an officiant and two witnesses at your ceremony for it to be legal. You can hire an officiant or ask a loved one to become ordained for a more personal touch. If needed, I can also perform your ceremony. If you don’t plan on inviting any guests I (if I’m not officiating) and one of your vendors can act as witnesses. Alternatively, we can usually find a visitor or two who happily will act as witnesses.
Luckily, if you’re planning on having less than 20 guests, then you don’t need a permit to elope in Smith Rock! However, if you’re hoping for an intimate wedding with a few more people then you’ll need to reserve the park’s amphitheater, which accommodates up to 50 people. They only hold a couple of weddings a month, so you’ll want to make a reservation as soon as possible. You can reserve the amphitheater as early as six months in advance by calling 541-548-7501 ext 2. As your elopement photographer, I’ll also be able to help you walk through this process once we start the planning process together!
Decide What Activities You Would Like to Include in Your Smith Rock Elopement Timeline
When it comes to deciding what to do during your Smith Rock elopement, the options are endless! I like to advise couples to reflect on activities that are meaningful to them. I find that this helps make the elopement more personal. Some activities to consider are:
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Cake cutting
- Share a picnic (breakfast, charcuterie, dessert, etc.)
- Catered meal from a private chef
- Reading letters from loved ones
- First Dance
- Relaxing in a hot tub
Rock Climbing
While there are a variety of activities you can partake in, Smith Rock is most well-known for its world-class rock climbing! It’s actually the birthplace of American sport climbing and climbers from all over the world come to scale its legendary walls. So, if you’re an avid rock climber and hoping to incorporate that into your elopement, then Smith Rock State Park is perfect for you! In fact, you can read about a rock-climbing couple I’ve photographed here below!
Once you’ve decided on your activities, you can start to figure out a schedule for your day. Below you can find a blog post I wrote all about how much photography coverage you’ll need, but in general, here’s what I recommend:
- 2 hours – elopement ceremony only
- 6 hours – full elopement experience
- All-day – full elopement experience; perfect for couples who want to explore multiple locations or go at a relaxed pace/include some activities
Pick the Best Elopement Package for Your Day
Ready to elope in Smith Rock? I have a variety of packages designed to fit your special day! From two-hour elopements to all-day celebrations, you’ll not only get the elopement experience you’ve been dreaming of but also have photos documenting your day from beginning to end, preserving your memories for years to come.
Each package includes:
- Photography Coverage
- Digital gallery of 75+ images per hour
- 6-8 week gallery delivery
- Wedding highlights slideshow
- 48-hour sneak peeks
- Elopement guide full of tips
- Timeline planning assistance
- Permit Guidance
- Communication throughout every step!
Click the link below to learn more my elopement packages and what an elopement experience with me as your photographer can look like!
One of the best decisions you can make for your big day is choosing to elope in Smith Rock! You’ll get to experience one of Oregon’s most beautiful landscapes and make memories that you’ll cherish forever. Hopefully, you found this guide useful, and click below if you have any questions or are ready to start working with me! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Ready to book your own Smith Rock elopement photographer and start planning your wedding day? Click on the link below to inquire!
