Straight out of a fairytale, this wintery Sahalie Falls elopement is filled with sparkly sunlight, romance, and classic PNW scenery
Dillon and Lindsay are newer residents to Oregon. Like many of us, they love the state’s rich landscapes, abundance trails, and massive network of waterfalls. For their elopement, they wanted to celebrate their new home, and were excited to show their friends and family what made them fall in love with Oregon.
All photography by Voyage and Vine.
Choosing a Sahalie Falls Elopement
Straight away, the two knew they wanted a waterfall elopement. We chatted about options – from the Columbia River Gorge, to Silver Falls State Park, and finally – Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Sahalie Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall elopement locations in Oregon – it feels wild without feeling remote. Sahalie Falls is also relatively accessible – there’s no hiking required, unless you want to go all the way down to the falls. Otherwise, you can see everything from a very short, paved path.
Sahalie Falls is a strong option for couples who want an elopement that feels natural and intentional, but logistically simple.
Sahalie Falls sits along the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest. You’ll find it directly off Highway 126, also known as the McKenzie River Scenic Byway.
From Eugene, the drive takes about 1.5 hours east. From Bend, plan for roughly one hour west. The drive follows the river for much of the way and feels scenic without being difficult.
A clearly marked parking area sits right off the highway. From the lot, it’s a short walk to the main viewpoint. The path is well maintained and mostly paved. Most people can access it without issue.
What to wear at a Sahalie Falls Elopement
Although Sahalie Falls is accessible, it’s still a damp, natural environment. Footwear with good traction is important, even if you plan to change into ceremony shoes once you reach the viewpoint.
Because the falls sit in deep shade, layers are helpful year-round. A simple jacket or wrap can make the experience more comfortable without distracting from photos. Fabrics that move easily tend to work best here, especially if you plan to walk the trail or explore along the river.
It’s also a good idea to bring a small towel or extra socks, particularly in spring when mist and spray are more noticeable.
What the Location Feels Like
The falls drop roughly 75 feet over dark basalt into a narrow stretch of the McKenzie River. Because the area stays heavily forested, light here tends to be soft and filtered throughout the day. Even in summer, the air feels cool, especially near the falls where mist settles in. In spring and early summer, snowmelt increases the water flow, giving the falls a powerful, constant presence.
Permits and Rules for Eloping at Sahalie Falls
One of the biggest advantages of Sahalie Falls is how straightforward it is from a planning standpoint. Small elopement ceremonies do not require a special use permit, and there is no day-use fee for parking or access.However, this is still a public location on national forest land. Ceremonies need to remain low-impact and respectful of other visitors.
In practice, that means:
- No blocking trails or viewing platforms
- No large installations or furniture
- Small group sizes
- Following Leave No Trace principles
If you’re planning something larger or more structured, it’s always worth checking current Forest Service guidelines, as requirements can change.
