Audrey and Charlie met and fell in love in Oregon, and they wanted the state’s magic to really shine through in their Latourell Falls elopement photos. A month later, the two would move to the midwest to follow Audrey to her dream job; this was our chance to celebrate not only their marriage, but to capture a loving farewell to the place it all started.
In our calls, we decided the Columbia River Gorge would be the perfect place to capture Oregon’s diverse landscapes. At 80 miles long and 4000′ deep, the Gorge is the country’s largest National Scenic Area. Packed with waterfalls, forests, planes, and desert landscapes, you can see so much in a few hours.
All photos by Voyage and Vine
Latourell Falls Elopement Ceremony
After the two exchanged an emotional first look, we moved up the trail to a private spot for their formal ceremony. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, the two got married with the sight and sound of a waterfall behind them.
Waterfall Portraits
Latourell Falls is an extremely accessible waterfall – located at the end of a short, paved path. For folks who’d rather not hike, it’s the perfect spot to still get incredible photos. However, for those who have a little bit of adventure in their bones, it’s also relatively easy to navigate to the base of the falls. I’m glad these two were up for a bit of a scramble – we were all so damp afterwards, but the photos turned out so beautifully.
Next stop: Rowena Crest Portraits
Further east along the river, the landscapes change into drier, dramatic, planes that overlook the Gorge (you’ll see Washington state on the other side). Rowena Crest is one of the best, most magical places to take in this section of the Gorge. Close to Hood River and White Salmon, there is so much to do before or after your elopement. Or, you can stay out there and enjoy the region’s abundance of breweries, wineries, small shops, hiking trails, and more.
The Afterparty: Downtown Portland
To celebrate with family and friends, we made our way back to Portland for a toast at downtown’s Multnomah Whiskey Library. By then, the skies that threatened to open up all day finally started to pour down rain, making for the most fun, romcom style vibes to close out our evening.
Planning a Latourell Falls Elopement
Oregon’s coastline and mountain ranges tend to get a lot of love, but the Gorge shouldn’t be slept on, either. It’s proximity to Portland and Hood River make it ideal for adding activities, and logistically it’s much easier to find vendors, places to stay, etc., than in more remote parts of the state. You can spend two hours in one area, or you can take the day and come away with an incredibly diverse gallery of photos.
To start planning your Oregon elopement anywhere, let’s connect.
