A Silver Falls Elopement: Waterfalls, Forest, and a Real Oregon Love Story
Sarah and Brandon flew in from the midwest with a clear vision: tall trees, rushing water, and the kind of Oregon most people only see in photos. This Silver Falls State Park elopement delivered all of it.
All photos by Voyage + Vine Photography
Starting the Day in Adventure Attire
We started at South Falls first thing in the morning, before the crowds showed up. I’d done some scouting and additional research, and knew exactly when the rays would be peeking over the falls (this brief moment in time is just jaw-dropping, and worth getting up early for). South Falls is 177 feet tall and you can walk directly behind it, which makes it one of the most visited spots in Oregon, so timing matters. This morning, even though it was a Saturday, we basically had the place to ourselves.
Sarah and Brandon started the day in more adventurous clothings, so we could add a more adventurous, lifestyle story to their full gallery.
From South Falls to Winter Falls
As stunning as the South Falls are, I really wanted to make sure we got photos at the base of a waterfall. Typically, I love taking folks to the North Falls area, but it was closed due to storm damage. Fortunately, Winter Falls was still so full and beautiful from a recent bout of spring rain.
Sarah and Brandon changed into their wedding attire, and we headed out for a little adventure to the base of the falls.
Moving Deeper Into the Park for the Elopement
Silver Falls is over 9,000 acres. Many folks choose to prioritize the Trail of Ten Falls, a 7ish mile loop that lives up to its name, delivering an out-of-this-world peek at ten stunning waterfalls. But the rest of the park shouldn’t be ignored, especially for those who want to feel really deeply secluded in the forest.
Once the tourists started piling into the park, we made our way to lesser known, quieter, less-trafficked parts of the park for their vow and ring exchange. Old growth forest, no other hikers in sight, just the sound of birds around us.
This is why it helps to hire someone who actually knows the park. Not just for the photos – but so you’re not exchanging vows with strangers ten feet away.
About Silver Falls State Park
Often called the Crown Jewel of Oregon State Parks, Silver Falls is about 40 minutes east of Salem and 90 minutes from Portland. I used to live in the Park’s nearest town, Silverton, and highly recommend visiting its shops, cafes, or breweries.
Its Trail of Ten Falls loops through old growth Douglas fir, basalt canyon walls, and ten waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind. The geology is wild: the hollowed-out caverns behind the falls exist because lava flows from 15 million years ago hardened around softer rock underneath, which eroded over time and left a natural pathway.
Planning a Silver Falls Elopement
Permits: Small elopements don’t typically require a permit – I’ll let you know ahead of time if that’s changed.
Getting legally married: To legally get married in Oregon, you and your partner will apply for a marriage license. Any county works – it doesn’t have to be the county you’re eloping in. Both applicants must appear in person and bring valid photo ID.
Once issued, the license has a three-day waiting period before it becomes effective, but you can pay to waive it. Make sure to take that into account when you’re traveling!
Marriages in Oregon also require the signature of two witnesses over the age of 18. If you’re hoping to keep your union as private as possible, I’m happy to help find witnesses. I’m also ordained and can be your officiant if you’d like.
Timing: Early morning for South Falls. Later in the day for the quieter sections if you want privacy for your ceremony.
What to wear: Layers. The canyon is cool year-round and the mist near the falls is real. Hiking boots to get there, then change into wedding shoes at your spot if you want. Flowy dresses look great in the forest. Earthy tones photograph well here. Given the nature of the trail, dresses or pants that drag will get dirty. It’s part of the process, and well worth the photos – I promise.
Seasons: Falls are fullest late fall through early summer. Spring is the sweet spot – high water, wildflowers, everything green. Summer is busier but the days are long. Winter is quiet and moody and completely worth it.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the Canyon Trail or most waterfall trails. They are allowed deeper into the park if you want to include them in part of your day. I’ll can help you figure out which trails are best!
