Mt. Hood Elopement Guide

With reclusive pull-offs, waterfalls, old growth forests, and mountain views in nearly every direction; planning a Mt. Hood elopement will offer all the beauty and benefits of the Pacific Northwest just an hour and a half from Portland. While many couples flock to the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood is often neglected and is home to all that The Gorge offers, without the crowds.

Where to Elope at Mount Hood

• Trillium Lake
• Paradise Park Trailhead
• Salmon River Trail
• Lost Lake
• Tamanawas Falls
• Mirror Lake
• Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

What to Pack

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Light layers for warm days and cool evenings
• Shorts and t-shirts if hiking before changing into wedding attire
• Swimsuit (if planning to swim in lakes or rivers)
• Large water bottle
• Picnic blanket
• Backpack for carrying essentials
• Insect repellent

Need more help packing for your Mt. Hood elopement?! Check out my Oregon Elopement Packing List for help!

When to Elope at Mt. Hood?

The best seasons to elope at Mt. Hood are fall and summer! During fall, crowds will decrease, you will get to see the changing leaves, and temperatures begin to drop. The summers are more crowded, but you will see a lot more sunshine and warmer temperatures than in the winter and spring. If you are considering eloping in the summer, I recommend choosing a weekday to avoid crowds!

Elopement Day Activities Near Mt. Hood

Some of the most popular elopement activities when you are eloping at Mt. Hood are hiking, kayaking, and (in the winter) skiing! In the summer months, you can hike to nearby waterfalls, through forests, or to views of Mt. Hood on your elopement day. Another great perk of Mt. Hood is the ease of off-roading, as well as finding pull outs with mountain views.

Although, if you are wanting to do something a bit tamer, consider off-roading to a picnic spot, wine tasting, or drive the Mount Hood Scenic Loop and stop at pull-offs for photos, vows, and a first dance!

Where to Stay

One of my favorite parts about Mt. Hood elopements is that there are so many unique, cozy, and picturesque Airbnbs around Mt. Hood! When choosing an airbnb consider the following:

• Do you want getting ready photos at the airbnb? If so, how is the lighting?
• How far is the airbnb from the hike/ceremony location/activity?
• Are you and your partner getting ready together, or separate? At the same airbnb or two different ones?
• Will family and friends be staying with us? How many rooms do we need?

Photogenic Mt. Hood Elopement Airbnb’s

• The Cedarwood Cabin
• The Salmon River Cottage
• Treehouse in White Salmon
• Niksen House
• Mountain A-Frame

Considering eloping at Mt. Hood? Let’s chat! Check out my Oregon Elopement Photographer page for inspiration!