A LIST OF THE BEST SPOTS FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS OR YOUR ELOPEMENT — THIS IS THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOME OF THE BEST LOCATIONS + HIDDEN GEMS IN OREGON!
Oregon’s landscape really is some of the most diverse — it has everything - mountains covered in lush, green forests + spectacular hidden waterfalls + rugged coastlines with warm rocky cliffs + lava fields that stretch to the horizon + secret hot springs + alpine lakes and river gorges + deserts filled with red hills and blue pillared rocks - and that’s just the surface, it really does have it all! I hope this list helps give you a place to start while planning your adventure!
alrighty, let’s roll! ↓
I’LL BE BREAKING DOWN THIS DOWN INTO THREE GENERAL LOCATION VIBES:
THE COAST // CENTRAL OREGON + DESERT // GORGE + MOUNTAINS
I. THE COAST
There are SO many options to choose from when it comes to the coast! Here are just a few…
warm tones, rocky peninsula, Beautiful sunset, can get crowded on summer days, 10-15 min walk up the dunes, multiple sides to shoot on.
see a session here
From Portland: about 2 hours
open beach + haystack rock, spacious, can get crowded, cute beach town to wander through, best at sunset
see a session here
From Portland: 1.5 hours
waterfall onto the beach + big warm toned rocks and cliffs, have to hit the tide right to see the waterfall, definitely private spaces for elopement, gorgeous at sunset
From Portland: 1 h 45 mins
Multiple locations: Bluffs with view, Indian Beach with pebbles, open beaches, lots to choose from, you do need a State Park Pass, there is seclusion and privacy, trees + water
From Portland: around 1.5 hours
lots of sand and sea grass, rolling hills - big open spaces, can sting if it’s too windy, beautiful at sunset
see a session here
From Portland: 3+ hours
Rocky ocean vibes, stunning, Craggy bluffs and secret beaches, lots of options
From Portland: 5+ hours
secret cove, extreme cliffs, there are multiple locations, big cliffs, best at sunrise or sunset, or overcast day, minimum 5 min walk in.
From Portland: about 2 hours
MORE ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST
if you’re willing to do a longer road trip from the Portland area, Oregon’s Southern coast has some gorgeous locations — message me and we can talk more about specifics
check out a session from Crook Point, a spot on the Southern Coastline here
II. CENTRAL OREGON + DESERT
The Oregon desert is AMAZING! The landscape is incredible and very other-worldly in parts. I’m excited to share these epic locations with you…
jagged cliff tops + some river greenery, this is a great spot for both engagement pictures AND eloping!
From Portland: 3 hours
There are soooo many spots just along the whole highway from Portland to Sisters OR, Multiple options from snowy mountains, creek sides, lakes, vast landscapes, etc.
From Portland: varies, 1+ hours or so
More groomed, lots of paths, dry woodsy vibe, This is great for a variety of photos in one small space! It has meadows, lakes, woods, etc.
From Portland: 2.5+ hours
Unique colored rolling hills, UNREAL. This landscape is unlike anything else! The reddish hills illuminate at sunset!
From Portland: 4+ hours
Tucked away, private / jagged blue toned rocks. it’s a bit of a walk in, but it opens into a cove filled with unique rock structures
From Portland: 4+ hours
rocky field of lava rock, vast landscape. this is an epic spot, with a bit of scrambling around on the rocks! The sunset against the dark rocks is UNREAL.
From Portland: 3.5 hours
big lake with warm toned rocks surrounding it, Not great for privacy, but beautiful epic views
see a session here
From Portland: 3 hours
this vast space is great if you’re up for a drive! white sand flat desert with the Steen mountains as the backdrop
From Portland: 7+ hours
A dry desert + warm toned space!
From Portland: 6+ hours
III. MOUNTAINS + THE GORGE
A lake at the base of mt. hood, beautiful glassy lake, can get crowded in the summer
From Portland: 1.5 hours
rolling cliffs over the Columbia River Gorge, this is an easy access BEAUTIFUL views location!
From Portland: 1.5 hours
huge waterfall, easy hike down in, be ready to get wet!
From Portland: 50 mins
unique rock structure waterfall
From Portland: 1.5 hours
base of mt. hood, great for snowy weather!
From Portland: 1.5 hours
easy access gorge view, beautiful old building overlooking the Columbia River Gorge
From Portland: 45 mins
ski lodge with beautiful outdoors and views, perfect for snow!
From Portland: 1.5 hours
Small peninsula near Cascade Locks
about 1 hour from Portland
see two sessions — Elopement // Couples Session
lake and forest
From Portland: 3 hours
OR… MAYBE THE URBAN VIBES ARE CALLED YOUR NAME AND YOU WANT TO GO TO THE CITY FOR ENGAGEMENT PICTURES? MESSAGE ME ABOUT SOME GOOD SPOTS IN DOWNTOWN PORTLAND!
LOVING THIS LIST? OR WANT SOMETHING MORE OFF THE GIRD? LET’S CHAT TO PLAN YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
Hi! Corrie here!
I hope you enjoyed this little guide to the gems of Oregon! I LOVE exploring all over, and I live in a pretty good State to be able to do that! I’m just excited to hang out and share some of my favorite spots with you!
