Mt. Hood Elopement Guide

From old-growth forests to snow-capped mountains, stunning lakes to epic hiking trails with unreal viewpoints, Mt. Hood National Forest is filled with an insane amount of jaw-dropping elopement destinations. The iconic Mountain offers something for everyone, making it one of the most popular elopement destinations in Oregon. If you’ve been dreaming of saying “I do” amidst the stunningly beautiful landscapes on Hood, this Mt. Hood Elopement Guide is for you!

A Guide to Planning your Mt. Hood Elopement

When it comes to planning your Mt. Hood elopement, you’ll first want to pick a date, and time of year for your big day. Once you have those details locked down, you can start thinking about where in the forest you’d like to elope! As a native of the Pacific Northwest, I love to guide my couples on their elopement journey and help them find their dream elopement destination. A great place to start planning your Oregon Elopement is my How to Elope in Oregon Guide. Consider it your step-by-step guide to planning the elopement of your dreams!

Meet Your Mt. Hood Elopement Guide & Photographer

What’s up! I’m Emett, your Mt. Hood Elopement photographer! I’m here to help you know what’s good in the HOOD, and provide you with the tools, and resources you need to plan the elopement of your dreams in Oregon’s most epic national forest.

My number one goal is to be there for you and guide you on your journey to the most epic adventure of your life! If you’re interested in learning more about me, my process, and all the ways I can help, I’d love to tell you! Here’s my mission, and the truth about why I care so much about you and what I do!

Your Guide on Where to Elope in Mt. Hood

Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake is a popular elopement location. It’s not only easily accessible (even for wheelchairs), but it also offers some of the most amazing views of Mt. Hood. Depending on the time of year, and the general vibes you want for your big day, the nearby Trillium Lake Campground offers a closeby spot for you and your guests to stay. However, it’s important to note that come summertime, Trillium Lake is a popular destination for all adventurers. As always, opting for a weekday elopement date, will allow you with optimal privacy, and majestic views of Oregon’s most beloved mountain. If you don’t have a NW Fresh Pass, there is a $10 day-use fee per vehicle. You can learn more about reservations, and the campground itself here. 

Lolo Pass

Lolo Pass is one of those Mt. Hood elopement destinations that is beautiful all year round depending on your preference. Dreaming of a sunrise, snowshoe adventure? Lolo Pass is an ideal spot for a winter wonderland elopement. Prefer to blaze one of the many gorgeous trails come summertime? Lolo Pass is perfect for that type of adventure too! Regardless of the season you choose, one thing is for sure – the views of Hood from the Lolo pass are unreal, and always worth the adventure to get there.

Romona Falls

Romona Falls is a great elopement destination for couples looking for a bit of adventure on their elopement day. The loop itself is 7 miles total (3.5-mile each way) and slowly climbs into the mountainside. The views of the 120-foot-tall cascading Romona Falls at the end are 100% worth the journey. Not to mention, the falls make the most stunning backdrop for your elopement. With a river cross and view of Mount Hood in the distance, you’ll never run out of beautiful things to see. If you’re looking for a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, this it is.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Mt. Hood 

To be honest, there isn’t a “best” time of a year to elope in the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest. As I mentioned above, there is something for everyone in Mt. Hood, regardless of your preferred season or scenery. However, I think it’s important to note what to expect during different times of the year and how to best prepare for your Mt. Hood Elopement.

Winter

The fresh powder that effortlessly falls on Oregon’s highest alpine peak during the winter makes for an incredibly romantic elopement destination. If you’re a couple seeking an epic winter wonderland adventure, Mt. Hood during the winter is the place to be. Can you imagine having an intimate ceremony amidst the snowy evergreens, then spending the afternoon cross-country skiing, snowboarding or sledding? When you need to fuel up you could continue your celebration at a local brewery like Mt. Hood Brewing and watch the snow fall outside. Afterwards you could cozy up at nearby AirBnb or at the iconic Timberline Lodge at Government camp! While Mt. Hood is a popular destination to for winter adventures, you’re still able to find peace and solitude in some more remote locations on the mountain for your big day. For example, the trail toward Romona Falls along the sandy river, which is usually snowed in during but is still easily accessible during the winter with a pair of snowshoes.

Spring

Springtime at Mt. Hood is unreal, and if you opt for a spring elopement, you truly get the best of both worlds. There is still a fair amount of snow on the mountain, and with the beginning of spring, you’re fortunate enough to see the wildflowers start to bloom, and the rivers, lakes, and waterfalls gushing with new life from the melting mountain peaks. As a local Pacific Northwestern, it’s an exciting and gorgeous time of year! However, keep in mind is that Spring in Oregon, often means that April showers are still in full swing. If you’re hoping for a sun-shining day for your elopement, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll find it during the Spring months. Fortunately, summertime is right around the corner, and it happens to be one of the most beautiful seasons of the year on Mt. Hood.

Summer

Summertime in Mt. Hood can’t be beaten – it’s an adventurer’s paradise! The trails are back up (and less muddy), and the lakes, rivers, and streams and all filled with that fresh rainwater. The sunshine is out, the temperatures are warming up, the skies are blues, and the majestic Mt. Hood is all a glow. While all of these perks are a big part of what makes this iconic mountain a summer sanctuary, you should know that other adventure-seekers are venturing there too. If you want to avoid the crowds during the summer months, a weekday elopement is going to be your best bet.

Fall

Fall at Mt. Hood is a great option for couples who prefer cooler weather, and enjoy spending those prime autumn days (and evenings) in the great outdoors. Mt. Hood is a different kind of magic in the fall. The summer crowds have started to disperse, opening up more options for intimate elopement locations. The leaves on the trees have begun to change covering the mountain in bright red, orange, and yellow leaves, and providing couples with the most gorgeous backdrop for their elopement day.

Permit Guide for your Mt. Hood Elopement

If you plan to get married in Mt. Hood National Forest, you’ll most likely be required to have permit. The good news is that it will mostly be free, however, you will be required to have one to get married in Mt. Hood. I always suggest double-checking the National Forest Website just to be sure. I’m always here if you have any questions as well.

I may be slightly biased, but there’s nothing better than those quintessials PNW vibes on your elopement day. If you’re not convinced Mt. Hood is the elopement destination for you, check out my Why You Should Elope in Oregon blog post. You’ll find a list of some of my other favorite Oregon elopement destinations to choose from!