Imagine experiencing a waterfall elopement. You’re standing at the base of a waterfall on the day you get married – surrounded by mist sparkling in the sunlight, exchanging vows with water crashing behind you, maybe even going for a sunset dip after the knot is tied…. 

Waterfalls can be absolutely magical, and if you’ve decided to ditch tradition and elope instead, this guide will give you some tips for planning your waterfall elopement, and some of the best spots to tie the knot!

Tips for Your Waterfall Elopement

When you want to get married in front of a waterfall, there are a few things you’ll need to know first! Here are some tips to keep in mind for your waterfall elopement.

Waterfalls are Loud!

The first thing to know about planning a waterfall elopement is that all that water crashing down makes a lot of noise! This is important because you’ll likely be reading vows, so it’s important that you can hear each other without having to yell. 

Of course, waterfalls come in all different sizes, so the actual noise level will depend on your elopement location! But, with most falls, you can expect to have to stand a little bit away from the waterfall to be able to exchange vows. When you’re looking for the perfect elopement location, make sure that there’s a spot to stand for the ceremony where you’ll be able to have the waterfall in the background, but with enough space to give you a little bit of distance!

You Will Get Wet

Another reason that having a little distance between you and the waterfall can be helpful – waterfalls are misty! There’s going to be some spray coming at you, and while this feels amazing on a hot summer day, and it looks super pretty, if you’re concerned about your hair and makeup, or about your attire, standing a little ways away can be helpful. 

To prepare for this, the best thing you can do, if you’re having hair or makeup done, is hire a professional makeup artist who has experience with elopements! They’ll know all the right products to use, and will make sure everything stays in place if you’re planning on adventuring close to a waterfall. 

But, getting up close to the base of the waterfall is a ton of fun, so you can also have your ceremony, and adventure around afterwards – that way, you stay dry and take some photos first! 

Setting a Date for Your Waterfall Elopement

When you’re planning a waterfall elopement, keep in mind that some waterfalls are seasonal! Depending on the location, some waterfalls might turn into a tiny trickle in the hot summer months.

Most bigger waterfalls won’t change quite as dramatically, but the season can still affect the way it looks, and different seasons bring different views! In the winter, some waterfalls freeze, creating a stunning icy backdrop. Even the waterfalls that don’t freeze, when surrounded by snow, can look much different than they do in the summer. Typically, the best time to see waterfalls is spring – as winter snow melts, many waterfalls will be in full force.

The Best Waterfall Elopement Locations

Once you’re ready to start planning your incredible waterfall elopement, you’ll need to think about where to elope! There are stunning spots all over the world – but here in the Pacific Northwest, we have some of the best waterfall elopement locations, and tons to choose from.

Here are a few waterfall elopement locations to consider for your day!

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

With the highest concentration of waterfalls in all of North America, this place has plenty of spots to choose from. The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon has over 230 waterfalls! You’ll find hikes to more secluded falls, easy-to-reach waterfall views, and everything in between. Some of my favorite waterfall elopement locations in the Columbia River Gorge include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Wahclella Falls!

Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Though this forest is best known for the peak it’s named for, the woods surrounding Mount Hood have plenty of waterfalls to explore. Some of the best waterfall elopement locations include Tamanawas Falls, Umbrella Falls, and Little Zigzag Falls.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Sol Duc Falls, located in the vast Olympic National Park, is the park’s most famous waterfall, with four channels that cascade down a rocky canyon. The trail to get there is short, but you have the option to extend it and do one of the longer hikes, which will also lead you to more secluded spots! There are other waterfalls in the park as well, including Marymere Falls, and the short, paved path to Madison Falls.

Secret Beach, Oregon

If you don’t want to choose between ocean and waterfall views, there’s a place where you can see both! On the Oregon Coast, you’ll find a waterfall that tumbles down onto the rocks at Secret Beach. A short, but steep, muddy hike will take you through gorgeous forest views, and out to the beach!

Drift Creek Falls, Oregon

The two mile hike to Drift Creek Falls wanders through a mossy wonderland, over a wooden suspension bridge that hangs over the rocky canyon, and ends with the awe inspiring waterfall. It’s the perfect place for a waterfall elopement!

Franklin Falls, Washington

If you want to experience the absolutely awe-inspiring magic of a frozen waterfall, this is the spot for you! In the winter, Franklin Falls freezes completely, creating a stunning cascade of ice over the rocky cliff. This spot is really popular – in the summer, the hike is just a mile long, but winter is much quieter, because the hike doubles in length as snow covers the trail! 

Panther Creek Falls, Washington

The lush mossy forest and gentle cascading waterfall of Panther Creek Falls in Carson, Washington is a sight to behold. With a 0.6 mile out-and-back trail this is a great option for those looking for a short venture as part of their elopement day. There are many signs that caution against going off-trail, so please do respect any signage and practice Leave No Trace principles. More info can be found here.

Waterfall Elopement Packages

Whether you’re considering Oregon, Washington, or another place is speaking to you – your elopement day should be all about you! And if kicking off the beginning of your marriage in front of a waterfall sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your love story, I’m here to help you bring it to life.

As someone who eloped herself, with a peaceful ceremony in the forest of Oregon and photos in front of a waterfall, authentic wedding days that foster your unique connection are close to my heart. I’ll be there to provide personalized location recommendations, and help you plan your one of a kind day!

To learn more about waterfall elopement packages, or if you’re ready to start planning your wedding day in front of a waterfall, contact me!