How to Elope in Portland
So you’ve decided to take the plunge, jump the broom, or tie the knot. Let’s talk about how to elope in Portland and make your Portland elopement beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime memorable, (and legal!)
Step 1: Email Elope in Portland and Schedule a Phone Consult
A great place to start is by filling out the contact form below, emailing us at info@elopeinportland.com or calling (503) 512-9893! Feel free to get in touch even if you’re just exploring options. Portland elopements and intimate weddings are our passion, and we’d love to talk to you whether you ultimately choose to Elope in Portland or not. We’ll make sure you know everything you need to know, and maybe even a few things you hadn’t yet considered.
Step 2: Get Licensed
You’ll need a marriage license to legally wed in the state of Oregon. You can obtain a license from any county in Oregon and it is valid anywhere in Oregon but Multnomah County is always an easy choice if you are eloping in Portland.
Go together to the Customer Service Office in Suite 175 of the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. This office processes marriage license applications during weekday business hours. After a three-day waiting period, the license is valid for 60 days. There are no blood tests or examinations required, but don’t forget to bring your ID and $60 for the license. You’ll need to have the marriage solemnized by a judge, county clerk, justice of the peace or ordained clergy. If you have any questions, more information is available here: https://multco.us/recording/marriage-licenses
* Please note that during the shut-downs related to Covid-19 you may have to mail in for your license. We will update you on that if you are affected!
Step 3: Pick Your Perfect Ceremony Spot
If you live in the area, you may already have a special spot with personal meaning picked out–maybe even your own backyard. For out-of-towners, let Elope in Portland show you our favorite hideaways and secluded ceremony locations. We’re not satisfied until we’ve found the perfect place for your dream ceremony.
A few of Elope in Portland’s favorite ceremony locations include:
- Cathedral Park
- Hoyt Arboretum – Washington Park
- Lewis & Clark College
- Forest Park
- Mt. Tabor Park
We’re also available to do ceremonies at the Oregon Coast, the Columbia Gorge and other regional locations, some of which may involve additional travel expenses.
Step 4: Write Your Ceremony (With a Little Help!)
The right ceremony isn’t just beautiful, it’s transcendent. For some of us, the words come easily. Others need a little help expressing the depth of their love with each other. Reverend Dee writes or customizes her ceremony for each and everyone one of her couples, and is happy to work with you to make sure you have the perfect words to tell each other how you feel and make a lifelong commitment. (Most couples choose a 15-20 minute ceremony.)
Step 5: Pick Flowers!
Elope in Portland works exclusively with full-service design studio Floral Sunshine. Owner Annie Chen specializes in working directly with wholesale vendors and local growers to find and design amazing customized bouquets and arrangements. She’ll walk you through choosing just the right flowers to compliment your ceremony and symbolize your love.
Step 6: Gather Your Guests
Some couples choose to just bring themselves. Others bring up to ten guests. The state of Oregon requires two adult witnesses. Most prefer to bring friends or loved ones as the required witnesses, but Elope in Portland can also provide witnesses if notified in advance for an additional fee.
Step 7: Elope in Portland!
Wedding officiant Reverend Dee Richardson of Diva Matters Ministry celebrates love in all wonderful forms, including interfaith and LGBTQ unions. She’ll make certain your ceremony is inspirational, meaningful, memorable and personal. Once the ceremony is complete, she’ll officially sign your marriage license. Most of the remaining time is typically devoted to wedding portraits.
Step 8: Sneak Peaks! Complete Photo Sets!
Elope in Portland always provides social media-ready “sneak peaks” within 24 hours, perfect for making your big announcement on Instagram and Facebook. Portland elopement photographer Andrea Zajonc Photography will deliver the full portrait gallery to you within three weeks.
Have we answered all your questions about how to elope in Portland and the surrounding area? If not, get in touch! We’d be more than happy to provide any additional information needed.
