Hoyt Arboretum Redwood Deck Elopement

The Redwood Deck is the perfect place in Hoyt Arboretum for an elopement. We love coming here with our clients who choose to elope in Portland. This dreamy urban forest location feels like you are miles away from town but it is only a few minutes drive from Downtown Portland.

Adrienne + Clark chose a perfect morning to elope at the Redwood Deck. The air was crisp but the rain held off just long enough for their ceremony and portraits to be complete. The light at the end of our time together was so magical. It is always our pleasure to help couples begin their greatest journey together with a simple, stress-free and meaningful intimate elopement.

How to Plan a Redwood Deck Elopement

The Redwood Deck is located off of the Wildwood Trail in Hoyt Arboretum’s Washington Park. If you plan to elope here with more than just yourselves, our officiant and photographer and two witnesses then you will need to obtain a permit from the Portland Parks & Recreation Department.

Because of the Redwood Deck’s popularity we do typically suggest obtaining the permit regardless of guest count to ensure that no one else will be using the space when you plan to elope. The permit will also guarantee that you have access to private parking near the Redwood Deck and you won’t have to hike in from the Visitor Center.

If you are seeking to elope on a weekday or other popular date in the summer then it is advised to enter your date into the Wedding Lottery that is held every year in Nov/Dec with results posted in January of the following year. If you have missed the lottery window and still want to see if your preferred date is available then you can contact the Portland Parks Customer Service Center and apply directly through them. You can call the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525, and select option 1 to speak with someone from their office.

For 2023, the cost to rent the Redwood Deck for a half-day (8am-2pm or 3pm-9pm) is $300.00. The city application fee varies from $121.25 to $242.50 plus $67.25 for parking.

What is the Best Time of Day to have an Elopement at the Redwood Deck?

The Redwood Deck is gorgeous most of the day all year round but we have found that the light is best in the morning between 9-11am and then again in the afternoon a few hours before sunset. In the winter and early Spring when there are more clouds we can get great light most of the day. In the summer and early fall when the sun is high we advise not to plan your elopement midday. This will avoid harsh shadows in your photos as well as excessive heat and crowds.

We prefer elopements on weekdays (Mon-Thurs) when the park is less busy but of course we can accommodate weekend dates as well. If you plan to elope on a weekend be prepared to share the trails with other hikers and runners as we wander around this gorgeous forest to take photos.