Mt Hood Elopement | Claudia + Michael

Mt Hood National Forest is one of the most beautiful places to elope in Oregon. You can elope there year round but my favorite time of year to be there is summer or early fall once the snow has melted away and some of the best spots are accessible. We got so lucky with the most stunning sunset in mid October. The skies were slightly hazy from wildfires afar but it did make for some really magical color as the sun went down.

Claudia and Michael are adventurers at heart. They have summited mountains, backpacked all over, and explored national parks. The love they have for adventure and nature made it a clear choice to elope in a place they feel inspired by. The day started at the cutest a-frame cabin Airbnb that they rented out for a couple nights with their best friend (and also officiant/pack mule). The two of them got ready and did their first look on the front porch. Then we caravanned up the mountain on some rough roads to a stunning trail on the East side. It was a short-ish and sweet jaunt up to the top where the views are unmatched and 360 degrees around you. Of course the obvious view was of Mt Hood but in the other direction to the SE you could clearly see Mt Jefferson and faintly make out Broken Top Mountain with the many layers of hills between us. Noble Floral Co created a colorful and fun bouquet that was hiking-proof too!

Their ceremony was teary eyed and so heartfelt with the mountain framing them effortlessly in the background. Their best friend, Zander, got to marry them and I was lucky enough to capture it all! We took some portraits and then had a little picnic (who doesn’t love cheese + crackers?!) before hiking back down in the dark to our cars. Always be sure to carry headlamps and some emergency equipment if you are hiking back down after the sun has set!

As always, so grateful to be a part of days like this one. I’m already looking forward to all the golden hours next season!