It is pretty well known that Portland has great donuts, great beer, super cute neighborhoods, distinct personalities, and fun local bars; but it can be easy to forget that there is quite a bit of natural space tucked within the city limits. Easy access to these spaces makes Portland a convenient and beautiful place to elope. Among these areas, Hoyt Arboretum in Washington Park sets itself apart with accessibility and it’s beautiful range of options for ceremony spaces (Updated for 2022).

From the outset getting to your elopement location at Hoyt Arboretum is a breeze. You can choose to take public transportation as there is Washington Park MAX stop and a free shuttle that will take you the rest of the way through the Washington Park and its many attractions-Hoyt Arboretum being one of the main draws. There is also quite a bit of street parking and a lot that accepts payment through your cell phone (so you don’t need to worry about tucking cash into your pockets). Some of the most popular ceremony sites, which include the Redwood Deck and the Wedding Meadow are only a 10-15 minute easy hike from the parking lot for your guests. There is also easier access for set up via a gated road.

Redwood Deck Wedding

The Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful wooden deck surrounded by tall redwood and sequoia trees. It’s a peaceful setting and the perfect place to exchange vows. The deck is available for a half day rental and can accommodate up to 40 people standing or 25 people seated.

Wedding Meadow at Hoyt Arboretum

Couples who prefer bright, open and airy spaces may want to opt to have their ceremony at the Wedding Meadow. The wedding meadow is available for a half day rental and can accommodate up to 100 people. You can reserve both the Redwood Deck and the Wedding Meadow for $404.

Stone Circle

The Stone Circle ceremony location is accessible via the Bristlecone Trail and is a small, quiet ceremony location tucked within the arboretum’s global tree collection. This ceremony spot has a capacity of 40 people. Accessing the site involves a 1/2 mile walk from the visitor center.

Reserving a date for your Hoyt Arboretum Wedding

To reserve a date and time for your wedding in Hoyt Arboretum, you’ll need to visit the Portland Parks and Recreation department. There is a wedding lottery every year in the fall, usually in November, when dates and locations are released for all Portland park locations that can be reserved. If you miss the lottery, open reservations begin in the new year.

The benefit of these spaces, as well as Washington Park in general, is that you don’t need to venture far from downtown Portland to feel as if you are transported into a national forest. With this location you can be married under the redwoods and still make your celebratory dinner reservation at Departure and have a wedding night drink at the Woodlark Hotel.

Choosing to get married at Hoyt Arboretum allows you to have a ceremony surrounded by the best elements of the great outdoors while still allowing you to later experience the best aspects of the great indoors. If you’re thinking about an elopement in Portland, I would highly recommend this spot. Not convinced? Check out some of our other Oregon elopement locations.