A few days later and I’m still daydreaming about this beautiful Mt Hood Elopement. I worked with these two to find an alpine location that had a view of Mt. Hood but wasn’t too difficult of a hike for their guests and older parents. Leading up to their wedding day, we weren’t too sure what condition the forest roads would be in or if the trail would still be covered in snow. I often scout locations beforehand (even if I’ve already been there) just to make sure and thankfully the snow had melted just enough by late June to give us the green light. 

We met at the trailhead where the bride changed into her dress tucked away behind pine trees. After a quick first look, we all applied sunscreen and hit the trail. Once at the top we were treated to a 360 degree view and a glimpse of all the mountains (Adams, St. Helens, Rainier, and Jefferson!). 

Surrounded by their 10 guests, their best friend officiated their short but sweet ceremony with a majestic, snow covered Mount Hood in the background. Following their heartfelt vows, we popped a bottle of champagne and toasted to the newlyweds. 

After their ceremony we said our goodbyes to the mountain and made our way back down the trail stopping along the way for portraits. 

It was such a great day and I’m so happy that I could be part of it. Documenting intimate moments like this really does make my dreams come true. 

Planning a Mount Hood Elopement

Picking the best time of year for your mountain elopement depends on a few factors but mostly it has to do with weather and the feel you want your photos to have. 

Weather

While it’s only 1.5 hours away, Mt Hood is a wild place and the conditions can vary greatly and change quickly from those at lower elevations. Typically most trails are free of snow between July to September but this changes every year relative to how big or small the winter was. I suggest waiting until mid Summer to take advantage of open trails and higher elevations.

Atmosphere

What you want your photos to look like will depend on the time of day and general atmosphere. Are you going for that moody, cloudy PNW feel or do you want a summer feel complete with a 9PM sunset?  Weather, time of day, and location is all going to impact how your photos look.

Mt Hood Wedding Locations

Choosing your ceremony location for your elopement or small wedding really depends on how many guests will attend and how much hiking you’re comfortable doing.

Trillium Lake

You can pretty much drive right up to this place. It’s easy and one of the most accessible locations for a nice view of Mt. Hood. On a calm day the mountain reflection on the water is amazing. There’s a forest trail that loops around the lake and a nice little dock too. 

Since it’s so easy to get to it’s also very popular. I suggest waking up early and exchanging your vows at sunrise.

In the winter the main gate off Highway 26 closes but you can still access the lake by snowshoe. 

Mirror Lake

The trailhead for Mirror Lake is located just off Highway 26 and it’s just under 2 miles from the parking lot to the lake itself. The trail is well graded and is partially paved. If you’re looking to hike a bit more it’s possible to add on a longer nearby hike to get a higher elevation view of the mountain. This place fills up fast in the summer especially on the weekends so plan on arriving early.

Timberline Lodge

An easy location if you’re interested in a snowy, winter elopement. The road is often cleared between snow storms and the amenities of the lodge are hard to beat. 

In the summer it’s a great access point to some trails on the slopes of the mountain. 

Hike-in Locations

Aside from these popular spots I spend my time scanning maps and exploring great locations that can sometimes be off the beaten path. If you’re interested in something more adventurous, let me know and we can find the perfect spot for your intimate wedding. Whether you want something a little less busy, a longer hike, or a backpacking elopement, the Mt. Hood Wilderness has a lot of great options. 

Additional Resources

Not sure about getting married on the mountain? Here is a breakdown of some other great Oregon elopement locations as well as info on when and how to elope.

Contact Me

I’d love to work with you and help plan your elopement on Mt. Hood. Complete my contact form below and let me know what questions you have about photography, planning, etc.