How-to-plan-the-perfect-Silver-Falls-State-Park-wedding

Bride and groom portraits at Silver Falls

How to plan the perfect Silver Falls State Park wedding

If you’re planning a Silver Falls State Park wedding or elopement, this post is for you! This unique Oregon wedding venue with misty waterfalls and towering, moss-covered fir trees will be an epic backdrop for your celebration. Read on for tips that will elevate your wedding photos and overall experience.

Throughout my career, I’ve captured many weddings, elopements and engagements at Silver Falls, and it remains one of my favorite hiking destinations. It’s one of those places you should visit each season. It’s stunning in the winter, covered in sparkling frost with icicles adorning the canyon walls. In autumn, the falls are framed by vibrant fall color. It feels as though you’ve stepped into a postcard.

How to get the best photos

This popular park can get quite crowded, especially in the summer and fall. Most visitors flock to the South Falls entrance where you’ll find plenty of covered picnic areas, a rustic day lodge and trails leading to the main attraction - an awe-inspiring 177-foot waterfall. South Falls is definitely a must see, but it’s not my favorite location in the park for wedding portraits. A few reasons why: the trail is steep, narrow and is often crowded, there are safety rails in place that you’re not supposed to bypass and there’s not as much available light in the canyon.

For those reasons, I prefer to take clients to Upper North Falls. It’s a short (1/4-mile), mostly flat hike which ends with a stunning waterfall without railings. You can get right to the base of the falls, making for some epic shots. (But take your time getting there. The stone steps and surrounding rocks are often slippery.) It’s less crowded than South Falls, but it has become more popular in recent years (thanks to social media). The parking lot for this falls can fill up quickly during peak season, so plan accordingly. You may need to carpool with your photographer or officiant. Don’t forget to purchase a parking permit ($10 for Oregon residents, $12 for nonresidents).

In addition to waterfall backdrops, consider taking pictures around the rustic day lodge, the stone walls surrounding the viewpoint above South Falls, the foot bridges over Silver Creek, and the nearby meadow, just to name a few. There are endless photo opportunities at this park. If you have your heart set on photos with South Falls as the backdrop, set aside extra time for hiking and working around crowds.

How to time your elopement or wedding photos

For elopements, choosing a weekday is highly recommended. If you’re a morning person, consider a sunrise (or early morning) elopement. The lighting will be softer and you won’t have to share the trail with as many hikers. If you’re planning a late afternoon/early evening elopement, be aware that it gets darker more quickly in the canyon and beneath the forest canopy. Time your visit for optimal lighting. If possible, visit the park at the same time of year and time of day that you plan to elope. This will give you an idea of what the lighting will be like.

Don’t forget your hiking shoes and/or rain boots. The park is located in a temperate rain forest. Frequent rain keeps it green and lush, and the trails slick and muddy. It’s a good idea to keep a couple of clear umbrellas on hand, just in case.

Do I need a permit?

If you’re planning an intimate elopement without guests, chairs or decorations, you may not need a permit, but you should always check with park officials ahead of time. If you’re planning to invite guests, bring decorations or want to reserve a certain area within the park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit from the Oregon State Parks department.

You could also consider booking an elopement or wedding package through Smith Creek Village at Silver Falls. Their packages include private ceremony sites, lodging and more.

One of the wedding sites you can rent through Smith Creek Village is Davidson Ranch. Here’s a peak inside:

Where to stay

In addition to the park’s tent camping and rustic cabins, check out lodging options at Smith Creek Village, a retreat center offering cabins, a market & grill, event space and more. If you’re getting married at Davidson Ranch at the park, this rustic barn venue has room for 10 camping tents and bunk-style accommodations for 75 overnight guests.

If you’re looking for more comfort and amenities, try the Oregon Garden Resort or check out the Water Street Inn vacation rental in the charming town of Silverton, Oregon, located just 30 minutes from the park.

Silver Falls wedding and elopement photos

If you want to see more Silver Falls wedding photos, check out Veronica & Daniel's elopement and Sarah & Greg's Davidson Ranch wedding.