Kati & Jean-Claude: Elopement at Silver Falls State Park
A quiet, beautiful hike. Stunning views. Vows in the forest. A picnic next to a creek. Cooking dinner together with friends. Laughter. Firelight. And a celebration that felt entirely like them. That's how Kati and Jean-Claude started their married life together.
Why they chose an Oregon elopement instead of a traditional wedding
Kati: "For me [deciding to elope] was multifactorial. I always anticipated paying for my own wedding, so cost was definitely a factor. Being a part of friends' weddings I got a sense that while you made a lot of choices during planning, very few of them were truly personal (e.g. I wasn't allowed to make a cake for my best friend's wedding because the cake had to come from one of three approved vendors). The idea of being the center of attention in a large group of people during an emotional and vulnerable day also seemed overwhelming. As someone without a big extended family, I also figured that most of my time wouldn't be spent with the people I really wanted to celebrate with (my friends), and I'd be constantly worrying about whether people were having a good time/everything was going well. The stress of planning and cost for a party I wasn't thrilled about didn't seem worth it.
Jean-Claude: "A lot of that. While I enjoy being the center of attention, I feel like traditional weddings have become more displays of opulence and wealth rather than celebrating the union of two people. I wanted to spend a day with my future wife and my closest friends creating memories of a day that I could carry with me for the many years to come.”
How they met
"We met through a mutual friend at the end of medical school. My friend from medical school is in his (small) residency program, and brought him to a trivia night at a dog bar we'd go to every Thursday. From there we became casual friends until we started dating.
How they got engaged
"We spent Christmas 2024 at Kati's family's lake house in rural Minnesota. [On Christmas eve] we decided to snow shoe across the frozen lake together. When we reached the center of the lake, just the two of us, snow falling and just the sound of snow crunching under our feet, Jean-Claude proposed. (Then quickly put the ring back in his pocket because our hands were too cold to put the ring on!)"
A romantic moment in the forest of Silver Falls State Park.
From our first call, I knew Kati and Jean-Claude’s Oregon elopement would be something uniquely personal. As soon as they decided the crown jewel of Oregon State parks (Silver Falls in Silverton, Oregon) I sent over a proposed elopement day timeline, a list of things to bring, and instructions on how to get their Oregon marriage license.
I met the couple and their 4 close friends at the state park where we started the day with a really sweet "first look".
From there, we headed down to the Trail of Ten Falls. There was no rush here. The whole goal was to explore the trail together and keep an eye out for a ceremony spot. When the trail opened up a bit and was wide enough for their ceremony, the group settled in for the vows and ring exchange.
After a few tears, and lots of hugs, they shared wine and charcuterie right there on the trail. As people passed by, so many of them paused to say congratulations or comment on what an incredible way it was to get married. It felt spontaneous, natural, and joyful.
Now that they were officially married (and fed!) we meandered back along the trail, stopping for photos under the falls with the bright yellow umbrellas Kati brought along.
We wrapped up the afternoon by heading back to their Airbnb, where the whole group put together a gorgeous dinner. Then they cut their wedding cake (a cake they had picked up the day before from what was available at a local bakery!) and shared their first dance.
The whole day was relaxed and real. No pressure, no performative traditions, just connection and intention.
Tips on Eloping at Silver Falls State Park
If you're dreaming of an intimate forest wedding surrounded by waterfalls, moss-covered trails, and Pacific Northwest magic, eloping at Silver Falls State Park might be the perfect fit. Located near the town of Silverton, Oregon, Silver Falls is one of the most iconic and accessible waterfall destinations in the state. The Trail of Ten Falls Short Loop offers a scenic, moderately easy loop where you can experience multiple waterfalls (including the famous South Falls and Lower South Falls), all within a few hours’ hike. Or, hike just as much of the trail as you'd like - like we did during this elopement!
For couples planning a Silver Falls elopement, flexibility is key. Because this is a public park, there are no designated ceremony areas—so you can find a quiet, beautiful spot along the trail that feels right for your vows. Early mornings and weekdays tend to be the least crowded, especially in the summer months.
A $10 day-use parking pass is required, but the good news is that no additional wedding permits are needed for small, low-impact elopements. That said, it’s always smart to check in with the Oregon State Parks website before your date in case anything changes. Also, plan to bring proper hiking boots or shoes with really good traction, layers (even in summer), and a rain jacket or umbrella—Silver Falls lives up to its name and mist from the falls can leave you soaked if you're not prepared.
If you're incorporating artistic or personal elements—like a bouquet, a picnic, or exchanging gifts—keep everything packable and follow leave-no-trace guidelines. The park is incredibly well-maintained and part of what makes it such a special elopement location in Oregon is its natural, untouched beauty.
Whether you're planning a simple ceremony with just the two of you, or inviting a few loved ones to witness the moment, Silver Falls State Park is a breathtaking Oregon elopement location that offers a perfect mix of adventure, intimacy, and epic scenery.