10 Beautiful Natural Venues
For The Eco-Friendly Couple
Erica Swantek
Your down-for-pretty-much-anything elopement leader and photographer. As a former member of the U.S. Forest Service, Erica knows her way around natural wedding venus across the PNW. She shared with us some of her top spots to photograph couples on their big day. Learn more about Erica.
When it comes to choosing a natural venue for the sustainability-minded couple, it’s important to consider eco-friendliness, as well as the impact on the land being used to say the vows. For couples who choose an actual venue that hosts weddings, take a look at their practices to make sure they are recycling as much as possible, using sustainable products, sourcing local food, and utilizing greener energy when possible.
Many couples are now forgoing the traditional wedding venue to marry outside in a park, a forest, or on the beach, utilizing the natural beauty provided for their backdrop. The PNW offers so much beauty for an outdoor wedding at a natural venue, with mountains, forests, beaches, National Parks, and the desert. In order to host a wedding in a natural venue, couples need to make sure that protecting the natural area is at the very top of the priority list.
Many places will require permits to host a wedding, and most public lands don’t allow the use of props or structures. Couples should familiarize themselves with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Abiding by them is absolutely crucial to ensure that we can continue to use public lands in the future.
As an intimate wedding and adventure elopement photographer, I have had the privilege of photographing hundreds of couples in the PNW. Here are my top 10 natural venues in the PNW for the eco-friendly/sustainability-minded couple.
1. Silcox Hut, Timberline Ski Resort
How do you get there?
In order to reach the wedding venue, couples and guests will travel from the historic Timberline Lodge via snowcat about one mile up the side of Mt. Hood. Timberline Ski Area uses the PistenBully snowcats, which are the most eco-friendly snowcats in the industry.
What makes it beautiful?
The Silcox Hut was built in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration and is a true work of craftsmanship. The rustic lodge features hand-hewn timber logs and a gorgeous stone fireplace. It’s built into the side of the mountain and has expansive views of the Cascades with Mt. Hood towering above. For anyone who loves log cabins and skiing, this venue is amazing!
Why do you love it?
The venue is rich in history and it’s an absolutely gorgeous log cabin. I love the views of the mountains, the adventure of getting to the venue, and the fact that it’s part of a historic ski resort. I also dig being able to ski down with my couple to get some epic photos in their wedding attire. Couples that live to ski will love this venue!
LOCATION: Government Camp, OR
CAPACITY: 40
2. Smith Rock State Park
How do you get there?
Smith Rock is a state park and requires a $5/vehicle daily pass. Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends.
What makes it beautiful?
Dramatic rock formations carved by the Crooked River make Smith Rock one of the most iconic places in the west.
Why do you love it?
The desert landscape is often overlooked in the PNW, but it truly is a special place. It’s accessible year round and offers hiking, as well as easy access for an intimate wedding.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
For couples who choose to have more than 20 guests, they’ll need to use the designated ceremony spot. Smaller groups can use other areas with park approval. Everyone must stick to the designated trails, as the desert soil is extremely fragile. Also, no drones are allowed in the park to protect nesting birds.
LOCATION: Terrebonne, OR
CAPACITY: Up to 50 in the designated ceremony space
3. Mt. Rainier National Park
How do you get there?
Mt. Rainier is approximately 90 miles from Seattle, WA. There are hundreds of trails within the park that are perfect for a very intimate wedding or elopement. Some are easily accessible with very little hiking, others require long hikes for the more adventurous couple.
What makes it beautiful?
Mt. Rainier is one of the most beautiful National Parks with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wildflowers, and cold mountain rivers. The namesake, Mt. Rainier, an active volcano sitting at 14,410 feet above sea level, is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. I am particularly fond of the Paradise and Sunrise areas of the park.
Why do you love it?
I absolutely love the natural beauty that encompasses the park. 97% of the park is designated wilderness.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
Permits are required to have a wedding in the park and locations must be approved in advance. No props, chairs, or tents are allowed. No throwing of rice, confetti, or other items, and only native flower bouquets can be used (no dried florals either).
Also, drones are not allowed in National Parks. All Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics must be followed, including using only designated trails to protect sensitive alpine habitats.
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LOCATION: Washington State
CAPACITY: 8 or less, unless using designated group sites
4. Skyliner’s Lodge
How do you get there?
Located 11 miles west of downtown Bend, OR.
What makes it beautiful?
Skyliner’s Lodge is another historic ski lodge built by the Work Relief Program in the 1930s. It’s a rustic hand-hewn log cabin with a gorgeous ceremony site overlooking Tumalo Creek.
Why do you love it?
The Lodge is perfect for an intimate wedding in the forest. Surrounded by towering trees, it’s close to epic viewpoints of the Cascade Mountains and Tumalo Falls that will give couples that adventurous photo experience while also providing a space for a larger wedding.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
This venue is managed by High Desert Educational Services District, which has strict rules regarding amplified music. It has a beautiful space for an entirely outdoor reception.
LOCATION: Bend, OR
CAPACITY: About 70
5. Na-Mu Lodge
How do you get there?
135 miles from Seattle, WA. Wedding parties will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access in winter.
What makes it beautiful?
The Na-Mu Lodge sits above the Wenatchee River and is surrounded by mountains. It’s only a few blocks from town and there are so many photo options within close proximity of the lodge. The lodge itself is a gorgeous modern design with natural elements throughout.
Why do you love it?
I absolutely love this part of Washington. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town, making you feel like you walked into a German village. Its proximity to incredible hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and rivers makes it a great destination for the adventure seeker.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
The Lodge is technically a vacation rental home and parking is very limited. So even though 30-40 people can fit on the property, couples may need to hash out parking details by providing a shuttle from town.
LOCATION: Leavenworth, WA
CAPACITY: About 30-40
6. Crook Point
How do you get there?
How do you get there? Pistol River is located between Gold Beach and Brookings, on the Southern Oregon Coast. It’s 5.5 hours south of Portland.
What makes it beautiful?
The Southern Oregon Coast is known for its rugged, rocky coastline and temperate climate. The dramatic vistas and ocean views are incredible.
Why do you love it?
This section of the Oregon Coast is much more remote and there are so many gorgeous viewpoints and hikes that offer stunning backdrops for photos. Crook Point has a variety of venues to suit everything from elopements to large weddings. It’s also really close to some amazing state parks.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
Crook Point offers 6 different venue options to host weddings or elopements.
LOCATION: Pistol River, OR
CAPACITY: Varies, multiple venues from 20 people up to 300
7. Crater Lake National Park
How do you get there?
Crater Lake is approximately 230 miles from Portland, OR by car, or wedding parties can fly into Redmond, Medford, Eugene, or Klamath Falls. Rim Drive allows access around the entirety of the lake in summer but is closed for winter.
What makes it beautiful?
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and has crystal clear blue waters. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are spectacular.
Why do you love it?
Crater Lake is Oregon’s only National Park and it’s truly a hidden gem. It doesn’t see as much visitor use as most of the other parks in the PNW.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
Permits are required to marry in the park and can take up to 8 weeks to secure. Like all other National Parks, following Leave No Trace principles is required, and drone photography is prohibited.
LOCATION: Southern Oregon
CAPACITY: Less than 8 for most locations
CATERING: Yes
8. Elk Lake Resort
How do you get there?
Situated along the Cascade Lakes Highway, approximately 30 miles west of Bend, Oregon.
What makes it beautiful?
Elk Lake is one of the many beautiful lakes in the Oregon Cascades. The rustic resort wedding venue has a beautiful outdoor ceremony spot on the beach with mountain and water views. There’s a tented reception area with a dance floor and the venue is all-inclusive.
Why do you love it?
Elk Lake is one of my personal favorite lakes to enjoy a day playing in the water and escaping the heat of town on a hot summer day. It’s the perfect spot for the outdoor lover who wants to have a fun rustic wedding in the mountains of Oregon.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
Couples can rent out the cabins for themselves and their guests to stay on site. There are also several campgrounds nearby for guests that like to rough it. Couples can rent boats, paddleboards, and even a party barge for some epic fun on the water too!
LOCATION: Central Oregon
CAPACITY: 150
9. Loloma Lodge
How do you get there?
McKenzie Bridge is situated 54 miles east of Eugene, along the McKenzie River.
What makes it beautiful?
The McKenzie River zone is one of the most magical places in all of Oregon. The tall evergreen trees, lush fern forests, and crystal clear, cold river make it heaven on Earth!
Why do you love it?
The Loloma Lodge sits right on the banks of the McKenzie River tucked into the forest. It’s quintessential Oregon forest and it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
When couples book a wedding at Loloma Lodge, they get the entire property for the event. The lodge is also close to numerous waterfalls and hot springs, for those who feel like getting a little adventurous on their wedding day!
LOCATION: McKenzie Bridge, OR
CAPACITY: 150
10. Treehouse Point
How do you get there?
Located 23 miles from Seattle, Washington.
What makes it beautiful?
Situated in the lush forest of the Cascades, the treehouses are built into the large evergreen trees with detailed staircases, bridges, and other features that are incredibly unique.
Why do you love it?
I adore the whimsical nature of the treehouses. Couples who are kids at heart will love feeling like they have their own private oasis above it all. The lush forest surrounding the property is truly the PNW at its finest.
Is there anything else that couples should know about this location?
Pets are not allowed and bathrooms are on the ground level.
LOCATION: Issaquah, WA
CAPACITY: Up to 20
For more insight on natural venues and how to incorporate sustainability into your wedding, check out the latest issue of our magazine.
