Eloping at Silver Falls State Park: Everything You Need to Know
Silver Falls State Park is the perfect location for the couple searching for an elopement location with dense forests and tons of waterfalls in the heart of Oregon. Located just 20 miles east of Salem, the park is known for its dense forests, scenic waterfalls, and accessible trails. This blog post will walk through the important details, including prime ceremony locations, potential activities, accommodations, seasonal insights, and answers to commonly asked questions.
About Silver Falls State Park
Location and Accessibility
Silver Falls State Park is located in the town of Sublimity, OR. Most couples pick this location because of its easy access from Salem and Portland. The park’s main entrance includes a large day-use parking area, visitor center, and access to various trails including the South Falls area.
Park Highlights
- Waterfalls and Trails The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular loop, allowing hikers to see multiple waterfalls, including the iconic South Falls.
- Year-Round Recreation Visitors come to hike, bike, horseback ride, or simply explore the old-growth forest.
- Camping and Cabins The campground has tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins that are available throughout the year.
A Bit About The Silver Falls State Park Wedding Featured In This Blog Post
K + M were very intentional when planning out their small and intimate wedding at Silver Falls State Park. They wanting a location that truly encapsulated the “moody Pacific Northwest vibes”. Let me tell you, this location ended up being everything that they had hoped for! M loves ferns, moss and mushrooms – and it just happened that their wedding took place during the peak of mushroom season in the area. I was so excited to take advantage of the nearby Russula and Bolete mushrooms to use as props for flat lay and close up photos. To see a close up photo of her ring beautifully sitting on top of a mushroom, be sure to scroll all the way down to the gallery highlights at the end of this blog post.
Smith Creek Village is the specific location they went with within the State Park. Which worked out perfectly for their small gathering. They were able to have an outdoor ceremony followed by a reception inside of a cozy nearby barn. Most barn venues run into the issue of being cold, but this was one of the coziest barns I’ve had the pleasure of photographing in. A lot of that was thanks to the large wood fire they had going in the center of the venue.
If you’re hoping to invite guests to your wedding, I highly recommend checking out the Smith Creek Village at Silver Falls State Park.
Best Spots to Exchange Vows
- North Falls North Falls includes a 136-foot drop and is an easy 0.3 mile stroll to get up and personal with the waterfall. If you want a beautiful waterfall as your backdrop as you exchange your vows, this is the spot! This can also be a great option if you have a few guests that are attending.
- South Falls Area South Falls stands at 177 feet and is accessible via a short walking trail from the main parking lot. It’s one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon. If you choose this location, plan for early morning or weekday visits to avoid peak crowds, it can get very busy here!
- Smith Creek Village The perfect location for if you’re planning on inviting guest to your wedding! This location feels like something from a fairy tale! They have multiple location options for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Some locations even accommodate up to 100 guests.
Nearby Activities and Accommodations
- Hiking & Nature Walks Beyond the waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park has over 35 miles of backcountry trails suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. These trails are open year-round, though weather conditions can affect accessibility.
- Local Lodging & Cabin Rentals The park offers campground options, including cabins and group camps. For those preferring more conventional lodging, cities like Silverton and Salem provide hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments. Early booking is recommended, most places book out fast!
- Dining Options The town of Silverton and surrounding areas have restaurants, coffee shops, and local breweries. Many visitors stock up on snacks and picnic supplies at these nearby towns before heading into the park.
- The Oregon Garden is also worth mentioning. It’s an 80-acre botanical garden located in Silverton, OR. It features over 20 different gardens and is a must see if you’re in the area!
Best Times of Year For Your Silver Falls State Park Elopement
Spring (March–May)
Pros: Less crowds and the waterfalls often flow at their peak after winter snowmelt. Temperatures are usually mild. Cons: Rain is common, so plan for muddy trails and possible drizzle.
Summer (June–August)
Pros: Warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Cons: Trails can be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Early reservations for lodging are advisable. By August the waterfalls have less water due to dry weather.
Fall (September–November)
Pros: Fall color. Comfortable temperatures in Sept. and Oct. Cons: Weather can vary day to day, with some rainfall and occasional early cold snaps.
Winter (December–February)
Pros: Fewer crowds, a quieter atmosphere, and the possibility of snowy scenery. Cons: Temperatures can be cold, and some trail sections may be slippery or closed.
Permits and Requirements
Since Silver Falls State Park is a public area, weddings are allowed, but there are a few important logistics you should be aware of.
For very small and simple elopements with no setup or guests, a special use permit is not always required. However, if you plant to invite guests, an officiant, or a photographer, they may require a special use permit.
Permit requirements usually vary based on the size of your group that will be present on your elopement day. The location you plan to have your ceremony or take photos, and if you’re incorporating anything into your day. I always recommend reaching out to the State Park just to confirm what applies to your unique situation. This avoids any last minute surprises, nobody wants to deal with added stress on their elopement day!
All vehicles entering the park also require a Oregon State Park Pass. If you’re local to the area and visit the state parks through out Oregon regularly I highly recommend purchasing an annual pass. For me personally it always quickly pays for itself, and I end up saving a lot of money in the long run. This State Park Pass is in addition to the Special Use Permit (if you end up needing one of those as well).
To legally get married in Oregon, you will need a valid Oregon marriage license and a licensed officiant. Sometimes elopement photographer are ordained as well, me being one of them! For more information on the legal side of getting married in Oregon, feel free to check out my other blog post How to Elope in Oregon State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a permit to elope at Silver Falls State Park? Depending on group size and location, you may need a permit. Consult the park’s official website or contact the main office for details.
- What is the best time of day for the ceremony? Many people choose early mornings or evenings (in the summer time) to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- How many guests can I invite? Small gatherings generally have fewer restrictions, but larger groups require more coordination. Confirm group size limits with park staff when you apply for any necessary permits.
If you’re looking for a true Pacific Northwest location featuring waterfalls and lush forests, then you should definitely consider looking into Silver Falls State Park! Be sure to plan accordingly depending on your elopement/wedding size. Contact the state park directly to get the most up to date information on permits and availability.
Why You Can Trust This Silver Falls Elopement Guide
This guide is written from real experience, not just research.
I am a Pacific Northwest based elopement and wedding photographer who has spent years exploring places like Silver Falls State Park through hiking, scouting, and photographing couples in these landscapes. I know how quickly conditions can change, which trails tend to feel quieter, when to expect the best lighting, and what it takes to plan an elopement day that feels calm rather than rushed.
My approach goes far beyond showing up with a camera. I help couples navigate permits, timing, crowds, weather considerations, and logistics so their day feels intentional and grounded, not stressful. I care deeply about protecting these places and helping couples experience them in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and aligned with what they actually want their day to feel like.
Everything I share here will to give you honest expectations and helpful guidance so you can make informed decisions, whether you are planning something simple or building a full elopement experience around your time at Silver Falls.
If you want to learn more about my approach to elopement photography, how I support couples through the planning process, or see what working together can look like, you can explore more on my homepage and decide if it feels like the right fit for you.
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