Crater Lake National Park Oregon Elopement

From the beginning, these two wanted to elope at Crater Lake in Oregon! We ended up sending them a location guide with a few other options just in case they wanted to explore similar spots that fit their vision. But a Crater Lake elopement had just stolen their hearts! So, we began planning.

The best time for an elopement here is definitely during sunrise or sunset since it’s a pretty busy area. These two chose sunrise, and it was the most magical, private experience. They shared a special first look, did rock-paper-scissors to see who was going to share their vows first, and watched the sun rise. Keep reading for more details from their incredible Crater Lake elopement and cliff jumping adventure!

How To Elope At Crater Lake National Park

Getting married at Crater Lake National Park is a truly unique experience. These two were the first couple to take us here! We had never seen it before, so it was a brand new experience for all of us. With its stunning views, pristine waters and abundance of wildlife, it’s no surprise that couples from around the world choose to tie the knot here.

To get married in the park you will need to obtain a Special Use Permit from the National Parks Service. This permit allows for your wedding ceremony to take place within certain areas of Crater Lake, including along the Rim Drive and the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead. Couples must also be aware of any rules or regulations specific to their chosen location before they can proceed with their vows – such as noise restrictions and limits on decorations or amplified music. But don’t worry, we help all of our couples navigate permits!

What To Do For Your Crater Lake National Park Elopement

There are so many amazing things to do for your elopement! And especially if you choose to elope in an amazing location, like Crater Lake National Park. Here are just a few things we suggest doing for your trip:

1. Enjoy a Scenic Drive – “Oooh” and “ahhh” at the breathtaking views of Crater Lake National Park on the 33-mile Rim Drive. This one is definitely a must!

2. Go for a Hike – Explore miles of trails offering stunning views and unique geologic features such as pumice deserts, lava flows, and old-growth forests.

3. Take a Boat Tour – Get an up close look at Wizard Island with one of their two daily boat tours departing from Cleetwood Cove Trailhead on the east side of Crater Lake.

Where To Stay For Your Crater Lake Elopement

There are many lodging options near Crater Lake National Park. The closest accommodation is the historic Crater Lake Lodge located just outside of the park, which offers a range of guestrooms and cabins with stunning views of the lake. Other nearby hotels include Mazama Village Motor Inn, Union Creek Resort, and Prospect Historic Hotel & Cabins. For those looking for a more rustic experience, there are also campgrounds available within the park itself. Check out our favorite stay outside the park below!

These two got to experience one of the most beautiful sunrises! Instead of the sun coming over the ridge in front of them, it came through the trees behind them. The sun made the lake and the rim glow beautiful shades of blue and purple! They kissed, snuggled for warmth, and enjoyed the stunning views. It was so magical to see them share this experience in a whole new (married) kind of way!

Crater Lake Cliff Jumping Elopement

After their sunrise ceremony, we hiked down to the only waterfront access. Joash really wanted to cliff jump! That was their original inspiration for wanting to elope at Crater Lake. So, we did a little research and found that you can only access the lake via the Cleetwood Cove Trail. It’s a 2 mile roundtrip trail that switchbacks from the rim to the water.

If you’re interested in cliff jumping at Crater Lake, please be safe! Always remeber these rules:

1. Jumping is only allowed in the designated areas, and jumping from any other locations is strictly prohibited.

2. Always check for submerged rocks or debris before jumping to ensure your safety.

3. Make sure you are a strong swimmer and have a floatation device with you at all times when cliff jumping.

4. Do not jump if there are other people in the water, as it can be dangerous for them as well as yourself if something goes wrong during your jump.

5. If you’re unsure about the height of the jump, take a few steps back and make sure it’s safe before proceeding with your dive or jump into the lake below

After Joash jumped in, we captured some cute swimming pics of the two of them! Then, Adam and I set down our gear and jumped in, too! It was INCREDIBLE. Oh, and don’t forget to shotgun a beer with your new hubby/wifey before cliff jumping 🤪

After swimming and cliff jumping, these two were exhausted! We had originally planned on getting some additional wedding portraits and/or paddling boarding in wedding attire. But instead, these two took a little break at their Airbnb and then came to our campground at Diamond Lake to relax. We did end up paddle boarding, but just for fun! They also brought fresh, local cherry pie to celebrate with! It was a great end to their sunrise Crater Lake elopement adventure.

If you want to camp outside of Crater Lake National Park, we highly recommend staying at Diamond Lake. The lake itself is small and it’s located in the Umpqua National Forest. Besides being close to Crater Lake, Diamond Lake is known for its crystal clear waters, beautiful views and excellent fishing opportunities. The lake covers an area of around 2,200 acres, with depths ranging from 20 to 80 feet. There’s a ton to do there! During the summer, you can go swimming, canoeing and kayaking on the water or explore nearby trails.