Table of Contents:
- Where is Crater Lake?
- Why Elope at Crater Lake?
- FAQ’s About Eloping at Crater Lake
- Best Time to Elope at Crater Lake
- 8 Incredible Places to Elope at Crater Lake
- Legalities of Eloping at Crater Lake
- Crater Lake Elopement Photographer
Did you even know that Oregon had a national park? I get it—typically when we think of national parks in the Pacific Northwest, we immediately think of places like Mount Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park. But what often comes as a surprise to some folks is that Oregon does indeed have its own singular national park, and it’s a pretty incredible one at that! Crater Lake National Park is one of those places that blows your mind the moment you arrive; it’s also one of those places that you just have to see to believe, because pictures simply could never do it justice. In this guide, I’ll be giving you all the most important information you’ll need in order to elope at Crater Lake National Park, including the best Crater Lake elopement locations, permit info, fun things to do in the park, and more. By the end, I guarantee you’ll be ready to pack your bags and book a flight to see this stunner of a location in real life, ASAP 😉
Where is Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is a massive lake located in south-central Oregon, but it isn’t just any old lake: it’s a volcanic crater lake (hence the oh-so-creative name) that was formed nearly 8,000 years ago from a significant volcanic eruption, that resulted in a 0.7-mile deep caldera and one of the deepest lakes in the world. Wild, right? You’d never look at this breathtaking place and think that it was only formed thanks to a violent past, what with the pristine blue waters, the gorgeous cliffs, and the seemingly endless mountain views. The island you’ll see floating in the center of the crater, Wizard Island, began to grow after the formation of the caldera along with three other underwater volcanoes. The history of this park is incredibly fascinating, and I highly recommend reading up a little more about it on the NPS website!
In terms of getting to Crater Lake, the closest major city to the park is Portland (about 4 hours away), but places like Bend and Eugene are only about 1.5-2 hours away. If you’re flying in from out of state, I’d recommend flying into PDX, and then driving to the park + staying at a lodge or hotel right near the park for easy access.
Why Elope at Crater Lake?
We’ll just start with the most obvious reason, shall we? The scenery at Crater Lake is absolutely unreal, featuring some of the bluest water you’ll ever see, jagged cliffs, mountain views, and a really gorgeous rounded shape due to the historical volcanic eruption that formed the caldera. The water is otherworldly, known for its rich blue color and extreme clarity, and when you add the rest of the panoramic landscapes + the iconic Wizard Island into the mix, you end up with a scene that looks like it belongs on a damn postcard (and I’d assume it’s on many postcards).
In addition to the obviously unbelievable scenery, Crater Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! With 90 miles of trails that wind through forests, wildflowers, and along the cliffs around the lake, there’s more than enough area to explore, whether you’d prefer a quick hike to a breathtaking overlook/viewpoint or a more challenging trek around the lake. Crater Lake also offers amazing opportunities for stargazing, backcountry camping, fishing, and even birding—whatever floats your boat! (Literally, there are also boat tours you can take on the lake)
FAQ’s About Eloping at Crater Lake
Before I dive deeper into some of the key info you need to know to plan your Crater Lake elopement, let’s answer some FAQ’s real quick.
Can you get married at Crater Lake?
Absolutely you can! As long as you follow the proper permit processes + regulations, and you respect the park rules, you’re more than welcome to celebrate your special day at Crater Lake.
Where can you get married at Crater Lake?
Crater Lake National Park has a list of nearly 50 designated locations that you can apply for a permit for, including a variety of different overlooks, pullouts, picnic areas, trailheads, and campgrounds. I won’t give you the full list here because it’s longggg, but you can check out the map of permit locations that you have to choose from here!
Are dogs allowed at Crater Lake?
There are plenty of pet-friendly spots in Crater Lake National Park, including a few designated campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads/walkways; however, there are only five trails where they’re allowed. So you can absolutely bring your pup(s) along for the adventure, as long as you’re okay staying within the designated locations!
Do you need permits to elope at Crater Lake?
Yep, you’ll need a Special Use Permit in order to get married in Crater Lake National Park. I’ve got a section later in this guide where I explain the rules + regulations of this permit, as well as how to apply; click here to skip ahead to it!
Does Crater Lake have an entrance fee?
Yes, a standard entrance pass for Crater Lake costs $20-30/vehicle for 7 consecutive days, depending on the season. You can also get an annual Crater Lake entrance pass for $55 if you plan to visit the park more than once during the year. Alternatively, if you’re an avid national park goer, you may want to opt for an America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 per year and grants you entry into most national parks + recreation sites across the U.S.! You can find information on all the different passes and fees here.
Where can we stay for our Crater Lake elopement?
Great question! I’d recommend staying at one of the lodges/hotels in the park if you want to be as close as possible; otherwise, you can stay at an Airbnb or hotel in the Klamath area. Here are some of the best Airbnbs and lodges near Crater Lake:
- Crater Lake Lodge
- The Cabins at Mazama Village
- Crater Lake Resort
- The Green House
- Creekside Beaver Cabin
- The Cabin on Crooked Creek
Best Time to Elope at Crater Lake
What is the best time of year to elope at Crater Lake?
If you’re aiming for sunny, dry weather, then the best time of year for you to elope at Crater Lake is between July-September. That’s when temperatures will be the warmest, with daily highs averaging around 63-69°F and lows only getting down into the high 30s-low 40s.
However, these are also the busiests months of the year—so if you’re prioritizing the fewest crowds possible, you may want to choose a late spring/early summer (May-June), or fall (October) date instead, when you’re likely to still have decent temperatures but not too much snow yet.
Crater Lake gets quite a bit of snow in the winter due to its location in the Cascade Mountains, so if you’re looking to go hiking and want to explore the area freely, winter won’t be a great time for you to elope here! Rim Drive and North Entrance Road also close down for the season once fall hits, and typically stay closed through June or early July—so you won’t even be able to access most of the park in the snowiest winter months. I recommend keeping an eye on weather alerts and trail/road statuses on the NPS page here!
What is the best time of day to elope at Crater Lake?
Early morning and early evening are when you’re going to have the best light at Crater Lake; watching the sun rise and set over the lake is such a magical experience, especially from certain viewpoints along Rim Drive! If you want to avoid crowds as much as possible, I’d say arriving before 9am would be your best best, and you should also keep in mind what time of year you’re eloping. Certain seasons will have much cloudier days than others, and if it’s cloudy out, your views may be blocked at different times of day. As your Crater Lake elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan your timeline + plan what time of day would be best for your ceremony, so don’t worry about making the right decision all on your own!
8 Incredible Places to Elope at Crater Lake
There are truly ENDLESS beautiful spots that I’d recommend visiting in Crater Lake National Park, but unfortunately you probably won’t have time to visit them all—so I’ve done my best to narrow it down to just a few of the most killer overlooks + trails in the park that would be great for an elopement. In general, the historic Rim Drive is packed with breathtaking overlooks and pullouts, so if all else fails, simply drive along that road and you’ll be met with all sorts of stunning viewpoints. In the list below, I’ve included a few of the most popular overlooks along Rim Drive, as well as the top-rated trails in the park.
1. Watchman Peak Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.7 mi
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Trail type: Out & back
Starting at Watchman Overlook, the Watchman Peak Trail is a steep climb but one that is SO worth it for the incredible 360-degree views you get from the summit of the peak. Along with the magnificent views of Crater Lake, you’ll also find an old fire lookout/observation station from the early 1900s!
2. Wizard Island Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.4 mi
Elevation gain: 761 ft
Trail type: Out & back
A really fun way to experience Crater Lake from a different perspective is to take a boat out to Wizard Island itself! You’ll leave from the boat dock on the lakeshore via Cleetwood Cove Trail, and take a shuttle boat over to the island, where you’ll find a ton of cool spots to explore, including the Wizard Island Trail. You’ll be rewarded for your effort on the uphill climb with panoramic views of the lake and, if you time it right, clear blue skies!
3. Discovery Point
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.1 mi
Elevation gain: 301 ft
Trail type: Out & back
Discovery Point is a slightly easier trail, beginning from Rim Village and following along the rim of Crater Lake. You’ll hike to Discovery Point, where you’ll get gorgeous views of the lake—or you can visit during the winter and go on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing adventure, instead.
4. Castle Crest Wildflower Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation gain: 118 ft
Trail type: Loop
Want a bit of a shorter, easier trail to complete on your elopement day? The Castle Crest Wildflower Trail is known for its beautiful green meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and winding stream, all of which make for a really quick and gorgeous adventure (the trail only takes about 30 minutes to finish). Note that the trail can be a little slippery at some points and is pretty narrow, so you’ll want to be mindful of your step!
5. Garfield Peak Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 mi
Elevation gain: 1,076 ft
Trail type: Out & back
Garfield Peak Trail is a fantastic option for couples who want a moderately challenging hike on their elopement day, with just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a steep climb from the parking lot of Crater Lake Lodge. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park, boasting to-die-for views of the vibrant blue lake from the 8,060-foot summit, as well as Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and Mount Mazama.
6. Cleetwood Cove Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.1 mi
Elevation gain: 610 ft
Trail type: Out & back
Cleetwood Cove is the only spot in Crater Lake National Park with lake shore access—so if you want to take a boat tour of the lake or head to Wizard Island, this is where you’ll go! The trail is a steep descent down to the shoreline from Rim Road, and gives you really beautiful views from the base of the lake rather than from high above like many of the other overlooks + trails on this list do.
7. Phantom Ship Overlook
Located along East Rim Drive, Phantom Ship Overlook offers super cool views of the iconic Phantom Ship, which is this jagged little island reminiscent of an old, spooky ship. The rocky spires are over 400,000 years old and have stayed ever since the eruption of Mount Mazama, making them the oldest rocks in the Crater Lake basin! This is a great place to pull off for some portraits as you make your way along Rim Drive, no hike required.
8. Mount Scott Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.3 mi
Elevation gain: 1,272 ft
Trail type: Out & back
Mount Scott Trail offers a unique perspective of Crater Lake from the highest point in the park, reached by a moderately difficult out & back trail with a steep ascent. If you’re up for a climb, this is by far one of the most rewarding hikes in Crater Lake National Park, with expansive views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes!
Legalities of Eloping at Crater Lake
Time for the practical stuff! Here’s how to get your Crater Lake National Park elopement permit, your entrance pass, and your Oregon marriage license so that you can legally get married in the park.
Crater Lake National Park Elopement Permits
In order to get married in Crater Lake National Park, you’ll need to obtain a Special Use Permit through the NPS. This permit costs $50 to apply for, and it’s recommended that you submit your application at least 8 weeks in advance of your desired date—but I’d suggest doing it even earlier, if possible. To apply for your permit, you’ll need to fill out this application, making sure you’ve included your first and second choices for both dates & locations, and send it to the following address along with your $50 non-refundable application fee:
Crater Lake National Park
Attn: Special Park Uses
PO Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604
If your permit request is approved, you’ll be issued a permit and will need to pay a non-refundable $50 administrative fee, as well as any applicable monitoring fees that may be required.
Crater Lake National Park Entrance Fees
Your Special Use Permit does not waive the standard park fees, so you’ll still need to get an entrance pass, which I talked about briefly earlier in this guide!
If you’ll only be visiting Crater Lake National Park this one time, you can opt for the regular private vehicle pass, which ranges from $20-$30 at different times of year. If you’re planning to visit again during the same year, you can save money by getting the annual pass for $55. And if you plan to visit more national parks throughout the year, you can get the America the Beautiful Pass for $80!
Oregon Marriage Laws + Licenses
Finally, you’ll need to get your Oregon marriage license in order to legally tie the knot in Crater Lake National Park. You must be at least 18 years old (or 17 with special consent) to get married in Oregon, and have valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Oregon does have a mandatory waiting period of 3 days, so once you get your license, you’ll need to wait at least 3 days to use it. You’ll need at least two witnesses over the age of 18 present at your ceremony, and your license will be valid for 60 days once it’s issued!
To get your Oregon marriage license, you can visit any County Clerk’s Office in the state and fill out their marriage license application. Fees vary by county, but typically range from $50-$75! Crater Lake is part of Klamath County, which has an online application you can fill out before visiting the Klamath County Clerk’s Office in person, and a $57.75 license fee.
Crater Lake Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Marla, aka your Crater Lake elopement photographer! I adore this incredible national park and would love nothing more than to take you on an unforgettable adventure around the lake, all while celebrating with your partner and taking a huge step in your relationship. If you’re ready to start chatting about your dream elopement at Crater Lake, reach out here and we can get this thing going!
If you loved this elopement guide, I’ve got plenty more PNW elopement resources I think you’ll find useful—take a look at three of my favorites below.
