Looking to get married at this beautiful Portland park? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know on how to get married at Hoyt Arboretum!
Where is Hoyt Arboretum?
Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful forested park located near downtown Portland in Oregon. It includes four outdoor spaces available for weddings such as the Stevens Pavilion Picnic Shelter, the Redwood Deck, Wedding Meadow, and Stone Circle.
How to Get to Hoyt Arboretum
By Car
Parking is available at the visitor center, and additional parking can also be found close to the different tail heads.
Public Transit
Take the MAX light rail blue or red line to the Washington Park MAX station and from there take the elevator to the surface where you can access the tails.
You can also take TriMet Bus Line 63 to Washington Park.
Washington Park Free Shuttle
The Explore Washington Park shuttle runs daily from 10am to 4pm.
Closest Major Airports:
Portland International Airport: approx. 45 mins driving time
Why Should You Elope at Hoyt Arboretum?
If you love the idea of being surrounded by lush forests while still having the excitement of the city at your doorstep then this would be the perfect choice for you!
Even in summer Hoyt Arboretum typically doesn’t get too crowded, though you will likely pass by others on the various trails. There are so many beautiful areas of the park to explore with several locations available to reserve for larger weddings as well as elopements. The Redwood Deck is a very popular choice as there is space for seating and a beautiful view of the trees!
FAQs about Eloping at Hoyt Arboretum
“Are dogs allowed at Hoyt Arboretum?”
Yes, dogs are welcome so long as they remain on leash at all times.
“Is a permit needed for eloping at Hoyt Arboretum?”
A permit is only needed if guests are invited. This includes ceremonies consisting of more than the couple, officiant, and two witnesses.
“Is Hoyt Arboretum ADA accessible?”
Certain areas of the park like the Redwood Deck are not ADA accessible but there is nearby site access via Bray Lane.
Hoyt Arboretum Wedding & Elopement Permits
Wedding Special Use Permit
A permit must be obtained for any legal union ceremony in a public park when guests are invited. This includes ceremonies consisting of more than the couple, officiant, and two witnesses.
To reserve or inquire about a Hoyt Arboretum event space contact the Portland Parks & Recreation Customer Service Center.
Reservations for events open on the first business day of the year, (e.g. Tuesday January 2nd 2024 for 2024 weddings) or you can enter the wedding lottery for the next year in mid-November.
Parking spaces cannot be reserved and are not guaranteed. Guests will still need to pay the parking fee. Parking costs $2/hour or $8/day and is enforced from 9:30am to 8pm daily, including holidays. There is no entry fee to get into the park.
Hoyt Arboretum Entry Fees & Passes
There are no entry fees needed to get into the park itself but you will have to pay for parking.
Best Locations for Your Hoyt Arboretum Elopement
Stevens Pavilion Visitor Center
The Stevens Pavilion Picnic center is a wooden A-frame picnic shelter with views of incredible Douglas-firs. There are 10 permanent picnic tables at the site that cannot be moved. It’s located just across from the visitor center and is ADA accessible.
- Full-day rental fee (8am-9pm) – $595.75
- 100 guest capacity
- ADA accessible
- 110-volt electrical outlets
- Barbecues allowed with permit
- Moving tables within the pavilion is not allowed
- Pet friendly (dogs must remain on leash)
Redwood Deck
Located at the Wildwood trail about ⅓ mile from the visitor center, this iconic deck is located amongst Redwood trees with a sequoia tree protruding from the middle of the deck itself
- Half-day Rental (8am-2pm or 3pm-9pm) – $300.00
- Combined with Wedding Meadow Rental – $485.00
- Capacity for 40 people standing or 25 people seated
- Not ADA accessible
- No electricity, water, or restrooms
- No barbecues permitted
Wedding Meadow
Tucked away in a serene, grassy clearing embraced by towering evergreens and delicate white blossoms of snowberry and ocean spray, the Wedding Meadow feels like a hidden oasis just outside the city—a dreamy, intimate retreat for your special day.
Nestled at the meeting point of the Spruce and Fir Trails, about a quarter-mile from the Visitor Center, this enchanting space offers a secluded, nature-filled setting. While the Wedding Meadow isn’t ADA accessible, nearby access is available via Bray Lane. For those looking to expand their celebration, it can also be rented alongside the Redwood Deck. Please note—there’s no electricity, water, or restrooms on-site, but facilities are available at the Visitor Center.
- Half-day (8am-2pm or 3pm-9pm) – $285.00
- Combined with Redwood Deck Rental – $485.00
- 100 person capacity
- Not ADA accessible
- No electricity, water, restrooms
- No barbecues permitted
Stone Circle
You’ll find the Stone Circle along the paved Bristlecone Pine Trail. This spot is a hidden gem within Hoyt Arboretum, offering an intimate, forested setting beneath a canopy of towering conifers. Surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum’s global tree collection, this spot is perfect for couples who dream of a deep-woods feel while still enjoying the accessibility of a city park.
The Stone Circle is available for reservation in two-hour time blocks, ideal for simple, heartfelt ceremonies immersed in nature.
Parking is limited, including ADA-accessible spots, at the Bristlecone Pine Trailhead parking lot on SW Fischer Lane—about a ¼-mile paved walk from the site. Most guests should plan to park at the Visitor Center on Fairview Blvd, just under ½-mile from the Stone Circle.
- Two-Hour Block (10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm) – $204.00
- Capacity for 40 people, 6 chairs
- Accessible via a paved walking trail
- No electricity, water, or restrooms
- No barbecues permitted
View all event rental regulations for getting married at Hoyt Arboretum here
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at Hoyt Arboretum
Weather
For an elopement at Hoyt Arboretum, the best time of year weather-wise is late spring through early fall, specifically from June to September. During these months, Portland enjoys its driest and sunniest weather, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s—perfect for an intimate outdoor ceremony surrounded by the lush greenery of the arboretum.
June offers that fresh, vibrant greenery of late spring, while July and August bring long, warm days with golden evening light. September is also a gorgeous option, with slightly cooler temperatures and the first hints of autumn color creeping into the foliage. While Portland is known for its rainy season, this window provides the most reliable dry conditions, ensuring a stress-free and dreamy elopement experience.
Crowds
While Hoyt Arboretum definitely does see more people during the warm summer months, the extensive trails are able to disperse crowds so it still feels peaceful and not overcrowded. However parking definitely does fill up so you’ll want to arrive early and warn guests so that they know to allow for plenty of time to find parking.
Where to Stay Near Hoyt Arboretum
Airbnbs
- Castle Estate in SW Portland “Beautiful castle like home with lots of character. Spend your vacation surrounded by the hills of Southwest Portland minutes away from Downtown Portland.”
- Exquisite historic suite uptown “Located within walking distance to downtown Portland, NW 23rd and the Pearl district, this romantic private suite is appointed with all of the little luxuries found in a fine hotel.”
VRBOs
- Midcentury modern home “A modern design oasis nestled between forests of bamboo and pine yet steps to restaurant row on both Williams and Mississippi
- Quaint Private Cottage Apartment “This quaint 1 bedroom furnished apt. is located downstairs in our historic brick English tudor home. You have a separate key, private entrance, and courtyard.”
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel “Our hotel is in the heart of Portland, within four blocks of the Oregon Convention Center and the Moda Center.”
- The Duniway Portland “This boutique hotel is less than a block from entertainment and shopping, including the Portland Art Museum, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.”
- McMenamins Crystal Hotel “The Crystal Hotel, a 1911 flatiron, has 51 guestrooms, each with décor inspired by a song or performance from the neighboring Crystal Ballroom’s glorious past. Find respite in the midst of bustling downtown in the subterranean saltwater soaking pool.”
- Kimpton River Place Hotel “Nestled just south of downtown Portland on a pedestrian river walk, guests find a luxurious retreat that offers access to both an invigorating urban buzz and an enchanting natural landscape.”
Hoyt Arboretum Wedding Photographer
I absolutely love visiting Hoyt Arboretum and have shot a number of engagement sessions and elopements at this beautiful park and would love to help you plan your dream wedding day here!
I love to capture candid, emotional moments, but I also help give action based prompts in my posing to make you feel comfortable and looking as natural as possible in front of the camera! If this sounds like the perfect photographer for you then I would love to chat.
Fill out my booking form here to schedule a call and view my full pricing guide.
For more intimate weddings and elopement inspiration check out my blog
Hoyt Arboretum Wedding Photography Packages
The All Day Wedding Experience
- 8 hours of coverage at $4,600
- 400+ digital images
- Complimentary engagement session
- Online gallery with printing rights
This package is recommended if you are looking to have all day coverage, starting with the getting ready photos and first look, to key ceremony moments, and finally finishing the day with photos of the reception; featuring all your guests dancing the night away!
The Goldilocks Package
- 6 hours of coverage at $3,450
- 250+ digital images
- Complimentary engagement session
- Online gallery with printing rights
This package is juust right for couples that don’t need all 8 hours but still want a good in between amount of coverage at 6 hours. Included is planning for help with timeline along with a complimentary engagement session.
Small Wedding Experience
- 5 hours of coverage at $2,875
- 200+ digital images
- Online gallery with printing rights
For the couple that wants to have an intimate ceremony and only needs a few hours of the day captured for key moments like ceremony and family photos.
Hoyt Arboretum Wedding Vendors
Wedding Planners
Cake Designers
Florists
Hair & Makeup
More Oregon Wedding Inspiration
Witchy October Elopement at Hoyt Arboretum Redwood Deck
