Silver Falls State Park Elopement and Micro Wedding Guide
33 mins from Salem
1 hr from Portland
1 hr 20 mins from Eugene
2 hours from the coast.
Family Friendly and Accessible Waterfalls
Upper North Falls
Upper North Falls is the best family friendly elopement location in Silver Falls State Park and by far the waterfall I choose the most when planning elopements and micro weddings at Silver Falls is Upper North Falls.
The waterfall is easy to get to at just a short 0.3 mile walking distance. The trail ends directly in front of the waterfall, which means that couples have a beautiful waterfall backdrop for their vow ceremony.
Upper North Falls’ easy accessibility means you’re not likely to have it completely to yourself, and planning events on a weekday vs a weekend is recommended. This trail is also gog friendly!
Winter Falls
Winter Falls is so named because it’s often dried up in the summer. Therefore, this one is ideal for winter, spring, and early summer days. Although this waterfall is located along the longer, Trail of Ten Falls hike, it has it’s own trailhead and is only a short 0.2 mile walk directly to the fall. Winter Falls is TALL, so be prepared to be looking up a lot!
South Falls
South Falls is the tallest in the park, at a staggering 177 ft. During most months you can access the waterfall from the base, which means you can get epic photos right in front of this waterfall.
The South Falls Day Use Area nearby is the perfect place for an outdoor wedding reception. The Day Use area has lawns, picnic shelters, tables, a playground for kiddos, and an off-leash area for dogs. You can even swim in Silver Creek on hot summer days. Everything is all within a short walk to South Falls.
ADA Accessible Trails
The trail to South Falls is wheelchair friendly and entirely paved. However, the trail isn’t entirely level so non motorized wheelchair uses may need additional support. I recommended calling the park (503-873-8681) for additional accessibility guidance and current conditions. The trail is a loop less than 1 mile long.
Dog Friendly Trails in Silver Falls State Park
Dogs aren’t allowed on the Canyon Trail, where most of the waterfalls are, or on the connecting trails: Winter Trail, Twin Falls, and Maple Ridge Trail. However, dogs are allowed on the Rim trail, which is an awesome choice for stunning forest views. Dogs are also allowed at Upper North Falls.
Places to Stay & Small Venues
Smith Creek Village
Formerly Silver Falls Lodge, Smith Creek Village is a collective of properties ranging from large celebration halls and outdoor event spaces, to intimate glamping cabins. There’s an on site coffeehouse and grill which means you never have to leave your wooded paradise. Bike rentals are available to lodge and cabin guests.
Cabins & Lodges
Smith Creek village offers “tiny cabins,” medium size cabins, and family lodges, so you can take your pick on the best fit for your event size.
The “tiny cabins” were given a sophisticated makeover in 2022 and are so stylish for a cozy wedding in the woods.
Unlike the cabins in the state park campground, the Smith Creek Village cabins are fully serviced with amenities, linens and an in room toilet.
Alder Family Lodge, Blueberry Family Lodge, Dogwood Family Lodge and Cedar Family Lodges can each host up to 12 per cabin. There are 6 pet friendly options, including one family lodge, so you can bring along the pup!
Davidson Ranch
For larger weddings, look no further than Davidson Ranch. Located in a remote section of the park, this event space can host up to 100 guests during the day, and sleep up to 75 at night (indoors and outdoors! Some guests may pitch a tent on the mowed grass around the ranch). The aesthetic is rustic but elegant, with a cozy brick fireplace heating the main space and creating a unique focal point for your decor. Huge high windows and large sliding barn doors combine with the dark wood of the barn interior to produce the moody drama every wedding photographer lives for!
Silver Falls Campground
The state park hosts a traditional campground, with 48 electric sites with water, 43 sesonal tent sites (May-Oct), and 14 rustic cabins that are open year round (7 of which are pet friendly).
Additional Silverton Area Stays and Wedding Venues
Adventures & Activities
How cool would it be to get married IN a tree?! Gear up and climb 300 foot trees for a guided experience like no other. Truly a one of a kind way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. They even offer a sunset climb!
Although a little bit farther from the park than our other adventures, hot air balloon rides are a sure way to cement your adventurous elopement. Vista Balloons launches sunrise flights from Newberg, about 45 mins from the park.
Checkout more Silver Falls Elopement Inspiration from Jessica and Gary’s Elopement. Photographed by Wild Earth Weddings for SimplyEloped.
One Response