Ultimate Packing List for Oregon Weddings: Essentials for Every Wild, Wonderful Venue
Planning a wedding (or attending one) in Oregon… here’s the ultimate packing list for Oregon Weddings. Welcome to the land of waterfalls, volcanoes, forests, vineyards, beaches… and wildly unpredictable weather. As a longtime wedding photographer who’s worked at venues from the Columbia River Gorge to the Oregon Coast, I’ve seen it all: sideways rain, surprise heat waves, muddy trails, damp dresses, forgotten socks, and even a runaway veil at Cannon Beach.

That’s why I created this guide: a practical, PNW-specific packing list to help couples, guests, and wedding party members prepare for real-life Oregon wedding conditions. From misty forest elopements to windy coastal ceremonies, this isn’t your average Pinterest-perfect list… it’s the stuff people actually wish they had packed (and the things I’ve watched get frantically borrowed at the last minute).

Whether you’re the couple tying the knot, a bridesmaid wrangling toddlers, or a guest trying to look fabulous while standing in wet grass, this ultimate packing list for Oregon weddings is for you. Scroll through by category, click on the links to shop my favorites, and feel smugly prepared while everyone else is scrambling.
(yes, I may earn a tiny commission… it helps support my decaf coffee habit).

If you’re shopping local, I always love picking up wedding weekend supplies from small Oregon businesses, but if you’re in a pinch, for Amazon convenience, the below are all linked to my go-tos…

Because we all know Oregon can’t commit to a weather vibe…

Pro-Tip! – I always tell my couples to pack a couple of clear wedding umbrellas on their wedding day, just in case! These cute ones from Amazon are my go to. They come in packs of 8, so your wedding party can be covered as well!

See these umbrellas used in this super rainy Oregon Coast wedding
2. Waterproof Picnic Blanket
An extra-large waterproof blanket is always great to have on hand for sitting on damp grass or having a dry place to set down items during portraits.

3. Compact Rain Ponchos

A few ponchos are always good to have on hand for flash showers. They’re extra handy for guests who forgot their umbrellas or vendors helping you set up outdoors during some drizzle.
4. Anti-Frizz Hair Spray
This R+Co Centerpiece all-in-one elixir spray works wonders for taming frizz on damp and drizzly days. It gives some shine and also smells amazing!

5. Waterproof Shoe Spray

If you’re concerned about your shoes getting water spots or stains, you might want to be prepare them with some waterproof shoe spray.
6. Touchscreen-friendly Gloves
To keep your hands warm for fall or winter weddings, these touchscreen-friendly gloves are super cute.

7. Hair Spray

We all know wind is just as likely to creep up out of no where as quickly as rain is. Make sure you have some hair spray on hand just in case. I love this Outer Space Flexible Hair Spray by R+Co. I’m a big fan of this company and all their hair products!
For forests, waterfalls, vineyards, and everything in between…
1. Bug Repellent Wipes or Bracelets
For you and all your guests, these bug repllent bracelets are extra handy.

2. Portable pop-up changing tent

Some rustic locations might not have a changing space or getting ready area. This lightweight pop-up tent is a handy choice and also helpful for changing outfits during your engagement session.
3. Hiking Poles
Don’t forget your hiking poles if you’ll be hiking in to your wedding location or up a mountain for your engagement photos. I have a set of these and they’ve summitted Mt Saint Helens and adventured with me on several backpacking trips.

4. Microfiber Towel

I love the vibrant colors these microfiber towels come in. They are perfect and lightweight to have on hand in lots of different situations.
5. Insulated Water Bottle
As someone who loves anything with fun colors, and anything I can cover with stickers, I just love these Owala insulated water bottles. It’s also helpful that they have a carry loop so you can attach it to anything else you’re carrying.

6. Sun Hat

Obviously, if you’re a guest at a wedding, you may need a sun hat for those warm summer ceremonies and cocktail hours, especially if the venue is a very open location like a golf course or beach.
7. Headlamp or Mini Flashlight
You never know when you might need a headlamp, and they can be especially handy when you’re packing up at outdoor venues after dark, or for trekking back to the parking area.

8. Collapsible Cooler for Snacks or Bevies

A collapsible cooler can save space when not in use, but become very useful for snacks, drinks during all-day wedding adventures, or for packing up some leftovers at the end of the night.
Because Oregon wine country weddings are dreamy and dusty.
1. Elegant Heel Protectors
Don’t let your heels get caught sinking into grassy lawns. These heel caps are perfect for walking around those vineyards!

2. Wine Glass Charms

Even if you’re not having your wedding at a vineyard, if you anticipate everyone will be drinking wine, these wine glass tags are perfect to help guests keep track of their glass.
3. Portable Fan
For those ceremonies in the middle of the day, directly in the sunshine… a little relief with a cool portable fan!

4. Dryer Sheets

Not only are dryer sheets great for static cling, believe it or not, they are great at repelling bees. The last time I was at an organic vineyard, there were bees everywhere, and this was the only thing that helped keep them away!

5. Corkscrew Multi-Tool
We’ve all been there. In a location away from home, armed with a yummy bottle of wine… and no way to open it. Don’t forget to pack your wine opener just in case!

6. Compact Parasols for Guests

I’ve been to more weddings than I can count where the guests are staring into the sun during the ceremony. It usually means better lighting for me, but I always feel bad for all the squinting, sweaty guests, and it’s hard to get nice photos of them when they all have their programs over their eyes. If you know your ceremony has no shade, offer your guests some of these adorable paper parasols.
7. Whitening Wipes
If you have wine for your guests to drink at your wedding, don’t be sad when everyone’s teeth look red in all the wedding photos lol! Having some of these teeth whitening wipes on hand for your guests is the best idea I can think of!

Hello salty air, strong wind, and gorgeous gray-blue skies.
1. Wind-resistant veil weights or clips

Your hair may be flying away, but your veil will stay in place with these wind-resistant veil weights. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love a good veil blowing in the wind photo, but sometimes you want assurance that it won’t fly away at the wrong moment!

2. Sand-friendly ceremony shoes
Best time to wear a sparkly pair of jelly shoes? On the beach, duh! I love this pair of jellies, they are cute and comfy!

3. Beach Blankets

Extra large, waterproof, and with a carrying strap, this is such a great beach blanket.
4. Windproof Lighter
For lighting the unity candle in a breeze, don’t forget to pack a windproof lighter.

5. Fleece-lined leggings for under dresses

If you’ve ever been to the Oregon Coast, you know it can go from hot to freezing in no time, especially after the sun goes down. Love these high waisted fleece lined leggings for wearing under my wedding attire all day, or for slipping on once the sun goes down.
6. Lightweight windbreaker
Even if it’s hot out, you may find you need a windbreaker to keep from getting chapped and sand whipped skin. This one folds up into itself, has a nice sillhouette, and comes in lots of colors.

7. Mini first aid kit

You never know when you might need a few bandaids, especially at the beach with shells and barnacles, and who knows what hiding in the sand. These mini first aid kits are right up my alley with too many adorable patterns that it’s impossible to choose just one.
8. Motion Sickness Band or Patches
If you’re getting married on a boat, or doing any activities that might induce motion sickness or nausea, you should definitely have some motion sickness patches on hand for you and your guests.

For high elevation spots like Timberline Lodge, Silcox Hut, and Lost Lake…
1. Travel-size SPF
I’m a big fan of the Supergoop! products, and this SPF 40 tinted sunscreen is perfect for keeping in your purse on a sunny day at a wedding.

2. Lip balm with SPF

Another great Supergoop! product, this SPF 30 lip balm with acai. Goes on like a clear gloss so it’s perfect over lipstick.
3. Hiking boots or stylish trail shoes
If you’re the bride, your dress is likely going to cover your shoes anyway, so you may as well be comfortable if your day is going to involve any kind of hiking or walking. These Keen trail shoes are adorable and so comfy.

4. Extra socks

My absolute favorite sock. I have at least 3 of each of these DarnTough Gatewood Boot Full Cushion Sock in every color and these are pretty much the only socks I ever wear, especially if it’s a chilly day. These are so warm and soft and feel like a hug on my foot. Plus there’s a lifetime guarantee.
7. Hand and toe warmers
Everyone knows about HotHands, which are great for toes, but these rechargeable handwarmers are where it’s at!

8. Light backpack for portrait treks

Again with all the fun colors! This light backpack is great for throwing in some quick necessities if we’re hiking to any portrait locations.
9. Thermos for hot drinks
Hand warmers are great, but having a warm drink at the ready does wonders for the soul. I’ll always be a fan of the Stanley thermoses and their ruggedness and built-in cups.

10. Blanket scarf for cozy vibes and photo prop

You can never go wrong with bringing along a cozy and vibrant scarf or blanket to add a pop of color and give some cozy and romantic vibes to your portraits.

11. Beach Umbrella
If you have any daytime beach activities during the wedding celebration, or want a super cute prop for some of your portraits, this pagoda popup umbrella is the answer!

Even in July, Oregon might surprise you…
1. Cute white guest umbrellas
Another great umbrella option… white umbrellas for all your guests to use in emergencies. It wouldn’t be the ultimate packing list for Oregon weddings without several types of umbrellas on this list. Oh wait, Oregonians don’t use umbrellas…

2. Waterproof mascara

If you’ve hired a professional makeup artist, no doubt they’ll use waterproof mascara, but if you’re going the DIY route, don’t forget to protect against tears and downpours!
3. Setting Spray
Again, if you’ve hired a pro, you’ll be set. Pun intended. But if not, this hydrating setting spray by Tarte is my favorite for keeping makeup in place and lasting throughout the day.

4. Packable rain poncho

Disposable rain ponchos are great to buy in bulk for any guests in a pinch, but if you need something a little more substantial for yourself, consider a lightweight rain poncho. I really like this one with the extra wide neck and oversized hood (easier to throw on over an updo)!
5. Waterproof footwear
Are your shoes just a little too nice to wear in wet grass after a rainstorm? May be a good idea to have a pair of wedding rain boots on hand just in case the rain passes just in time for the ceremony to still be outside.

6. Quick-dry microfiber towel

Another fun towel option to have on hand just in case! Even if it doesn’t rain, it seems we’re always looking for towels last minute on the wedding day to dry off the bouquets!
For high desert heat and dramatic landscapes… the ultimate packing list for Oregon weddings continues…
1. Mineral sunscreen
I’m a big fan of the Supergoop! products, and this SPF Mineral Stick is in my purse year-round. It’s great for quick touchups to shoulders and face, and you can even use it on your lips.

2. Cooling Towels

Worried about sweaty faces in your wedding party or family portraits? These cooling towels will help keep everyone cool between shots!
3. Hat clips
You may not want to carry that sunhat around with you all day. A hat clip can keep it attached to your bag until you need it again.

4. Dry Shampoo

This Dry Texturizing Spray by Oribe is hands down a miracle worker for anyone with fine hair like mine! It definitely adds texture and volume but it also works amazingly as a dry shampoo. I never leave for a weekend camping trip without spraying this in my hair before I leave. Usually it takes one night for my hair to get oily, but with this spray my hair doesn’t get oily for days.
5. Electrolyte powders
Planning to be in the heat all day? Planning to be drinking all night? Get ahead of the dehydration and hangovers with some sugar-free Liquid IV.

6. Bug bite relief stick

Some areas of Oregon you won’t see a single bug for days, and other areas are overpopulated by mosquitoes. If you’ll be in the latter, you might want to pack some insect bite relief.
7. Aloe gel packets
If it’s likely that you or your guests will be sunburned during your wedding celebrations, consider having some aloe packs on hand for everyone.

Yes, I’ve seen couples hike, canoe, and even rappel in their wedding attire…
1. Dry bags for clothing or electronics
I’ve had many couples who told me about their river floating plans during their weekend celebration with friends and family. A drybag is a must for a riverfloat, and these are great because you can clip them to your raft (assuming your raft has something to clip to!).

2. Water shoes

Aside from a drybag, watershoes are also a must… at least for me! I typically prefer a water-sock type of pull on shoe, and these are great because they have a thicker sole, making it more comfortable to walk over river rocks.
3. Waterproof phone case
While a drybag is great for keeping your keys, wallet, and a change of clothes safe, you’ll probably want to keep your phone out to take photos. These phone cases are perfect for that. You can keep them around your wrist and can even take photos while they are in the bag, although it can be tricky with wet hands. I usually pop mine out during calm waters for a few quick photos and then close it back up.

4. Extra bobby pins and hair ties

These could be put into any and all categories, but extra bobby pins are always a must if you’re planning for updos.
6. Backpack-style cooler for celebratory bubbly
This one is self explanatory. You always need a celebratory bubbly on hand! This backpack cooler has room for the cups as well!

I hope you’ve found these suggestions helpful! If there’s anything important that I’ve left off the ultimate packing list for Oregon weddings, please drop a comment below!!
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Crystal Genes is a fun and colorful wedding and elopement photographer based in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in vibrant and natural photography for happy people in love. Always available for travel. LGBTQ+ friendly. Love is Love - Inclusive to all. Est. 2005 | ©2021
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