Intimate Hoyt Arboretum Wedding

This intimate Hoyt Arboretum wedding kicked off in the late morning, right as the light started to settle into the trees. It was that sweet spot where the forest feels bright but calm. Y + C invited a small group of their closest family, many of whom traveled up from Southern California to be part of their PNW ceremony. The intentional guest list kept things relaxed and personal.

The Redwood Deck was the perfect ceremony location for exactly that reason. Surrounded by tall trees and tucked away from busy paths, it offered privacy without feeling isolated. It’s simple, peaceful, and doesn’t need much to make it feel special, which is honestly the best kind of venue.

Because the gathering was small, guests weren’t just watching from the sidelines. They were fully present in the moment, seated close and comfortable. That’s something Hoyt Arboretum does really well: it supports ceremonies without making couples jump through hoops to get there.

Why Hoyt Arboretum Is a Solid Choice for an Intimate Wedding or Elopement

If you love the idea of getting married in nature but don’t want to wing it fully, Hoyt Arboretum is kind of the best of both worlds. You get a forest setting that feels wild and peaceful, and a venue that’s organized, permitted, and often used to host weddings.

One of the biggest perks of a Hoyt Arboretum wedding is flexibility. The arboretum offers four different ceremony spaces, which means you can choose what actually fits your guest count and vibe instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all option. Rental pricing ranges from $225 to $655, depending on the location you choose, making it a surprisingly accessible option for couples keeping things smaller and more intentional.

Y + C chose the Redwood Deck, which is one of my personal favorites. It’s available for $330 for a half-day rental, with two time slots to choose from: 8 am–2 pm or 3 pm–9 pm. The space can accommodate up to 40 guests standing or 25 seated, which makes it ideal for intimate ceremonies without feeling cramped. There is also an application fee, and this is where planning really pays off. The fee is lowest if you apply at least 45 days in advance, so if Hoyt Arboretum is on your radar, don’t wait until the last minute. This venue rewards early decision-makers.

If you’re looking for exact logistics, rules, and current pricing, Hoyt has everything clearly laid out on their site, including how to rent the Redwood Deck. I’ll also be linking their full wedding brochure, which breaks things down even further and is genuinely helpful.

A Quiet Send-Off & Hiking Portraits Through the Arboretum

After the ceremony wrapped up, Y + C took some time for themselves. Once the family headed out, we parted ways and eased into hiking through the arboretum. This is where a Hoyt Arboretum wedding really shines. You don’t have to get in a car or bounce between locations to get variety. Within a short walk, you’re surrounded by different trails, textures, and light that all feel cohesive but never repetitive.

Hiking portraits also give couples a chance to decompress after the ceremony. The nerves are gone, and the hard part is done. Ending the day this way felt intentional and unrushed, which honestly matched the tone of the entire wedding. Intimate weddings don’t need more layers to be impactful. Sometimes, less really is the better option.

Straight From Them

“Mattie absolutely did her thing!!! She took the most stunning out-of-this-world pictures! She was so patient and understanding with us.”

Washington Elopement Photographer | Before Our Eyes Photography

Hey friends—I’m Mattie. Portland-based, forest-loving, and always down for a slower, more intentional approach to weddings and elopements. I believe your day should feel good while it’s happening, not just look good in photos afterward.

I’m here for candid moments, thoughtful planning, and spaces that let you breathe. Whether that means a redwood deck ceremony, a trail wander, or a full-on mountain adventure, my goal is always the same: tell your story honestly and make it feel like you.

If you’re dreaming about your own Hoyt Arboretum elopement or an intimate PNW celebration, I’d love to help you plan it. Click here to connect. And while you’re here, go check out these fall mountain engagement photos at Mt. Rainier!