Okay, I have to say it: Oregon Coast elopements may be my favorite thing ever. There is something so incredibly cool about being on the edge of a continent, next to the waves, promising forever with your best friend. Plus, Oregon has so many beautiful locations to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Looking for guidance on planning your Oregon Coast elopement? This Oregon Coast elopement guide is chalked full of all the info you will need!
Best Time of Year to Elope on the Oregon Coast
While the Oregon coast weather can lean towards colder temps, the fluctuations are usually pretty mild, so you can elope really any time of the year along the coast! I always tell my couples, especially if they are coming from out of town, that it’s called the Oregon COAST—not the Oregon BEACH—for good reason!
Winter (December to March)
Honestly, it’s one of my favorite times to go to the coast. The crowds have disappeared, and it’s a calmer and quieter vibe. You’ll most likely have the beach to yourself (or significantly less people!) and the weather will probably be cool but not frigid. Fun fact, the coast can actually feel warmer in the winter months than in the summer months due to the “maritime influence” since the Pacific ocean has retained its heat from the warmer months. You’ll most likely experience a cozy cloud coverage, possibly some mist/light rain, and may even have a gorgeous peach or pink sunset. That being said, it is still winter, so you always have to prepare for those crazy stormy days! Sunset times range from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Spring (March to early June)
Spring is another great time to have an elopement on the Oregon coast. The sun is starting to show a little more and the towns are coming out of winter hibernation. The crowds are still minimal, so this is a great time to take advantage of warmer weather and less crowds. Sunset times range from 7:45pm to 9:00 pm.
Summer (late June to September)
Summer is the height of tourism on the Oregon coast, and for good reason. It’s sunny and warm, the days are longer, and everything is open. Think breweries, campfires, and sunshine. That being said, there are a lot of days along the coast in the summer that can actually have a lot of cloud coverage. Another interesting weather fact: When the cool coastal air meets the warmer air inland along the coast, a low bank of fog can appear. I can’t count how many times I have been driving to the coast and it’s blue sky right up to the coastline, then it’s covered in fog. That’s not every day and it’s certainly not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind about the weather! Sunset times are around 9:00 pm.
Fall (October to November)
Our shortest season of the year, but one of the prettiest! In some parts of the Oregon coast you can definitely experience the beautiful fall colors, so that is always a plus when eloping on the Oregon coast in the fall. The summer crowds have gone, which means significantly less people, but a lot of businesses are still open for their regular hours. In terms of weather, this can also be a great time to take advantage of still warmer weather but less crowds. Plus, with it cooling off slightly, the chance of that low fog bank has dropped, so you’ll most likely have either partly cloudy or clearer but colder weather for your elopement! The fall colors with the mist and clouds can make such a beautiful backdrop for your coast elopement. Sunset times are around 5:00pm to 6:30 pm.
Choosing an Elopement Location
Oh man, this is so hard because there are so many great locations to choose from! What’s really cool about eloping on the Oregon Coast is a lot of these locations offer multiple different backdrops. Want forest and coast? We can do that. Want a waterfall and the ocean waves? Yup. Want to hike into the clouds and see the sunset from the beach? Totally. Another thing to think about is the coastal town itself, as there are a variety of sizes (i.e. variety of available amenities like lodging/restaurants/etc!) to factor in when choosing your elopement location. For example, Cannon Beach is a very popping town compared to the quiet town of Florence. I’ll give a few location examples here, but I have so many more up my sleeve when we start planning your gorgeous Oregon Coast elopement!
Hobbit Beach (Florence, Oregon)
This place has to be one of my favorite spots to elope on the Oregon Coast. A short one-mile hike through a coastal forest takes you to a beautiful little beach. There is a stunning point that creates an intense backdrop for your elopement! There is also a beautiful orange cliffside to explore as well. From forest to coast to mountains, this place has it all. The parking lot for this place can fill up quickly, so I suggest carpooling if you are bringing guests and eloping on a weekday vs a weekend.
Want to see an elopement at this location? Click here!
Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City, Oregon)
If you are looking for orange coastal cliffs in the backdrop of your elopement, this is the place for you! While the area at the top of the cape has been fenced off as a danger zone, you can still wander around the base of the area and get gorgeous photos. This place is a popular spot for surfers, so the beach can fill up fast. Plus, Pelican Brewery is right at the entrance, so you can enjoy a yummy beer after you say “I do!”
Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach, Oregon)
Another iconic spot for an Oregon Coast elopement is with Haystack Rock in the background. This spot is very well-known so it can be filled with people (don’t worry, I always edit out the people in the background!) but going in the off-months and on a weekday is your best bet at having some privacy during your elopement. Or, a sunset elopement can always ensure a quieter space for your ceremony! This beach is easy to access (you may just have to pay for a parking spot, depending on where you park) and can be accessed year-round.
Ecola State Park/Indian Beach (Cannon Beach, Oregon)
A quieter side of Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park. This beautiful, pine and fern covered area gives off Twilight vibes for sure (hint-hint, this is where they filmed a lot of the coastal and forest scenes!). Ecola State Park has a beautiful overlook, but does have a fence around the overlook (I can edit it out, easy!). That being said, this is a great place to park (there is a $5 day pass) and explore the forest.
Indian Beach is by far a favorite place to elope on the Oregon Coast. The drive itself from Ecola State Park (a short 1.5 miles) takes you through some of the prettiest coastal forest I have ever seen. Then a quick walk down to the beach gives you a beautiful little stretch of beach with a pine-covered point and some gorgeous rock formations. It’s a sweet little cove.
Hug Point State Park (Cannon Beach, Oregon)
This is where you can get a waterfall and the Oregon coast (and even some forest!) all in one. This location does have to be timed correctly in order to see the waterfall, as you have to go at low tide and going in the rainier months (think November through February) for peak flow. Timing for low tide is non-negotiable, as you have to walk around a point to access the cove with the waterfall. Even if the waterfall isn’t flowing, this area is drop-dead gorgeous! There are caves to explore and beautiful cliffsides. The parking lot is on the smaller side to be sure to plan a weekday/off-season elopement.
Secret Beach/Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (Brookings, Oregon)
Another stunning location that has become popular for Oregon Coast elopements. This area is packed full with beautiful rock formations and cliffsides that will take your breath away. My favorite is Secret Beach. A quick walk from the parking lot (and a little scramble down a rock face) takes you to a little cove. The best part, though, is taking in the views from the top of the beach area. Sunrise, sunset, and even blue hour with the stars and some lanterns, is sure to create a beautiful backdrop for your elopement. This area is also close to the Redwoods in Northern California, so it’s a great place to use as a hub for getting some coastal photos and getting some photos in the infamous redwoods! Jedidiah State Park is about a 30-minute drive from Brookings.
Oregon Coast Elopement Attire & Decor
One of the fun parts about planning your Oregon Coast elopement is choosing your outfits and decor! A few things to keep in mind when starting to hunt down the perfect attire:
- Compliment the natural colors around you: The Oregon Coast has a warm neutral palette, so finding colors that will compliment your surroundings will make for great photos. Stick to creme, white, black for some pop, navy, olive green, or even a terracotta or brown.
- If you decide to wear a dress, I always say flowy/tulle dresses look great against the ocean and you can play with a flowy dress! Trains are also fun to have but keep in mind on how long it is if you plan on walking around a lot or hiking.
- Shoes count! Even if you decide to go barefoot, having a pair of cute sandals is a good option. Another accessory you can bring is a jacket that you can have customized with the words, “Bride,” “Just Married,” “Mr. or Mrs.” or anything else that speaks to your heart.
Here are a few ideas for decorations and accessories to bring with you on your elopement day:
- Ring box
- Quality-made vow books
- Ribbons for your bouquet if your florist didn’t provide any or you have certain ribbon in mind
- Cake topper if you decide to have a cake
- Cute cups if you’d like to do a champagne pop or a toast
- Sparklers
- A cute blanket
Marriage License and Permits For Your Oregon Coast Elopement
Most locations along the coast don’t require permits to elope, especially if you have less than 20 people and you don’t plan on setting up tables or large arches. You will need a marriage license if you would like to sign your papers the day of your ceremony, along with two witnesses and an ordained officiant!
To obtain a marriage license in Oregon:
- Complete a marriage license application online
- Visit your county’s marriage license office at least 3 days before your ceremony date, as Oregon does have a 3-day waiting period! Both parties must be present to review and sign.
- Pay for your marriage license (ranges from county to county but average is $60)
- Licenses are valid 3 days after you apply and up to 60 days after. Have your officiant (or you!) return the signed license after your elopement.
Unique Activities To Do During Your Elopement
Doing something unique or meaningful to you as a couple on your elopement day can be such a fun addition to your ceremony. Maybe you had a first date at a brewery, so having a pint at a local coastal brewery could be a fun option. Here are a list of ideas that you could incorporate on your day:
Coastal kayaking: up for an adventure? Take an ocean kayak tour to explore coves and sea life!
Have a campfire and s’mores: Spend the evening curled up under a warm blanket, listening to the waves, and staying warm by a fire. Plus, s’mores always taste better after an elopement!
Zip-line/Aerial Park: There are a few spots along the coast that offer zip-lines and/or ropes courses in the treetops! Salishan Coastal Lodge is a great place that offers this within steps of their lodge.
Blow your own glass in Lincoln City: Lincoln City is known for its glass-blowing art, so why not try your hand at it and make something you can take home.
Hike one of the many trails: There are so many hikes along the Oregon Coast that make for great photo backdrops! Some notable ones are God’s Thumb/Grassy Knoll, Clatsop Loop, and Hobbit Beach. Some nearby trails that offer a waterfall and forest scene (but are still near the ocean) are Kentucky Falls, Sweet Creek Falls, and Drift Creek Falls.
Whale Watch: Take a charter boat out on a guided whale watching experience to see humpbacks or grey whales!
Visit the Aquarium: Newport has an amazing aquarium and is always a fun experience to add to your elopement.
Stargaze under lantern light: One of my favorite things to do with couples is end their elopement at blue hour. The stars come out and all you can hear is the ocean. It’s a great photo opportunity and a beautiful memory. This is also a great time to have a first dance!
AirBnbs/Places to Stay for Your Elopement
Since there are so many places to stay along the Oregon coast for your elopement, I’ll keep this section brief. A few tips when selecting a place to stay for your Oregon Coast elopement:
- Make sure the place is large enough for you and your vendors/guests. The last thing anyone wants is people climbing over each other and feeling cramped!
- Lighting is your best friend and most important factor. As an elopement photographer, the thing we crave most is good lighting. And not just any light, but natural light. Look for large windows, airy spaces, and minimal decor/distractions. But don’t stress too hard about the decor, I am a pro at staging areas and working the angles to make any spot look great!
- Extra amenities: Want to hot tub after your elopement, or jump in the sauna? Finding a resort or AirBnb that offers something relaxing is a nice way to splurge on your elopement and find a moment to relax with your love.
While hotels can be a great place to stay for your Oregon Coast elopement, AirBnbs usually offer more and photograph better than small hotel rooms. A few examples of great spots are listed below:
Panoramic Guesthouse in Brookings, Oregon
Our Plaace, House in Neskowin, Oregon
The Stormwatcher, Home in Tillamook, Oregon
Oregon Coast Elopement Tips
A few things to think about when we begin planning your epic Oregon Coast elopement that I feel like every couple should know beforehand! These tips come from a local Oregon-grown photographer who has been photographing elopements on the Oregon Coast for about ten years now (aka me!)
- Prepare for the weather: Even if it says it’s going to be sunny, the wind can pick up, the clouds can move in, and when the sun goes down it does get chilly. Always bring a warmer layer and even a rain jacket or umbrella juuuust in case.
- Transportation: Some parking lots are small and fill up quickly. If you’re eloping in the quieter months (fall, winter, early spring) weekday parking shouldn’t be a problem, but carpooling is always a good option! Some places also require day-of parking passes.
- To hike, or not to hike (it’s up to you!): There are so many epic locations that can be found right outside your AirBnb or down a few steps from the parking lot. There are also so many beautiful spots that are only accessed by a hike! Either way, I’ll help you plan a gorgeous Oregon Coast elopement, but knowing where you both stand (and if you have any guests coming) on if you’d like to hike or not is a good conversation to have in the beginning stages of planning.
- Food: In the summer and fall months, most restaurants along the Oregon Coast are open for business and in full swing. Some have odd hours where they are closed on certain days of the week (mostly Mondays or Tuesdays) or they close earlier in the day. In the quieter months, just check ahead of time on what places are open which days. And yes, I will more than gladly help monitor all the best restaurants and breweries for your elopement!
- Keep the tide chart and sunrise/sunset times in mind: Tide charts are super helpful when planning your elopement. We want to make sure we can access the beach! And, knowing when the sun rises and sets at the coast is another thing to keep in mind when planning your timeline for the day (and don’t worry, I will help you and take the lead on all of this!).
The Oregon Coast is packed full of beautiful places to explore with your best friend on your elopement day. I hope this Oregon Coast elopement guide helped you start dreaming up your gorgeous elopement! Have questions, or ready to get started on planning your perfect Oregon Coast elopement? Let’s chat! I can’t wait to help you plan a gorgeous day and capture all the beautiful memories.
