So you want to elope on the Oregon Coast but you’re not sure which month would be best for your elopement? This guide was made just for you!
As an elopement and micro-wedding photographer, I know that picking a date for your elopement can feel like a struggle. There is a lot to take into consideration, such as crowds, activities you want to do, weather, etc. My hope is that this guide makes choosing a month to elope on the Oregon Coast feel easier based on your vision.
Let’s dive into what each month entails so that you can figure out the perfect month to plan your elopement.
Month-by-Month Guide: When to Elope on the Oregon Coast
January – Winter
January is the windiest month in Oregon, but the scenery along the coast is still breathtaking. Waves crest and crash against the rocky capes and cliffs, and you can even watch a winter storm. Several activities, such as crabbing, hiking, and whale watching, can create an unforgettable elopement experience.
The weather patterns this month entail colder temperatures, a high chance of rainfall, and wind, which means that you’ll want to bring extra layers of clothing if you want to have your elopement during this time of year. The coast experiences what is called king tides in January which means that the tides are higher than normal and are jaw-dropping to watch.
January is considered to be part of the off-season in Oregon, which means that you’ll encounter fewer crowds and experience the changing coastal weather. Another thing to note: during January, the sun rises early and sets early, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
You would probably think that summer would be the best lighting / ideal time for photos along the Oregon Coast, but did you know you can also have breathtaking sunrises and sunsets all along the Oregon Coast during winter?
Even though it’s raining more during this time of year, when the rain subsides you are going to get incredible weather patterns that create stunning photos.
If you’re looking for a moody elopement and cooler temperatures, the winter months might be the time you want to plan your elopement here.
February – Winter
February is pretty similar to January. You’ll still encounter colder temperatures, but you’ll also experience a mix of clear days and rainy days.
It’s slightly warmer in February than in the earlier winter months, but it’s still very cold and gray at this time of year. Also, there are around ten hours of sunlight per day, which gives you ample time to explore and you can enjoy all the coast has to offer. There is also plenty of soft sunlight, which looks beautiful in photos.
Just like in January, the sun rises very early this month, and the sun does set a little bit later this month. You’ll also still experience ferocious Pacific Ocean waves that can serve as a stunning, dramatic backdrop for your elopement.
March – Spring
March is when you’ll start to encounter less rain. This month also brings more fog and sun. The temperatures will start to rise this month, but it will still be quite cold and wet.
At this time of year, you’ll also encounter spring tides, which are still very high tides, so it is something to be aware of if you want to spend time close to the beach.
Just like January and February the sun still rises early and sets fairly early and you’ll still definitely want to pack a raincoat and umbrella this month.
April – Spring
April will still be cold, but things will start to warm up, and you won’t be as likely to encounter frost or chilly rain. If you want romantic rainy weather, this is a great month to choose for your elopement.
The green leaves will also be returning, and you’ll spot flowers starting to bloom. You can still experience high tides during this month – and this is one of the best months to have an elopement before the busy summer crowds arrive.
May – Spring
May alternates between clear skies, sunny days, and sunny days mixed with rain showers. You’ll experience less rain this month and decently warm weather. This month, you might encounter minus tides, which means that they are lower-than-average tides.
Also, the sun rises early and sets later this month. A fun activity you can add to your elopement itinerary is clamming, as this is the peak time of year for this activity. You can also enjoy Wine Month. Even with the rain, there are plenty of breaks in the clouds where the sun peaks through.
This is also a great month – along with the rest of the summer months to add to your elopement activities a private yacht charter to experience the coast in an epic way.
Should You Have A Spring Elopement?
A spring elopement is for you if you want to enjoy clearer skies, experience the tide pools, and witness the coast in full bloom.
June – Summer
This month, you’ll experience much less rain and warmer temperatures. You’ll enjoy sunny days and cool ocean breezes. You’ll also experience low tides making it easier to access the beaches and even see tide pools. Did you know that you can even book a private tide pool tour?
However, for your safety, always take precautions and make sure you check the tide tables before planning anything on the beaches here, as tides can always change and vary from hour to hour. Also, even in summer rain and fog can also be a daily occurrence.
July – Summer
July will have more crowds as this is a popular time of year to visit, and even with warmer temperatures, the weather can still remain unpredictable. Also, during this time of year and the other summer months, you’ll have more chances for beautiful golden hour light with your elopement photos as the days will be longer and the sun will set later.
This is another month when the tides will be lower, so you can experience the tide pools and explore the exquisite beach landscapes.
July is also the perfect month to book a private helicopter ride, offering you an exhilarating way to experience the Oregon coast during your elopement. The best time for booking a helicopter tour is typically during the summer when weather conditions favor flying.
August – Summer
August is typically warm and dry, with clear skies and sunny days. If you want to plan water activities or time for relaxing on the beach along with your elopement, this is one of the best times throughout the year to do so. The tides are still low, but keep in mind that this is still a very busy time of the year.
Also, this is a great month to try out horseback riding on the beach as part of your elopement experience. Other months that are great for horseback riding are anywhere from late spring to early fall.
Should You Have A Summer Elopement?
The summer months are the Oregon coast are perfect for your elopement if you love early sunrises and late sunsets, want to have hiking be a part of your elopement, want to enjoy any water activities, and love the sun.
September – Fall
In September, the busy summer crowd starts to diminish, and you’ll experience moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall. Also, there are low tides this month, and it‘s a good time for whale watching – you can even potentially spot whales from the shoreline. You can also enjoy guided tidepool tours. September is a month that does come with more fog and moody weather – minus the rain, so keep that in mind as you start to plan.
October – Fall
October is another month that brings fog, and the weather is usually sunny and mild, although more rain usually comes at the end of October. The ocean also becomes much more powerful at this time of year, so you can expect to witness high tides, potentially even king tides.
November – Fall
November brings dramatic storms and rain, and even though it won’t be warm and sunny at this time of year, you can still partake in storm-watching and enjoy smaller crowds.
The tides will be higher this month and the sun will rise early and also set early. A fun activity you can add to your elopement is to try out crabbing – you can also go whale watching as well this month.
Should You Have A Fall Elopement?
Fall is a great time to elope on the Oregon coast if you love fall foliage. You can not only experience the vibrant fall colors but they can serve as a beautiful backdrop for your elopement photos.
December – Winter
During December, you can expect to experience a blend of crisp, clear days with soft sunlight and bouts of rain. The tides will be higher than usual this month, and you’ll want to watch out for sneaker waves if you are spending time on the beach. You can enjoy misty and drizzly days and still do plenty of activities outdoors.
Should You Have A Winter Elopement?
A winter elopement is for you if you are okay with colder weather, don’t want to be around crowds of tourists, and imagine ending your elopement day cozied up by the fire or enjoying a hot tub with your partner.
Sunrise / Sunset Ceremony Tips
No matter what time of year you choose to have your Oregon elopement, you can’t go wrong with a sunrise or sunset ceremony, as these are the best times of the day for your photos.
If you want to have a sunrise ceremony at any time of year on the Oregon coast, make sure to arrive at your location at least 30 minutes before sunrise – sometimes referred to as ‘blue hour’. Be sure to look up the EXACT sunrise time in your elopement location and research the tides in advance.
The great thing about a sunrise ceremony on the coast is that afterward, you can wander down the coast to get lunch, take a nap in the afternoon, and then later do a fun elopement activity to celebrate.
Depending on your overall elopement timeline, you should allocate at least two hours before a sunset ceremony so you have time for a first look, your ceremony, golden hour portraits, and more to have the best experience possible.
Hidden Gems on the Oregon Coast
If you’re picking a popular time of the year for your elopement and you’re wondering where you can tie the knot outside of Cannon Beach, here are some of my recommendations on other locations you can consider:
What to Pack for the Coast if You’re Not From Oregon
Depending on the time of year will influence what you should pack here’s the breakdown season by season:
Fall
Make sure you pack layers, warmer clothes, rain boots, a windbreaker, and gloves.
Spring
Be sure to bring sweaters, socks, an umbrella, rain boots, and a windbreaker.
Summer
Even though summer is warmer, you should still bring sweaters and an umbrella. You can also pack lighter clothing.
Winter
For winter you’ll definitely want to bundle up with scarves, gloves, boots, a warm, thick jacket, and don’t forget your umbrella!
Ready To Elope on The Oregon Coast?
I hope that you found this guide helpful and that you’ve found the perfect month that aligns with your vision to elope on the Oregon Coast!
If you are still looking for an elopement photographer to work with, I’d be honored to learn more about you and your partner’s love story. You deserve a photographer who captures your day in a one-of-a-kind way and truly takes the time to understand your quirks and unique dynamics. You can click here to contact me!
