Have you been wanting to plan an Oregon coast elopement? You’ve come to the right place to find the answers you’ve been looking for. The Oregon coastline is a stunning spot for an elopement but there are a few things that you need to know in advance before saying “I do” to an elopement here.
As a photographer who specializes in elopements and micro-weddings, I absolutely adore the Oregon coastline and it’s a beautiful place for your celebration.
This is your go-to resource for planning an Oregon coast elopement with my best tips and recommended spots so you can have the elopement of your dreams in a location that you’ll never forget.
How to Elope on the Oregon Coast
One of the first things that you should consider is if an elopement is actually what you want. I’m obviously a big proponent of elopements, but I know that they aren’t for everyone.
I encourage you to take some time to consider whether you want to elope and discuss whether this aligns with your and your partner’s goals.
If you know that you want to skip out on a traditional wedding and plan a wedding doing things that are entirely you and your spouse, then it sounds like an elopement is perfect for you.
Step 1 – Choose your location and date
This can feel like an impossible choice with so many different locations to choose from just along the Oregon coast. Here are some questions to ask yourself and your partner to help make the decision for you – especially if you’re not familiar with this area.
- What activities do you want to do on your elopement?
- What’s most important to you on your elopement day?
- What do you want your backdrop to look like?
- How accessible are the locations that you’re looking at?
- What types of transportation are you and any potential guests willing to take to get to your spot?
Each location here offers something different, so it’s important to consider all of the factors before making a final decision.
Step 2 – Apply for permits
Before you apply for a permit, you’ll need to decide where you’re going to have your elopement ceremony and then look into the permit requirements for your chosen location.
If the thought of doing this alone overwhelms you, don’t stress. As an elopement photographer, I’m here to help you with permit research and obtaining the different permits that you need for your elopement.
Also, don’t forget you’ll need to get an Oregon marriage license. To do this, you’ll have to go to a county clerk’s office. Once you’ve chosen a county to get your marriage license through, you’ll need to fill out the marriage application, bring photo identification as needed, and pay the fee.
Step 3 – Choose Your Vendors
After you have your permits and you’ve decided on your location and date, it’s time to choose your vendors. Even an elopement usually involves different vendors, such as a photographer, videographer, florist, officiant, and elopement planner.
One vendor that I want to give a shout-out to is Ciderpress Lane. Ciderpress Lane is an event management company that offers wedding florals, design, and coordination. You can learn more about them here.
Step 4 – Plan your elopement activities
I’ve included a section with a list of potential activities for you to consider in Oregon below. Oregon has so many different, unique activities that you can try to make your elopement feel like an adventure.
Your elopement in Oregon is the perfect time to do something that you’ve always wanted to do with your partner that you both haven’t yet experienced.
Step 5 – Create a timeline
The final step is to create your elopement timeline. An elopement timeline will look different for every couple because it will also depend on what activities you want to do, your ceremony location, the time of day you’re going to have your elopement, etc.
I help my clients create their elopement timelines to take this off of their plates and also make sure that they stick to their schedules.
If you want to have all of this info in one place with a checklist to help you plan your elopement on the Oregon Coast, make sure that you download my FREE How to Elope guide. You can grab it here.
Where To Elope on The Oregon Coastline
These are some of my favorite spots along the Oregon coastline but keep in mind that there are many epic locations you could choose from. No matter where you choose, I’m certain that you’ll fall in love and adore your chosen elopement spot because how could you not here?
Cannon Beach
With rugged cliffs, moss-covered trees, and beautiful beaches Cannon Beach is a swoon-worthy spot for your elopement. Cannon Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the United States and aside from the beach and Haystack Rock, there are other locations to elope around the beach such as Ecola State Park or Oswald West State Park.
Hug Point
At Hug Point, you’ll find diverse scenery, a little waterfall, caves, and a long stretch of golden sand. It’s easy to access and has breathtaking scenic views overlooking the ocean. Hug Point is less populated than Cannon Beach, and it can only be accessed during low tide.
Brookings
Brookings has Sitka spruce trees, vibrant blue waters, coves, secluded sandy beaches, and so much more. It’s a stunning area of the Southern Oregon Coast with a rocky coastline, ancient Redwood forests, and minimal crowds.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is located between the small towns of Brookings and Gold Beach. It includes cliffs, the ocean, and secluded, sandy beaches—perfect for an intimate ceremony. It’s also far away from the crowds and is a beautiful place for a stunning sunset or sunrise elopement.
Elope on the Oregon Coastline at Sunrise / Sunset
Can you think of anything more magical or romantic than an elopement at sunrise or sunset?
As you finalize the details for your elopement on the Oregon Coast, I would highly recommend planning an Oregon Coastline elopement at sunrise or sunset. Why? This is the only time of day when you can get different glow/hues/blue hours at the beach that are absolutely stunning to witness, and you’ll have a more intimate and crowd-free experience.
Another reason to elope on the Oregon Coastline is that you’ll have a variety of unbeatable views within a 30 – 50-minute drive and your hiking level doesn’t have to be expert to reach different spots with incredible natural beauty.
If you choose to elope at sunrise, you’ll also have all day to explore the coast in your wedding attire or casual clothes. This will also give you a chance to get photos in a bunch of really unique spots. You’ll also have ample time to venture into the local towns and try the delicious foods at local spots to really get the full Oregon coast experience.
If we work together, I’ll help you plan all-day adventure elopements, not just a quick two-hour photoshoot. This means that we’ll have the chance to explore the coastline together and get you photos in off-the-beaten-path spots or with fun, one-of-a-kind backdrops.
Also, you won’t just have a gallery with photos of your elopement at the beach but rather can have a gallery with a variety of photos such as you and your partner in a magical forest, next to a waterfall, on top of a cliff, in a cute coastal town, or wherever else the day takes us. The possibilities are endless.
Activities to Try in Oregon During Your Elopement
Here are some unique experiences/ adventures to look into for your Oregon elopement:
- Visit Crater Lake, which is America’s Deepest Lake
- Explore Mt. Hood
- Go hiking – check out Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail or the Trail of Ten Falls
- Check out a waterfall such as Toketee Falls or Multnomah Falls
- Go wine tasting in Willamette Valley
- Explore the various beaches on the coastline
- Try crabbing
- Go whale watching – Peak whale migration occurs mid-December through mid-January (and then March-May)
- Visit Thor’s Well
- Hike the sand dunes
- River rafting
- Dune buggy riding
What Working With Me For Your Oregon Coast Elopement Looks Like
Planning an Oregon coast elopement is my jam. When I plan an elopement with my clients, we don’t go for something traditional—together, we work to think outside the box and make sure that we have fun while doing it.
I offer all-day coverage and have a special Oregon elopement offer. All-day coverage ensures no precious moment goes uncaptured, from the morning’s first butterflies to the evening’s last breath. You can learn more about this service here.
I want to make your elopement stress-free and document your day in a genuine way with minimal interjection while ensuring you and your people look incredible.
Beyond taking incredible photos of your best day yet, I’ll also help you with planning your timeline, give you only the best vendor recommendations, create a custom planning guide for you, and always do location scouting for my couples. Why? because I want to find that perfect, secluded spot that screams “YOU.”
Instead of worrying about all the planning and research all by yourself for your Oregon coastline elopement, I’m here to make sure to cover the extra details you might have missed and create a day that’s 100% you.
Ready to Plan Your Oregon Coast Elopement?
I hope you found this Oregon coast elopement guide helpful and that you’re feeling excited about the possibility of tying the knot here.
If you are still in search of an elopement photographer to team up with, I’d be so 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!
