Looking for the perfect place for an Oregon Coast elopement? Or trying to figure out what permits/passes you’ll need to legally tie the knot on the coast? I’ve got you covered! Keep reading for info on how to elope on the Oregon Coast, one of the most BEAUTIFUL places in the PNW!! (I may be a little biased)

Here’s what I’ll be talking about in this blog post:

• The best locations to elope on the Oregon Coast

• Permits, passes, & fees

• When to elope – seasons + weather

• Where to stay along the coast

• Oregon Coast elopement packages

• Oregon elopement vendors

• Real Oregon Coast wedding + elopement inspiration

 

Best places to elope on the Oregon Coast

Mannnn this is a HARD one, simply because there are SO many epic places along the coast!! Let’s go through some of my favs & the locations my couples have loved the most for their elopements.

 

Hug Point

Hug Point is a state recreation site that I will alwayssss love. It’s super accessible, being only about 13 miles from Seaside and 80 miles from Portland. And it’s easy to get to: all you’ve gotta do is park in the parking lot, walk down some (slightly treacherous) steps, and bam – you’re at the sand! 

It’s got a variety of landscapes & scenery to offer: lush green trees + forest areas, cliffside views, epic rock formations, tidepools, & even super cute caves. Check out some photo examples from Miriam + Braulio’s big day below!

If you’re looking to hit up only one location on your elopement day but you still want a variety of spots to explore, this is the place for you!

 

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a pretty popular coastal destination – if you’ve ever seen a photo of a big rock that looks like a haystack, that’s probs Haystack Rock at Cannon! It’s about 80 miles from Portland and super close to Seaside.

This is the cutest town to explore if you want to not only hit the beach but hit up all sorts of local shops: candy shops, cafes, antique stores, etc. Every corner you turn I swear there’s an adorable local business that you’ll want to go in!

 

Cannon Beach can get pretty crowded with tourists, so that’s something you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re planning a Cannon Beach wedding or elopement. If you want to have it during the summer, there’ll probably be a lotttt of tourists near Haystack, so consider having your elopement further down the beach instead. 

Or, come back later in the year for a fall elopement – it’s chilly all year round on the coast so why not elope when the leaves are the prettiest?? 

(Check out this blog post all about How to Elope in Oregon in the Fall!)

 

Brookings / Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor in Brookings is one of my most favorite spots along the entire coast. I will NEVER get over how epic it is and how lucky I am to explore it all the time with my couples!! 

This spot on the coast is much more of a trek than other spots, so you’ll want to make a longer trip out of it – which I always recommend doing for your elopement anyway!! It’s about 315 miles from Portland and Seaside.

But I promise y’all it’s SO freaking worth it. The corridor has so many incredible features: epic rock formations, tidepools, the most stunning sunsets + lighting, trees, viewpoints, & more.

PLUS – you can actually hit up Cali super easily from this spot, too!! Page + Taylor decided to do a two-part, unique Oregon Coast + California redwoods adventure elopement. For their special day, we hit up both this spot AND the Jedediah Smith Redwoods. SUCH an epic day and how amazing to be able to hit the coast as well as the redwoods for your elopement?!?!

 

Lincoln City / God’s Thumb

I can’t forget about Lincoln City, which is where God’s Thumb is located.

Lincoln City is about 90 miles from Portland and Seaside, so it’s pretty accessible if you’re down for a quick road trip.

If you’ve never heard of God’s Thumb (or seen me post about it), let me tell you – you’ve been missing OUT. It’s basically as close as you can get to Ireland while still being in the PNW and not having to fly across the world.

It’s a popular hiking trail in Lincoln City, about a 4.3 mile hike the whole way, and has got the most stunning views. I’ll never get tired of this spot! Check out Taylor + Corey’s Ireland-Inspired Elopement at God’s Thumb for real-life inspo!

 

Florence

Finally, Florence is a great little town west of Eugene, on the central part of the coastline! There are plenty of beach access areas you can walk to from town and only 60 miles from Eugene. 

There’s also lots to do in this area, including surfing, horseback riding (let’s ride on horses on your elopement day, yeah?!), whale watching, sea lion caves, lighthouses, & more. It’s the perfect spot for a little vacay on the coast!

 

Permits, Passes, & Guidelines

When you choose to elope somewhere in nature & on public land, you’ll need to make sure you obtain the right permits and passes to legally get married at the location you want! 

Oregon’s State Parks require a Special Use Permit if you’ll be holding a “special event” with over 50 people attending. So as long as you’re only inviting a few people to your elopement & will be intentional about making a minimal impact on the land, you should be good to go without this permit.

 

When to Elope on the Oregon Coast

Weather plays an important role in how your elopement day will go + what location you choose, so let’s talk about OR Coast weather real quick!

Long story short, the coast is typically chiller than your average tropical beach – much chillier. The temperature often ranges from the 50’s-70’s in the summertime, and lower in the fall & winter with more chance of high winds and rainy days. 

 

Most importantly, my biggest suggestion is to be ready to go with the flow if you’re eloping on the coast!! We can never guarantee good weather, especially on the coast, it’s good to prepare for a rainy day. That way, you won’t be upset/plans won’t be ruined if the weather forecast isn’t accurate (or changes last-minute) and we end up getting poured on!

I LOVE embracing the rain with my couples, honestly, I don’t worry about it too much!! As long as we’ll be safe and the weather isn’t dangerous by the ocean, we’ll be good to go & have the best adventure.

If you’re dreaming of eloping in the midst of Oregon’s stunning fall colors, here’s a blog post all about eloping in Oregon in the fall!!

 

Where to Stay Along the Oregon Coast

There are SOOO many cute & cozy Airbnb’s along the coast y’all. I highly encourage you to make a trip out of your elopement & find somewhere to stay for a few nights to give you time to explore!!

Here’s a list of a few top-rated Airbnb’s in each of the areas I’ve mentioned in this blog:

 

Hug Point / Cannon Beach area

• Sunny Studio – $162/night + sleeps 2 guests

• Cozy, Dog-Friendly Studio – $118/night + sleeps 3 guests

• Peaceful, Dog-Friendly Cottage – $132/night + sleeps 3 guests

• Whimsical Cottage – $245/night + sleeps 4 guests

Lincoln City

• Home w/ Panoramic Ocean Views – $172/night + sleeps 4 guests

• • Stunning River Retreat – $115/night + sleeps 6 guests
  • Charming Oceanfront Home – $128/night + sleeps 4 guests

• Oceanfront Beach Cottage – $208/night + sleeps 4 guests

Brookings

• Private Ocean Peninsula Guest House – $350/night + sleeps 2 guests

• Oceanfront Guest Suite – $195/night + sleeps 2 guests

• Modern Guesthouse – $114/night + sleeps 2 guests

• Private Suite in Forest – $202/night + sleeps 2 guests

Florence

• Classic 50’s Cottage – $217/night + sleeps 4 guests

• Home Near the Coast – $165/night + sleeps 5 guests

• • Quiet & Secluded Cottage – $97/night + sleeps 2 guests

• Ocean View Retreat – $196/night + sleeps 3 guests

 

Oregon Coast Wedding & Elopement Packages

Now that we’ve gone thru all that, let’s talk PHOTOGRAPHY!! Here’s my Oregon Coast elopement package for you to take a look at – travel fees will apply depending on the specific coastal location you’ll be eloping at!

Also, take a look below at my 2021 travel schedule – I’ll be on the coast multiple times already this year, so reach out for an elopement at the time I’m already there and you’ll get discounted (or ZERO) travel fees!! 

 

Oregon Coast Vendors to Hire

Oregon Wedding Officiant: Officiant Jimmie

Oregon Wedding Florist: Brier & Ivy

Oregon Wedding Videographer: GoodCo Studios

Oregon Wedding Stationery: Kalen Rivers

Oregon Wedding Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Make Me Up Cyn

Oregon Wedding Stylist: Rain & Pines

 

Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer

Ready to start planning your dream Oregon Coast elopement?! Let’s do it!! Reach out here!