Emily and Kyle had the most romantic elopement at Short Sand Beach, with a dreamy coastal ceremony, breathtaking landscapes, and an intimate reception back at their Airbnb. Truly the perfect mixture of private time to themselves + memorable moments with the people they love.

Emily + Kyle’s Short Sand Beach Elopement

A moody summer day on the Oregon Coast

If you think that winter and spring are the only rainy times of year in the PNW, think again. This moody, overcast elopement took place the first week of July, and it was absolutely stunning—rain, fog, and all.

Emily + Kyle wanted to elope somewhere that would capture the natural beauty of Oregon at its finest; the vibrant green forests, the beige sands, the purple wildflowers and the turquoise waters… so off to the Oregon Coast we ventured. We spent the day exploring the Arch Cape area, checking out Short Sand Beach + the Short Sand Creek Trail, and as many lush forested spots we could find.

Short Sand Beach is such a great place to elope along the Oregon Coast, located within Oswald West State Park (just south of Cannon Beach). It’s quiet, easy to access, and incredibly picturesque—without being as crowded as many other spots on the northern part of the coast. Simply take the 1.2 mile out-and-back trail from the parking area to the sandy beach, and you’ll be surrounded by a gorgeous cape, mossy trees, and amazing ocean views, of course. It’s a low-effort trail with a huge payoff, perfect for couples who don’t want a challenging hike on their elopement day.

Loving this stunning stretch of the Oregon Coast? Here’s another dreamy elopement in the nearby Arch Cape area.

Private vows overlooking the ocean

Emily and Kyle started their day with a quiet moment to themselves, sharing a first look along the trail + then private vows overlooking the ocean. It was important to them that their elopement day include time for just the two of them and time with their guests—so I loved the way we built their timeline to make space for both! Having a chance to say your vows (or read each other letters, exchange a few words, etc.) before your public ceremony is a beautiful way to keep the moment intimate… especially if you get nervous speaking in front of people, or would rather not share in front of a crowd.

An enchanting ceremony in the trees

After Emily and Kyle took time on their own to exchange vows + admire the beautiful views behind them, we made our way back to the forest for their official ceremony. With just the two of them and two loved ones there to witness and officiate, it was an incredibly special ceremony; tranquil, intentional, and focused solely on these two + their love for one another. The overcast skies and soft, cloudy lighting made this SUCH a gorgeous scene, with bright green ferns, moss, and foliage surrounding the newlyweds!

Champagne + portraits on the beach

A few hugs, kisses, and a lot of tears later, we walked down to the beach for epic landscape portraits by the water. I’m telling y’all, there is something so vast and captivating about the Oregon Coast… the way that the huge seastacks, rocky cliffs, and the wide-open ocean make you feel so small. Nothing beats the sound of the waves rolling up to your feet and the seagulls in the sky; the nostalgic smell of the ocean air; the cool breeze off the water that blows your hair, your veil, your dress behind you. Beautiful landscapes + wildly in-love couples like Emily and Kyle make my job so dang easy.

A romantic reception back at their Airbnb

For the final part of the evening, we met Emily and Kyle’s friends + fam on the beach by their Airbnb. It was SO fun to see everybody meet up and welcome the newly married couple, and then to celebrate all together back at the Airbnb! They had the most breathtaking tablescape set up along a massive wall of windows, covered in bud vases filled with delicate florals, sprigs of greenery, and colorful glassware + taper candles. Emily even changed into a second outfit for the night, a shorter cocktail dress paired with a flowy bow veil! The best way to end this day, seated around a table full of bright pastel colors + wildflowers next to your favorite humans. 

Hands down one of my favorite parts of the night is seeing the newlyweds get to look through their album of Polaroids they get to take home and keep forever—here are couple of Emily + Kyle’s 🙂

I even included a few special photos at the end of their gallery, edited with all the moody Twilight vibes… it’s giving hoa hoa hoa. 

Short Sand Beach Elopement Photographer

Hey ya’ll, I’m Dawn, an Oregon-based elopement and micro wedding photographer with a passion for the outdoors + authentic storytelling. Elopements like Emily and Kyle’s make my soul come alive—set against breathtaking landscapes, creating core memories with loved ones, every element truly reflecting their unique journey. If you’re dreaming of a wedding album that captures your connection + allows you to relive your adventure over and over… I’m your girl. Inquire about your Oregon elopement here and let’s create some art together <3 

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How to Elope on the Oregon Coast

Want to learn how to plan your own dreamy Oregon Coast elopement, just like Emily + Kyle did? I have a full guide here with all my best location reccs, activity ideas, important permit information, and more.