Whether you’re drawn to the misty cliffs of Cannon Beach, or the windswept dunes of Florence, you’re about to discover how to elope on the Oregon Coast in a way that’s as intentional and magical as your love. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to choose picture-perfect ceremony spots, navigate logistics, and ensure magical moments for you to remember in years to come.

If you’re craving an elopement that skips the checklist and leans into intimacy and wonder, you’ve landed in the right place—and I’m here to help you plan a day that will be breathtaking and timeless.

Deciding Where to Elope

The Oregon Coast has many gorgeous beaches, so you’ll first want to narrow down where you want to elope on the coast! There are a lot of locations that are very close to each other so if you plan right you can hit several spots on your elopement day. 

Hug Point State Recreation Site

This is a beautiful spot to elope at with a cave and a small waterfall waiting just around the corner. However, at high tide you won’t be able to go around from the main beach to the small waterfall so you’ll want to make sure you do your research ahead of time and research tide charts for high and low tide times depending on the time of year you’ll be visiting. 

Hug Point State Recreation Site offers easy access to the beach, and is just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach. Parking at Hug Point is free with restrooms located near the path leading directly to the beach. 

Elk Flats Trail 

Just a short walk from the parking lot you’ll take the trailhead and go left at the fork, to be met by incredible sweeping views of cliffs and ocean at Elk Flats Rock. However this is a very narrow trail with a steep drop off in some areas so for those who aren’t as comfortable with heights and narrow paths you may want to skip it. 

There is no parking fee for the Elk Flats trailhead, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can go right at the fork to hike the rest of the trail to Devil’s Cauldron.

Indian Beach – Ecola State Park

One of my favorite fun facts to share with clients when we come here is “Did you know this is where they filmed the La Push beach scenes for the Twilight movies?” just slap a blue filter on and you too can recreate your own Twilight movie beach scenes!  

A day use fee is required to park at this iconic location, or you can use your Oregon State Parks parking permit. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the parking lot, with several beautiful hiking trails nearby to choose from. 

Florence Sand Dunes

Florence is known for sweeping sand dunes, and when we stopped at the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park on our way down to Brookings we were blown away by this natural area. There’s a small walk down to the dunes from the parking area, with restrooms available. A $10 day use fee is required to park.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor in Brookings, Oregon

The natural bridges at this scenic spot is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend checking out. However the path down to the actual land bridge is now closed, but you can still find some beautiful spots on the trail to have your ceremony at. Check out my most recent blog post about eloping at this spot: Brookings Elopement 

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach

This iconic rock in Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most recognized landmarks. Parking fills up quick in town so you may want to arrive early and try to find street parking near the path down to the beach.

Best Time of Year to Elope on the Oregon Coast 

If you want that gorgeous moody atmosphere complete with clouds and fog, your best bet is to visit the Oregon coast from late October to May. The weather starts to warm up with sunnier days happening more often from June through October. However the Oregon coast’s weather can be very unpredictable and even in the height of summer you aren’t guaranteed a sunny day, so make sure you come prepared for rain complete with galoshes and a raincoat!

If you’re looking for golden hour imagery like the above one you may want to plan a similar date- this was taken mid June right at golden hour as the sun was setting around 8pm.

For a moodier look to your photos you can plan a November date like A + D did for their elopement. It poured with rain the morning of and then miraculously stopped in time for their first look and the rest of the day!

Marriage License, Laws, & Permits

How much does it cost? 

To elope on most Oregon beaches it is FREE. You will only need a special use permit if you plan to set up chairs, tables, arches, or anything like that. Otherwise if it’s just going to be you two and a handful of guests with no setup there is no permit needed, the only thing you may have to pay for is parking. 

Depending on which beach you choose and the parking lot next to it you may have to pay a $10 day-use fee, or you can use your Oregon State Parks permit available to purchase online here as a 12-month parking permit for $30 or a 24 month parking permit for $50.

Marriage License

When it comes to marriage licenses in Oregon you don’t need to say your “I Dos” and officially get married in the same county that you got the marriage license from, but you WILL need to get married in Oregon state. You can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office, though they do encourage you to apply online; follow this link to be taken to Oregon’s list of counties (I usually recommend the county closest to you or where you’ll be eloping) and choose which county to get your license from. The fees and process may vary from county to county so make sure you check out the necessary information for the specific county you’ll be getting a marriage license from. 

Special Use Permit

Your wedding or elopement on the beach or in an Oregon State Park will require a special use permit if: 

• You will have more than 50 people in attendance (including yourself and any vendors)
• You’ll have structures set up like arches, benches, or chairs

The non-refundable application fee itself is $100, and I always encourage applying several months in advance to make sure your application is approved on time, and to reach out to the Oregon State Parks department to make sure you have everything they will need before submitting your application. The Special Use Permit can be found here. 

Where to Stay and Eat 

AIRBNBs

• The Tides by the Sea – Dog friendly one bedroom condo with oceanfront views in Seaside, Oregon.
• The Float House at Jack Creek – Charming house boat on the John Day River near Astoria, Oregon with 4 bedrooms and 4 beds. 
• Bonsai Beach Cottage – Oceanfront studio guest suite with 1 bed. 
• Beachwood Cottage – Oceanfront home in Yachats, Oregon with 3 beds and 2 bedrooms. 
• Mermaid Haven – 1 bed studio in Yachats, Oregon featuring seascape mural walls in the bedroom. 

Hotels & Resorts 

• Bowline Hotel – Right on the Columbia River in Astora, this hotel offers a unique blend of local history and modern luxury. Unwind in the romantic suites, enjoy unrivaled waterfront views from their upscale cocktail bar, The Knot, and relax in the cedar barrel saunas.
• The Allred – Boutique oceanfront hotel in Newport, Oregon, with views of the Pacific Ocean. 
• Surfsand Resort – This resort at Cannon Beach features oceanfront rooms with views of Haystack Rock, with delicious dining available at their Wayfarer Restaurant. 
• Starry Night Inn – “The Oregon Coast’s Only Art Hotel” Available are Victorian rooms, modern suites, and pet friendly cabins. Plus, you can relax in total privacy in their open-air bathhouse with two soaking tubs. Located in Seaside, Oregon. 

Dining 

• Adobe Resort Restaurant and Lounge –  yes this is a restaurant in a hotel at Yachats, and it’s also a place where we had absolutely STUNNING views of the ocean through the gigantic windows and absolutely delicious seafood. 
• Tidal Raves – One of my favorite restaurants that I always make sure to stop at when I’m in Depoe Bay, beautiful views looking right out at the ocean with more delicious seafood. 
• Newport Chowder Bowl – yes I know when it comes to Chowder Mo’s is everywhere, but the clam chowder at the Newport Chowder Bowl frankly has it beat, this spot on Nye beach surrounded by lots of cute shops. (Get the bread bowl, you won’t regret it) 
• Catalyst Seafood – I literally can’t stop thinking about the steamer clams I had here and the absolutely incredible sauce it came with. If you’re driving through Brookings then please do yourself a favor and treat yourself to those heavenly clams. (And that SAUCE!)
• Anna’s Table – From farm to table, this Cannon Beach restaurant is rooted in the flavors and stories of Oregon’s North Coast; from local seafood to fresh produce and craft beverages. 

Things to do on the Oregon Coast

Hiking – there are so so many beautiful trails up and down the Oregon Coast, I use All Trails to find hikes that are suitable to me and my companions’ fitness levels and find out relevant info about them before going. Some of my favorites include Devil’s Cauldron, Haystack Rock, and Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. 

Horseback riding – enjoy a guided horseback ride on the beach at sunset, some options include: Twin Creeks Beach and Trail Rides located in Pacific City, and Bandon Beach Riding Stables in Bandon, Oregon. 

Picnic on the beach 

Sea Lion Caves  – located in Florence, this is a privately owned wildlife preserve with tours available. Or you could check out the docks at Newport’s Historical bayfront where you’ll see Sea Lions up close all battling for territory on the floating docks

 Tillamook Creamery – enjoy some ice cream on a self-guided tour of the Tillamook Creamery, entry is free to the public. 

Oregon Coast Aquarium – This aquarium in Newport spans 23 acres with adorable sea life like otters, seals, and an underwater tunnel teeming with fish.    

Oregon Coast Elopement & Wedding Photographer 

Hi there, I’m Olivia! An lgbtq+ affirming Oregon Coast elopement and wedding photographer based in Portland, Oregon. I’ve always been inspired by fairytales and fantasy growing up, with my work evoking that of a storybook romance come to life. 

I specialize in images that truly capture the beauty of the nature around you; not only documenting events but weaving them into captivating visual stories that celebrate love in its most enchanting form. 

From breathtaking landscapes to intimate, candid moments, I help couples plan their dream day in nature’s most magical settings. If you envision your day as a harmonious blend of intimacy and natural splendor, you’ve come to the right place. 

Let’s make your day feel like a fairytale come to life! Click here to inquire with me 

Oregon Coast 6 Hour Elopement Timeline 

2:30pm Photographer arrives at first location for getting ready and details photos  

3:30pm Second getting ready location photos 

Travel time in between second location and ceremony location 

5pm First look 

5:30pm Ceremony, photos with any guests in attendance 

Travel time between ceremony location and dinner location 

6:45pm Dinner 

8:15pm Golden Hour couples portraits 

9:15pm Beach Bonfire/stargazing

9:30pm Photographer leaves 

Conversely you can have have 1 location for the getting ready photos and do two separate locations for couples portraits (Beach and forest)

Oregon Coast Elopement & Wedding Packages

Elopement packages start at 4 hours of coverage at $2,500 and include a high resolution online gallery with printing rights, over 200 digital images, with no cap set on the amount of photos you will receive. 

Wedding packages start at 5 hours of coverage at $2,875 and include over 250 digital images (there’s no cap on the amount of photos you’ll receive) with high resolution images available in an online gallery with printing rights. 

My most popular package includes 6 hours of coverage at $3,500, over 400 digital images, a high resolution online gallery with printing rights, and a complimentary engagement session. 

To see more of my packages and offerings click here. 

Oregon Coast Elopement & Wedding Vendors 

Planners/Coordinators

• Jaime Ta | jaimetacreative.com 
• Double A Weddings & Events | doubleaweddings.com 

Rental Companies

• Cannon Beach Party Rentals | cannonbeachpartyrentals.com 
• Pacific Event Rentals | pacificeventrental.com 
• Power of Love Rentals | powerofloverentals.com 

Hair/Makeup

• Kelli Thompsen | kellithompsen.com 
• Pacific Brides | pacificbrides.com 
• Alyssa Underwood Makeup Artistry | alyssaunderwoodartistry.com 

Florists

• Neahkahnie Blooms | neahkahnieblooms.com
• Songbird Floristry | songbirdfloristry.com
• Flowers By Almanac | flowersbyalmanac.com 

Caterers

• Jandy Oyster Co.  | jandyoyster.com 
• The Drift Inn | the-drift-inn.com 
• White Cap Catering| whitecapcatering.com 

Videographers

• Timber & Tide Films | timberandtidefilms.com 
• Alesia Films | alesiafilms.com 

More Oregon Coast Wedding Planning Resources

Planning your elopement in Brookings, Oregon? Don’t Make This One Mistake

What to Include in the Flat-Lay for your Wedding Details

10 Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

Oregon Coast Wedding Inspiration

Oregon Coast Elopement at Rockaway Beach

Moody Oregon Coast Elopement at Ecola State Park  

Couples Session at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach 

“Would 1000% recommend Olivia! I had a sort of last minute engagement planned along the Colombia River Gorge and was worried about finding a great photographer for a post-photoshoot. Thankfully Olivia had that weekday available and made me feel less anxious about having some great photos. She even had a perfect location in mind that would be near the site.

During the actual photoshoot we instantly clicked and she made us feel comfortable despite having no experience taking photos. Olivia is a genuinely great person to work with and we’re so happy to have had her photograph our special moment to remember forever.”