If you’ve been dreaming of a Cannon Beach Elopement at the Oregon Coast, this celebration is the perfect example of how magical and deeply personal an intimate wedding day can be. This elopement included some of my favorite features of the Oregon Coast: the iconic Hug Point Falls, sweeping ocean views, and the freedom to slow down and savor every moment together.
Whether you’re trying to figure out a timeline or you’re just starting to explore coastal elopement ideas, this love story is full of ideas to help you craft your perfect day! Read on for more inspiration for your own Cannon Beach or Oregon Coast elopement.
Table of Contents
4 Hour Cannon Beach Elopement Timeline
2pm Photographer arrives at getting ready location
3:25pm Travel from getting ready location to Hug Point parking lot
4pm First look and private vows
4:30pm Ceremony in front of Hug Point Falls
4:40pm Photos with guests in attendance
5-6pm Couples portraits on the beach and First Dance
6pm Photographer leaves
Getting Ready with Friends and Family
The bride and groom got ready on separate levels of their airbnb as they wanted to wait to see each other until their first look. They had their family help them get ready by pinning boutonnieres and straightening ties, and the bride enjoyed a first look with her friends and family in attendance. Once everyone was ready to go we headed on over to the Hug Point parking lot.
Intimate First Look at Hug Point Overlook
There’s a gorgeous overlook at Hug Point, but you just need to know where to look as the two entrances to the trail are very overgrown and could be confused for more shrubbery! Just find the large sign at the parking lot and look closely to the left and right until you find the two narrow paths on either side leading up to the overlook.
The groom arrived first and had a gorgeous view of the cliffs and beach down below, as he nervously awaited his bride.
They were able to have a very intimate first look away from their guests as they wanted to have a private moment for just the two of them.
Private Vows Overlooking the Ocean
We found a separate spot nearby where the bride and groom exchanged their private vows with the sweeping view of crashing waves down below. I loved that they were able to blend the intimacy of an elopement by exchanging their vows privately, while still having their family in attendance for the ceremony itself.
Once they were done we took the opportunity to take a few more photos at this gorgeous spot and truly take in the view. The lighting was absolutely perfect with the cloudy skies in the middle of the day (very classic Oregon Coast weather) and we made sure to go at low tide so we could see Hug Point Falls itself.
Ceremony in front of the Falls
Next, the couple headed down to Hug Point Falls where their family and friends were waiting. Their officiant gave a beautiful and moving speech, and then they exchanged their rings and “ I Dos” in front of their small circle, with a few tears shed from their family.
The small waterfall was the perfect backdrop for their photos with their guests in attendance, and I’m so glad we were able to go at low tide to have this perfect view.
Romantic Couples Portraits on the Oregon Coast Shores
The lighting was perfect for these mid-September couples portraits on the coast, we wanted to go when the tide was still low and fortunately we had the perfect overcast skies for that soft diffused lighting, right before golden hour.
The ceremony, first look, and couples portraits all took place at Hug Point State Park so we didn’t have to do any travel in between, but because this area has so many unique aspects it felt like we were really able to capture a wide range of landscapes. From the forested cliff overlook, sandy shores of the beach, and to the rocky dramatic cliffs.
Photos with guests were taken right after the ceremony, and then their guests and family in attendance left to set up for their reception, leaving us to explore the beach for their couples portraits.
A Salt-Kissed First Dance
At the end of their couples portraits we took a moment for the bride and groom to enjoy their first dance on the beach at one of Hug Point’s alcoves. It was the perfect spot to shield them from the wind, creating a magical backdrop for them to enjoy their first slow dance as a married couple.
Cannon Beach Elopement Locations
Hug Point State Recreation Site
This beautiful spot features 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; I always research tide levels for my clients ahead of time to make sure the tide will be low enough for our visit.
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.
For more information on the best time to visit Hug Point to see the falls check out my blog post: When To Visit: The Best Tide Level for seeing Hug Point Falls
Ecola State Park
One of my favorite fun facts to share with clients 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.
Haystack Rock
This iconic rock in Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most recognized landmarks. Parking fills up quickly in town so you may want to arrive early and try to find street parking near the path down to the beach.
Chapman Beach
This beach is typically less crowded due to Ecola Creek running through it, but when the creek is low you can easily wade through it. Otherwise, head to Les Shirley park on the north side of Ecola Creek, where you will find public parking and beach access along the creek. There’s also lots of beautiful sandy dunes, perfect for enjoying a picnic and taking in the view.
Oswald West State Park
This state park has miles of gorgeous trails featuring lush green forests, and secluded sandy beaches. Two prominent headlands, Cape Falcon and Neah-kah-nie Mountain are included in the park and offer great hikes. A day use parking fee is required to park here, or you can use your Oregon State Parking Pass available to purchase online here.
Cannon Beach 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.
Cannon Beach 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 Clatsop County’s (where Cannon Beach is located) page on obtaining a marriage license.
Requirements:
- Valid identification is required for each applicant
- Both parties must be 18 years old (or 17 years old with parental or legal guardian’s consent)
Waiting Period:
- There is a 3-day waiting period before the license may be used
- Once the waiting period has passed, the license is valid for 60-days
- The waiting period may be waived, contact the Clerk’s office for more information
Cost of License:
- The non-refundable fee to activate a marriage license is $60.00
- The license is not valid until the activation fee has been paid
- Check/money orders should be made payable to Clatsop County Clerk. Cash, credit and debit cards are also accepted
Legal Names:
- Marriage parties will need to identify on the application the legal names they will take after the ceremony
Officiants:
- Ordained officiants do not register with the state or county prior to performing a marriage ceremony
Both parties must sign the license and the required fees must be paid before your marriage ceremony. The license is not valid until activated. The activated license will be given to you in a packet to take to the marriage ceremony.
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.
But if you’re eloping just the two of you and bringing your photographer along you don’t need a permit to elope on public Cannon Beach areas.
Vendor Shoutout
The beautiful details of the day were made possible by these amazing vendors:
Makeup and Hair team: Oregon City Bridal
Florist: Sage Flowers PDX
Jewelry: Lindsey Jewelers
Photographer: Olivia Louise Photography (Oh hey, that’s me!)
Cannon Beach Elopement Photographer
Hi there, I’m Olivia! An lgbtq+ affirming Cannon Beach elopement 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 Elopement Planning Resources
How to Elope on the Oregon Coast
When to Visit: The Best Tide Levels for seeing Hug Point Falls
What to Include in the Flat Lay for your Wedding Details
More Oregon Coast Elopement Inspiration
Oregon Coast Elopement at Rockaway Beach
