Nestled along the rugged Oregon Coast just south of Cannon Beach, Short Sand Beach is a beautiful location that features a short hike of towering trees and lush ferns, leading you down to a sandy beach framed by breathtaking cliffs, with a creek leading through the forest and into the ocean. This Small Wedding featuring Short Sand Beach shows exactly how you can plan a celebration with a focus on intimacy and unforgettable coastal beauty.
Cannon Beach 4 Hour Micro-Wedding Timeline
2:30pm Photographer arrives, details, getting ready photos
The couple got ready together on-site at their airbnb and didn’t have a traditional first look as they wanted to enjoy as much of the day together as they could.
3:15pm Ceremony
3:45pm Photos with guests and family in attendance
4pm Bride and groom enjoy private drink
4:15pm Couples portraits at Short Sand Beach
5:30pm Drive back to venue
5:45pm Dinner
6:15pm Cake cutting
6:30pm Photographer leaves
A Jewel-Toned Coastal Wedding
The theme of this day felt like every detail was chosen with intention, but nothing felt overdone. Instead of building a “look” from scratch, they let the nature of the Oregon Coast set the tone and then layered in elements that echoed it: natural textures, and an understated kind of elegance.
Their outfits were one of the strongest expressions of the overall aesthetic. Her dress had that signature coastal movement: flowy and lightweight while constantly catching the wind in a way that made every moment feel alive. It felt so romantic without being overly formal and perfectly suited the vibes of the Oregon Coast.
I absolutely loved that the groom’s emerald suit so beautifully complimented the nature around them, with his suit matching the vibrant green of the trees, and her dress reflecting the soft seafoam of the waves.
The bouquet followed that same philosophy: organic, airy florals that looked like they belonged with the landscape rather than feeling jarring and out of place.
There was little to no traditional “decor,” and that was very much the point, as the environment was the design.
Even their details and how they chose to spend different parts of the day felt aligned with this stripped-back, meaningful approach. Every choice supported the experience rather than distracting from it.
How to Recreate This Micro-Wedding at the Coast
1. Let your location lead
Choose a place that already feels visually rich, then resist the urge to over-style it. The more you trust the landscape, the more timeless your day will feel.
2. Focus on movement and texture
Incorporate flowy fabrics, loose florals, and natural materials
3. Keep your color palette grounded
Avoid anything too bold or contrasting that pulls attention away from the setting.
4. Skip what doesn’t serve the experience
You don’t need elaborate décor or traditional structures unless they genuinely matter to you. Simplicity creates space for connection.
5. Build your day around moments, not milestones
Getting to Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park)
If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive west to the coast along Highway 101 with an incredible view of lush forests and the ocean peeking through the trees.
If you’re visiting from out of state I highly recommend renting a car as this area of the Coast isn’t very accessible by public transportation.
Once you arrive at Oswald West State Park, there’s a designated parking lot right off Highway 101. It can fill up quickly in the summer, so arriving early (or closer to sunset) can help to avoid crowds.
The Walk to the Beach
To get to Short Sand Beach you can park at Oswald West Lot 20, but parking can fill up quickly in the summer. This is a very easy out-and-back trail with packed dirt that takes about 10-15 minutes to get down to the beach from the trailhead. The trail itself is not fully ADA-friendly due to the tree roots and uneven ground, and occasional mud puddles after it rains.
Parking & Amenities
There are restrooms located near the parking lot, but none down at the beach itself, so plan ahead before heading down the trail.
Parking is free, but limited. During peak summer months or sunny weekends, it fills up quickly. If you’re planning an elopement here, time your arrival intentionally (either early morning or golden hour).
Short Sand Beach Parking Pass FAQs
How much does it cost?
Parking at Short Sand Beach requires a $10 daily use fee or an Oregon State Park Pass.
How do you get the parking pass?
Purchase online through the Oregon State Parks website and print out ahead of your visit, or use the on-site kiosk at the parking lot and display in your vehicle.
Cell Service & Navigation
Cell service is very limited to nonexistent once you’re in the park. Download offline maps ahead of time just in case, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. That said, the trail to the beach is well-marked and easy to follow so you most likely won’t need a gps or your phone to find your way down.
Best Time of Year to Visit Short Sand Beach
Depending on the vibes you’re looking for each season at this location can offer something very different yet equally beautiful:
Spring: typically has fewer crowds but more rainfall, lush greenery and fog can create a wonderful atmosphere.
Summer: Warmer temps which also draw larger crowds, usually has clear, sunny skies
Fall: Less crowds means a quieter beach, but temperatures start to lower
Winter: Strong winds, dramatic waves, with mist and fog rolling in provide for the perfect moody elopement or micro-wedding.
Permits and Marriage License Info
Special Use Permit
Your wedding or elopement at 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 beach areas.
Oregon Marriage License Info
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.
Vendor Team
Flowers: Broadway Floral and Trader Joes
Makeup Artist: Makayla G Beauty
Catering: White Cap Catering
Cake: Cannon Beach Bakery
Photography: Olivia Louise Photography (yours truly)
Short Sand Beach Wedding Photographer
Hi there, I’m Olivia! An lgbtq+ affirming Oregon Coast elopement and wedding photographer based near Portland, Oregon, specializing in capturing moments that showcase the grandeur and beauty of your love amidst the beauty of the PNW and beyond.
My number one goal is to put you at ease in front of the camera, helping you enjoy your wedding day in a breathtaking location that perfectly combines lush forests and endless windswept shores.
As your photographer it’s so important to me that you feel seen and heard, with a day that is completely judgement-free, while still adding a touch of whimsy.
I can’t wait for us to create something timeless and unforgettable together!
Oregon Coast Wedding Planning Resources
50 Activity Ideas for your Elopement Day
How to Elope on the Oregon Coast
When to Visit: The Best Tide Levels for seeing Hug Point Falls
More Oregon Coast Wedding Inspiration
Cannon Beach Elopement at the Oregon Coast
Moody Oregon Coast Elopement at Ecola State Park
