The Oregon Coast is one of the most breathtaking places to elope in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best places to elope in the US if you want your wedding day to be less high heels and seating charts and more windswept hair and adventure filled moments. The rugged cliffs, misty beaches, and lush green forests make it the perfect setting for kicking off one of the biggest adventures of your life, and if you’re dreaming of how you want to tie the knot, this Oregon Coast Elopement Guide has everything you need to know!
Why Should You Elope on the Oregon Coast?
First things first, it’s totally okay if you aren’t set on an Oregon Coast elopement yet! One of the best things about eloping is getting to choose your dream location, but with so many options, it can be hard to narrow it down. Here are a few reasons that the Oregon Coast is a top-tier elopement destination.
Gorgeous Landscapes
The scenery on the Oregon Coast is stunning, and of course, that’s one of the major reasons that couples want to tie the knot there. The beaches are rocky and dramatic, with cliffs, towering sea stacks, secluded coves, and sprawling sand dunes. Plus, you can also find lush forests bordering the sea that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale! If you’re dreaming of a magical forest wedding, check out our guide for tips and inspiration.
Seaside Towns
Along with the natural beauty, there are also some adorable seaside towns that make the Oregon Coast a unique place to elope. You can stay at a cute bed and breakfast with a view of the ocean, get saltwater taffy, try the local restaurants, and explore the town.
Accessible Yet Secluded
The Oregon Coast is pretty easy to get to, and is just around two hours from Portland. While there are definitely some places that are well known and often busy, there are also plenty of secluded spots and quiet, intimate locations for you to exchange vows.
The Best Time for an Oregon Coast Elopement
Temperatures on the Oregon Coast are usually pretty mild, so winters don’t get terribly cold, and summers don’t get too hot. However, one thing this area is known for is rain!
If you want to avoid the rain, the best time for an Oregon Coast elopement is summer, specifically July through September. June is more rainy, but can be a good opportunity to elope during shoulder season. Highs are in the 60s, making it a great time for hiking or other outdoor adventures. The downside is that this is also the busiest season, so there will be more people out and about!
October and November get a little chillier, but there are fewer tourists and people around. Eloping in October is a good way to balance potential for sunshine with fewer crowds – however, you definitely still need to be prepared for rain!
Winter (December – February) brings moody skies, dramatic waves, and rain to the Oregon Coast. There are fewer people around, so you can get some spots all to yourself! The rain is usually more of a consistent drizzle than a downpour, but you can absolutely make the best of it with rain boots and umbrellas. Clear umbrellas look great in photos!
In the spring, wildflowers bloom, and there are fewer people around than there will be in the summer. Temperatures start to warm up, with highs hovering in the 50s or low 60s, but March is usually pretty rainy. April and May give you a little bit better of a chance at clear skies!
The Best Places for an Oregon Coast Elopement
The Oregon Coast is pretty long – so there are a lot of options for places to tie the knot! Here are a few of our faves, but keep in mind that there are plenty more off the beaten path, lesser known spots, and we can help you find them. All of our couples get a personalized list of location recommendations!
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most famous spots on the Oregon Coast, known for the iconic Haystack Rock where you can sometimes see puffins nesting. The town of Cannon Beach is a cute place to stay with plenty to explore, and the beach itself is easy to walk to! Be sure to check out Bruce’s Candy Kitchen for some of the best saltwater taffy on the Oregon Coast.
Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is just north of Cannon Beach, and here, it’s easier to find some quiet spots where you can get away from the crowds – if you’re willing to hike a little! The lush greenery opens up to dramatic views of the ocean, giving you some variety in scenery. This is one of the best places for an Oregon Coast elopement if you want to tackle a hike or two – most of them aren’t too long, but they are beautiful.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
As you go further south on the Oregon Coast, it gets more remote. There are fewer and fewer towns, which means there are also fewer crowds. The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a stretch of coastline near the California border with rugged cliffs, sea arches, and some secluded beaches. You might have seen the iconic natural bridge, which is one of the most popular spots in this area. It’s definitely worth stopping at, but you can also find some more secluded spots.
Start Planning Your Dream Oregon Coast Elopement
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Tips for Your Oregon Coast Elopement
As your elopement photographers, we’ll be there to help you plan your dream day. But, here are some tips to keep in mind for your Oregon Coast elopement!
What to Wear for an Oregon Coast Elopement
As with all elopements, the most important style tip is to wear something you’re comfortable in. Something that lets you walk, stand, sit, and move easily! If you’re wearing a dress, something with a looser, flowy skirt usually works best for elopements because these are easier to move in – and on the Oregon Coast, this has the added bonus of flowing nicely in the wind, adding some drama to your photos. Need help deciding what to wear? Check out our guide for choosing the perfect elopement outfit.
For the Oregon Coast, you definitely want some layers. And one of them should definitely be waterproof. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, keep in mind that it can get chilly by the ocean!
Work With the Weather
The best tip for weather on your elopement day is to embrace whatever happens! Bring some clear umbrellas, and consider the drizzle part of the adventure. Being prepared is important here – so keep in mind that trials are often muddy, and rain showers can sometimes be unpredictable.
Plan a Sunrise or Sunset Ceremony
Sunrise or sunset offer gorgeous lighting – since the sun sets in the west, sunset is particularly stunning on the Oregon Coast. But, sunrise usually means fewer people!
Permits and Leave No Trace
Anytime you’re outdoors, it’s important to follow the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) – which means leaving places as you found them, or better, so that we can preserve their natural beauty. Some elopement locations require a permit – luckily, most places on the Oregon Coast don’t require one for small ceremonies, but this can change. Make sure you’re up to date on any permit requirements, and any specific LNT considerations for your elopement location. Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure this out!
Oregon Coast Elopement Packages
Eloping on the Oregon Coast is an unforgettable experience – which is what we believe your wedding day should be! Our job as your elopement photographers is to help you find the perfect location, recommend vendors, places to stay, and things to do, and pretty much everything you need for an incredible, one-of-a-kind day that’s made just for the two of you.
Let’s Make Your Oregon Coast Elopement Unforgettable
Ready to bring your adventure to life? We’ll help you plan every detail so you can relax and soak up every moment.
