The Oregon Coast is well-known for its cinematic beauty. With over 360 miles of rugged coastline, towering basalt rock formations, and spectacular seaside cliffs, the shoreline of Oregon is full of moody, romantic ceremony spots, relaxing ocean-view accommodations, and many coastal activities. The Oregon Coast is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest to say I Do, and no matter what kind of laid-back beach elopement or intimate coastal wedding adventure you’re dreaming up, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. I’m an Oregon Coast elopement photographer who loves capturing soulful elopement experiences for one-of-a-kind, adventurous lovers. This guide contains all my favorite Oregon Coast ceremony locations and accommodations, along with some of my best tips and tricks for planning an epic Oregon Coast elopement!

The Best Time For An Oregon Coast Elopement

Time of Year

The Oregon Coast is magical year-round, with each season offering a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your partner! June through October is the most popular time of year to visit the Oregon Coast. Summer and early Fall bring pleasant coastal breezes, drier/warmer days, and mild water temperatures. Remember that rain and fog can be a daily occurrence, even during Summer and early Fall. Always be prepared for stormy weather conditions, and bring rain jackets and umbrellas!

If you and your partner want to avoid crowds but don’t mind embracing the wild weather conditions of the Oregon Coast, consider planning your elopement for the off-season (November – February). The off-season offers an opportunity for a much quieter and more intimate coastal experience, with misty, foggy days adding an extra touch of misty allure to your photos! 

Time of Day 

Much like the time of year, picking the perfect time of day all depends on your priorities for your wedding ceremony. Eloping at Sunrise along the Oregon Coast offers low crowd levels and misty mornings, making it an ideal, intimate setting for romantic and moody celebrations. Sunsets along the Oregon Coast can be breathtaking, especially on clear Summer evenings. If you choose to elope later in the day, you and your partner can enjoy a slow morning with breakfast in bed before an afternoon full of adventure. If you can’t decide on a time of day, you can always choose a full-day elopement package and do both Sunrise and Sunset! Last but not least, if you’re planning a beach elopement, research and plan for low and high tide times, especially if you want to wander around the Neskowin Beach Ghost Forest!

Time of Week

Eloping on a weekday offers lower crowd levels, even during peak seasons. I recommend a midweek date for any elopement along the Oregon Coast, no matter the time of year (especially if you’re visiting the coast during Summer). Parking lots can fill up quickly on weekends, especially in towns like Cannon Beach, which already have limited parking spaces year-round. Traffic can also be problematic during weekends along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 101) and in popular sightseeing areas. All of this can cause unnecessary stress that can be avoided by eloping on a weekday. As a bonus, if you choose to elope on a weekday, you’ll probably be more likely to secure high-demand vendors or accommodations that otherwise may not be available on weekends. 

Traveling For Your Oregon Coast Elopement

The Oregon Coast’s towns, villages, beaches, and parks are very spread out. So, a car is a must if you want to access and navigate the Oregon Coast with ease. If you and your partner plan to travel from out of state for your Oregon Coast elopement and aren’t planning on driving your own car, I recommend flying into Portland International Airport (PDX). Portland has an on-site rental car center and services rental car apps like Turo. While Portland is around an hour-and-a-half to two-hour drive from the coast, it’s a beautiful and scenic trip that goes by quickly. If you and your partner want quicker access to the southern Oregon Coast, consider flying into smaller regional airports, such as Eugene and Roseburg. 

The Best Ceremony Locations Along The Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach 

Cannon Beach is one of the smallest and most notable coastal towns along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. Named “one of The World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places” by National Geographic, Cannon Beach is home to incredible rock structures like Haystack Rock and neighbors the epic hiking trails of Ecola State Park. From puffin-spotting to beach bonfires, tide-pooling, surfing, and whale watching, Cannon Beach is one of the most adventurous places for couples to say I Do along the Oregon Coast. My favorite Oregon Coast elopement ceremony spots near Cannon Beach include Haystack Rock, Crescent Beach, Ecola State Park, and Hug Point. 

Manzanita, OR

Nestled against Neahkahnie Mountain, Manzanita has some of the best overhanging cliffs, surf spots, and hiking trails along the Oregon Coast. Manzanita’s main street is full of delicious fine-dining restaurants, breweries, and wineries — an absolute dream come true for foodie couples planning an oceanside celebration. Some of my favorite ceremony spots near Manzanita are Manzanita Beach, Elk Flats Trail, Short Sand Beach, Arch Cape, and Cove Beach. 

Neskowin, OR

Neskowin is a dreamy village for elopements and intimate weddings! The charming coastal town offers excellent local shopping boutiques,  friendly breweries, and world-class seafood restaurants. Not to mention, Neskowin has some of the most incredible ceremony locations to say I Do. Proposal Rock and the Ghost Forest are two of my favorite elopement locations in the area and are best experienced during low tide. When visiting the Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site at low tide, you can even explore tidepools and do some pretty great beachcombing!

Otis, OR

Otis is a hidden gem for elopement locations. The small town, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Oregon’s seaside communities, is just a short drive from some of Lincoln City’s best beaches. Surrounded by lush forests and serene lakes, Otis is an ideal elopement location for couples who love hiking, waterfalls, and lake activities but want to experience the coastal perks of eloping near the Pacific. My favorite ceremony spots in and around Otis include Drift Creek Falls and God’s Thumb. 

Yachats, OR

Yachats is often called the “Gem of the Oregon Coast” and is well known for its many natural wonders, such as Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn, and Spouting Horn. If you and your partner love sightseeing, hiking, and panoramic ocean views, Yachats will surely be your dream ceremony location. Cape Perpetua is hands down one of my favorite elopement areas along the Oregon Coast, having some of the most incredible cliffside viewpoints that overlook the Pacific. If you and your partner plan to celebrate your elopement with a picnic, Neptune Beach at Sunset or Sunrise is a beautiful sandy shore to do so.

Winchester Bay, OR

Winchester Bay is a charming coastal town and home to the iconic Umpqua River Lighthouse. The area is known for its giant Sand Dunes and commercial crabbing.  If you and your partner love adventure, you can rent ATVs, buggies, or dirt bikes to explore the tallest dunes in Oregon. For a thrilling water activity, consider booking a charter to catch some of the bay’s famous local Dungeness crabs. While Umpqua River Lighthouse is one of my favorite ceremony locations in Winchester Bay, it’s also an excellent area for a sailboat elopement at Sunset!

Brookings, OR

The southern Oregon Coast, including Brookings, is home to warmer weather and water temperatures. Brookings beaches and surrounding state parks are full of coastal wildlife, one-of-a-kind rock formations, and lush hiking trails. Brookings is also a very tourist-friendly town with many bicycle and walking paths throughout the village. Whether you and your partner enjoy beachcombing, fishing, hiking, whale-watching, biking, or kayaking, Brookings has it all. My favorite elopement ceremony locations in and around Brookings include Samuel H. Boardman State Park, McVay Rock State Recreation Site, and Chetco Point Park, just to name a few!

The Best Accommodations Along The Oregon Coast

The Haystack Haus, Cannon Beach

Located just minutes from Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, The Haystack Haus is a rustic cabin with a wood-burning stove and wrap-around porch. Featuring premium amenities and neighborhood beach access, this cozy, coastal accommodation is an ideal, intimate retreat for couples seeking walkability and easy access to Cannon Beach’s best attractions. 

Shelter House, Arch Cape

This luxury contemporary home in Arch Cape near Manzanita is a carefully curated stay that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The Shelter House is just a mile from Hug Point and features floor-to-ceiling windows, a cozy, modern fireplace, and heated floors! This accommodation is perfect for couples searching for a lavish, dog-friendly accommodation or ideal for those wanting an elevated Oregon Coast experience with nearby beach access. 

The Burrow Cottage, Neskowin

The Burrow is a unique hillside accommodation featuring an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Oregon coastline. This private and romantic cottage is less than a ten-minute walk from the Ghost Forest, Proposal Rock, and Neskowin Village. It’s quiet, conveniently located, and spacious, making it the ideal retreat to call home during your beach elopement or intimate wedding celebration. 

Waterfront Home, Otis 

Located on the shores of Devil’s Lake, this waterfront home has a cozy Pacific Northwest cottage feel with beautiful wood-beam ceilings and a white brick fireplace. This laid-back stay also features a private dock for couples who want to bring their boat, paddle boards, or kayaks. Tucked away in the lush pine forest of Oregon, you and your partner will be able to reconnect in the woods, spend time on the water, and be just minutes away from all the activities of the Oregon Coast. 

Oceana Oceanfront Home, Yachatas

Oceana is a large seaside home on a cliffside overlooking the Smelt Sands State Recreation Site. The home features luxurious amenities such as a ping pong table, a wood-burning fireplace, and a small library.  Those who stay at Oceana will get private beach access, 24/7 panoramic views of the Pacific, and easy on-foot entry to the 804 walking trail. Due to its size and proximity to the beach, Oceana is an excellent choice for couples celebrating their elopement or intimate wedding with close family and friends.

Drift Cabin, Coos Bay

Drift Cabin is situated on a luxury campsite near Coos Bay, offering guests stunning water views and round-the-clock access to a community clubhouse. The clubhouse features elevated amenities like an indoor saltwater pool and fitness center. Drift Cabin is a cute micro-accommodation for couples who enjoy the perks of resort-style communities!

Harris Beach Bungalow, Brookings

A quiet, coastal getaway on Harris Beach, this modern beach bungalow features an outdoor shower, complimentary beach gear, a fireplace, a coffee station, and an outdoor seating area with a fire pit. The bungalow is conveniently located near all the best attractions in the area, just 3 minutes from Harris Beach State Park and downtown Brookings. If you and your partner love morning or evening strolls to the beach, this home is also just a 15-minute walk to beach access. 

The Best Activities To Do During Your Oregon Coast Elopement

From surfing to whale watching, crabbing, and beachcombing, here’s a list of some of my favorite Oregon Coast activities. 

• Explore Ecola State Park
• Admire Haystack Rock At Sunset 
• Experience Hug Point’s Beautiful Cliffs At Sunrise
• Hike Up Neahkahnie Mountain
• Visit Proposal Rock at Neskowin Beach 
• Have A Picnic At Cape Perpetua Overlook
• Go On A Deep Sea Fishing Excursion
• Go Surfing At Cannon Beach
• Explore The Oregon Coast’s Tidepools
• Go Beachcombing During Low Tide
• Embark On A Guided Crabbing Charter
• Rent Dune Buggies or ATVs Near Coos Bay
• Take A Stroll Through One Of Oregon’s Coastal Beach Towns
• Build A Beach Bonfire And Roast Marshmallows 
• Go Horseback Riding On The Beach At Sunrise In Bandon 
• Explore The Oregon Coast’s Art Culture
• Learn How To Sail On Coos Bay

How To Officially Elope In Oregon

Marriage License

If you want to elope in Oregon legally, you and your partner can grab your marriage license at any County Clerk’s Office along the Oregon Coast, like Lincoln County! I recommend visiting the one closest to your elopement location. Before your visit, fill out the marriage license application online. Oregon has a three-day waiting period before a ceremony can occur after a license is issued! So, be sure to visit an Oregon County Clerk’s Office on a weekday, at least three days before your elopement ceremony. There’s a $60.00 one-time license fee, and you and your partner will need to provide government-issued identification at the time of your visit. Two witnesses and an officiant must be present during the ceremony to make the marriage official! If you need help finding an officiant and witnesses, I can assist with that process as your elopement photographer!

Commitment Ceremony

One of the many beautiful things about eloping is that you and your partner can customize your ceremony to be whatever you want! While some couples choose to get a marriage license before their elopement day, many don’t! It’s totally fine to get married without a marriage license, say your vows, and then worry about the legalities later if you so choose!

Secure Location Permits Before You Elope In Oregon

Depending on the location of your Oregon Coast elopement, ceremony permits may be necessary, especially on lands in National or State Parks. Be sure to check online or with park staff or rangers ahead of your ceremony date. Some ceremony locations that require a permit either need to be obtained weeks in advance or book up quickly, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to nail down the details! As your elopement photographer, I’ll help you secure permits once we decide on a location together!

Work With Local Vendors When You Elope On The Oregon Coast

Hiring high-quality, local elopement vendors can help bring your dream ceremony to life! While hiring vendors isn’t necessary, they can help ease the stress of your big day. If you plan to elope along the Oregon Coast, hiring local vendors familiar with your ceremony location will ensure your elopement goes off without a hitch! Before hiring vendors, take some time to review portfolios, check out their socials, and chat with them over the phone. Before officially booking a vendor, read contracts thoroughly before signing. If you’re unsure which vendors would be the right fit for your celebration, I’m happy to share suggestions with you as your elopement photographer! Here are a few of my favorite Oregon Coast vendors to help you get started on the planning process:

• Florals
  • The Slow Cult 
  • Freckled Fleurs
  • Sarah Renard Floral
• HAMUA:
  • Marina Haynes
  • Black Fern Beauty Co
  • Pacific Brides
• Picnic Experiences:
  • Rogue Picnics (Southern Oregon Coast) 
  • Picnics with Elegance (Northern Oregon Coast) 

Oregon Coast Elopement Packing List

While planning your Oregon elopement, make sure to list all the items you’ll need to pack for your adventure! Here’s a list of elopement packing essentials to get you started:

• Important Travel Documents – IDs/Passports
• Marriage License
• Permits
• Water Bottle & Water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug Spray
• Extra Socks
• Boots/Shoes With Good Tread
• Sandals/Water Shoes
• Wedding Attire
• Vow Books
• Rings
• Ring Box
• Wedding Attire & Accessories
• Perfume/Cologne
• Makeup & Hair Supplies
• Garment Bags
• Celebratory Drinks 
• Portable Speaker
• Adventure Gear
• Backpack(s)
• Towels 
• Swimsuits/Wetsuits
• Beach Chairs
• Rain Jacket
• Jacket 
• Warm Layers 
• Hand Warmers
• Gloves/Mittens
• Headlamps
• Umbrellas
• Blanket 
• Water Sports Gear

Oregon Coast Full-Day Elopement Timeline 

11:00 – Photo coverage begins at Airbnb with detail shots and getting ready photos. 

12:30 – Drive to Short Sand Beach. 

1:00 pm – First look along Short Sand Beach Trail!

1:30 pm – Hike down to Short Sand Beach.

2:00 pm – Pre-ceremony portraits along the shoreline! 

3:00 pm – Vow ceremony in the tide.  

3:30 pm – Romantic beach picnic with light lunch and drinks.

4:00 pm – Take a stroll over to Blumenthal Falls.

4:30 pm – Waterfall portraits!

5:30 pm – Head to Elk Flats for adventure elopement photos.

6:30 pm – Explore Elk Flats along the hiking path overlook!

7:30 pm – Share love notes with one another on a sea cliff.

8:00 pm – Toast with celebratory drinks!

8:30 pm – Explore Elk Flats with lanterns at dusk. 

9:30 pm – Head back to Short Sand Beach. 

10:30 pm – Cuddle near a beach bonfire with smores!

11:00 pm – Photo coverage ends. 

Leave No Trace When You Elope In Oregon

Leave No Trace is a wonderful organization that aims to protect the outdoors by spreading awareness about sustainability practices. When on your epic adventure elopement in Oregon, be sure to respect the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace so that the beauty of the Oregon Coast can stay wild and pristine for generations to come:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

It’s Time To Elope On The Oregon Coast!

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon Coast elopement photographer! If you and your partner want to plan a relaxing and exciting coastal elopement, I’m here to capture a day you’ll never forget! Be sure to check out my Oregon Coast elopement packages and contact me via my inquiry form here! If you want to learn more about getting married in Oregon, check out my guide, How To Elope In Oregon! I can’t wait to explore tidepools, watch the Sunset, and maybe even spot a whale or two while documenting you and your partner’s epic elopement on the Oregon Coast!