How to Plan an Oregon Coast Micro Wedding with Family, Forests & Ocean Views

When I first started chatting with Bethany and Austin about their Oregon Coast micro wedding, I knew right away it was going to be an amazing day. These two are all about connection, presence, and soaking in the moment with their people. They envisioned a calm, carefree, and intimate day, which happens to be exactly the kind of vibe the Oregon Coast delivers.

The couple came all the way from San Antonio, Texas, to elope along the misty shores and lush forests of the PNW, which already tells you how much they love adventure. But it wasn’t just about the jaw-dropping views (although there were plenty of those!). It was about creating a day that reflected who they are and sharing the day with their family along the way, too.

Oregon Coast Micro Wedding Day That Felt Like Them

Bethany and Austin wanted to elope on the coast that stole their hearts years ago, when Austin proposed to her at Cape Perpetua. Their day was just their closest people, jaw-dropping views, and space to be fully present.

Their elopement day started slow and sweet at their vacation rental in Rockaway Beach, a charming VRBO tucked into the trees, with room for their crew to stay and celebrate together. I helped them find this gem of a rental that actually allows groups (which can be tricky along the coast!), and we used it as our cozy home base for the day.

After getting ready, they shared a sweet first look beneath an ancient cedar right in town. It was the perfect little pocket of forest to start their day with intention and excitement.

Coffee Break & An Impromptu Hike? Always.

Before heading to their ceremony, we made a little detour to Manzanita News & Espresso, because what’s better than a coffee stop on your wedding day? The beauty of an elopement day is that you get to make space for the things you love!

We had some extra time before the ceremony, so we made a spontaneous decision to hit the Elk Flats Trail for a short hike to one of the most epic coastal overlooks. And, let me tell you, it was so worth it. This trail gives you all the best parts of the Oregon Coast—cliffs, crashing waves, salty air, and quiet trails to soak it all in. The flexibility of an elopement day meant we could pivot and embrace the adventure.

Oregon Coast Wedding Ceremony at Short Sands Beach

Then it was time to meet up with their loved ones and hike down to Short Sands Beach for their ceremony. This is one of my favorite spots for couples who want to include family at their elopement. It checks all the boxes: accessible, scenic, spacious, and equipped with bathrooms and parking. I think about ALL those things for you, so you don’t have to!

Bethany and Austin exchanged their vows with the ocean behind them, surrounded by the people who matter most. It was intimate and heartfelt, with nature as their backdrop and a peaceful kind of joy in the air.

Sunset Portraits at Hug Point

After the ceremony, we snuck away for golden hour portraits at Hug Point. From the rocky cliffs to the waterfall, this place is absolutely gorgeous. We caught golden light, tide pools, and all those dreamy, windswept coastal feels.

Pro Tip: Hug Point is an amazing location, but you do need to watch the tides here if you want to reach the waterfall as it’s only accessible at low tide. 

Planning This Intimate Oregon Coast Micro Wedding

From the beginning, I worked closely with Bethany and Austin to make their day smooth and stress-free. I helped them find their rental, created a custom location list based on what they loved (forests and beaches, accessibility for loved ones, and beautiful backdrops), offered planning advice and timelines, and kept things flexible when we decided to go a little off script, because that’s where the magic happens!

Their day is the perfect example of what an Oregon Coast elopement can look like when you trust your photographer, embrace the moment, and let nature do her thing. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s less about performance and more about presence, this is your sign to freaking do it!!

Thinking About Eloping on the Oregon Coast?

If you love the idea of waking up slowly, sipping coffee by the sea, chasing waterfalls at sunset, and saying your vows with salty hair and sandy toes, I’m down for it all! I’ll help you find the best spots (including accessible ones for your favorite people), plan a timeline that feels good, and create an experience that’s 100% YOU.

Let’s plan your chill, soulful, epic-as-heck elopement together. Reach out and let’s start dreaming it up! 

If you’re planning your own Oregon Coast elopement or micro wedding, I’ve got a full guide to help you get started. Here’s everything you need to know: How to Plan an Oregon Coast Elopement.

Vendors:

Planning & Photography: me, Erica Swantek Photography

Hair & Makeup: Black Fern Beauty Co