What You Need to Know Before Planning An Elopement or Micro Wedding on the Oregon Coast (with 2024 updates!)
Let’s get right to it! The Oregon Coast is beautiful, rugged, and phenomenally photogenic.
Having your elopement or micro wedding in this stunning natural scenery is an awesome decision that suits both adventure-loving and low key couples. It has locations that work for “just the two of you” elopement days, elopements with just a few guests, or micro weddings with 20-30 guests.
But when you’re looking at the entire 362-mile long Oregon coastline, it can be a bit daunting to know where to start.
Let’s be frank, the BEST help possible when planning an Oregon coast elopement is to first hire a photographer (like me 😉 ) that specializes in this area. It’s always best to hire your photographer before you make too many plans, so that they can help you with those steps. It’s always easier to help a couple plan their day from the beginning, rather than late inthe process where it may be too late to take advantage of the valuable insight photographers bring to the table.
But this guide is to help get you familiar with just SOME of the things that a specialized Oregon coast elopement photographer can help you with. And trust me, there is so much more to it when we are able to personalize our guidance to your goals!
Then, when you’re ready, you can reach out to the photographer you love and start planning an epic day!
Let’s break it down into some of the most popular areas for elopements.
The North Coast (Cannon Beach area)
Nearest Airport: Portland International (PDX) - 1 hour away from the coast
Cannon Beach is super internet famous, and it’s definitely earned that popularity! The town of Cannon Beach, nearby communities of Seaside, Arch Cape, and Tillamook and Manzanita, are all clustered around some very cool spots to say “I do.” One of the best benefits to elopements in this area is the proximity to Portland (1 hour away), and the touristy vibe of that stretch of the coast.
Touristy means that you have lots of nice hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, local wedding vendors like hair and makeup artists, and florists, all relatively accessible. The cons to that is you have more populated public places, and the town of Cannon Beach can get very crowded in the height of summer and tourist season, which can make parking a pain.
The Central Coast
Nearest Airport - Eugene (EUG) - 1 hour away from the coast
If you prefer to be away from the crowds, and don’t mind a longer drive down the coast, head south past Tillamook and you’ll find a good number of scenic areas such as God’s Thumb in Lincoln City, Cape Kiawanda in Pacific City, Seal Rock, Hobbit Beach in Yachats, the scenic sand dunes in Florence, and beyond. Here you can find quieter stretches of coastline, lots of wooded hiking trails, and some really unique geology.
The Southern Coast
Nearest Airport - Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) - 3 hours away from the coast.
The Southern Oregon coast has a special place in my heart. It’s an area that’s far enough away from big cities to not be overwhelmed by tourists, but epic enough that you wonder why there aren’t more people around!
Here you can find some of Oregon’s best and most instagrammed beaches, snugged in cozy towns with lots of cute Airbnbs, amazing seafood (if that’s your thing!).
This section of the Oregon coast offers more than beaches- you can also spend your day exploring the Sitka spruce forests, which often grow right up to the edges of the beaches! The star of the show are those epic giants: the coast Redwoods!
Yes, Oregon has redwoods!! You’ll also be within a half hours drive of California redwoods state parks! (where they filmed scenes from Jurassic Park!) Epic!
If you’re looking for secluded views that make you feel like you’re in a wild and undiscovered country, this is the place for you!
Commonly Asked Questions about Elopements on the Oregon Coast:
What is the best time of year to elope on the Oregon Coast?
Like all good questions, the answer is “it depends.”
If you want MOODY, romantic weather, early spring and late fall are great times to catch the rainy drizzle that gives you romantic, cinematic photos, with deep lush greens in the redwoods.
If you want a day in the sun, June, July, August, September, and early October are excellent!
On the Southern Coast, there is the Brookings effect or Chetco effect– yep there’s even a wikipedia page about it!
Essentially, high pressure systems move into the southern coast around Brookings, and this air warms up as it nears the coast. So don’t believe it when you hear that Oregon is always cold and rainy- you can find downright balmy beaches in the tourist off-season.
My favorite times to visit are February- June, and September and October. Know that August and September can carry. some risk that smoke from wildfires may impact your day in the Redwoods, but be assured that eastward winds from the ocean will keep the coastline smoke free on most occasions.
As with any location, if you choose to elope on a weekday you’ll be ten times more likely to have a private experience.
Where can I have a beach fire?
You are allowed to have recreational beach fires on most of the ocean shores, as long as there is no fire ban at the time.
Do I need a permit to elope on the Oregon coast?
No, for most small weddings and elopements on the Oregon Coast, you will not need a permit. A permit is required when you are having more than 50 guests, or intend to set up arches, tables, or other items that are considered ‘props’.
Think of it this way: The coast is recreationally enjoyed by everyone, so don’t expect to be able to reserve a specific spot or otherwise turn a public area into a private one. This means rolling up to a popular public beach and setting up a whole production like you’d have at a venue. It’s always a good idea to run your plans by the Oregon Parks Department to make sure you don’t have any hiccups on your big day.
Note that if a permit is required, the Parks Department does not issue them during the busy summer months between Memorial Day (May) and Labor Day (September).
Where is the best place to have a larger wedding on the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast is truly best suited for small weddings. Because of the violent winter storms each yaer, you’ll often find steep stairs and uneven ground on many of the beach areas, which can make accommodating the mobility needs of guests more difficult.
Some of the most accessible places include Cannon Beach, which has an easy walk from Tolovana Wayside Parking Area, and has special accommodation options for wheelchair uses (like beach wheelchairs!).
Having a large number of guests doesn’t mean that you can’t still have an adventurous time with your partner! Many couples choose to rent a small venue, like Capella by the Sea in Brookings, or large Airbnbs that can accommodate a group, and then solo adventure for photos with their photographer! It’s a great way to have the best of both worlds!
Beacuse accessibility is so important, I keep a detailed list of beaches that do have easy access. Contact me for help finding the perfect elopement location for all of your goals, needs, and of course- wildest dreams!
Unique Ways to Celebrate an Oregon Coast Elopement:
Have a cozy and romantic beach fire!
Here in Oregon a cozy beach fire is welcome even during the summer, when it can become chilly as soon as the sun sets.
Explore tide pools at low tide
This is such a fun way to spend part of your wedding day! Hike up your dress, roll up your pants, and seek out the colorful critters exposed by low tide. For nature lovers, there is no better way to really take in the magic of this special environment.
Go clamming!
Gastronomically inclined couples may decide to try their hand at clamming, and cook up the meal right then and there! Click here to learn all you need to know about where, when, and how to start clamming in Oregon.
Have a picnic while watching the sun set
The Oregon Coast is call the sunset coast for a reason- the sunsets are the best in the country- yes even better than California! The active Oregon surf shoots up misty blasts from the ocean and when the sun begins to set, and when golden hour is officially declared (the hour before sunset) the sun lights up the mist and casts everything in a rosy gold. It’s a beautiful experience and can’t be beat anywhere else!
Dine on fresh seafood from local harbors
Speaking of food, if seafood is your thing, this is a great way to bring in the story of the location into your experience and your photos! Many stunningly beautiful elopement locations are pretty near local harbors where you can pick up some seafood caught that day and incorporate it into your post-wedding celebration!
Wow, you chocked this post FULL of awesome and helpful info about eloping on the Oregon Coast! I mean who wouldn’t want to?! Great post!
Thank you Malina!!
Wow! I would have never known about the Brookings effect in souther oregon. That is so interesting. What great knowledge this is for couples!
Thanks Emmy! It’s such a nice place for a winter getaway! 🙂
Omg looove this long and detailed post about Oregon Coast elopements! So much helpful info for couples wanting the perfect Oregon elopement! Love it!
Thank you Katy!!
This is such a wonderfully comprehensive guide about Oregon coast elopements! Thank you for the info!
You’re welcome, Christy! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This is so helpful for planning an Oregon elopement! I especially love the timeline examples, it really helps to see it all laid out!
Thank you Alex!
I am just dying to get to Oregon Ive never gotten to shoot there. It looks so lovely and all these tips you gave are so helpful.
Thank you Sara! Oregon is awesome- you will love it out here!!
OOoooo I love these tips. Thank you for including what the closest airports are. That is SO helpful. And you had me at ‘redwoods’!!! I wish I could go there now!
Thank you Jaymie! Let’s adventure together if you are ever out this way!
There’s truly a place for everyone on the Oregon coast!
I couldn’t agree more!
Wow! This is super helpful! This is really a “one stop shop” for planning your elopement! Thanks for including such helpful tips.
My pleasure Kailyn!
Such good information for anyone looking to elope on the Oregon Coast
Thanks Sydney!
What great options you have for elopement locations around the Oregon Coast! It is truly an unforgettable area to visit, let alone get married at!!
Thank you!
This is so fantastic! Oregon looks INCREDIBLE and you’ve made me want to visit even more than I already did, haha. Thank you for sharing such a detailed guide. Love the example timelines, too!