How to Plan an Amazing Cannon Beach Elopement
Cannon Beach is arguably the most well known tourist destination on the Oregon Coast, and the rolling dunes and gigantic sea stacks are a dreamy backdrop for an intimate wedding or elopement.
In fact, the hardest part about planning your Cannon Beach elopement will be choosing between so many amazing spots. But don’t worry- almost every sight worth seeing is within a 20 to 30 minute drive of each other so it’s totally possible to visit waterfalls, beaches, cliffs, and forests on your day. (Generally 2 or 3 is a good goal!)
Cannon Beach Wedding Permit Information
Like all Oregon beaches, it’s free to get married on the beach and you don’t need a permit to have a simple vow-exchange and photos. You’ll only need a permit if you are having more than 50 guests, or are setting up tables, chairs, arbors, etc.
If you need a permit, know that they are not issued during the busy summer months between Memorial Day (May) and Labor Day (September).
Remember, these rules are in place to make sure everyone can enjoy public land! When in doubt, the helpful folks at Oregon State Parks (or your friendly neighborhood elopement photographer) can answer all of your questions.
BEST BEACHES FOR WEDDINGS AT CANNON BEACH
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock- enough said! This iconic rock, and its near neighbors, The Needles, are beautiful backdrops to your wedding ceremony. As the obvious focal point of the town, Haystack Rock is usually a popular spot for other locals and tourists alike. There is a real sense of community in summer when everyone comes out to witness another spectacular Oregon coast sunset.
Haystack Rock Parking and Access
Approaching Haystack rock takes about 10-20 minutes walking along the beach from the nearest parking lots. Public parking is available from the Tolovana Wayside parking lot which is an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible beach access point.
Another good size public lot is next to the Cannon Beach City Hall but it’s smaller and busier than Tolovana Wayside. The city hall lot requires walking a few blocks through town before arriving at the beach, and then walking towards Haystack. The most direct access to Haystack Rock is a very small pull off at the top of the hill on S Hemlock Street, however it’s not always possible to find parking here! Additionally, it’s a little precarious to cross the busy street, which is near a blind corner. Once you do cross, be prepared for a set of steep wooden stairs. In my experience, it’s much easier to take a leisurely stroll from Tolovana Wayside.
Additionally, Beach Wheelchairs are available with reservations. Reservations can be made with Bahama Boards at 503-436-4317.
Free permits to drive on the beach specifically for allowing access for persons with disabilities can be obtained by the police department.
More on Haystack Rock Parking.
Getting around Cannon Beach can be difficult in the busy summer months, as street parking is hard to come by and private parking is guarded fiercely. That said, hiring drivers for your guests is one of the best splurges you can justify to make your cannon beach wedding stress free! Royal Cab is cab company serving Cannon Beach and Astoria and has multiple vehicles and each can hold 4 to 5 people- perfect for intimate ceremonies!
Leave No Trace considerations: Haystack Rock is a protected marine garden. Climbing the rocks, disturbing sea birds or tidepools is prohibited.
Chapman Beach
Chapman beach is separated from Cannon beach by Ecola Creek, and this is an excellent place to visit a quieter side of town but still have good views of Haystack Rock in the distance. Here you will find dunes and grasses and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get the chance to witness the Cannon beach Elk come down to drink from the creek and walk the beach at sunset. It is pure magic!
Parking and Accessibility
There is a small space for parking cars at the official entrance to Chapman Beach at Oak and 7th St, but do mind the no parking signs in some areas, and definitely don’t try to park on private property! Check out Google Street view to scope out the area beforehand.
Hug Point
Hug Point features Yellow and red striped sandstone cliff and a long beach with boulders and tidepools, caves and a small waterfall. Before highway 101 was constructed, travelers had to “hug” the coast at low tides to be able to pass around the rocky headland. Today you can even see the remnants of the old stagecoach road that was cut into the rock at Hug Point.
Parking and Accessibility
Hug Point has it’s own parking lot with restrooms. There are stairs that lead directly to the beach, but the last stair is very steep and can be wobbly. Guests with mobility needs may require a helping hand down.
Arcadia Beach
Arcadia Beach is right next to Hug Point and also a huge favorite of mine for weddings. “Lion Rock” – is a beautiful backdrop for a vow exchange, and you’ll find this smaller beach has a lot of extra privacy when compared to others on this list.
Parking and Accessibility
Arcadia Beach has its own parking area and set of restrooms. A short gravel switchback leads down to the beach.
Short Sands Beach
I love this popular surf beach as an elopement destination because of the opportunity to walk among ferns and mossy sitka spruce forests before reaching the ocean. This allows couples to really experience many types of scenery! There aren’t any significant sea stacks on this beach, but you are treated to views of cliffs and trees on the south and north side of the little cove beach, as well as a creek meeting the ocean and a small waterfall. The recreation area features bathrooms as well as picnic tables.
Parking and Accessibility
There are two parking lots from Highway 101 in Oswald West State Park that access Short Sands beach, and both lots are fairly large. You can get to this beach via the Cape Falcon Trail, or via the Short Sands Loop Path. Both are a little bit of a walk, but the trade off is that the beach is more secluded and private, and less busy, than those beaches with more direct access.
Indian Beach
Indian Beach in Ecola State Park is a scenic, family friendly location with short walks to the beach from the paved parking and picnic area. To get to Indian Beach from the park entrance, you drive just a few minutes through towering spruce trees along the only road into the park. This is a great place to get a good mix of lush forest photos and beach photos. Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock can be seen in the distance.
Parking and Accessibility
There is a large parking area at Indian Beach, with a kiosk where you can purchase your $5 parking pass. There are stairs down to the beach, but these can be slippery and uneven, and there are larger rocks you’ll have to cross before reaching sand.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is within Ecola State Park, near Cannon Beach, and is only accessible via a trail. This makes Crescent Beach more private than the adjacent Indian Beach and parking area (which are also very scenic). The trail through the forest offers cliffside views, towering sitka spruce trees, and huge ferns. The beach itself is ideal for exploring at low tide, and for epic sunset views.
Favorite Hotels for Weddings in Cannon Beach
One of the many “pros” to eloping in Cannon Beach is the location- it’s only an hour and a half from Portland. One of the larger cities on the coast, Cannon Beach has a thriving Airbnb and hotel rental economy- so finding that perfect spot to stay is going to be easy!
The Ocean Lodge
The Ocean Lodge is a gorgeous hotel right on the beach and within walking distance to Haystack Rock. The cozy foyer usually has a crackling fire and free hot chocolate in the cooler months. They are a dog-friendly hotel and if you are bringing your furry friend, you will see their name on a welcome plaque when you check in!
Tolovana Inn
The Tolovana Inn is a budget friendly but no corners cut hotel that is also dog friendly, and is right on the beach and walking distance to Haystack Rock.
Favorite Airbnbs for Elopements in Cannon Beach
Gorgeous restaurants that offer excellent dining experiences for your wedding or elopement:
- Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge – Coastal fare, ocean views, and private dining options!
- Pelican Brewing in Cannon Beach – an Oregon brew culture classic with outdoor patio dining.
- Evoo Dining in Cannon Beach – How about dinner and a show?
- Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge– Downtown Cannon Beach known for steaks and dog friendly patio dining.
Local Cannon Beach Wedding Vendors
Another huge plus is the abundance of excellent wedding vendors that are local to the area. This may seem obvious, but if you aren’t local you might not realize that not every coastal city or town on the coast has a large enough population to support so many excellent local options.
Favorite Florists:
- Pacific Coast Floral Design (Coast)
- Flowers for You PDX (Portland
- Anderson Florist (Tillamook)
- Cannon Beach Florist (Cannon Beach)
- Hanabee Designs (Cannon Beach)
Favorite hair and makeup artists:
- The Union Knot (Cannon Beach)
- Underwood Makeup (Seaside)
Favorite officiants to perform your ceremony:
- Rooted and Wild – North Coast
- Oregon Beach Ceremonies (North Coast)
- Penny Carter (Portland)
Best vendors to plan a party with:
Rentals like chairs for guests and eye catching arbors, reception bonfire set up and curated picnic services.
Private chefs to facilitate a unique dining experience:
- Sage Bleu Catering and Design (Astoria/north coast)
The Culinary Concierge (Seaside)
Best ways to relax:
Oregon Coast Safety Tips:
Don’t turn your back on the ocean and watch out for sneaker waves!
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly run farther up the beach than all the other waves around them. They can easily knock you down, or worse! They can be really damaging in the winter when the winter storms from the Pacific Ocean bring “king tides” and storm surges. It’s especially important to be vigilant in the winter.
Hike like a pro
Be careful on rocks and near cliffs. Rocks can be slippery and cliffs can be unstable due to erosion. Stay on marked trails and don’t climb over fences or other barriers, even if you’ve seen someone else do it on Instagram!
Watch for falling rocks
Avoid walking along the base of cliffs or eroding bluffs. Chunks of cliff or rocks can fall at any time; areas with overhangs and caves are especially dangerous. Do not dig in cliffs or bluffs.
Maintain a safe campfire
Beach campfires are an awesome way to celebrate after your wedding day, and it’s one of the things that we adore about the Oregon Coast. Make sure your fire is only on open sand, and away from driftwood or vegetation. Check online for seasonal fire restrictions. It’ss important to use water to extinguish your fire, not sand. A beach fire merely buried in sand can remain hot for hours or days, and can burn people walking over it, or even start a fire.
Don’t Move Firewood
It’s important to buy local firewood to prevent the spread of invasive emerald ash borer which was recently found in Oregon. Driftwood is considered a natural resource on the coast, and it’s best to avoid burning it in a campfire. Firewood can be purchased locally in Cannon beach from the Surfcrest Market, The Fresh Foods Market, and the Mariner Market. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for more info!
Avoid logs on the beach
Stay away from logs on the beach or in the surf. The logs absorb water like sponges, increasing their weight by up to several tons. The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the heaviest log and roll it over you.
Know the Tides
When we adventure on the coast, I’ll always inform you of the tides beforehand. It’s important to know whether the tide is coming in or out, as well as the predicted tide height.
The Best Time to Visit Cannon Beach
In short, the best elopement “secret” recipe is combining the following ingredients: weekdays, shoulder season, sunrise, sunset, and low tides. Since Cannon Beach is a popular destination, you’ll want to be intentional about when you plan your visit. Seasonally, Cannon Beach is a great choice from late spring, (after the rain), to late fall, (before the rain!), with the busiest months being at the height of summer.
During this time, you’ll get a fantastic sunset nearly every single night, and a misty magical sunrise almost every morning. Planning your vows or couple’s portraits during sunrise or sunset will drastically improve your chances of having these scenic spots all to yourself.
Don’t forget to check out the Clatsop County Marriage License info!
