James + Morgan - Ecola State Park Elopement
Ecola State Park Elopements
Ecola State Park is located just between Cannon Beach and Seaside and is the perfect destination for elopements and small weddings!
My favorite things about Ecola as an elopement or wedding location are:
Ecola State Park is family friendly and accessible.
Indian Beach and Ecola Point Viewpoint are the easiest spots within the park to access, as they are right off a parking area (with restrooms!) There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle or you can use your annual Oregon state park’s pass. If you want a bit of a hike but more seclusion, check out the Indian Beach trail that leads to Crescent Beach.
2- Beaches with big rock formations, super tall trees, and overlooks = epic photos.
This park has everything about the Upper Left Coast that we love! It’s a photographer’s dream. You’ll definitely want to stay for sunset if you have a clear day, but a moody overcast day is just as dreamy.
3- Cannon Beach and Seaside both have tons of unique and beautiful Airbnbs. It can be so hard to pick between A frames that overlook the ocean, light filled cabins, and super luxe hotel-spas with all the amenities.
4- Amazing local vendor networks for officiants, florists, private chefs and event catering, and hair and makeup artists!
I love the work of Hanabee Designs, a florist based in Astoria.
Alyssa Underwood Artistry is one of the best local hair and makeup artists, based in Seaside.
The Culinary Concierge is also Seaside based for delicious catered meals and picnics
Finally, Rooted and Wild or Carolyn at Oregon Beach Ceremonies are both talented officiants to help you craft your ceremony.
Like other Oregon beaches and parks, you don’t need a permit just to exchange vows in Ecola State Park, but if you’re setting up chairs, tables, or having a floral arbor, you will need a special use permit. You can get this directly from the park.
Getting Ready - Light Filled Airbnb in Seaside
James and Morgan, and their daughter Hendrix visited Oregon in October to elope on the Oregon Coast. The envisioned an escape from Utah’s heat and dry weather, and to enjoy one last vacation before baby number 2 arrived (when I first spoke to them they had just adopted their 3rd dog! I knew we would get along!)
“Our relationship has been very private. We wanted to do something that was for us. It feels like a wedding tends to become a celebration for other people and lacks the focus and intention on those the wedding is actually for. While we definitely want to have a celebration with friends and family down the road, we wanted the actual marriage and vows to be with those it pertains to most–us and our little family”
They were clear about planning a day that prioritized relaxation:
“Our life is fairly regimented and scheduled so when we go on vacation we like to unwind and fly by the seat of our pants “ Morgan told me.
For an elopement with a young child along for the ride, having a relaxed timeline was ideal!
We took our time in the morning; and I was able to capture the quiet moments of Hendrix eating breakfast with her father while mom got ready upstairs. When it was time, we did a cute “first look” with Hendrix and Mom. I love the portraits of her inspecting the wedding dress!
Private Waterfall Ceremony
We caravanned to our remote waterfall ceremony location – perfectly planned with nap time – and hiked a short way, passing just a few picnickers who were so excited to see a couple getting married they gifted James and Morgan a bottle of wine on the spot!
Sunset Picnic and Portraits
Lastly, we made our way to the coast for our sunset picnic. This was a nice quiet moment for the family to relax, snack, and watch the waves. At sunset, we popped champagne and laughed and played with Hendrix in the golden light. When I left them, the family was on their way back to their Airbnb for an early night and taco take out! The best way to get married from start to finish!
