MACAYLA LOTT
Hey, I'm Macayla! An avid indie-music consumer *cue Lord Huron + many more*, serial National Park adventurer and aspiring future dog owner. Big enthusiast of adventures, child-like wonder, slowing-down and romanticizing the things that bring joy in our lives. Most importantly, a big enthusiast of preserving your moments intentionally as ART. Honest imagery with feeling and depth.
Excited doesn’t feel like a big enough word to describe how I felt sitting down to write an Oregon Coast elopement guide! There is TRULY no place in the world that heals my soul quite like the Oregon. I’ve walked its cliffs, dipped my toes in its tide pools, and been wrapped up in its salty, misty fog more times than I can count. It’s not just where I find myself for work—this coast feels like home. And if you’re imagining an elopement day that feels deeply wild, intimate, and rooted in nature, the Oregon Coast is ready for you.
Below is an ultimate guide to eloping along the Oregon Coast: packed with the best locations (from the more iconic spots to some hidden gems), tips for navigating the weather, seasonal planning advice, and everything else you’ll need for a day unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Why Elope on the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast is such a unique place. You could be barefoot on the beach at sunrise, exchanging vows on a cliffside with crashing waves below, or in a moss-covered forest that feels like you’ve been plopped down in the middle of a whimsical fairytale forest (all within a few minutes of each other). It’s the perfect stunning mix of rugged beauty, tranquility, and raw emotion. Aaaand the best part? Most of these locations don’t require permits for elopements under 50 people! It’s accessible and gorgeous.
Things to Know Before You Elope
Weather is wild (and that’s part of the magic)
The Oregon Coast can give you fog, sun, wind, and rain all in one day…but that’s part of what makes it beautiful. I always come prepared with clear umbrellas (which make for some incredibly romantic photos), backup locations, and flexible timelines so we’re never at the mercy of a storm. Trust me: we’ll make it work, rain or shine!
Pro Tip: Use This Interactive Google Map
To help you visualize just how close some of these spots are to each other (you could catch sunrise at Ecola State Park and still finish with sunset portraits at Cannon Beach) I’ve created an interactive map of the coast! Check it out below:
What to Pack for an Oregon Coast Elopement
+ Waterproof boots or hiking shoes
+ Layers (think cozy flannels, a fleece, or even a fun blanket to drape over your dress)
+ Windbreaker or rain jacket
+ Clear umbrellas
+ Towel + change of clothes (especially if you’re beach adventuring!)
+ Blanket for cuddling up during your picnic or vows
+ Headlamp/flashlight for early mornings or sunset hikes
+ Tissues (for crying or hiking– you never know)
+ Water and snacks!
Best Places to Elope on the Oregon Coast
Ecola State Park
+ Permit: $5 day-use fee, no permit needed for <50 guests
+ Vibes: Cliffside (an incredible panoramic oceanside view), coastal forest, sea stacks
+ Best for: Sunrise or sunset ceremonies
+ Weather: Can be a little windy due to elevation
This park is a coastal dreeeam. You’ll get sweeping views, towering evergreens, and soft golden light. You can feel the power of the ocean from up high, and it’s perfect for intimate vows with a view.
Cannon Beach
+ Accessibility: Popular and can be busy depending on time of day / year. Arrive early, especially during peak season! And check this area out for the best parking.
+ Best for: Iconic Haystack Rock shots, foggy romantic vibes, colorful sunsets
+ Seasonal tip: Summer has clearer skies, winter brings moodier fog
Even though it’s well-known, Cannon Beach never loses its magic! Each visit is a wonderfully new version of the same love story.
Oswald West State Park Region
This area is packed with gems, each offering something unique
+ Short Sand Beach: A short hike through the woods opens to a tucked-away beach. Perfect for portraits and family photos.
+ Hug Point: A mix of caves, waterfalls, and tide pools. Tide timing is crucial here!
+ “Elk Flats” Area: This might be my absolute favorite place on earth. I’m hesitant to even name it because of how sacred and untouched it feels, but the photos speak for themselves (see below!). Sunset or sunrise, it’s completely ethereal.
Cape Kiwanda
+ Highlights: Rolling sand dunes, dramatic cliffs
+ Best times: Both sunrise and sunset are gorgeous here
+ Accessibility: Can be sandy and steep, but doable for most
Cape Kiwanda is so unique with its blend of soft sand and rugged rock formations. If you want golden light and windswept romance, this is the spot!
Brookings & the Southern Coast
+ Dream spots:
- Secret Beach (check tide times)
- Natural Bridges (viewpoint only—make sure you do not walk down to or on the bridge)
- Samuel H. Boardman Corridor
- Whaleshead Beach, Arch Rock, Pistol River Viewpoint
- Cape Ferrelo, Lone Ranch Beach, Ariya’s Beach
- Capella by the Sea (gorgeous forest venue!)
I haven’t shot a full elopement here yet, but it’s a big dream of mine! These southern gems are wild, remote, and absolutely stunning. And the Oregon Redwoods Trail and Jedediah Smith Redwoods are just 30 minutes away! Perfect if you want to combine coast + forest for a truly epic day.
A few other hidden gems to check out:
+ Blacklock Cliffs
+ Thor’s Well
+ Any of the lighthouses/lighthouse beaches
+ Waterfalls:
- Latourell Falls: though technically not on the coast, but along the Columbia River Gorge (not too far) and is a spot to do an elopement!
- Drift Creek Falls: This waterfall has the coolest suspension bridge. It’s a bit of a hike in, but absolutely worth it! It’s east of Lincoln City by about 40 minutes.
- You can find a few other great waterfall options to explore here and here.
A Complete Seasonal Guide to Eloping on the Coast
| Month | Pros | Cons |
| May – June | Blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds | Can still be rainy |
| July – Sept | Drier, warmest weather | More tourists |
| Oct – Nov | Golden light, moody skies, fewer people | Weather begins to turn |
| Dec – Feb | Dramatic waves, fog, and solitude | Cold, wet, unpredictable |
| March – April | Waterfalls are flowing, fresh green | Rainier, trail access can be limited |
Spring and fall offer a beautiful balance of moodiness and accessibility. But again—the weather is always going to do its thing, and that’s ok! We’ll roll with it. 🙂
Where to Stay
Ready to make your elopement day a full adventure? I highly recommend staying somewhere cozy and memorable for a night or two! It turns a high energy day into a restful (but still adventurous) trip.
+ Our Plaace (Neskowin) – Dreamy beachfront Airbnb that allows weddings/elopements
+ Headlands Coastal Lodge (Pacific City) – Upscale but rugged feel
+ Airbnb near Brookings – So many options with ocean views
+ Heceta Lighthouse B&B – For a unique stay near Florence
+ Cabins near Oswald West – Rustic and close to the trailhead
Final Thoughts
The Oregon Coast has this quiet way of bringing people back to themselves. It’s wild and unpredictable, soft and rugged, moody and magical. ALL at once. It’s where I found healing, and where so many of my couples have found home in each other.
If you’re ready to trade the traditional for something more intimate, more you, I’d be honored to help you plan an elopement along this coast I love so much.
Let’s chase all the fog and golden light together! Reach out here.
