An Ultimate Guide: How to Elope on the Oregon Coast
First of all Oregon Coast is absolutely stunning and unique. It took me many trips to the PNW to finally visit and shoot and elopement on the Oregon Coast, and I can't describe how mesmerizing the scenery is.
It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to its west and the Oregon Coast Range to the east, and stretches approximately 362 miles from the California state border in the south to the Columbia River in the north. If you're looking for dramatic, rugged, raw and beautiful landscape that encomapes both beaches, cliffs and forest look no further.
To elope in Oregon, as almost anywhere you’ll need a marriage license, officiant, witnesses, proper permits (not every location/elopement needs permits- it varies). If you decide to elope near CA border you should definitely consider taking a drive to the beautiful Red Woods in California. Also legally you don’t need an officiant as California, similarly to Colorado is a state where you can self-solemnize (which means you can marry yourselves without an officiant). Interested in PNW elopement packages? Click here to find out.
Best Places to Elope on the Oregon Coast
This is a list of some of the most beautiful spots, but almost all of the coast is very picturesque. Some beaches are hard to get to and require hiking, so depending if you need easy access, toilets or access to town, you may do your own research. The elopement I photographed in Oregon took place near Brookings, OR which is a good base to explore from. California Redwoods are a short drive from there as well. Here is the list of the most popular elopement locations on the Oregon Coast:
Hug Point State Recreation Site
he Hug Point State Recreation Site is close to Cannon Beach, but offers a much less popular elopement location on the coast!
Neskowin Beach State Park/Proposal Rock
Bandon Beach Bandon is a cute beach town on the Southern Oregon Coast. It is offering lots of places to stay and local spots to eat. This gorgeous elopement location has incredible sea stacks spread out along the shoreline and poking through the water. Bandon beach offers unique landscape and an epic backdrop for your elopement!
Harris Beach Beautiful and dramatic looking beach with dark sand and rocks. This is the only beach near Brookings easily accessible with vast sand beach.
Cannon Beach Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic spots on the Oregon Coast. The beach itself is famous for Haystack Rock, which pokes dramatically through the water and is a popular spot for puffins to nest. You can elope on the beach, and stay in town in one of the cute seaside hotels or oceanfront rental homes.
Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor:The corridor stretches 12 miles along Highway 101, along the southern coast of Oregon. It is filledddd with incredible spots, wildlife, scenery. Nearest town Brookings, OR
The Red Woods. The Redwoods near CA border are mesmerizing and magical. if you're looking fairy forest vibe with gigantic trees and lots of greenery this place offers it all. The redwoods offer great addition to the rugged coastline.
When To Elope on the Oregon Coast?
The beauty of the PNW lies in how green and lush it is. With that comes a lot of rain and unpredictability in terms of weather...I still love it and would recommnend eloping here. Summer are usually phenomenal, with minimal rain and long days. Nov-March are the gloomiest months with the most rain, but spring April-June are usually less wet and more pleasant in terms of temperature. The cool thing about spring is that it's a prime waterfall season with the most spectacular cascades you'll ever see. If I had to choose I'd go with May-October for best weather...but unfortunately higher risk of smoke due to more frequent wildfires.
