Here's the local's guide to planning an Oregon Coast elopement
We'll walk you through EVERYTHING. And give you our honest opinions about planning your Oregon Coast elopement.
With it's epic scenery, beautiful lodging, and adventure potential, who could blame ya?! We're local to Oregon's northern coast and after years of living and working here, we still find ourselves in complete aw of it's hidden gems, local communities, and the endless inspiration it has to offer.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know for your Oregon Coast elopement Including:
With its rugged coastline, winding scenic highways, lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and charming coastal towns, the Oregon Coast is packed with beautiful locations and adventures that have something for everyone and views that are positively dreamy. IMO, it is one of the best places to elope. As a PNW location that is fairly accessible year-round, we’re pumped to give you a resource to help you plan your perfect Oregon Coast Elopement.
An Oregon Coast Elopement is a guaranteed good time and perfect for couples that want a laid-back, but completely epic elopement day.
It's perfect for you if you want:
“INCREDIBLE. BREATHTAKING. BEWILDERED. LOVE.
Those are ONLY four words among the infinite that describe what has happened and our emotions toward it in the last 48 hours. This was the most incredible adventure we possibly could have taken, with you guiding us along the way and bringing an experience like no other; capturing some of our happiest moments in life. I cannot express our gratitude for what you two have done for us since May/June and would not have traded it for the world. You are individuals who see the world, reality, and love the way we do... and understand it in all its complexity. Sam and Kyle. Thank you. For your guidance, your persistence, your sense of adventure, and ultimately the ability to capture our love the way we wanted and ways we didn't know were possible.”
C + J
Where to fly in: You’ll absolutely want to fly into PDX if you’re eloping in the Northern Coast. It’s about a 1.5-2 hour drive and absolutely worth it.
You’ll find some suppppper cute lodging here (more on that in a bit) and be pretty close to Portland, Mount Hood, and the Gorge if you want to experience different landscapes.
This section of the coast is best for couples wanting to elope in the spring and fall months. If you want privacy
NGL the summer is CrAzY with tourists and finding privacy or a parking spot can be a real pain. Even on weekdays, it can be absolutely nuts from sunrise to sunset. Many sections (like short beach) are now requiring parking fees because the visitor volume has gotten do high.
Even though we love the northern region, we need to be V honest with you.
Spanning from Astoria - Lincoln City, the northern Oregon Coast is what people usually think of when they envision an Oregon Coast Elopement.
Our home-base is smack in the middle of this region, just south of Cannon, and we totally get why everyone wants to elope here.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore some incredible tide pools, see some of the most incredible sunsets, and have an absolute blast.
HOWEVER, not every location is the best (especially if you want to avoid crowds). And if we're being soooo honest, some spots (that are super popular) are pretty mid when you experience them in person.
There isn’t an ugly place on the coast. There is just something about the jagged cliffs, enchanting lighthouses, and ocean wind that keeps us coming back again and again.
Where to fly in: PDX is still probably the shortest drive depending on your exact location, but you could also fly into Bend and have about the Same drive.
The Central Coast is full of great locations for couples that love to surf, watch for whales, and explore waterfalls, massive dunes, and have one helluva time.
The Central Coast feels a little less rugged than the southern, and will see crowds pretty similar to the Northern Coast
We make a point to visit each region of the coast each year whether it’s for Oregon coast elopements or our own personal adventures. We’ve spent so much time working for some of the coastal parks, exploring, hiking, tide-pooling, and shooting some EPIC days up and down the west-coast that we have a pretty extensive list of the perfect spots.
Where to fly in: If you want to road trip down 101 and spend a day or two exploring the coast, fly into PDX and make the long (6 hours) drive down.
For a shorter trek, you’ll want to fly into Medford
As Oregon elopement photographers, this may be our fave section of the coast for couples looking for more privacy. It’s definitely on the more remote side with limited options, but damn does the scenery make up for it.
Mid March - mid/late May
Ideal for: Ideal for: Moody vibes, chilly but not freezing temps, wildflowers in the later months, lots of colors.
Be mindful of: Stormy weather, colder temps, making room in your timeline for weather backups.
What to expect Oregon Coast Elopement: This is when the wildflowers are POPPING on the coast and you’ll still have quite a bit of that moody weather. The temps will still be chilly, so be sure to plan for layers and snuggle breaks.
Be sure to pack: layers, clear umbrellas, rain coats, waterproof shoes, and a blanket
Mid-November - Mid March
Ideal for: Winter elopements that aren’t keen on snow, all the ICONIC PNW moody vibes, best for couples looking to embrace whatever weather their day throws at them.
Be mindful of: Cold temps, weather drama, building lots of room in your timeline to schedule.
What to expect Oregon Coast Elopement: If you want a moody, iconic PNW elopement you’ll get it during the winter. You can anticipate more storms, more fog, and to be V chilly during these months. Plan plenty of snuggle breaks through your day to stay warm and keep the morale high.
Be sure to pack: Layers, hand warmers, extra socks, warm footwear, cozy blankets.
September - Early November
Ideal for: Mild temps, early morning and evening moodiness, fewer crowds in the later season.
Be mindful of: Potential storms, especially later in the season, and crowds on weekends
What to expect Oregon Coast Elopement: Earlier in the fall, you may still have plenty of sunny days. The potential for moody weather increases the later you get into the fall. The temps are perfect and the further you get from summer, the more crowds tend to ease up a bit. For popular locations, you’ll still want to aim for a weekday elopement if privacy is an important aspect of your day. As Oregon elopement photographers, this is probs our fave season here.
Be sure to pack: Sunscreen, extra layers, cozy blankets.
Late May - Early September
Ideal for: Low tides, warmer temps, sunshine, and outdoor activities.
Be mindful of: Large crowds, wildfire season, high temps in the later months
What to expect for your Oregon Coast Elopement: Great weather, killer sunsets, crowds on the more popular beaches. You’ll want to plan your time in public spaces around sunrise and sunset. This is not only when the lighting will be banging, but is also when the beaches will be less crowded. During the summer months, we strongly suggest choosing a weekday for your elopement to ensure privacy. You may also experience lower tides than other seasons!
Be sure to pack: Sunscreen, chapstick with SPF, and plenty of water.
If you’re not familiar with the Oregon Coast, you may believe the rumors that Oregon is dreary and moody year-round, but during certain seasons the coast sees a ton of sunshine. We’ll break down what to expect during each season so you know what type of weather to plan for during your Oregon Coast Elopement. Unlike many other Oregon locations, the coast is accessible year-round which is another reason it's one of the best places to elope in Oregon.
Another big consideration for the best time of day will also need to consider tides! Some beaches become totally covered during high tide. Summer will bring you the best low tides, while Autumn and winter bring out king tides. Check tide schedules here.
Sunset is another time where you’ll experience killer light and fewer crowds for your Oregon Coast Elopement. This is a great time to plan a romantic picnic on the beach or have a small beach fire where they’re allowed.
Starting your Oregon Coast elopement at sunrise is an excellent call. The lighting is super even and incredibly flattering. You’ll definitely experience more privacy at sunrise than any other time of the day.
If you choose a weekend for your Oregon Coast elopement, there are a few tips you can use to help make things a little more private, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about what your day may look like. During the busy season, you can anticipate crowds, limited parking, and will want to have buffer time added to each element of your day.
NGL, We will always vote for a weekday when planning an Oregon Coast elopement on public lands. For the best chances for privacy, we recommend Tuesday-Thursday to avoid any folks enjoying a three-day weekend.
Embrace this aspect of exploring public lands and reserve your ceremony for a location that you know will be private, like at your super cute Airbnb or private campsite.
Choose sunrise and early morning hours for your Oregon Coast elopement. There will definitely be fewer folks out earlier in the morning. We recommend starting around blue-hour (the hour before sunrise) and explore until the crowds start to trickle in.
Choose a location that isn’t super popular for your Oregon Coast elopement. This won’t promise you fewer crowds, but choosing a spot that isn’t as popular as some of the more iconic coast locations can help you encounter fewer folks.
Now THAT is what an Oregon Coast Elopement could look like! Your wedding day is SO MUCH more than a quick ceremony with a few portraits after!
5:00AM | Your Oregon elopement photographers meet you at your lodging and get some super sweet photos of you two having coffee together, reading sweet notes from your friends and fam, and enjoying some sweet quiet moments together. This is a great time to share space together and set some intentions for the day.
5:30AM | Finish getting ready: This is a great time for individual portraits and capturing sweet details from your day that you’ve put a ton of thought and effort into- rings, attire, announcements, vows, and any other important details that tell the story of your day.
6:00AM | Have your first look outside of your airbnb and get ready to head to your location.
6:30 | Head to your trail head and get ready to adventure.
7:00AM | Catch the first rays of sunrise hitting the waves, count all the fishing boats slicing through the water, and if the season is right, see if you can spot any whales. Find the perfect spot and exchange your vows.
8:00AM | Grab some well-deserved breakfast at a local spot and chow down on some killer pancakes while soaking in the ocean views.
9:00 | After fueling up, head out for a change of scenery and check out some of the gorgeous forest hikes surrounding the coast. We’ll tag a long (obvi) and capture each moment.
11:00 | Find the perfect spot for a yummy picnic and crack open your favorite celebratory beverage to celebrate.
12:00 | Head back to your airbnb, take the scenic route and be sure to stop at all of the scenic pullouts that are everywhere on HWY 101.
1:00 | Back at your AirBnB, take some time to rest, FaceTime your favorite folks, and bask in that just married having the best day of our lives feeling. If you’re wanting to do something awesome like an outdoor activity, or getting tattoos to commemorate your insanely awesome day.
6:00 | Head back out to the coast for a killer dinner and epic sweets.
6:30 | Find the perfect spot to dine and soak in the views as the sun starts to dip into the ocean.
7:00 | When blue hour hits, build a sweet little fire to keep you warm and cozy while you gaze at the stars.
Here’s a sample timeline for an Oregon Coast elopement to help you brainstorm what your ideal day may look like:
TBH there are sooo many factors and logistics that go into building a thoughtful timeline. We talk a lot about this with our couples to really get a sense of their preferences a build a timeline that feels chill and purposeful. You can read more about our thoughts, and tips on this blog about crafting an elopement timeline.
Your timeline for your Oregon coast elopement depends a lot on what you’re wanting to experience on your day, how much ground you’re wanting to cover, and your preferred pace. Your day deserves just as much coverage as a traditional wedding day, and it's pretty common for an elopement to span an entire day. However, the way you spend your time is super different in comparison. Oregon coast elopement timelines are built to allow room for spontaneity, a chill pace, and are focused on allowing you to soak in the day.
Prioritize Materials that won’t weigh you down during your Oregon Coast elopement.
Strolling on the beach is all fun and games until the bottom seam of the mesh underlining of your dress fills with sand, and becomes a sandbag. Also, flowy materials make for some of the most EPIC images.
Oregon Coast Elopement tip #3
Keep in mind the activities you plan on doing for your Oregon Coast elopement.
Make sure that whatever you choose to wear on your elopement day allows for plenty of movement and that you’ll be able to do everything you want with ease and comfort.
Oregon Coast Elopement Tip #2
Consider the weather and season for your Oregon Coast elopement.
You’ll want to be sure that your wedding attire will allow for layering in the chillier seasons, or that what you’re wearing for your Oregon Coast Elopement.
Oregon Coast Elopement Tip #1
There are a few things you’ll want to consider when deciding on what you’d like to wear for your Oregon Coast Elopement.
Go through these questions together and really take stock of what each of you want to experience for your day.
Visualize your Oregon Coast Elopement, consider how you want to feel throughout the day and the memories you want to be able to look back on.
Having a clear vision of what you want your day to look like and the adventures you want to have is how you create an unforgettable experience.
Build a day that resonates with your unique preferences and personalities.
This is the really fun part! You can fill your day with LITERALLY whatever you want! We’ll give you a list of ideas to help you get started brainstorming what your perfect Oregon Coast elopement looks like.
This is all about getting super honest with yourselves about what you want to prioritize on your elopement day.
Yes, you can absolutely focus on epic hikes and adrenaline pumping activities, but if that isn’t your vibe, then DON’T have it as part of your day.
Here’s a quick list of some of the adventures you could have during your Oregon Coast Elopement:
“Sam and Kyle are not just photographers. They really help construct a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They created a day for us that was beyond magical. It was a day of intention, thoughtfulness, presence and all good energy and that was 100% because of them and their planning and preparation. They put a lot of work into understanding who me and my partner were to ensure a day that was right for us and what we wanted. They were extremely easy going and made us feel so comfortable when it came to our concerns, questions and even last minute change requests. Additionally, Sam helped me feel my best and most beautiful throughout the day. And Kyle went out of his way to make sure they were capturing the most creative shots for us.
A+R
Principle 7: Be considerate of others: It can be difficult to share these spaces on your wedding day, but allowing others to experience and recreate in these public areas is super important. We have plenty of tips to help you avoid crowds, but in beautiful, public spaces, there is always the possibility of running into others.
Principle 6: Respect wildlife: Tide pools are incredible to observe, but never meant to be touched or tampered with.
Principle 5: Minimize campfire impacts: Curling up by a fire on the beach where they are allowed is a super fun way to end your wedding day. Be sure to research where beach fires are allowed, what permits you need, and how you can ensure that your fire is completely and properly extinguished.
Principle 4: Leave what you find: This one applies heavily to the coast. It can be really tempting to take shells, pretty rocks, or sand dollars as souvenirs, but these ecosystems are incredibly fragile and it is best to leave them untouched.
Principle 3: Dispose of waste properly: Whatever you bring in, be sure that you can pack it out. Be prepared to take your trash with you and dispose of waste properly.
Principle 2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces: On the coast, there are often signs of where you are not allowed to be. Be sure to respect those areas, they are off-limits for a reason.
Principle 1: Plan ahead and prepare: Basically, have a plan of where you want to go and ensure that you've acquired the necessary permits, prepare for different weather scenarios and adverse environmental factors.
When planning your Oregon Coast elopement and exploring these spaces, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the environmental considerations you should keep in mind so that these places are accessible for decades to come. Practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace can help reduce the impact of an Oregon Coast elopement on these public lands.
It’s our responsibility to make sure that we’re doing our best to keep the coast open, accessible, and enjoyable. We love our job, and definitely rely heavily on public lands for our work, but we also want these spaces around for YOU to be able to return to anniversary after anniversary. These lands are sacred and we’re only visitors, it’s important for us to treat them as such during your Oregon Coast elopement.
In a nutshell, a permit isn't needed for an Oregon Coast elopement. This answer can definitely change depending on a few factors:
- If you are planning on using any structures, such as arches or seating, for your Oregon Coast elopement, you will likely need a permit.
- If you have a large group with you for your Oregon Coast elopement, you may need a permit. Currently groups of 50+ will require a permit.
The safest bet is always to contact the permitting office and double-check that your Oregon Coast elopement plans don't require a permit. You can access their website here.
Remember, permits are not issued May-September (peak season), and planning an Oregon Coast elopement with a larger guest count or structure needs may be best suited for the off-season.
Typically, if your elopement is pretty low-key you'll most likely not need a permit. If your guest count exceeds 50, or has any kind of structures (like arches, chairs, or tables), you'll need a permit for your wedding day.
You can apply for this through your county clerk's website.
Your fee will likely be $50-$65.
Oregon does have a 3 day waiting period, so plan your Oregon Coast elopement travel accordingly. You can also check with your county to see if you can pay an additional fee to have this waived.
Your marriage license will be valid for 60 days.
The process for how to elope in Oregon is super simple and makes eloping an absolute breeze. Check out this blog for more details on how to get married in Oregon.
To make sure you're eloping by the book, we'll break down what you'll need to make sure your marriage is legally sound for your Oregon Coast Elopement.
“WOW. We wish we could leave a 10 star review for Sam and Kyle! My (now husband) and I were searching for the right photographer on the central Oregon coast for our private elopement. After reaching out to many, we scheduled a phone call with Sam+ Kyle. We immediately noticed how much these two truly care about your wishes for your special day(s). They want to work WITH you and made our sessions so natural. They are extremely prompt with communication + planning, and having two skilled photographers working with you makes a world of difference as well. Sam and Kyle spent a couple of days with us on the Oregon coast, multiple adventure sessions and included sweetest moments with our new daughter as well. We will cherish our photos from The Dropped Pin, and our friendship with Sam + Kyle, forever! If you’re looking to step out of the traditional wedding box and do it your own way, hire them."
C+E
Below the falls lodge in Coos Bay
Crook Point in Pistol River
Wild coast lookout in Gold Beach
The Heartland Treehouse in Langlois
This beautiful, modern home in Bandon
This cabin in Yahachts
This home in Florence
This gorgeous cottage in Junction City
Bay Point Landing
Oregon Coast Elopement TIP 1: Make sure there is plenty of natural lighting. This will make your getting ready photos look amazing.
Oregon Coast Elopement TIP 2: Find a spot that is tidy, simple, and has touches that feel unique and appealing to you.
Oregon Coast Elopement TIP 3: If you're having your ceremony at your lodging, check with your host to make sure they allow for events!
There are so many charming places to stay on the Oregon Coast and having a cute and cozy spot to get ready at, and rest can have a huge impact on your elopement day.
You can obviously check out hotels in the town you'll be staying in, but if you're wanting something a little more picturesque and private, consider checking out some local stays on Airbnb, VRBO, or Hipcamp to find unique stays that are perfect for your trip.
We are also happy to send lodging recommendations based on your elopement location.
Putting together the perfect team for your elopement is super important. You want to make sure that your team understands and supports your vision.
THIS IS US!
All stoke, no stress.
That's why every elopement we build is rooted in an intentional planning process. From locations and timelines to the paperwork. We've thought of everything. You just get to embrace the day and focus on each other.
You’re after a day that allows you to anchor into the meaning. You don’t want to perform, and you don’t want to rush through these moments. You want a day that shifts you, that brings you closer, that fills you up with excitement.
Because you know that how you get married matters.
For you, it’s not about checking off boxes, mediocre plans, or snapping a few photos that you have no emotional attachment to.
We’re Sam & Kyle, Your oregon coast elopement photography dream team
We're you planning buddies, former locals to the coast, location scouts & elopement day BFFs
Here's how we make your Oregon coast elopement feel effortless
as your built-in Oregon Coast elopement planning team
We lived on the coast for years and know all the secret spots! We'll suggest the most stunning locations based on your vision and scout them in advance, so you can explore without worry or overwhelm.
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From public land permits to your marriage license, we're well-versed in the requirements and to navigate it all, so you never have to stress about the paperwork.
A day that feels like the perfect balance between chill and purposeful? That's our specialty.
There are zero hidden fees here, and our travel is wrapped into each package! We also keep the day before and after your elopement open just in case mother nature gets WILD and it becomes unsafe to adventure.
We're ordained and ready to sign your marriage license, so you can keep things as intimate as you want them.
From location inspo to guest guides, we've thought of everything, so you can relax knowing we've got your back.
Whatever you're envisioning, florals, private chefs, hot air balloons, whale watching. We'll connect you with the right people, so every element of your day feels intentional and uniquely yours.
Your gallery is linked directly to a professional print shop, where we'll design an heirloom quality album so that you can look back on this day for decades to come.