Emily Jenkins Photography captures a couple in Brookings Oregon holding hands on the beach walking across a large log with perfect weather for their elopement. perfect weather elopement small-town charm wedding best elopement locations in the usa #e…

Choosing an elopement location can get a little overwhelming. The good news is that talking with an elopement photographer can give you a lot of insight as far as what to plan for and where you should go. One of my favorite areas of the country is the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Oregon Coast. I just feel so at home and have loved exploring the area every time I shoot.

Specifically, the town of Brookings, Oregon is one of the most beautiful, enchanting locations I’ve ever adventured through. It’s probably one of my top picks if anyone asks for suggestions of where they should elope on the Oregon Coast! Today I wanted to share some of the reasons Brookings is topping my list:

1 | Brookings is a small town

If you’re planning an elopement, chances are that you’re looking for fewer people, not more. The Brookings environment has that small-town charm without feeling isolated or inaccessible. It’s a dreamy destination that will be easy to get to for any future anniversary visits back!

2 | Hidden, more secluded spots

As you drive along the coast near Brookings, there are plenty of hidden spots that would make perfect elopement settings, even if you wanted to just explore and choose once you arrived. I’d love to drive around with you! Brookings, Oregon is one of the most beautiful parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, too, making it a lovely destination at the end of a pre-wedding road trip for you and your guests or the perfect kick-off point for a honeymoon along the coast!

3 | Close to the Redwoods

The Redwoods are just an hour away, and you can also find 9+ national forests within a 1-2 hour drive from Brookings. This gives you plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration outside of Brookings as your home base for the trip, and of course some stunning backdrops for photos!

4 | Beautiful beaches

Speaking of photo backdrops, there are plenty of beautiful beaches if you want to contrast some locations, like eloping with a wooded setting and formals on the beach or vice versa! I love Harris Beach State Park for the scenic horizons at sunrise and sunset. A definite must-see!

5 | Perfect weather

The weather is a perfect 70 degrees for most of the summer. The steady weather is one of my favorite parts of the PNW and makes planning an elopement much less stressful knowing you don’t have to worry too much about weather contingencies.

6 | Places to eat

There are plenty of nice restaurants to host your elopement party for dinner after the ceremony, like Black Trumpet Bistro and Oxenfrē Public House, or more casual places with tasty favorites like Zola’s On The Water’s wood-fired pizza pies! One of my favorite things about these small towns like Brookings is that most of the local eateries are dedicated to supporting local farmers and sourcing local wares. It makes the trip that much more meaningful knowing I can support the locals with my tourism.

7 | Get those sea stack views!

Are sea stacks on the beach a must-have in your elopement backdrop? The coastline just north of Brookings has tons of stunning beaches and incredible views.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity for an elopement setting like Brookings, Oregon. If this sounds like a trip you can get on board with, and you’d love for your elopement to be captured in a setting pictured in the photos below, hit me up so we can start planning your dream elopement!