If your idea of a perfect wedding involves sandy toes, salty air, dramatic ocean views, and getting married without the pressure of a traditional wedding, Cannon Beach, Oregon, might be exactly what you're looking for.
Picture exchanging vows with Haystack Rock rising out of the ocean behind you, taking a walk along the shoreline afterward, and spending the rest of the day celebrating with your favorite person. No packed wedding timeline, no pressure to entertain a room full of guests. Just the two of you, doing things your way.
One of the best parts about eloping is that you get to decide what your wedding day looks like. You can keep things simple with a short beach ceremony or turn the whole thing into an adventure exploring the Oregon Coast.
Of course, even a laid-back elopement takes a little planning. If Cannon Beach is on your mind, here's everything you need to know to start putting your day together.
1. Choose when you want to elope
Cannon Beach is beautiful year-round, but the season you choose will affect everything from the weather to the number of people sharing the beach with you.
Here's what to consider when choosing your date.
Summer (June–August)
If you're hoping for the best chance of dry weather and comfortable temperatures, summer is worth considering. It's also the busiest time of year on the Oregon Coast, which means more visitors and typically higher accommodation prices.
If you'd rather not have a crowd watching your ceremony, consider a weekday and plan for early morning or later in the evening.
Fall (September–October)
Fall can be a great middle ground. The summer crowds begin to thin out, and you may still get some great weather before the wetter months arrive.
If you love the idea of a relaxed coastal day with dramatic scenery and fewer people around, September and early October are worth looking at. Just remember that Oregon Coast weather is unpredictable, even in early fall.
Spring (March–May)
Don't rule out spring just because rain is possible. Moody skies, mist, and soft light can make the coastline feel especially dramatic.
You'll want to bring layers and be prepared for changing conditions, but if you're the kind of couple who doesn't mind a little wind and rain, spring could be a great fit.
Winter (November–February)
Winter can offer a quieter beach experience, with fewer visitors and plenty of classic Pacific Northwest atmosphere. It’s also when the king tides come and when it’s the coldest and wettest. Not impossible, but I’d recommend waiting a few months.
2. Find a place to stay
Your accommodation can be more than just somewhere to sleep. It can be part of your elopement experience.
Imagine waking up slowly, having coffee together, getting ready without rushing, and heading to the beach when you're ready. After your ceremony, you could come back to your rental to relax before going out for dinner to celebrate.
Cannon Beach has plenty of charming hotels, cottages, and vacation rentals. Staying right in town is convenient, especially if you want to minimize driving on your wedding day.
If you want to save a little money, look into nearby Seaside, Oregon. It's a short drive north and has more hotels and vacation rentals.
Here are a couple of places to start your search:
When choosing a place, think about what would make your day feel special. Maybe that's an ocean view, a cozy fireplace, a beautiful space to get ready together, or a rental where you can celebrate with a few close family members.
3. Choose your ceremony location
You don't need an elaborate venue to have an incredible Cannon Beach elopement. One of the best things about getting married on the coast is that the scenery does a lot of the work for you.
Haystack Rock
You've probably seen photos of this iconic sea stack. It creates an unmistakable Oregon Coast backdrop and is a beautiful option if you're dreaming of a classic Cannon Beach ceremony.
It's also a popular area, so keep crowds and access restrictions in mind when planning your timing and exact location.
A quieter stretch of beach
If you'd rather have a little more breathing room, consider looking beyond the busiest areas near Haystack Rock. You can still have beautiful ocean views without making the landmark the focus of every photograph. I can help you find another nearby beach for a quiet ceremony if you want to take photos at Cannon Beach after.
A coastal adventure
Your ceremony doesn't have to be the only thing you do that day. You could exchange vows on the beach, then explore other scenic spots along the coast together. If you love being outdoors, building a little adventure into your timeline can make the experience feel even more personal.
Before settling on a location, keep a few practical details in mind:
Tides: Check tide predictions for your date and time. The amount of accessible beach can change significantly throughout the day.
Crowds: Weekdays and quieter hours can help you avoid the busiest periods.
Accessibility: Consider how far you'll need to walk over sand and whether the location will work for any guests attending.
Weather: Have a backup plan in case of heavy rain or strong winds.
Wildlife and beach access: Follow posted restrictions and local guidance, particularly around Haystack Rock and its tide pools.
You don't need to visit a dozen locations to have a meaningful day. Choose somewhere that feels right to you, leave room to explore, and don't feel pressured to make your elopement look like anyone else's.
4. Find out whether you need a permit
Before deciding on your exact ceremony spot, make sure you understand the rules for using that part of the beach.
Permit requirements can depend on the location, number of guests, and what you're planning to bring or set up. A small ceremony without decorations may have different requirements from a gathering with chairs, an arch, or other equipment.
Don't assume that a small guest count automatically means you won't need a permit.
Contact the appropriate authority and explain your plans, including your guest count, ceremony setup, and any equipment you intend to use.
Start with these official resources:
It's a small planning step that can save you a lot of stress later. Once you know what's allowed, you can focus on the fun parts of planning your day.
5. Get your Oregon marriage license
If you're planning a legally recognized marriage, you'll need an Oregon marriage license.
There are a few things to plan around:
The waiting period: Oregon generally has a three-day waiting period after a license is issued. A waiver may be available in certain circumstances, so check with the county clerk if your travel schedule is tight.
The expiration date: Your license is valid for 60 days after its effective date, so make sure you time your application appropriately.
Where to apply: You can obtain a license from an Oregon county clerk and get married anywhere in Oregon. You don't have to apply in the same county where your ceremony will take place.
The fee: Marriage license fees vary by county, so check the current cost and payment requirements before applying.
Start with the Oregon Revised Statutes on marriage and contact the county clerk where you plan to apply for the most current instructions.
Oregon generally requires an authorized officiant and two witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony. Make sure you have a plan for all three, even if you're keeping your guest list to an absolute minimum.
6. Decide who will officiate your ceremony
Your ceremony can be as personal or as traditional as you'd like.
You might hire a professional officiant who specializes in elopements, ask a religious or secular officiant to perform the ceremony, or see whether a friend or family member can legally officiate.
Having someone close to you lead the ceremony can be a way to make the experience feel meaningful. Just confirm that they meet Oregon's requirements before making your decision.
You'll also need two witnesses. If it's just the two of you traveling to Cannon Beach, ask your officiant or photographer whether they can help you work out the logistics.
And don't feel like you need to write a long, elaborate ceremony. You can exchange personal vows, keep things short and sweet, or really just include traditions that are important to you. The goal is to create a moment that feels meaningful to the two of you.
7. Plan a photography experience that feels like you
Your elopement photographs should remind you of more than what you looked like that day. They should bring you back to how it felt!
Maybe you want a few beautiful portraits with Haystack Rock in the background. Maybe you want photographs of your ceremony, the laughs & hand holding in the car as you’re driving along the highway, and the two of you exploring the coastline afterward. Or maybe you want a combination of all three.
There's no single right way to approach your elopement photography. The best plan is one that fits the experience you want to have.
A few things to consider when planning your photos:
Give yourself time. You don't need to rush from one location to another. Leave room to walk along the beach, take in the scenery, and enjoy being together.
Think about the light. Sunrise and sunset can be beautiful, but overcast coastal weather can create gorgeous soft light, too. Your best timing will depend on the season, forecast, and locations you choose.
Dress for the coast. Wind and damp weather can make the beach feel colder than expected. Bring warm layers and comfortable shoes for walking between spots.
Be flexible. The weather might not cooperate exactly as you hoped. That's okay. A little wind, cloudy skies, or unexpected rain doesn't have to ruin your day.
Most importantly, remember that your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot. Your photographs are there to preserve the experience and you should be able to live in the moment and enjoy each other.
8. Build a day around what you love
This is the part of eloping that I think is especially exciting: YOU get to make the rules.
Want to exchange vows in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the coast? Do it.
Want to get dressed up, walk along the beach, and finish with an incredible dinner? Heck yes.
Want to go for a horseback ride along the beach in your wedding dress? Yaaaas.
Want to bring a few family members, have a short ceremony, and then have a picnic on the beach? Amazing!
You could visit nearby coastal towns, stop for coffee, grab some ice cream, explore scenic viewpoints, or go for a hike somewhere with an amazing overlook of the ocean (I can help you with all of these!!).
You don't need to pack your timeline with activities to make your elopement meaningful. Choose a few things you're genuinely excited about and give yourselves permission to enjoy them without rushing.
The best part of planning an elopement is that you can build a wedding day around your relationship, your interests, and make the day FUN with no pressure.
Ready to plan your Cannon Beach elopement?
If Cannon Beach is where you're dreaming of getting married, I can help you plan your dream elopement or micro wedding!
Start with the things that matter most to you: when you want to go, the kind of setting you're drawn to, and what you want the day to feel like. The rest can come together from there.
If you're looking for an elopement photographer to document your day, I'd love to hear your ideas and help you plan everything! Reach out here and let’s make it happen! Whether you're envisioning a simple beach ceremony or a full day exploring the Oregon Coast, we can create a photography plan that fits the experience you want.
Your elopement should feel like your day—not a checklist of things you're supposed to do. Let's make sure it does!
