Planning an elopement on the Oregon Coast?
There’s a few things you should know beforehand!
First, you obviously made the best location choice because the Oregon Coast is freakin amazing. But second, there are a few things you need to make sure you do beforehand to make things legal and make things go smoothly!
Get Your Oregon Marriage License
Before eloping on the Oregon Coast, you'll need to obtain an Oregon marriage license. Here are a few things to know:
Residency: You do not need to be an Oregon resident, but your wedding ceremony must take place in Oregon.
Cost: The marriage license fee is $50-75, depending on county.
Identification: Both applicants must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport).
Waiting period: Oregon has a mandatory three-day waiting period after purchasing your license, meaning if you get your license on Wednesday, you can’t get married until Saturday. A waiver may be available in certain circumstances, so check with the county clerk if your travel schedule is tight.
Expiration: Your license is valid for 60 days, so make sure you elope before the 60 days is up!
Witnesses: You'll need two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. As your elopement photographer, I can be one of your witnesses! Sometimes couples will find a random person on the beach or on their hike to sign as one of their witnesses.
Officiant: Your ceremony has to be performed by an authorized officiant. BUT, you don't have to hire a professional officiant for your Oregon Coast elopement. A friend or family member can perform your ceremony. They. just have to get legally authorized to officiate in Oregon. One popular option is getting ordained online through an organization like Universal Life Church. It’s super easy to do.
Where to apply: You can get 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.
Start with the Oregon Revised Statutes on marriage and contact the county clerk where you plan to apply for the most current instructions.
Decide Where You Want to Elope
(Duh). This one is kind of obvious but it’s important because some of the other steps are dependent on this! There are TONS of options of where to elope on the Oregon Coast. From Cannon Beach (obvs more popular but absolutely ICONIC), to Hug Point, Lincoln City (God’s Thumb is such a cool spot where you can hike to with a stunning view of the coastline), down to Gold Beach or Samuel H Boardman area. The northern Oregon coast is going to be a lot easier to access. You just fly into Portland and it’s about 1.5-2 hours away. The southern coast is a little harder to get to. You’ll fly into Medford and then drive about 2.5 hours to Brookings. Or if you’re road tripping that can change things! No matter where you choose, you literally can’t go wrong with the Oregon coast. I have traveled up and down the coast more times than I can count and when working with me, I will help you find the perfect spot for you + your partner! I’m also a firm believer that you can never explore too much, so going to multiple spots along the coast during your elopement day is always a good idea IMO.
Get a Permit
Permits are sometimes required for larger gatherings (around 50 or more people), ceremonies involving arches, chairs, tents, or other structures, or events that restrict public access.
If you're planning an intimate ceremony with just a few guests (or just you, your partner, and your witnesses) and no arch or other decorations, you miiight not need a permit. Requirements can vary depending on your location and plans, so it's always best to check with Oregon State Parks before your wedding. When you hire me as your elopement photographer, I take care of this for you! I’ll make sure you’re covered.
You can contact the Oregon State Parks Coastal Region Office at 541-563-8500 or visit their Ocean Shores Permit Information page for deets.
Plan Some Fun Activities For the Day!
How do you want to spend your elopement day? What are the things that make you feel most happy, the things you + your partner love to do together? Do you want to hike to a beautiful spot with views of the Oregon coastline, wind in your hair (and dress), and exchange vows? Do you want to find a secluded spot on the beach, go barefoot with sand in your toes, and have a picnic? How about a horseback ride on the beach? You’ve got tons of possibilities for a meaningful day doing what you love with who you love. During our planning calls, we’ll figure this out together!
Choose Your Officiant and Witnesses
You can easily have a family or friend become an officiant. Just have them fill out the form here and that’s it! I’m also an ordained minister and can act as your officiant! You must have two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. I can act as a witness (but I can’t be both a witness and minister), and sometimes couples will ask a random person on the beach to sign as a witness.
Find a Freakin Cool Place to Stay
Once you’ve decided a general location where you want to elope, finding a place to stay ahead of time is a good idea. There are some cute Airbnb’s along the coast that can be cute and charming and perfect for a slow morning, making last minute additions to your vows while sipping coffee, then getting ready with your partner without rushing. No one waiting on you and no one to impress.
Choose When You Want to Elope
The Oregon Coast is beautiful year-round, but the season you choose can make a pretty big difference in your experience. We're talking weather, crowds, hotel/Airbnb prices, and even which locations are going to be busier than others.
Here's a little breakdown of what to expect throughout the year so you can decide what works best for you!
Summer (June–August)
If you're hoping for the best chance of dry weather, warmer temps, and longer days, summer is your best bet. BUT, it's also peak tourist season on the Oregon Coast. Places like Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Cape Kiwanda, and the Samuel H. Boardman area get pretty busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
If you're wanting a secluded ceremony without a bunch of tourists watching you exchange vows, don't worry! You just might need to be a little more strategic about where and when you go. Weekdays, early mornings, and less-popular beach access points are your friends!
Fall (September–October)
Fall is probs the best time to plan for an Oregon Coast elopement! The summer crowds start to die down, temps are usually still pretty comfy, and you can often get some gorgeous sunny days. So it’s kind of a sweet spot.
September can feel like an extension of summer, just without quite as many people. The weather is usually nice; not a ton of rainy days. By October, things tend to get even quieter, especially in some of the smaller coastal towns and more remote areas. BUT, October is a little rainier. Which honestly is a vibe, but it just depends on what you want!
You'll still want to be prepared for unpredictable weather (because, um, Oregon).
Spring (March–May)
Don't count spring out just because there's a chance of rain! In fact, if you love those moody Pacific Northwest vibes, spring can be SUCH a beautiful time to elope.
Think misty coastlines, dramatic waves (ooooo), soft light, and all that beautiful greenery. You'll generally have fewer tourists than during the summer, although popular areas like Cannon Beach and Newport can get busier during spring break.
You'll definitely want to bring layers and be prepared for some wind and rain, but honestly, a little drizzle can make for some pretty incredible photos!
Winter (November–February)
Okay, I know you’re adventurous, but winter just isn’t it. It’s so windy, cold, wet, and the king waves come out somethin fierce so it’s kinda sketch. I would not recommend.
My advice? Don't get too caught up in trying to pick the perfect weather. The Oregon Coast is unpredictable no matter when you visit, and honestly, some of the best coastal scenery happens on those cloudy, moody days. Instead, think about the kind of experience you want and how much crowds matter to you. We can always work together to find a location that fits your vibe, whether that's a popular iconic spot or a little hidden gem away from the crowds!
Also! Don’t forget to plan your elopement on a WEEKDAY. This will dramatically lower crowds and you can enjoy the experience with a lot more privacy. Obviously not required but very much recommended!
Check the Tides
This is a BIG one when planning an Oregon Coast elopement! Some of the coolest beaches, sea caves, and little coves are only accessible during low tide. Other locations can look completely different depending on the tide.
We'll want to check the tide charts when planning your timeline so you're not showing up to a beach that's completely underwater (lol). And some locations, like Hug Point, are especially important to visit at the right tide because access can become dangerous when the water comes in.
Don't worry, I'll help you factor all of this into our planning!
Have a Backup Plan
Remember how I said Oregon weather is unpredictable? It’s true.. You could have a beautiful sunny forecast one minute and wind and rain the next. And sometimes the wind on the coast is SO strong that even if it's not raining, you'll want to rethink your original plans.
I always recommend having a backup location or two in mind. Maybe that's a more sheltered beach, a forest location, or even just a different spot along the coastline. Flexibility is key! The goal is to have an amazing day, not to force a specific location when the weather isn't cooperating. This is something I will help you with when you book me as your elopement photographer!
Decide if You Want to Hike
Some of the most incredible Oregon Coast locations require a little effort to get to! Are you down for a 2-mile hike to a stunning viewpoint? Or would you rather park your car, walk five minutes, and be on the beach? Both valid and both can give you an amazing experience at some really beautiful locations. It just depends on the kind of day you want.
Also, think about your wedding attire. Hiking in a big dress or carrying a bouquet down a steep trail is a little different than walking along a paved path. We can absolutely plan around whatever you're comfortable with! Lots of brides will hike in their dress! Some will change when we get to the area. You get to decide.
Find an Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer Who Knows the Area
It’s me! Hi!
If you want someone who knows the Oregon Coast, knows where to find those incredible views, and can help you put together a day that feels like YOU, that's where I come in.
I've traveled up and down the Oregon Coast more times than I can count, and I have SO many favorite locations. Whether you're dreaming of iconic sea stacks, secluded beaches, dramaaatic coastal cliffs, forest trails, or a little bit of everything, I can help you find the perfect spots.
And I'm not just here to show up with a camera and take photos. I'll help you figure out locations, build your timeline, plan around tides and lighting, navigate permits, and come up with fun things to do throughout your day. Basically, I'll help you take all those ideas floating around in your head and turn them into an actual plan!
My goal is for you to have a day where you can slow down, enjoy each other, explore somewhere beautiful, and get married without worrying about all the little details.
If that sounds like your kind of wedding day, I'd love to help you plan it!
Ready to start planning your Oregon Coast elopement?
Reach out here and let's make it happen! I’m stoked to help you have your dream wedding elopement.
